Things to Do in Oakville & Burlington This October
AcornFest in Towne Square
Things to Do in Burlington & Oakville This October 2026
October might be one of the best months to get out and explore Oakville and Burlington. The weather is cooler, the fall colours are at their peak, and the calendar is full of markets, seasonal events, family activities and a few Halloween favourites.
Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, a fall market to wander through, or an evening out, here are some of the best local events happening this October.
Fall Market at Terra
Fall Market at Terra Hamilton and Watertown
Saturdays through October 24 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
TERRA Hamilton + TERRA Waterdown
New for 2026, TERRA’s Fall Market brings together local makers, growers, bakers, artists and artisans inside the greenhouses at both the Hamilton and Waterdown locations.
Expect seasonal produce, baked goods, specialty foods, jewellery, wellness products and locally made finds, along with plenty of pumpkins, gourds, fall flowers and planters. The vendor mix changes throughout the season, so there’s something new to browse each weekend.
Admission and parking are free.
Burlington Centre Lions Farmers’ Market
Burlington Centre Lions Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays, Fridays + Saturdays through October 24 | 7:00 AM–2:30 PM
Burlington Centre | 777 Guelph Line
There’s still time to shop one of Burlington’s longest-running farmers’ markets before it wraps up for the season.
The market brings together local growers, makers and food vendors with fresh produce, meats, baked goods, honey, preserves, specialty foods and other seasonal favourites.
Acorn Fest
Acorn Fest in Town Square, Downtown Oakville
October 2 | 5:00–10:00 PM
October 3 | 12:00–5:00 PM
Towne Square, Downtown Oakville
Downtown Oakville is celebrating fall with two days of live music, entertainment, food and seasonal activities.
Friday evening includes live country music and an outdoor screening of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Saturday brings a DJ, falconry experience, line dancing, live music and a classic car display featuring everything from a 1958 Corvette to a 1970 Dodge Charger.
And yes, Canada’s giant acorn will be there too.
Halloween Skelebration at Mountsberg
Skelebration at Mountsberg
Fridays–Sundays, October 2–31 | 4:30–10:00 PM
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Mountsberg transforms after dark for a family-friendly Halloween experience throughout October.
Follow the illuminated Night Walk, explore the Haunted Barn, try the Eco Guardian scavenger hunt and visit the park’s farm animals, raptors and snakes. There are also campfires, Halloween treats and optional wagon rides through the woods.
Costumes are welcome and advance tickets are required.
Hand Made Craft Market
Hand Made Craft Market at Bronte Creek
October 3 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Spend a fall Saturday browsing handmade goods from local artisans at Bronte Creek.
You’ll find everything from pottery, jewellery and soap to crochet, tin-punched pieces and knitting accessories. The Friends Café will also be serving hot drinks and sweet treats.
There’s no separate market admission, but a valid Ontario Parks vehicle permit is required to enter the park.
Falling for Burlington Downtown
Falling for Burlington Downtown
October 3 | 1:00–4:00 PM
Village Square + Promenade Walkway, Downtown Burlington
Downtown Burlington’s free fall celebration returns with seasonal food, pumpkin-inspired treats, games, hands-on activities, local businesses and plenty of fall photo opportunities.
There will also be a sensory-friendly zone with softer sound, gentle lighting and staff available to assist, making this a particularly thoughtful family event.
Oakville 21.1 Half Marathon, 10K + 5K
Oakville Half Marathon
October 4 | First race begins at 7:30 AM
Shell Park
Runners take over the lakeshore for the Oakville 21.1 Half Marathon, 10K and 5K.
The scenic route begins at Shell Park and travels through neighbourhoods south of Lakeshore, including a loop through Tannery Park, before returning to Shell Park.
Even if you aren’t running, it’s worth knowing that road closures begin early Sunday morning, so plan accordingly if you’re heading through southwest Oakville.
Labpalooza
Labpalooza at Bronte Creek
October 4 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
One for the dog lovers!
Labpalooza is a fundraiser for Lab Rescue featuring a dog walk along the park trails plus pet caricatures, photography, dog massage, pup cups, games, a nutrition centre and more.
Despite the name, all breeds are welcome. A park vehicle permit is required to enter Bronte Creek.
Oakville Historical Society Ghost Walks
Spooky Walks with the Oakville Historical Society
October 13–30, excluding Sundays | 6:30 PM + 8:00 PM
Old Oakville
Explore another side of Old Oakville on a one-hour guided Ghost Walk with the Oakville Historical Society.
Costumed ghost characters from the 1800s lead guests through historic Old Oakville while sharing local history and stories, followed by light refreshments and conversation back at the Historical Society.
Tours are family-friendly, groups are kept small, and advance reservations are required.
The Great Pumpkin Trail
The Pumpkin Trail at RBG
October 15–18 + October 23–25 | Timed entry beginning at 5:30 PM
Royal Botanical Gardens, Hendrie Park
One of the area’s most popular October traditions returns to RBG.
Follow the glow of hundreds of candlelit jack-o’-lanterns along a roughly one-kilometre trail through Hendrie Valley, then explore pumpkin displays, live entertainment, roaming performers, campfires and seasonal activities throughout Hendrie Park.
RBG is using approximately 15,000 pumpkins, squash and gourds in its fall displays this year.
A note for families with little ones: most of the main trail has uneven and hilly terrain, so strollers and wagons aren’t recommended. There is a shorter accessible and stroller-friendly loop available.
Pre-purchased timed tickets are required.
Ireland House After Dark: Victorian Mourning
Ireland House After Dark
October 16, 23 + 30 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Ireland House Museum, Burlington
For something a little different this Halloween season, visit historic Ireland House after dark.
The guided experience explores Victorian beliefs, traditions and superstitions surrounding death and mourning, as well as the practical arrangements families would have made following a death.
The house itself will be draped in mourning for the experience, and tickets include light refreshments.
Moonlight Market
Moonlight Market at Joshua Farm Gallery
October 16 | 4:30–8:30 PM
Joshua Farm Gallery, Oakville
Joshua Farm Gallery is hosting an evening market with a slightly more mystical twist.
Browse handmade jewellery, candles, crystals, apothecary items, art and seasonal goods alongside tarot readers, psychics, mediums, astrologers and other spiritual practitioners.
Admission is free and all are welcome.
Family Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkin Carving at Gairloch Gardens
October 17 | Drop in between 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Oakville Galleries at Gairloch Gardens
Bring your own pumpkin and spend the morning carving something spooky, silly or spectacular at one of Oakville’s prettiest fall settings.
Carving tools are provided, and there will also be a Halloween craft station, family Halloween movies playing on the big screen, hot chocolate and sweet treats.
The event is designed for all ages and costs $10 per family.
Oakville Home & Lifestyle Show
Oakville Home and Lifestyle Show
October 23 | 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
October 24 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
October 25 | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Oakville Place
If you have a renovation, home project or design update on your mind, the Fall Home & Lifestyle Show is worth a stop.
Exhibitors will be set up throughout Oakville Place with products and services covering home and lifestyle, health and wellbeing, leisure, professional services and more. It’s an easy opportunity to browse ideas, ask questions, compare services and meet local professionals in person.
The Vintage Marketplace
The Vintage Marketplace at Art Gallery of Burlington
October 24–25 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Art Gallery of Burlington
The Vintage Marketplace is coming to Burlington for the first time, bringing more than 35 vintage, antique, retro and vintage-inspired vendors to the Art Gallery of Burlington.
Expect clothing, jewellery, furniture, home décor, kitchenware, collectibles, artwork and plenty of one-of-a-kind finds, along with music and local food and drink.
Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 at the door, and children 12 and under are free.
Bronte Farmers’ Market: Haunts & Harvest
Bronte Farmer’s Market
October 25 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Bronte Market Square
The final Bronte Farmers’ Market of the season is getting a Halloween makeover.
Shop from more than 40 local vendors, enjoy live music and soak up the fall atmosphere before the market closes for the year.
There’s also a Doggy Parade at noon, and for every dog that joins the parade, $5 will be donated to the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Candlelight Concert at Knox Presbyterian
October 30 | 6:30 PM + 8:45 PM
Knox Presbyterian Church, Downtown Oakville
A Halloween night out that’s decidedly more atmospheric than scary.
A string quartet will perform Halloween-inspired favourites by candlelight inside Knox Presbyterian Church, with music ranging from Thriller, Ghostbusters and Stranger Things to The Addams Family, Psycho, Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas, alongside classical pieces like Danse Macabre.
Tiny Tots Trick-or-Treating
Tiny Tots Trick or Treating Downtown Oakville
October 31 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Downtown Oakville
Start Halloween morning in Downtown Oakville with one of its sweetest traditions.
Little ones can dress up and trick-or-treat at participating businesses along Lakeshore Road and the surrounding side streets. Keep an eye out for participating merchants as you make your way through downtown.
It’s an easy daytime Halloween activity before the neighbourhood trick-or-treating begins later that evening.
Hello, October
From farmers’ markets and pumpkin carving to ghost walks and candlelit concerts, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy Oakville and Burlington this month.
Save this list for later, send it to someone who is always asking what’s happening locally, and check individual event websites before heading out, as dates, ticket availability and event details can change.
Happy October!
Jasmin Arviko
Real Estate Broker
Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
