Toronto 
Every year the charming little town of Bala hosts an amazing Cranberry Festival that supports the local community and organizations in need.
Bala Cranberry Festival
This year, you can be a part of these fun-filled festivities from October 17th to 19th.
Since the Cranberry Festival is in October, it will feel more like a fall fair.
The event offers a festive blend of activities across three bustling days, offering a weekend of entertainment, shopping, and local flavour. Featuring one of Ontario’s top arts and crafts shows, the event includes hundreds of vendors, live music, performers, and family activities.
Visitors can explore festival sites along Maple Avenue, at the Cranberry Portage Farmers Market, and on Bala Falls Road, featuring handmade goods, food, and local merchandise.
What to See & Do
On Friday, the festival features vendor markets, an art exhibition with Bala Plein Air, inflatables, a cranberry-themed photo booth, and live music across multiple stages from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Credit: Bala Cranberry Festival
Visitors can spot roaming buskers, including “Cranston Berry,” and enjoy a trackless train until 4 p.m. Additional community events include the Cranberry Christmas Bazaar at Bala United Church, Bala’s Museum, and an evening concert by The Grady Brothers at the Bala Legion. Friday’s concert lineup includes Sydney Rilet, Micah Sky, Noah Ruttan, Hayden Ryann, and Natalie Muzos.
Saturday’s schedule expands with extended market hours, exhibits by Scales Nature Park and Science North, and activities running until 6 p.m. Highlights include the Peter Cowan Memorial Street Hockey Tournament, beer and live music at Jaspen Park, and the Duck Race at Bala Falls hosted by the Bracebridge Muskoka Lakes Rotary Club. Saturday showcases Emma Clendenan, Briar Summers, Marc Ekins, Lucy Morgan, Jamie Shea, Sweet Jake, and Julia Middleton.
You may like:
The festival concludes on Sunday with more markets, exhibits, and performances until mid-afternoon. Local attractions continue throughout town, including Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery tours (reservation required), Bala’s Museum, and a Drag Brunch: Glamberry Festival at the Bala Bay Inn. Sunday performances feature Devon Golding, Tia Nova, Blake Jubenville, and EmRey.
Bala Cranberry Festival
Concurrently, Bala offers its own array of attractions, including 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!
Parking & Shuttles
Free and paid parking is available around town. Accessible parking is available at the lot off Mill St. at Muskoka Lumber. Parking for the Bala Cranberry Festival includes several paid lots: Precambrian Shield and Jaspen Park at $10 per day, and the Bala Legion at $20 per day.
Bala Cranberry Festival
The shuttle bus will take you to the main festival areas and runs continuously during festival hours from Windsor Park to Ted Smith Construction, with stops throughout the town of Bala.
Shuttles from Gravenhurst require pre-registration and operate scheduled trips between the Muskoka Discovery Centre and Windsor Park during festival days.
Trip Planning — Bala Cranberry Festival 2025
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 17 to Sunday, October 19, 2025
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.
Where: Maple Avenue, Bala Arena and the Bala Community Centre, Bala
How Much:
Advance Online: $11.30
At The Gate: $15.00
Kids 5 and up: $5.00
Fridays are FREE for kids!
3 DAY WEEKEND PASS
Advance Online: $16.95
At The Gate: $20.00
Kids 5 and up: $8.00
