Bala Cranberry Festival
Summer might be on its way out, but that doesn’t mean Ontario’s festival season is too! There are still so many places to visit and unique things to experience at celebrations across the province, no matter what you enjoy.
Foodies, car enthusiasts, culture connoisseurs, and everyone in between are in for a season of quirky fun with these Ontario festivals.
Soak up the last bits of August at the Tecumseh Corn and Music Festival, where golden cobs and live tunes meet. Check out the DJ sets and live performances on the main stage and pick up a buttery corn on the cob for a classic snack!
Stick around for the beer garden, carnival rides, and corn-eating contests, too.
When: Aug. 22 to 24, 2025
Come down to Zurich, Ont., for the terrific Bean Festival, taking place on the fourth Saturday of August yearly. First hosted in 1966 to highlight and honour the importance of beans in the area, Bean Fest has always been marked with a special baked bean and pork chop supper!
Now, the fest comes with a special midway, live performances, food trucks, fireworks, and one of Ontario’s largest classic car shows — 600+ entries.
Fun fact! The first-ever Bean Festival dinner saw nearly 600 pounds of white beans prepared and served.
When: Aug. 22 and 23, 2025
Bring the mouthwash and gum with you to Straford for a garlicky festival! Buy some extremely fresh and organic bulbs like Spanish Roja, German Red, and Purple Glazers, chat with local growers, and shop local Stratford vendors too.
When: Sept. 6 and 7, 2025
Don your best vintage/sci-fi ensemble and visit the Fergus Steampunk Festival for a unique time! Free and family-friendly, celebrate the local steampunk community with food trucks, vendor stalls, and special programming/
The historic downtown area of Fergus will transform into a retro-futuristic Victorian land and act as the backdrop for this festival.
When: Sept. 6, 2025
Visit Apple Country and mark the harvest season with the Brighton Applefest, a weekend-long celebration at the end of September. From vintage cars, motorcycles, and tractors to local food stalls and merchants, there’s something for everyone.
With four days of apple fun, this is a major fall festival that gets thousands of visitors from across Ontario.
When: Sept. 25 to 28, 2025
Give thanks at the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival and take in the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment! Known for its huge 150+ vendors market, local food lineup, and farmers’ market, it’s all about the autumnal vibes here.
While you’re in the area, why not take a quick detour and visit the beautiful waterfalls and trails in the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area?
When: Oct. 10 to 13, 2025
One of Ontario’s famed festivals, the Bala Cranberry is a fall celebration of the annual harvest and a must-visit event. Bring it down to Muskoka and tour the cranberry marsh, try out cranberry treats and wines, and shop for produce, artisanal products, and more.
It’s a cozy autumnal affair bursting with local pride for the tart berry! For a classic experience, pick up some of the beloved candied cranberries and visit the Bala United Church for a bowl of homemade chili.
When: Oct. 17 to 19, 2025
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