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 9 – Monday, October 12, 2026
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Drysdale’s Haunted 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, picking pumpkins, and more. Details
Starts October 3, 2026
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: $18.50 /person; Saturday Nights $27 / 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 19 – October 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Chappell Farms, 617 Penetanguishene Rd, Barrie
$12 – $15; Admission includes one pick-your-own pumpkin.
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, and pumpkin hockey. Win pumpkin tokens and redeem them for fun prizes. Details
Weekends. September 19 – October 30, 2026
Thanksgiving Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Rounds Ranch, 1922 County Road 92, Elmvale
$23.49 to $27
Pumpkinfest at Hewitt’s Fun Farm
Celebrate the fall season at Hewitt’s Fun Farm Pumpkinfest! Come and take a wagon ride out to our pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkin. Details
Pumpkinfest on Saturdays and Sundays, until October 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hewitt’s Fun Farm, 3331 Townline Road, Warminster
Pumpkinfest $$14 – 16 + tax, Pumpkinfest with Mini Golf $14 – $18 + tax
Fall Fun Days at the Farm
Celebrate fall at Barrie Hill Farms with apple and pumpkin picking, scenic wagon rides, live music, local artisan vendors, seasonal treats, and plenty of family-friendly farm fun. Details
Weekends, September 5 – October 31, 2026
Barrie Hill Farms, 2935 Barrie Hill Rd., Springwater
No tickets required
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
October 10 – 12, 2026
Mill Street West in downtown Tottenham
$9 to $17
Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour
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 1 – 31, 2026
Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Dr, Penetanguishene
$13 – $15
Blue Mountains Apple Harvest Weekend
Autumn comes alive at Blue Mountain Village, nestled in the heart of Ontario’s largest apple-growing region. Against a backdrop of fiery fall colours and crisp mountain air, celebrate the season with live music, interactive family entertainment, and the thrill of mountain attractions. Savor harvest-inspired dining, raise a glass to the season, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavours of apple country at its finest.
October 11 – 14, 2026 | 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 26 – October 25, 2026 | 9 AM to 6 PM
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
$5 to $67
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 8 to 10, 2026
Elmvale Fairgrounds, 14 George St., Elmvale, Springwater
$5 to $15
PYO at Barrie Hill Farms
Visit the Barrie Hills Farms to pick your own Fall strawberries, apples, pumpkins, and fall raspberries. Details
Daily | Hours vary
Barrie Hill Farms, 2935 Barrie Hill Rd., Springwater
PYO prices vary
Corn Mazes in Ontario
Get lost in world-famous corn mazes or in 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
My Generation
The Lovin’ Spoonful, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, The Hollies Greatest Hits Starring Terry Sylvester, and Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels. 19+ event. Details
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road, Rama
$65 and up + Taxes & Service Charge
Guided Autumn Walking Tour
Experience the beauty of autumn at Quayle’s with a guided walking tour led by James McKenna through our farm and natural landscape. As the property transforms with the colours of the season, you’ll discover the diverse trees that grow here, learn how to identify different species, and explore the fascinating science behind why their leaves change colour. Details
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Quayle’s Brewery, 4567 Line 12 N, Coldwater
$24.40 – $30.26
The Carpenters Songbook
Few voices in pop history are as instantly recognizable, or as deeply loved, as Karen Carpenter’s. THE CARPENTERS SONGBOOK: A LIVE CELEBRATION, brings the icon’s extraordinary voice and the brother-sister duo’s unforgettable music back to the stage in a beautifully crafted all-new production. With a full band and heartfelt storytelling, this concert captures the warmth, emotion, and musical brilliance of The Carpenters. 19+ event. Details
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road, Rama
$59 and up + Taxes & Service Charge
Drive-in Movies
Spend an enjoyable time with family watching a movie under the stars.
Movies at Sunset Barrie Drive-In
For ideas, 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. Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 7:00 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
Hearth to Table: Dinner in 1648
Savour 17th-century-inspired gourmet dishes by candlelight right on the grounds of historic Sainte-Marie. Hearth to Table invites guests to gather around a harvest table inside the chapel of the reconstructed Jesuit mission and enjoy a delicious, multi-course meal featuring historic seasonal ingredients. Start each course with an introduction from a costumed interpreter specializing in 17th-century cooking.
October 10, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland
$95.40 per person plus taxes and EventBrite fees
Images Studio Tour
Discover art, enjoy fall, savour lunch at Crazy Horse!! Details
October 9 – 12, 2026
Horseshoe Resort, 1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd, W Barrie
Register
Thanksgiving Weekend
Pack up your car and escape to the peaceful surroundings of Horseshoe Valley for Thanksgiving weekend. Explore all the area has to offer!! Details
October 9 – 12, 2026
Horseshoe Resort, 1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd, W Barrie
Register
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 18 to October 4, 2026
Across Ontario
Free
Pumpkinferno
Pumpkinferno sails into Discovery Harbour for a hauntingly good time! Experience the phenomenon of Pumpkinferno’s magical outdoor exhibits of artificial hand-carved pumpkins! Plus discover roving performers, tour the Macabre Mansion, pick up some glowing cotton candy, and much more! Details
October 1 – 31, 2026
Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene
$15$15.00 per person, including tax
Paint by the Lake – Fall Edition
You are invited to join us for an outdoor painting experience at the Leacock Museum! Participants will be guided through basic colour theory and colour mixing. Our paint instructor, M Nowick, will start by teaching some techniques for composing a landscape. The focus will be on creative expression as you complete the scene. Details
October 11, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Leacock Museum, 50 Museum Drive, Orillia
Ticketed
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 – $60
Hometown Harvest Festival
Celebrate the abundance of the fall season at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons! Experience the beauty of the harvest with take-home crafts, live music, and family-friendly activities. Meet our friendly heritage animals. Support talented artisans at our vendor market, featuring only hand-made items.
October 10 – 12, 2026 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Hwy. 12, Midland
$15 tax included – children five and under are free
Spellbound
Come explore the enchanting world of fairytales at the Leacock Museum! This exhibit will uncover the secret messages hidden within the magical stories loved by young and old.
Details
Open until August 2027
Leacock Museum, 50 Museum Dr Orillia
Regular admission
Grimm Grounds Hallowe’en Attraction
Select days, October 10 – 24, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Georgian Bay Park, 4230 Crossland Rd, Tiny
$10 – $15 per person
Grimm Grounds Hallowe’en Attraction
The town square will also include the homage to clowns, infamous horror characters, a DJ stage, and the outdoor movie screen, which will feature family-friendly horror films. Details
select days, October 10 – 24, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Georgian Bay Park, 4230 Crossland Rd, Tiny
$15.00 per person
Farmers Markets
- Barrie Farmers Market on Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 1 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 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM @ 201 Midland Ave, 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 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 9 – 12, 2026 | 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/Take-Out
- The Pottery Restaurant on October 10
- Grillicious Restaurant & Wine Bar on October 9 – 11
- Nottawasaga Inn Resort on October 11
- Lighthouse45 Restaurant at Rawley Resort on October 10 – 12
- OpenTable listing
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 fromthe concerned event Websites/officials.