Spirit Season at Homer Watson House & Gallery

Support Homer Watson House & Gallery by attending our Spirit Season fundraiser all through the month of October, 2025. Shop at our outdoor Spirit Market, go on an authentic paranormal investigation, learn about the ghosts of the property on a tour, attend a lecture or workshop, and much more!

All proceeds go towards supporting Homer Watson House & Gallery’s mission to provide accessible arts education, exhibitions and events to our community.
Spirit Season Events

Pop-up Market – Spirit Market
Homer Watson showed an interest in spiritualism at an early age, which influenced both his personal life and his artwork. In the 1920’s, Homer Watson’s interest in spiritualism was deepened with the passing of his loving wife Roxana. The Spirit Market carries on the tradition of the exploration and practice of spiritualism. Join other enthusiasts with spirit-themed vendors and workshops. From crystals, tarot cards, and art, to devilishly tasty treats, there is something for everyone!
Saturday October 3, 2026 | 12:00pm-5:00pm

Hands-On Paranormal Investigation Tours with The Ontario Paranormal Society – Tours meet in the Garden Studio, 1754 Old Mill Rd
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 7:00pm, 8:15pm, 9:30pm, & 10:45pm

Séance Night With Three Mystics Spiritualist Church in the Cayley Gallery

Step back in time with the Three Mystics for a Victorian-style séance inspired by the gatherings once held in Homer Watson’s era. In this historical representation, participants will experience the ambience, rituals, and traditions of nineteenth-century Spiritualism, offering insight into history, culture, and the enduring fascination with Spirit communication. There are only 10 spots total so don’t miss out!
Thursday, October 24, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Haunting at Homer Watson House & Gallery – Garden Studio, 1754 Old Mill Rd

Phoebe’s Death Day: After the death of her brother, Homer Watson, Phoebe Watson poured most of her energy into preserving the legacy and work in the home that they shared. Even in her late 80s, Phoebe was described as alert and very interesting, and her humour never failed even as her health declined. Phoebe died aged 89 at St. Mary’s Hospital on October 22nd, 1947. Her body was held at Schreiter Sandrock Funeral Home and was transported afterwards to the Watson House at Doon, where a service took place. She was laid to rest near her brother at Kinzie Biehn Cemetery.

Phoebe’s Death Day | Thursday, October 22 | 8:30 – 10:30 pm or 10:30 pm – 12:30 am.
Mischief Night | Friday, October 30 | 8:30 – 10:30 pm or 10:30 pm – 12:30 am.
Halloween Night | Saturday, October 31 | 8:30 – 10:30 pm or 10:30 pm – 12:30 am

Create with Clay Family Workshop: Mini Pumpkins
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30 am in the Garden Studio

This fun-for-all hand-building workshop suits beginners and first-time artists. This workshop is an introduction to hands-on creation, focusing on design, form-building, surface decoration, and more. In this workshop we will create mini clay pumpkins.

Books and Blankets – Chapter 3: Reading Out Loud
Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 5-8pm

House of Spirits Pop-Up Market
October 6 – 31, 2026

Do you need new charms for your doorways or shelves or artworks with a few more teeth? Do you wish you could see spirits abound all year ‘round? This pop-up is for you! Visit HWHG during our open hours to see local artists’ wares!

Haunted & Historical Walking Tours
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 6:00 – 6:45 pm & 7:00 – 7:45 pm
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 1:00 – 1:45 pm & 2:00 – 2:45 pm
Meeting in the Main Gallery & walking through the lower doon area
Suitable for participants ages 12+
October is recognized as Spirit Season at HWHG! The Homer Watson House Foundation (HWHF)—a charitable Foundation that supports the work of the Homer Watson House & Gallery—looks forward to presenting the 2026 Spirit Season fundraising campaign. All programs and events are part of the annual fundraising campaign. During the month of October, the “Friends of the Gallery” and the “BAF2026” discounts are ineligible to be applied at this time. All proceeds during this campaign will go towards HWHG’s mission of providing accessible arts education, exhibitions and events to our community.

Family Funday: Symmetry Monsters

Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm in the Main Gallery
Join us on the 4th Sunday of the month for some family art-making fun! In this drop-in program, we will explore painting, textiles, sculpture, printmaking, and more. Learn new skills and explore your creativity as a family. There will be a new activity each month.
Materials are provided.
Registration is not required.
Donations are welcome.
Please note, adult supervision is required, this is not a drop off program.

Family Mischief Night
Free Family Event
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm in the Main Gallery & Grounds
The night before Halloween is a night made for mischief! Join friends and neighbours in your costumes, decorating your Halloween candy bags, making masks, and then parading into the neighbourhood in a grand rumpus to pave the way for Halloween!

Tickets: Varies depending on the program

How to get tickets?

Buy Online

Date & Time: Select dates, October 3 – 30, 2026