October is one of my favourite times of year around here, with plenty happening across our local communities.
Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, friends or just want to enjoy the fall weather, here are 10 things worth checking out around Guelph, Rockwood, Acton, Fergus, Elora and the surrounding area this October.
1. Erin Fall Fair — Erin
Date: October 9th – 12th
Location: Erin Fairgrounds, 184 Main Street, Erin
Time: See event schedule for daily times
The Erin Fall Fair is one of those local traditions that really feels like fall. Thanksgiving weekend brings the community together for agricultural exhibits, competitions, entertainment, food and plenty to see and do around the fairgrounds.
If you haven’t been before, it’s a good excuse to spend some time in Erin and experience a fair that’s been part of the community for generations. Bring the family, walk the grounds and make a day out of it.
2. Monster Month — Fergus & Elora
Date: October 1–31
Location: Throughout Fergus & Elora
Time: Varies by activity
If you’ve never been through Fergus and Elora during October, it’s worth making the trip.
Monster Month takes over both communities throughout October with the Twilight Zoo monsters popping up around town, along with ghost walks, lantern tours, markets and other events. You don’t necessarily need a plan either. Head into town, walk around, find a few monsters and grab something to eat while you’re there.
3. Strom’s Farm — Guelph
Date: Throughout October
Location: 5089 Wellington Road 32, Guelph
Time: Weekdays 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Weekends 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
If you’re looking for the classic fall experience, Strom’s is a good one.
They’ve got a five-acre corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin chuckin’, pedal carts and, of course, plenty of pumpkins. If you want to make things a little more interesting, Mazing in the Moonlight also runs on select October evenings. Bring a flashlight and try the corn maze after dark.
4. Rockton World’s Fair — Rockton
Date: Thanksgiving Weekend
Location: Rockton Fairgrounds, Rockton
Friday: 10:00 a.m. 4-H Dairy Show 4:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Admissions/Grounds/Buildings Open
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Rockton World’s Fair has been a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for a long time, and if you haven’t been in a while, this might be the year to go back.
You’ve got the midway, agricultural exhibits, animals, food and pretty much everything you’d expect from a good old-fashioned fall fair. It’s a little outside our immediate area, but definitely close enough to make the list.
5. Pumpkin Day — Fergus
Date: Saturday, October 10
Time: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Wellington County Museum & Archives, 0536 Wellington Road 18, Fergus
Admission: Free
If you’ve got younger kids, Pumpkin Day at the Wellington County Museum is another good Thanksgiving weekend option.
It’s a free fall harvest celebration with activities for the family, and the museum itself is worth checking out while you’re there. You could easily make an afternoon out of it and head into Fergus afterwards.
6. Halloween Guelph.Beer Bus — Guelph
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 12:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Participating Guelph breweries
Here’s one for the adults.
The Guelph.Beer Bus gives you a chance to check out several local breweries without having to worry about getting from one to the next. The October edition has a Halloween theme, making it a pretty easy way to spend an afternoon exploring Guelph’s craft beer scene.
7. Luna Halloween Market — Guelph
Date: October 23 & 24
Friday: 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 4:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 234, 57 Watson Parkway South, Guelph
If markets are more your thing, the Luna Halloween Market is worth adding to the calendar.
This year’s theme is Night of the Vampire, with more than 45 vendors, themed photo opportunities, cocktails and mocktails, activities for the kids and costume contests.
8. Mountsberg’s Halloween Skelebration — Campbellville
Date: Select dates throughout October
Location: Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville
Time: Check the event page for available times
Mountsberg is always a good place to visit with the kids, and throughout October they’re getting into the Halloween spirit with Mountsberg’s Halloween Skelebration.
It’s a fun excuse to get the family outside, enjoy the conservation area in the fall and add a little Halloween into the day. If you’re looking for something seasonal that’s an easy drive from Rockwood, Acton or Guelph, this is one to check out.
9. Trick or Treat on Main & Mill — Acton
Date: Saturday, October 24
Location: Downtown Acton — Main & Mill Streets
Time: 12 pm – 2 pm
If you’ve got kids and you’re looking for something to do on Halloween, head into downtown Acton for Trick or Treat on Main & Mill.
The kids can get dressed up, bring their candy bags and trick-or-treat their way through downtown while visiting participating local businesses. I always like these kinds of events because they’re simple, they’re local and they get people out supporting the businesses in the community.
10. Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Guelph — Guelph
Date: Saturday, October 31
Time: Starts at 12:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Guelph
Admission: Free
We’ll finish the list with another one for Halloween day.
Downtown Guelph hosts its annual Trick or Treat event starting at noon, with participating downtown businesses handing out treats to the kids. Throw on the costumes, head downtown and make an afternoon out of it.
Enjoy October!
There’s obviously a lot more happening around the area than we could fit into one list, but hopefully this gives you a few ideas for the month ahead.
Have a great October, and Happy Halloween!
Tyler & Team Dawe