Fall is here, and it’s the perfect time for a day trip out of the city. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal outing with the fam or a wholesome way to spend a Saturday or Sunday with pals, these fall fairs in the GTA have what you need to get into the fall spirit. Bundle up and set out for some pumpkin-picking, treat-sampling, photo ops, and memory-making.
Here are some fall festivals in the GTA to make a day trip out of this fall.
Waterford’s Pumpkinfest
Every year for 40 years, the town of Waterford (just over an hour’s drive from Toronto) transforms for Pumpkinfest. Most houses here go all out with spooky decor, making it a true spectacle. The festival features some fairly epic jack-o-lantern towers, a marketplace, midway, parade, soap box derby, beer garden, and more. The event runs Oct. 14 – 16th.
Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest
If you’re up for a bit of a trek (2 and a half – 3 hours drive from Toronto), Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest offers a true fall festival experience, complete with giant vegetable competitions, a classic car show, a petting zoo, a midway, and local vendors. Plan your trip for the weekend of October 1 – 2.
The Woodbridge Fair
For over 170+ years, the Woodbridge Fall Fair has brought together families and vendors from all over the province. Come out the weekend of Oct. 8, 9, 10th to spend a day during Thanksgiving weekend antiquing, homemade pie sampling, midway exploring, and witnessing the farmer Olympics.
The Caledonia Fair
Just over an hour from Toronto, the Caledonia Fairgrounds puts on a full country fair the last weekend in September – Sept. 29 – 30, Oct. 1 – 2. The Caledonia Agricultural Society has hosted this annual seasonal fair for 150 years, which includes livestock shows, home craft exhibitions, midway rides, a marketplace, and all manner of local vendors.
The Fall Festival at Brantwood Farms
This local family-run farm in Brantford celebrates the fall season each year with hay rides (haunted and non-haunted options), corn mazes, fall games for kids, and apple picking. You won’t find better homespun fall treats than at this marketplace. The fall festival runs each weekend throughout September and October.
Oktoberfest in Toronto
This two-day festival takes place in a recreated Festhalle tent and outdoor Bavarian Village at Ontario Place, the weekend of Sept. 30th – Oct. 1st. Complete with Bavarian communal tables and benches imported from Germany, German food and drinks, dancing, and entertainment, it gives an authentic taste of the season in Germany. Be one of the first 500 people to arrive and get yourself a free German glass beer stein.
Blue Mountain’s Apple Harvest Weekend
Did you know Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest apple-growing region? The highest point of the Niagara Escarpment, this section of the region provides the perfect microclimate for apple growing. Hence, apple season is a big deal around here. Come and celebrate all things apple Oct. 7 – 10th, when the town is alive with celebrations. Make it a weekend if you can, and tack on a spa moment or two.
Articles You May Be Interested In
Fall Activities To Try In And Around Toronto This Year
Bucket-List Fall Day Trips to Go On Around Toronto This Year
Must-Attend Events In Toronto This September
The Most Instagrammable Restaurants to Visit In Toronto
The Best Toronto Patios To Hang At This Summer
6 Toronto Brands We’re Absolutely Loving On Instagram Right Now
10 Toronto Spots To Take Stellar Instagram Pictures This Fall
4 Instagram-Centric Pop-Ups To Visit In Toronto