Pumpkin spice and everything nice: October events in SEO

The leaves are changing, and so are the events for the month! Looking for ways to experience the vibrant communities in South Eastern Ontario this fall? Between hauntings, marvellous music, corn mazes and artist studio tours, you can tailor the perfect fall event itinerary. So pick some apples, uncover mysteries, carve pumpkins and hit a fall market alongside these 32 ways to make the most of this beautiful season in South Eastern Ontario!

1. October 4 and 5: Stargazing at the Dark Sky Viewing Area
You’ll have stars in your eyes! See the night sky as it was 100 years ago – remarkable views await at Ontario’s most southerly point to offer a clear night sky unobstructed from light pollution! From dusk til dawn, the Dark Sky Viewing Area in L& A County opens up a world of wonder. The popular laser-guided stargazing tour on October 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. is a great way for novice stargazers to get to know the night sky. Reserve your spot!

2. Select nights throughout October: Pumpkinferno at Kingston Pen
Explore the magic of Pumpkinferno, a nighttime walk-through experience where more than 7,000 hand-crafted pumpkins come to life in a spectacular display of artistry and creativity within the walls of Kingston Penitentiary’s historic landscape. Kingston Pen Tours welcomes back this exciting event, sure to dazzle in the dark!

3. October 4 to 6: Hello Sweater Weather Gananoque
A free weekend of family fun! Something to enjoy each day, such as roller skating, movie night, activities and games, all for free, with donations of non-perishable food items accepted.

4. STUFF’D Dumpling Festival: October 5
Savour rich flavours and traditions of stuffed foods from diverse cultures at Base31’s inaugural food festival!  Get ready for a day of culinary delight as STUFF’D brings together food lovers for a celebration of dumplings and stuffed dishes from around the globe in a variety of shapes and sizes.

5. Until October 27: Jesus Christ Superstar and Sequence at 1000 Islands Playhouse
Witness the extraordinary on stage this fall through the 1000 Islands Playhouse in Gananoque. Jesus Christ Superstar at the Springer Theatre has been wowing audiences for more than 50 years with its dynamic telling of the last week of Jesus’ life, full of iconic music, exhilarating dance, and stirring performances. Sequence at the Firehall Theatre, examines the interplay between logic and metaphysics, science and faith, luck and probability. Book your tickets today!

6. October 5 and 6: MAG Studio Tour
Pull proofs off a vintage printing press and watch hand-blown hot glass take shape before your eyes! The Merrickville Arts Guild (MAG) Studio Tour is back for one weekend only, October 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See 26 artists eager to show and sell their work with handbound books, pottery, jewellery, sculpture, woodworking, painting and so much more.

7. October 5: Vintner’s Dinner
Come celebrate the bounty of fall! Indulge in a five-course meal paired to the wines at Karlo Estates by our Vintners. Chef Bailey Kennedy features locally sourced, plant-based, whole food, cooked-from-scratch and made-with-love food served in the patio Great Room.

8. October 5: Battersea Pumpkinfest
Orange you glad you came? Parade, music, pie social, fresh food, train rides, farmers market and even pumpkin carving are on the agenda for the 30th annual Battersea Pumpkinfest at the Battersea Ball Park, 5167 Battersea Road. The Pumpkin Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get in the fall spirit!

9. October 5 and 6: Happy Little Farmstead’s Fall Festival Spencerville
Giddy up to Happy Little Farmstead and meet the animals, enjoy a hay or corn maze, hop on a hay ride, play in the kids’ area, meet some vendors, get your face painted and do some fall crafts. This fall festival is tons of fun for the whole family!

10. Starting October 5: Ontario Festival of Small Halls
Big music in small places! The Ontario Festival of Small Halls is back this fall with unforgettable music in beloved community spaces. With artists like Fred Eaglesmith, Sarah Harmer, Hawksley Workman, Kathleen Edwards, Ron Sexsmith, and more in unique places across South Eastern Ontario this is one festival that you don’t want to miss. Discover small towns and revel in top-notch Canadian live music!

11. October 5: Wine, Women and Song
A fun with friends day at Casa Dea Estates! Enjoy delicious foods, great wines, shopping, pampering, guest speaker, fashion show, live music and much more this October 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grab your besties and have some fun.

12. October 5 to 6: Fields of Gold Fall Farm Market
Enjoy spooky sunflower walks, navigate the seven-acre corn maze, explore the pumpkin patch, and so much more! Join in the fun for the 3rd Annual Fall Family Market, to celebrate the grand re-opening of the farm with a weekend packed with autumn fun.

13. October 5: Autumn Yarn Market in Newboro

A delightful celebration of yarn and fibre arts! Admission is free, and donations are accepted for the Rideau Lakes Public Library. Gather your fibre friends and enjoy an Autumn Yarn Market at the Newboro Community Hall at 15 Drummond St. in Newboro – just steps away from the Sheepover Retreat.

14. Until October 26: History & Hauntings Ghost Walks of Napanee
Historic, charming – and haunted! Discover a different side of Napanee as you explore the downtown area with a guide to all the heritage architecture and terrifying tales on the 90-minute eerie walking tour every Saturday until Oct. 26, starting from Napanee Town Hall.

15. October 6: PEC Oyster Fest
This competition is tasty! Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar will host a fierce but festive Oyster Shucking Tournament on Oct. 6 with fresh-shucked oysters, scotch, food stations and more.  Sign up to compete or come cheer them on!

16. October 7 to 10: The Art of Visiting events at The Hotel Wolfe Island
LodgePole Arts Alliance is hosting THE ART OF VISITING, a National Indigenous Presenters Gathering, with select free events open to the public at The Hotel Wolfe Island and the Tett Centre. Look for yoga, the Dave Mowatt Trio, Lisa Jackson’s Biidaaban: First Light; Twin Flames; a film screening of SEEDS, conversations and much more inspiration and discovery.

17. October 9 to 14: Canadian National Soccer Championships U15 Cup
Calling all sports fans! Quinte West is hosting the Canada Soccer 2024 Toyota National Championships U-15 Cup. Free for spectators! The competition heats up on Wednesday, October 9 and ends with the gold medal matches on Thanksgiving Monday. Additional activities will be ongoing in the park throughout the weekend!

18. October 9 to 26: Quintelicious
Treat yourself! Quintelicious offers special curated prix-fixe menus highlighting the bounty of Belleville. From fresh produce grown on local farms to locally-produced ingredients, breweries, wineries, and restaurants, participating restaurants will showcase the diverse cuisine of the city with specially curated menus. Diners are invited to a memorable culinary experience!

19. Select nights throughout October: Pumpkinferno Upper Canada Village Morrisburg
Explore the magic of Pumpkinferno, a nighttime walk-through experience where over 9,000 hand-crafted pumpkins come to life in a spectacular display of artistry and creativity along the streets and paths of Upper Canada Village’s historic landscape.

20. October 10 to 12: Oliver at the Brockville Arts Centre
Don’t miss this classic tale, infused with vibrant music and captivating choreography! The Brockville Operatic Society presents Lionel Bart’s Oliver following the orphan Oliver as he navigates the streets of Victorian London, from the squalor of the workhouse to the underworld of pickpockets and thieves led by the charismatic Fagin.

21. October 10: Fall for Merrickville
This is the event of the season! Come to Heritage Stables in Merrickville to take part in hay wagon rides, ride a mechanical bull, meet and great a pony, listen to live music, get creative with face painting, shop more than 100 handmade vendors with so many farm fresh veggies, pumpkins, and handmade treats! There are food trucks on site and even a cocktail and beer garden. See you there!

22. October 11: Ghost and Mystery Cruise
Stories swirl on the water of death, murder, wreckage and mystery during the 1.5-hour Kingston 1000 Islands Ghost and Mystery Cruise! Sail the harbour after dark an approach the famously eerie sites in Kingston from the water’s edge. The cruise departs October 11 at 8 p.m. See Kingston Penitentiary, Fort Henry and Rockwood Asylum from a different perspective – and at night.

Featured Event

Now boarding- Step aboard history and Save the Titanic on the SS Keewatin.

The Save the Titanic program on the SS Keewatin offers a unique experience for groups to experience the magic of the Titanic on the last Edwardian/Titanic-era ship. The programis an immersive leadership development and team building experience where your team is immersed as the Senior Officers aboard the Titanic to tackle the impending disaster. Think fast. Think smart. Your decisions mean the difference between the life and death of your passengers — and metaphorically for your business. Choose your adventure and book your team.

23. October 12 to 13: Scarecrow Festival at Macauley Museum PEC
Find family-friendly crafts, activities, and mini aerial arts lessons. Visit a fortune teller or have your photo taken with the stilt walker! Create your own scarecrow to take home or leave at the museum as decoration – you decide.  Hosted by NorthFIRE Circus, Terror at Macaulay & The County Museums admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

24. October 17 to 27: Memphis to Motown at Upper Canada Playhouse
Fabulous singers, a dynamite band – usher in fall with this blockbuster concert featuring music from legendary artists like Otis Redding, Diana Ross and The Supremes! All songs are live. Get your toes tapping and your hands clapping this October.

25. October 18: Girls Night Out Lansdowne
The 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual girls night out event at the Lansdowne Community Center on Oct. 18. Do some shopping, pamper yourself and take in the fashion show featuring clothing from 1000 Islands Trading Co./Steel Style Garage and more. Doors open at 5 p.m. and admission is $10 at the door.

26. October 19: Pumpkin Festival at Wynn Farms
Get your pumpkin on! Wynn Farms in L&A County is hosting its annual pumpkin festival on Oct. 19 with pumpkin painting for the kids, cotton candy, and corn maze admission as well as a free Hawaiian lei. Be enchanted by this year’s tropical corn maze theme! For a special treat, look here for Moonlight Maze days on Fridays and Saturdays - do the maze in the dark, enjoy a campfire, hot cider and caramel/candy apples.

27. October 19: Hollow’s Eve at Hollow Square Market
Gather together on October 19 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hollow Square in Newburgh to celebrate community, bounty and cheer! Enjoy an evening of local food, music, art and togetherness at the Hollow Square Market with more than 40 local vendors, face painting, palm readings, beer garden, food strucks, petting zoo, the Cauldron Sisters Coven and much more.

28. Starting October 24: Countylicious
Savouring local flavour, sharing community love! From October 24 to November 17 indulge in dishes from local restaurants and take the opportunity to get to those spots you’ve been eager to try. Support the vibrant PEC culinary scene and savour while celebrating the changing of the season.

29. October 26: Halloween at Gillingham Brewing Company
Break out your fav costume for this fourth annual Halloween bash and come ready for some Halloween fun. The party starts at noon with live music by DJ BBQ.PEC, Tarot card readings and costume contest with prizes. Grab your creative crew and make it a boo-tiful Saturday!

30. October 26: Yoga & Fall Picnic at Turqouise Compass Wellness
Mini-retreat alert! Kick off the fall season outside in nature with yoga, meditation, a fall picnic, drinks and connection circle with guided conversations in St. Andrew’s West, SDG Counties.

31. October 27: Sydenham Fall Trail Run
Lace up and enjoy an 8km run on the Cataraqui Trail along Sydenham Lake! See the fall colours with a water view during the run, which takes place on Sunday, October 27 at 10 a.m. Got young runners? The Little Eagles Kids Run gets in motion as a 2km run for children up to age 12. Fees apply and include a post-run meal, souvenir and registration fees. The run is hosted by MT Adventures, which stages unusual and exciting experiences such as adventure treks, trail rides and runs.

32. Custom Boat Tours throughout October as weather allows
Explore the stunning beauty of Sandbanks Provincial Park and West Lake with a private pontoon boat tour. Dune Boat Tours offer a unique and unforgettable way to experience the brilliant natural landscapes of the area – ask about the option for a cabana on the beach so you can stop for a leisurely swim! 

Looking for spooky events? Make your October a screaming good time!

Maybe delicious foodie events are more your style?