What’s Happening in Huntsville
Whether you’re a local, a weekend visitor, or somewhere in between — Huntsville is alive with things to see, do, and enjoy. From live music by the water to cozy local markets and artsy evenings downtown, there’s always something going on.
Fall Festival of Light
September 24 – October 31
Step into an enchanting autumn evening as glowing pathways wind through colourful woodland scenes at Sandhill Nursery. Visit Thursday through Saturday nights for a different experience each evening — from the family-friendly Not So Scary Pumpkin Trail to Friday’s Haunted Harvest Trail and the classic Forest of Light on Saturdays.
Running through October 31, it’s the perfect way to add a little glow or a little spook to your fall in Muskoka!
HMBA Weekly Group Rides
Every Thursday
Join the HMBA on THURSDAY nights in the summer for group rides on the Hidden Valley & Deerhurst trails. Show up and ride at any time, then meet back at the parking lot for the social. The ride is open to all genders and abilities. To participate in group rides, make sure that you have a valid HMBA membership or one day pass!
Cemetery Tales
Every Thursday
Step into Huntsville’s storied past this fall with Cemetery Tales, part of the Muskoka Heritage Place walking tour series! These immersive tours blend historical accuracy and storytelling, bringing to life the tales of the people and events that shaped our town. Learn about Huntsville’s prominent figures, the lesser-known facts and fascinating events!
By donation, suggested amount $5.00.
Wiigwaasi Jiimaanke
Birchbark Canoe Build
October 1 – 9
Experience a traditional birchbark canoe build in the heart of Huntsville’s River Mill Park, led by Indigenous master canoe builder Chuck Commanda of Kitigan Zibi First Nation. Learn about the craft, history and sacred relationship of canoes to Indigenous peoples.
The birthing ceremony is on October 9, when the completed canoe will enter the waters of the Muskoka River.
Heritage Fair
October 2 – 4
Step back in time at Muskoka Heritage Place for a fall fair inspired by local celebrations of the 1880s and early 1900s. Explore traditional exhibitions, try your hand at early games, and discover displays of locally grown vegetables, flowers, preserves, textiles and more.
A charming way to celebrate Muskoka’s fall season while experiencing a little piece of local history!
Peca Farm Petting Farm
Every Saturday
Enjoy a hands on adventure as you meet Peca Farm’s animal family! You will have lots of opportunities to pet animals inside the barn and outside! There are outdoor games, wagon rides (weather dependent), a weekly kids activity, and tons of photo opportunities for the whole family. Bring along some quarters to use in the feed machines for the animals.
Picnic area available with a view of the rolling hills!
$11.95 + tax per person, 2 and under FREE
HFA Shows
October
Oct 1 – Nursery Nights: Dine & Swing Dance — Dinner, live music & beginner-friendly swing dancing.
Oct 2 – MORE BARN! The Music of Neil Young — A live celebration of Neil Young’s iconic music.
Oct 4 – Lloyd Spiegel — Award-winning blues, guitar, storytelling & humour.
Oct 8 – In Spite of Ourselves — An evening celebrating the music of John Prine.
Oct 15 – Nursery Nights: Dine & Line Dancing — Dinner followed by a fun night of line dancing.
Oct 16 – Terra Lightfoot — An intimate evening of Canadian roots-rock & live music.
Oct 17 – Yuk Yuk’s On Tour — A night of live stand-up comedy.
Oct 23 – Caroline Marie Brooks — An intimate performance from the Canadian folk singer-songwriter.
Oct 29 – Heroes on the Air — A live theatrical performance at Algonquin Theatre.Oct 31 – The Psychology of Cults — A fascinating live look into cult psychology and manipulation.
Tapestry of Emotions
September 10th – October 29th
Huntsville Art Society has a new shoe at Partners Hall from September 10-October 29. Come to see Sylvia Kerschl’s new show Tapestry of Emotions featuring landscapes in oil and acrylics. An opening reception will be held on September 18 from 5-7 at Partners Hall!
Sandhill Nursery’s Fall Festival
September 12th – October 25th
Celebrate the magic of fall at the Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival, returning September 12! Wander through incredible pumpkin displays and mazes, enjoy live music and entertainment, seasonal food, family-friendly activities and plenty of picture-perfect autumn moments.
Weekday admission is free, with advance tickets required on weekends. Plus, beginning September 24, experience the brand-new Fall Forest of Light, bringing the festival to life after dark with illuminated trails and themed evenings.
MHP After Hours Walking Tour
October 8 & 22
Step into Huntsville’s storied past this fall with MHP After Hours Walking Tours, part of our walking tour series! These immersive tours blend historical accuracy and storytelling, bringing to life the tales of the people and events that shaped our town. Learn about Huntsville’s prominent figures, the lesser-known facts and fascinating events!
By donation, suggested amount $5.00.
Algonquin Provincial Park Guided Experience Programs
October 1 – 23
There’s plenty happening at Algonquin Provincial Park throughout October! Join Park Naturalists for guided walks and educational programs exploring the wildlife, landscapes and history that make Algonquin so special. From bird walks and Spruce Bog explorations to programs about moose, black bears and the wolves of Algonquin, there’s something new to discover throughout the month. ontarioparks.ca
Plus, October 24–26 brings a special Haunted Halloween Weekend with guided hikes and spooky seasonal programming.
Thanksgiving Train Ride
October 10 & 11
The Town of Huntsville’s is excited to celebrate Thanksgiving with you at Muskoka Heritage Place! The Portage Flyer Train runs every 45 minutes from 10:45am to 3:15pm when the last train leaves the station.
Train runs: 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1:00pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm.
Note: Regular admission to Muskoka Museum and Pioneer Village still applies.
2026 Thanksgiving Train will be by advanced tickets only.
Muskoka Home of the Stars
October 16 – November 7
From October 16 through November 7, the night sky takes the stage with 18 events across Muskoka. Whether you’re gazing through a telescope, joining guided sessions with astronomy experts, or simply lying back under a blanket of stars, every evening offers a new cosmic adventure. With Huntsville’s prime dark skies, you may even catch the breathtaking dance of the aurora borealis.
Muskoka Home of the Stars is presented by Discover Muskoka and Explore Huntsville, hosting multiple stargazing experiences that cater to both beginners and astronomy enthusiasts, most of which are happening right here at Deerhurst Resort:
- Friday October 16 (8pm) – Stories in the Stars: A Beginner’s Stargazing Experience with guide Phil McRoberts
- Astronomy in Action Planetarium Experience – Saturday October 17 (3-6 pm)
- Friday October 23 (8pm) – Astro-Photography 101 with guide Robin Tapley
- Saturday October 24 (8pm) – Astro-Photography 101 with guide Robin Tapley
- Friday November 6 (8pm) – Astro-Photography 101 with guide Robin Tapley
Candle Making Workshop
October 27
Delve into the historical trade of blacksmithing at Muskoka Heritage Place with a local artisan blacksmith! You will be introduced to beginner blacksmithing techniques in our pioneer village’s blacksmith shop, where you will create an item that you can take home! Materials and equipment included. Space is very limited, so register today!
Tiny Tots Parade
October 31
Downtown Huntsville’s tiniest ghosts, goblins and witches are taking over for the annual Tiny Tots Parade! Dress up in your Halloween best and head to River Mill Park for a morning of free, family-friendly trick-or-treating, costumes and plenty of candy.
New this year, families looking for a quieter experience can also enjoy a slower-paced trick-or-treating option at Canvas Brewing.