Every year the charming, little town of Bala hosts an amazing Cranberry Festival that supports the local community and organizations in need.
This year, you can be a part of these fun-filled festivities from October 13th to 15th.
Since the Cranberry Festival is in October, the festival will be more like a fall fair.
The festival offers a festive blend of activities across three bustling days.
The daily schedule, commencing typically at 10:00 am, promises an assorted mix of experiences: sprawling vendor markets, enchanting art exhibitions with Bala Plein Air, lively music sessions across the festival grounds, and a host of children-friendly activities like inflatables, photo booths, and amusement rides like the “Berry Go-Round” and Trackless Train. “Cranston Berry” and other buskers enchant visitors, while unique engagements like street curling with the Bala Curling Club provide a distinctive charm.
There will be live music, busking and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Local artists will perform at two venues – the Community Centre and Maple Ave – on all three festival days. The line-up featured diverse acts, including Cam Galloway, Melanie Peterson, Sweet Jake, and many others, some performing multiple slots across different days and venues. On Friday and Saturday, performances at both venues ran concurrently from morning to evening, with artists like Cam Galloway and Melanie Peterson performing at both locations. Sunday, still rich in entertainment, featured artists like Emma Clendenan and EmRey.
Concurrently, Bala town offers its own array of attractions, like the enticing cranberry crêpes at Trinity All Saints Anglican Church, historical glimpses at Bala’s Museum, and activities at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery. Though external to festival admission, these adventures – which might involve additional fees or require pre-registration – seamlessly complement the festival’s allure, crafting a comprehensive Cranberry weekend experience.
Visit Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh and Muskoka Lakes Winery (additional tickets required), where you can see how they harvest cranberries. enjoy wagon tours and more!
Admission to the Bala Cranberry Festival costs adult tickets $10 in advance or $12 at the gate, while children 12 and under are charged $5, regardless of purchase time.
Admission includes midway rides, live music entertainment, cooking shows, busker zone & roaming busker entertainment, entrance to the art exhibition, juried vendors, and shuttle buses.
Free and paid parking is available around town. Accessible parking is available at the lot off Mill St. at Muskoka Lumber.
The shuttle bus will take you to the main festival areas and runs continuously during festival hours from Windsor Park to Ted Smith Construction from bus stops along Muskoka Road 169.
You can also opt for a shuttle ride between Gravenhurst (275 Steamship Bay Rd) and Windsor Park in Bala provided you are pre-registered by October 11th while buying tickets.
Trip Planning — Bala Cranberry Festival
What: Since 1984, a dedicated group of volunteers has ensured the Bala Cranberry Festival is an event that can’t be missed. It is a fun-filled weekend for everyone, with exceptional shopping, exciting entertainment and culinary delights that all come together for one of the province’s most famous fall harvest festivals!
When: Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15, 2023
Friday | 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
How Much:
Adults: $10 (advance) or $12 (at the gate)
Children (5-12): $5 (advance or at the gate)
Kids 12 and under are FREE on Friday!
3-DAY PASS
Adults: $15 (advance) or $17 (at the gate)
Children (5-12): $8 (advance or at the gate)
Kids 4 and under are always free!
Where: Maple Avenue, Bala Arena and the Bala Community Centre, Bala