Thanksgiving weekend events & activities in Barrie including free, fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports, and exhibitions.
Things to do this Thanksgiving Weekend in Barrie
Friday, October 6 – Monday, October 9, 2023
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Drysdale’s Halloween And Harvest Village
Go on a walk on the haunted trail. There will be actors along the path for an enhanced experience. In addition, visitors can also enjoy the sand mountain, children’s zip line, obstacle course, train rides, bonfire, see magic shows, pick pumpkins, and more. Details
Starts October 7, 2023
Saturdays & Sundays & Thanksgiving Monday |10 AM – 4 PM
Saturday (for 13+) | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Drysdale’s Tree Farm, 6635 Simcoe County Rd 56, Egbert
Daytime: $14 /person; Saturday Nights $20 / person
For more ideas: 50 Activities and Festivals to Experience in Ontario This Fall Season
Fall Festival
Come visit our animals, run up to our amazing lookout, explore the corn maze, ride on the tricycle track and pick your perfect pumpkin. There is plenty of room to just run and play in the fresh air!! Details
September 5 – October 31, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Chappell Farms, 617 Penetanguishene Rd, Barrie
Weekday Admission: $13.50 per person tax included (23 months and under are free)
Weekend And Holidays Admission: $15.00 per person tax included (23 months and under are free)
Admission includes one pick-your-own pumpkin.
Flashlight Corn Maze
Can you solve our interactive maze puzzle to find the secret…in the dark? Bring your flashlight and try to navigate your way through the twists and turns. Try not to get lost! Details
Saturday nights in October until 28, 2023 | 4 – 10 PM
Rounds Ranch, 1922 County Road 92, Elmvale
$15.49 – $24.99
Pumpkin Mania
Enjoy a wagon ride out to our large pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin. (any size, any colour – free with admission) Play silly, goofy pumpkin games, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin pie eating contest, pumpkin hockey Win pumpkin tokens and redeem them for fun prizes. Details
Weekends. September 23 – October 29, 2023 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Thanksgiving Monday | 10:00AM – 5:00 PM
Rounds Ranch, 1922 County Road 92, Elmvale
$15.49 – $24.99
Pumpkinfest & Flashlight Maze at Hewitt’s Fun Farm
Come and take a wagon ride out to our pumpkin patch and choose your own pumpkin. Every paid admission gets 1 FREE pumpkin you pick from the pumpkin patch.
Also come join us every Saturdays in October from 7-9 pm for the Flashlight Maze! Details
Pumpkinfest on Fridays – Sundays, until October 29, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Flashlight Maze on Saturdays, October 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hewitt’s Fun Farm, 3331 Townline Road, Warminster
Admission to Pumpkinfest is just $14.50/person, $16.50/person with mini golf.
Admission to the Flashlight Maze is just $10+HST/person.
PYO at Barrie Hill Farms
Visit the Barrie Hills Farms to pick your own Fall strawberries, apples, pumpkins, and fall raspberries. Details
Monday-Friday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday & Holiday Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Barrie Hill Farms, 2935 Barrie Hill Rd., Springwater
PYO prices vary
Fall Colour Excursions South Simcoe Railway
The most popular time of year to ride the train is the fall, when all the trees through the scenic Beeton Creek Valley display their changing colours.
Enjoy the Conductor’s friendly and informative commentary highlighting the history of the line, the train, and how the railways shaped our country. Details
September 30, October 1, 7 – 9, 14 – 15, 21 – 22, 2023
Mill Street west in downtown Tottenham
$9 to $17
Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour
Join us for Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour – a spooky start to the Halloween season! Bring the whole family and experience a hauntingly good time! Enjoy the magic of hundreds of outdoor exhibits featuring over 5,000 artificial hand-carved pumpkins! Test your courage, making your way through Grim Reaper’s Grove, where zombies, clowns and witches lurk in the shadows!
October 4 – 29, 2023
Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Dr, Penetanguishene
$15
Blue Mountains Apple Harvest Weekend
The best time of year to Fall in love with Blue! Apple Harvest Weekend festivities bring live music, roaming entertainment, and more family fun.
October 7-9, 2023 | All day
Blue Mountain Village, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd.
Free with admission
Cranberry Harvest
Visit Cranberry Marsh and take part in an experience that is unique in Northern America!! See how 27 acres of marsh that produce around 300,000-400,000 lbs of cranberries are harvested! Details
September 23 – October 22, 2023 | 9 AM to 6 PM
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
$20 to $60
Treetop Trekking Barrie
Plan a fun-filled day climbing and zipping from tree to tree in the spectacular Copeland Forest, at Treetop Trekking Barrie. Details
Weekends, Holidays, and most weekdays
Treetop Trekking Barrie, 1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd., Barrie
20 Minutes North of Barrie at Horseshoe Resort
Varies with activity
Elmvale Fall Fair
The 160th annual Elmvale Fall Fair features a pony show, truck and tractor pull, livestock judging, vendors, junior tractor pull, horseshoe pitching tournament, and more. Details
October 5 – 7, 2023
Elmvale fairgrounds, 14 George St., Elmvale, Springwater
$5 to $10
Wasaga Beach Fall Hootenanny
By October, summer may be done but the party isn’t over in Wasaga Beach, it’s Hootenanny season! In celebration of fall, we bring out the hay bales, don our denim, and prepare for a rootin’, tootin’, good time! Join us at the RecPlex for live music, a petting zoo, mechanical bull, family games, balloon twisting, face painting, axe throwing, wagon rides, goat yoga, western story time, line dancing lessons, wood crafts, trucks, tractors and much more! Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach
Entry fee is $3 per person or $10 per family. Payment is required upon arrival at the RecPlex entrance.
Corn Mazes in Ontario
Get lost at world-famous corn mazes or at the one nearest to you for a memorable experience with the family or your bestie. Most of these farms also have a whole bunch of other great activities so you can enjoy the entire day picking pumpkins, milking goats, cuddling bunnies and so much more! Details
Fall Activities and Getaways in Ontario
When Ontario comes alive with vibrant colours in autumn, cities and towns across the province offer a unique environment, and distinct character for visitors and locals to truly explore.
- Bucket List Ideas for Fall Activities and Getaways in Ontario
- Fall Day Trips From Toronto
- 10 Trips for Fall in Ontario
- 10 Fantastic Fall Activities in Ontario
II. Live Music & Theatre/Performing Arts
THE FAMILY CROW
A group of crows is called a murder. What happens when there is a murder amongst a group of crows? You get a MURDER murder mystery! Details
Thursday October 5, 2023 | Doors at 78:00 PM
Gravenhurst Opera House, 295 Muskoka Road South, Gravenhurst
$35
CHER & Tom Jones
Prepare to be dazzled by a night of unparalleled entertainment as two top tribute artists come together for a one-of-a-kind concert experience! Join us for a night where the magic of Tom Jones and Cher comes alive! Experience the glamour, the music, and the legends, all in one unforgettable evening. Don’t miss out on this spectacular showcase of pure entertainment! Ages 12+. Details
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 8:00 PM
The Historic Gayety Theatre, 161 Hurontario Street Collingwood
$45
Nothin’ But Stuffin’ – An Improv Comedy Show
This two hours of short-form improvisation comedy brought to by the Old Dance Hall Players, Orillia’s own improv comedy team. Clever, stupid, inane, ridiculous, brilliant. This show will have it all.
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Orillia Opera House – Studio Theatre, 1 West Street North Orillia
$28
Bill Burr Live
An Emmy and Grammy nominated comedian, Bill Burr is one of the top comedic voices of his generation achieving success in TV and film as well as on stage. Bill’s Monday Morning Podcast is one of the most downloaded comedy podcasts, his 2023 arena and amphitheater tour, Bill Burr Live, is touring across Europe and North America and on August 21, 2022, Bill made history as the first comedian to perform at Fenway Park.
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 9:00 PM
Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road Rama
$115/$125/$140/$150/$160/$175 + Taxes & Service Charge
Tom Petty Tribute Concert
If your heart beats for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, then Practically Petty is your dream come true. Get ready for a show that’s as close to Tom in looks and sound as it gets. Let’s rock!! Ages 12+. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | :00 PM
The Historic Gayety Theatre, 161 Hurontario Street Collingwood
$45
Warrant w/ Quiet Riot & Helix
The Warrant, Quiet Riot & Helix concert on October 7th at Casino Rama.
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road Rama
$45/$55/$59/$69/$79/$89 + Taxes & Service Charge
Shipyard Kitchen Party
Your feet are sore from dancing, your belly is sore from laughing and your heart is stuffed with Canadian pride. You’ve just come home from a Shipyard Kitchen Party show.We’ll make you stomp your feet and we might also make you cry. But, no matter what, we WILL have a great time with you. Shipyard Kitchen Party features John Eaton (Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Vocals), Sacha Law (Bass, Vocals) and Jason Murphy (Bodhran, Vocals).
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 5:00 PM — 8:00 PM
Subaru Stage, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains
Free with admission
Horseshoes & Handgrenades
Horseshoes & Handgrenades bio: A high energy band featuring some of South Georgian Bay’s finest musicians: Chris Scerri, Jon Zaslow, John Hume, Johnny Roy and Beaker Granger! Playing the best in classic rock and blues. Ready to get everyone jumpin’ at your next event! The premier Rockin Blues Band of South Georgian bay!
Monday, October 9, 2023 | 5:00 PM — 8:00 PM
Subaru Stage, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains
Free with admission
Drive-in Movies
Spend an enjoyable time with family watching a movie under the stars.
Movies at Sunset Barrie Drive-In
For ideas see, Check out the Drive-In Theatres in Ontario
Various dates
III. Sports
Barrie Colts
Come watch the Barrie Colts in action at Sadlon Arena. Details
vs. Niagara IceDogs on Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Sadlon Arena, Barrie
$26.50 – $29
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
Parks and pathways, Provincial parks and conservation reserves are open for people to enjoy some time with nature.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
- 25 Hikes to Enjoy Fall Colours in Ontario
- 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
- 100 Adventures in Ontario Provincial Parks
- 25 Nature and Wilderness Adventures in Ontario
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Ontario Culture Days
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. At the end of each September, millions of people attend thousands of participatory arts and culture events across the country. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. Details
September 22 to October 15, 2023
Across Ontario
Free
Paddle, Explore & Dine
This guided adventure will have you paddling up the York River into Algonquin Park in your watercraft of choice (kayak or paddleboard) and then hiking up the gorgeous boulder-strewn banks of the York River past rapids and waterfalls until you get to High Falls! There guests can enjoy time and an around the waterfall and a sumptuous meal provided by our partners AM/PM Outdoor Gourmet! After lunch and time with the water we will hike and paddle back to the Outpost. Details
Saturday October 7, 2023 | 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Deep Roots Adventure, 4071 Elephant Lake Road, Harcourt
$50 – $189
AGORA: Path of Light
AGORA is an unusual and magical space inspired by storytellers and cycles of life in nature. As participants walk this circular path, they will encounter a series of interactive lighting installations based on the five elements of air, space, earth, water and fire. Details
On going
Blue Mountain Village, 150 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
$25 & up
Marsh by Moonlight – Autumn Paddle at Wye Marsh
The Marsh by Moonlight Paddle Series features a guided voyageur style canoe tour through the sparkling moonlight waters of the Wye Marsh. Twinkling voyageur canoes and boardwalk, night noises, bannock roasted over the open fire accompanied with a hot drink will make for an unforgettable night! Connect with nature and experience the Wye Marsh in a way that not many people have the opportunity to!! 13+. Details
October 6 – 7, 2023 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, 16160 Highway 12 East, Midland
$75.00 per participant. Includes all equipment and a gift to take home.
Hometown Harvest Festival
The Hometown Harvest Festival is back at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Thanksgiving Weekend. Come celebrate the abundance of the fall season! Put on a cozy sweater and shop our artisan market with more than 40 local vendors. Grab a coffee in our gift shop, then explore the site to take part in take-home crafts, try hands-on activities, meet our heritage breed animals, learn about the three sisters harvest, and enjoy in historical presentations.
October 7-8, 2023 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Hwy. 12, Midland
$12 tax included – children five and under are free
Decoding Anne Lister: History’s First Modern Lesbian
Reviled and hidden away for decades because of the stories they contained, Anne Lister’s diaries and her life will be the focus of an exhibit opening this September at the Leacock Museum. Now famously known as history’s first modern lesbian and the focus of a popular TV show, Anne Lister meticulously captured the details of her life including love affairs, business deals, and politics in a partially encoded diary that scholars have worked for decades to transcribe. The exhibit will focus on the life of this revolutionary British lesbian while exploring themes of Canadian Queer history, the art of code breaking, and the world in which Anne Lister existed. Details
Wednesday – Sunday | 10 AM to 4 PM
Leacock Museum, 50 Museum Dr Orillia
$5.00 per person (kids aged 3 and under – free)
Grimm Grounds Hallowe’en Attraction
October 6 – 29, 2023
Georgian Bay Park, 4230 Crossland Rd, Tiny
$8.50-$12.50 (Tax Included in Price)
The Studio Tour – Haliburton Highlands
The artists and craftspeople of The Studio Tour in the Haliburton Highlands open their doors this october. You will have the unique experience of wandering through studios, speaking to artists, discovering their juried one-of-a-kind works and observing their creative process while enjoying the fall beauty of the Highlands. Demonstrations, works-in-progress and a large selection of finished work in fibre-art, glass, jewellery, metal, mixed media, painting, pottery, mosaic and woodworking will greet you at the studios on this self-guided tour. Details
September 30 – October 1 & 7 – 8, 2023
Various locations in Haliburton County, Haliburton
Free
Open Air Dunlop
Head to Downtown Barrie to enjoy a pedestrian-friendly on select Saturday’s during the fall, where you can explore local shops, restaurants, live entertainment and more. Enjoy thanksgiving Pop-up + free family factivities, art, performances and more on Saturday, October 7th. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Dunlop Street, Downtown Barrie
Free
The Follower
The people of the hills have been ravaged by the evil of the Follower. What you need is inside the survivors compound, but can you get to it in time? Reach the checkpoints for clues and gain access into the compound before your time runs out or the Follower reaches you.
October 6 – 7, 13- 15, 20 – 22, 27 – 29, 31, 2023
Escape Challenge North, Sandhill Road, Tay
$35 per player ($210 booking minimum)
Farmers Markets
- Barrie Farmers Market on Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 12 PM @ Barrie City Hall, 70 Collier Street, Barrie. Details
- Bradford Farmers’ Market on Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 1 PM @ 425 Holland Street West, Bradford West Gwillimbury. Details
- Midland Farmer’s Market from Sunday of the May long weekend until Thanksgiving weekend | 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM @ 509 Bay Street, Midland. Details
V. Thanksgiving Dinner/Events
Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour
This artist-run, juried event is one of Ontario’s finest and longest running studio tours. Over thirty outstanding artists and crafts people will exhibit their work over the 4 days at 18 different studios. Discover exceptional art and enjoy the beautiful fall colours of Simcoe County. You will meet painters, potters, sculptors, photographers, wood turners, jewelers and assorted mixed media artists – a wide selection with something for everyone. This self-guided tour roams from Moonstone through the scenic Horseshoe Valley and along the Lake Simcoe shores to Orillia. Details
October 6 – 9, 2023 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Various Locations, Barrie & Simcoe County
Free
Get your bird from: Hewitt’s Fun Farm
Thanksgiving Dinner Dine-In
- The Pottery Restaurant on October 7 – 8
- Rawley Resort on October 7 – 9
- Grillicious Restaurant & Wine Bar on October 7 – 8
- Nottawasaga Inn Resort on October 8
- Open Table listing
Thanksgiving Dinner Take-Out
- The Pottery Restaurant on October 7 – 9
- Nottawasaga Inn Resort on October 8
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.