October is the month when autumn sightseeing is at its best due to gorgeous foliage. Newfoundland and Labrador is breathtakingly beautiful during Fall, so it is hard to decide where to go and what to do first. There are activities for everyone, especially if you are willing to travel. Listed below you will find events and festivals happening this October in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Run For The Hills
Get ready for The Menihek Nordic Ski Club’s Run For The Hills. This family-oriented walking and running event is scheduled for Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at 1 pm.
Details
October 1, 2023
Labrador City
Chef for Trails Food Hike
Explore the lovely trails along the Manuals River and taste what local chefs have created with the local harvest. The crispy fall air makes everything taste better. There are nine stations along the trail by the river where you can stop and sample the chef’s creations.
Details
October 7, 2023
Manuels River
Partridgeberry Harvest Festival
October 6 – 7, 2023
Fogo Island
Trapline Marathon
Experience the history, culture and breathtaking scenery of Central Labrador at the world-class Trapline Marathon. Taking place in October each year, this Boston Marathon qualifying event offers scenic views, fall colours and quiet surroundings, making it one of the best kept secrets in Canada.
Details
October 8, 2023
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Eastport Peninsula Agricultural Exhibition
The Eastport Peninsula Agriculture Exhibition has a history that can be traced back to the late 1940s when agriculture was the dominant industry on the peninsula. There is something of intertest for almost everyone, so plan to make the exhibition a part of your Thanksgiving festivities.
Details
October 6 – 9, 2023
Eastport
Annual Rennies River Duck Race
Returning to an in-person event this year, you can watch 2,500 yellow rubber ducks race down the river. Guess the number of the duck that will cross the finish line first to win amazing prizes.
Details
St. John’s
Festival of New Dance
The Festival of New Dance is a showcase of the contemporary dance talent in Newfoundland. Each day of the festival, local and international dancers perform and there are artistic collaborations. There are also professional development workshops offered during the festival.
Details
September 26 – October 7, 2023
St. John’s
Fall Craft Fair
You can find fantastic gifts and unique home décor that is handcrafted at the Fall Craft Fair. There is also a kiddie corner that will keep the kids entertained while you are shopping and checking out the vendor’s tables.
Details
October 9, 2023
Mount Pearl
St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
The St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival is a five-day film festival that showcases films made by women for everyone. Many films will be show-cased during this festival in addition to seminars, workshops, and meet and greets.
Details
October 17 – 21, 2023
St. John’s
Savour CBS
Prepare to indulge in the finest of Conception Bay South from October 1-9! During this week-long celebration you’ll make a plethora of exciting discoveries, including complimentary events such as Thanksgiving Storytime and Craft at the CBS Public Library in addition to other events.
Details
October 1-9, 2023
Conception Bay South
The Fall Fair
Find handcrafted gifts, crafts, fall-inspired décor, and delicious homemade treats at this fair held on Thanksgivign day.
Details
October 9, 2023
Mount Pearl
Christmas at the Glacier
This 5-day Chirstmas shopping event is celebrating its 32nd edition this year! You will find almost 200 craft producers and artists from various provinces at this event.
Details
October 18 – 22, 2023
Mount Pearl
Sonic Harvest Sessions
Sonic Harvest Sessions is an annual concert series taking place at the Award-Winning Woody Point Heritage Theatre. The concert series highlight diverse and emerging musical talent in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Details
Saturdays in October 2023
Woody Point
Pumpkinfest
Find your way through the corn maze, wagon rides, giant slide, other mazes, fall props and designs, petting barn and more at Lester’s Farm Market! There will also be special guests from time to time, music lessons, and balloon animals. Pumpkinfest usually last whole month long, but this year, October 14 will be an extra special day of fun for the entire family! There will be Wagon rides, corn maze, face painting, kids contests, adult hot pepper contest, and of course tonnes of pumpkins!
Details
October 14, 2023
Lester’s Farm Market, St. John’s
Hallowe’en Spooktacular
The Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the spookiest night of the year with an amazing lineup of classic spooky tunes. It will be a night to remember with costumes, fun games, and amazing music.
Details
October 27, 2023
St. John’s
Troubadour – A Tribute To George Strait
Bob MacDonald, Chris LeDrew, Sandy Morris, Scott Mansfield, and Brian Way will perform Troubadour – A Tribute to George Strait on October 7th.
Details
October 7, 2023
Garrick Theatre, Bonavista
Fall in Love with Bay Roberts
The month of October is packed with fun things to do in the beautiful community of Bay Roberts. The Fall in Love with Bay Roberts celebrations include Thanksgiving and Halloween events that have family activities like cookie decorating, spooky stories and much more. Some of the local businesses even offer discounts during the month.
Details
During Fall
Bay Roberts
Haunted Ship
Step on broad a haunted ship on October 28th and enjoy a spooky night of adventure!
Details
October 28, 2023
Matthew Legacy Site, 15 Roper St, Bonavista
Horseshoe Literary Festival: Reading Night One with Glasses and Girl
The **Horseshoe Literary Festival: Reading Night One with Glasses and Girl** is an exciting event that you won’t want to miss! ‘Reading Night One with Glasses and Girl’ promises to be a memorable evening, where you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of literature and music.
October 13, 2023
Rotary Arts Centre, Corner Book
War of the Worlds
St. John’s Players presents a spooky vintage sci fi thriller just in time for Halloween! This radio-play-within-a-radio-play is a thrilling homage to the form’s golden age and timely reminder of what fear can do to a society.
Details
October 19 – 21, 2023
RCA Theatre, St. John’s
Halloween Light Parade and All Ages Zombie Walk
Take part in the Halloween Light Parade and All ages Zombie Walk! Kids’ Halloween Costume Dance will alos be taking place on the same day! This is most definitely not to be missed!
Details
October 27, 2023
Conception Bay
Workshop: Preparing Your Garden for Winter
This workshop will walk you through the theory and practice of fall gardening tasks that can set your garden up for a bigger and better growing season in the coming spring.
Details
October 14, 2023
Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden, St. John’s
St. John’s Farmers’ Market Harvest Market
For Thanksgiving Weekend, come find all the produce, food, baked goods, and more at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market. There will be activities, entertainers & the largest veggie competition – you won’t want to miss it!
Details
October 7, 2023
St. John’s
Wright’s Family Farm
Located right on Main Street, the Wright’s Family Farm offers a pumpkin u-pick and fresh produce at their farm market. They also offer farm tours, have a fantastic corn maze, have BBQ’s, and a corn boil that visitors are sure to love.
Pasadena
Labrador West Arts and Culture Centre
The Labrador West Arts and Culture Centre is home to a proscenium theatre that both local and international artists take the stage on. There is also a gallery/exhibition space on-site. The centre is a popular spot for shows, so you should check their website to see what is coming up.
Labrador
Labrador Pioneer Footpath
Labrador Pioneer Footpath is the traditional footpath between L’Anse-au-Clair and Pinware. The footpath can be completed as a series of day hikes because there are several towns and bed-and-breakfasts along the trail. It is a great way to spend quality family time in nature during the fall.
Labrador
North Head Trail
The North Head Trail is the most popular and most difficult hiking trail at Signal Hill. Even though it is only a 1.7 km trail, it descends nearly 500 feet. The trail starts at Signal Hill’s top parking lot, so it has amazing views of the St. John Harbour.
Signal Hill, St. John’s
Discovery Trail
The Discovery Trail is made up of seven wilderness paths that range from easy walks to challenging hikes. These trails will take you past stunning geographical wonders like high cliffs, rugged coastlines, and sea stacks.
Bonavista Peninsula
The Old Store Cafe
The Old Store Cafe is the perfect place to grab a coffee and a snack during the fall. Just a short walk from the cafe are benches that overlook Bonne Bay, the Tablelands, and the autumn-coloured forests.
Norris Point
Hike the East Coast Trail
Starting in St. John’s and connecting to the Great Trail, the East Coast Trail is a scenic 300-kilometre long trail that runs along scenic cliffs, sea stacks, headlands, and deep fjords. In the fall, you will see the amazing fall colours among the majestic evergreens.