Guide to End-of-Fall Events

It ain’t over ‘till it’s over.

Usually just three minutes or so after the August long weekend, we start talking about the end of summer in Ontario. It doesn’t matter that the sun is still beating down on us. Back to school supplies are advertised and Halloween decorations (rather inexplicably) begin showing up on store shelves.  All of a sudden, the trees start to look bare. But wait! Our second week into October and we’ve had highs of 23°C. Want to soak up the sun and resist winter at all costs? Take in some of these end-of-fall events to celebrate the season until the bitter end.

Thanksgiving & Halloween Festivities

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(Photo by ik631 via Flickr)

What: At Drysdale’s, there’s more than just pumpkin’s and haunted wagon rides.  Visit this festival for live entertainment, train rides, bonfires, face painting, hay mazes, and a haunted house.
Where: Drysdale’s Tree Farm, Egbert
When: October 1 – 31, Halloween Weekend Festivities 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
More info

Pumpkin Mania

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(Photo by carly13mky via Flickr)

What: Visit the Rounds Ranch for an afternoon sure to be filled with fun.  There are wagon rides, prizes, pumpkin-themed games, farm animals, corn mazes, and a ‘western’ playground.  You even get to visit their pumpkin patch, where you can pick your own and bring it home.
Where: Rounds Ranch, Elmvale
When: September 24 – October 30, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
More info

Barrie Film Festival

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(Photo by Jenna Van Abbema via Flickr)

What: For 10 days, film lover’s gather to experience extraordinary films from around the world.  There will be guest speakers, a short film competition, parties, and director’s brunch.
Where: Uptown Theatre, Barrie
When: October 14 – 23, various times for each film, see website for schedule.
More info
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Ghost Bus Tour

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(Photo by drum118 via Flickr)

What: Brave souls will enter a city bus that has been transformed into a scary place for monsters to explore!  The Ghost Bus will travel to different recreational centres bringing free Halloween fun for everyone.
Where: Various Locations, Barrie (See website below)
When: October 24 – 27, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
More info

Pumpkin Festival and Haunted Adventure

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(Photo by Paul Albertella via Flickr)

What: Pumpkins and hauntings are generally a sure sign of the end of summer. Chappell Farms offers a corn maze, wagon rides, farm animal meet and greet and haunted tent to help celebrate the Halloween spirit.
Where: Chappell Farms, Barrie
When: September 19; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (until October 31)
More info

Pumpkininferno at Haunted Harbour

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(Photo by Arianna Rivera via Flickr)

What:  It’s October, and there’s bound to be several pumpkin themed festivities to attend.  This one is a little different. Witness incredible, realistic, carved pumpkin displays that have been designed by a talented group of artists.  See the incredible line up against the backdrop of Discovery Harbour.   All new this year is the “Terror Zone,” which isn’t recommended for young children.  Enter if you dare!
Where:  Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene
When:  October 1 – 31, Thursday – Sunday: 7:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
More info

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Marsh Monster

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(Photo by Riccardo Palazzani via Flickr)

What: Darkness takes over this time of year at the Marsh.  It will be overrun with goblins, ghouls, and ghosts during this event.  For $5, you can witness Zombie walks, attempt to survive the haunted house, and travel the depths of the dark forest during the Marsh Monster mystery tour.   Come in costume, bring your family, and make sure you bring a flashlight so you can see the terror at every turn.
Where: Wye Marsh, Midland
When: October 29
More info

Hardwood Ski & Bike ‘Ski Swap’

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(Photo by C Faller via Flickr)

What: Winter IS coming.  You may as well get prepared and find the right equipment for the upcoming season.  And while you’re at it, get excited about winter. This is the largest cross country ski swap in the country.
Where: Hardwood Ski & Bike, Barrie
When: October 22 – 23, Sat; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sun; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
More info

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