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 10 – Monday, October 13, 2025
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, pick pumpkins, and more. Details
Starts October 4, 2025
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 /person; Saturday Nights $25 / 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 20 – October 31, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Chappell Farms, 617 Penetanguishene Rd, Barrie
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 20 – October 26, 2025 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Thanksgiving Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Rounds Ranch, 1922 County Road 92, Elmvale
$24.49 to $30
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 – Sundays, until October 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Flashlight Maze on Saturdays, October 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hewitt’s Fun Farm, 3331 Townline Road, Warminster
Pumpkinfest $16.95, Mini Golf $8.50, Pumpkinfest with Mini Golf $18.98
Admission to the Flashlight Maze is just $10 +HST/person. Bring your own flashlight
Fall at the Farm
Join us for a long weekend full of Fall activities! Pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and fall strawberries and raspberries, enjoy Wagon rides when you head out to pick, Live music, Local vendors, Food trucks, Fall treats, and more! Details
October 11 – 13, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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 11 – 13, 2025
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 to November 1, 2025
Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Dr, Penetanguishene
$13 – $15
Blue Mountains Apple Harvest Weekend
Fabulous Fall Colours, Crisp Autumn Air & Even Crisper Apples. These are just some of the ingredients of the autumn harvest experience at Blue Mountain, in Ontario’s largest apple-growing region. Apple Harvest Weekend features live music, fall colours hiking, cider tasting, and more! Experience our “pumpkin-spiced” Village, decorated in bright Autumn colours and Fall foliage as you shop, dine, and explore the best of Blue.
October 10 – 13, 2025 | 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 20 – October 26, 2025 | 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 10 to 11, 2025
Elmvale fairgrounds, 14 George St., Elmvale, Springwater
$8 to $13
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
Nazareth
Nazareth: Canadian Farewell Tour with special guests Helix & Killer Dwarfs. Details
Friday, October 10, 2025 | 8:00 PM
Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road, Rama
$45/$55/$65/$75/$85 + Taxes & Service Charge
Quayle’s Fall Comedy Festival
Dress cozy, and get ready to laugh on October 10th. The always hilarious Todd Graham (Just for Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy Festival) is taking the stage, with Isabel Zaw-Tun and John Mostyn keeping the laughs rolling all night. Your host for the evening, as always, is Daniel Shaw. Details
Friday, October 10, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Quayle’s Brewery, 4567 Line 12 N, Coldwater
$25 + tax + fees
Neil Diamond Tribute
Neil Diamond is a Living Legend and it is with much respect and admiration for the singer-songwriter that this tribute is performed. People leave the show with a smile on their face and a song in their hearts! Details
Friday, October 10, 2025 | 8:00 PM
The Historic Gayety Theatre, 161 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
$58.50 – $75 + tax
Fleetwood Mac Mania
Each veteran player in this tribute band brings their own spirit and talent to the stage, recreating the look and feel of Fleetwood Mac with incredible accuracy. From the signature harmonies to the intricate instrumentation, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
So don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to relive the magic of Fleetwood Mac. Grab your tickets now for FLEETWOOD MAC MANIA – it’s a musical tribute that you’ll never forget! Details
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM
The Historic Gayety Theatre, 161 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
$47.50 – $64 + tax
Amanda Marshall
Singer-songwriter Amanda Marshall has released three multi-platinum albums since 1995. Her eponymous debut is one of only 18 Canadian albums to ever achieve Diamond status in Canada, and to date, it has sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. Details
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 8:00 PM
Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Road, Rama
$45/$55/$65/$75/$85/$95 + Taxes & Service Charge
HELL’S BELLS – Celebrating the Music of AC/DC
Formed in Toronto in 1994, Hells Bells is the world’s longest touring tribute to AC/DC, performing thousands of concerts across North America.
After 50 years, AC/DC has defined the sound of rock n’ roll and the music of generations. Hells Bells delivers that sound, look, and attitude, from the wall of Marshall amps to the signature schoolboy outfit.
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street North, Orillia
All Seats $56.69
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. Brampton Steelheads on Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 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
Thanksgiving Weekend
Thanksgiving weekend is packed with live music, dinner specials, weekend-long sales, and much more!
October 10 – 13, 2025
Blue Mountain Village, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains
Free with admission
Thanksgiving Weekend
Experience fall in Beautiful Horseshoe Valley! Pack up your car and escape to the peaceful surroundings of Horseshoe Valley for Thanksgiving weekend. Explore all the area has to offer! We’ll have special festive activities for the whole family to enjoy, including pumpkin bowling, kids’ crafts, and more! Details
October 10 – 13, 2025
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 19 to October 12, 2025
Across Ontario
Free
Pumpkinferno
Pumpkinferno sails into Discovery Harbour for a hauntingly good time! Experience the phenomenon of Pumpkinferno’s NEW 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 – November 1, 2025
Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene
$15
Pumpkins & Pinot
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends! Join the Leacock Museum and artist, M Nowick, in pumpkin painting. A complimentary glass of Pinot (or a non-alcoholic alternative) will be served. Details
October 11, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Leacock Museum, 50 Museum Drive, Orillia
$30.50 + tax + fees
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
$30 & up
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 – 13, 2025 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Hwy. 12, Midland
$15 tax included – children five and under are free
Monster, She Wrote
In collaboration with authors Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson, the Leacock Museum presents “Monster, She Wrote,” a temporary exhibit about horror novels through the centuries, written by women.
Details
Open until October 31, 2025
Leacock Museum, 50 Museum Dr Orillia
$5.00+HST per person (kids aged 3 and under – free)
Grimm Grounds Hallowe’en Attraction
October 11 – 26, 2025
Georgian Bay Park, 4230 Crossland Rd, Tiny
$15.00 per person
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
October 4 – 5, 11 – 12, 2025 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Various locations in Haliburton County, Haliburton
Free
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 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 10 – 13, 2025 | 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 13
- Grillicious Restaurant & Wine Bar on October 11 – 12
- Nottawasaga Inn Resort on October 12
- Lighthouse45 Restaurant at Rawley Resort on October 13
- Open Table 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.