Things to Do in Burlington and Surrounding Areas This October 2026
October is here, bringing cooler temperatures, colourful fall scenery, Thanksgiving traditions, Halloween fun, and a full calendar of events across Burlington and the surrounding communities.
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly weekend activity, local market, live sports, creative workshop, or seasonal festival, October 2026 offers plenty of great reasons to get out and explore.
This month features popular events like the 18th Annual Telling Tales Festival at Royal Botanical Gardens, the Hand Made Craft Market at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, the Oktoberfest Jumper Show in Ancaster, and the Farm to Table Harvest Dinner at Ireland House Museum.
Thanksgiving weekend brings back the Rockton World’s Fair, while sports fans can catch the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in action. As Halloween approaches, families can enjoy Toddler Days: Halloween at Joseph Brant Museum, the Haunted Hustle at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, and a Halloween pottery workshop in Waterdown.
One of the best parts of living in Burlington is having so many great experiences close to home. From Burlington and Waterdown to Oakville, Ancaster, and Hamilton, there is always something happening.
Explore some of the top local events happening this October, and visit Clinton Howell for local real estate information and expert guidance.
TERRA Fall Market
Date: Saturdays Until October 24th | 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: TERRA Waterdown, Waterdown
A bright greenhouse market packed with local makers, growers, bakers, artists, artisans, seasonal produce, baked treats, pumpkins, gourds, and creative finds. It is a cheerful Saturday outing for families who love fall colours, local food, and browsing something new.
Free Family Open Studio at the AGB
Date: Every Sunday in October | 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
Short Description: A creative afternoon where families can make art together with support from artist-instructors. Kids can explore their imagination, try new ideas, and enjoy a free indoor activity right by the waterfront.
Oktoberfest Jumper Show and EquiCup Championship Phase 1
Date: Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026. Friday starts at 11:00 a.m.; event runs through Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
Location: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Road South, Ancaster
A lively equestrian weekend where families can watch exciting show jumping inside the Agricultural Event Centre. With free admission, food options, and a heated indoor setting, it is a great pick for kids who love horses, action, and a little fall fairground atmosphere.
18th Annual Telling Tales Festival
Date: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Royal Botanical Gardens, Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
A beautiful weekend of stories, creativity, authors, illustrators, music, and hands-on family fun. Kids can explore the gardens, discover new books, and meet storytellers in a setting that feels like a fall adventure.
Hand Made Craft Market
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
A cozy fall market filled with original handmade goods from local artisans. Families can browse woodwork, textiles, pottery, jewellery, photography, gift items, and creative finds while enjoying a relaxed day at the park.
Forge FC vs. HFX Wanderers
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Hamilton Stadium, 64 Melrose Avenue North, Hamilton
A high-energy soccer afternoon for families who love cheering from the stands. Bring the kids, grab stadium snacks, and enjoy the excitement of a live Forge FC match in Hamilton.
RONA Kiddos Workshop: Halloween Special
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Participating RONA stores, Burlington area
A hands-on Halloween craft workshop for kids ages 5 to 12. Children will build a small Halloween coffin to hide their candy in, making this a fun little DIY stop for crafty kids and parents looking for a festive October activity. Registration opens September 21, 2026.
Farm to Table: Harvest Dinner
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 6 pm to 11pm
Gather on the grounds of the historic Ireland House Museum for an unforgettable evening celebrating the importance of growing and eating local in the past, present, and future.
Oakville 21.1 Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026, starts at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Shell Park, 3307 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
A fresh-air race day by the lake with 5K, 10K, and half marathon options. Families can run, walk, cheer, and enjoy the community energy along one of Oakville’s most scenic routes.
Rockton World’s Fair
Date: Friday, October 9 to Monday, October 12, 2026
Location: Rockton Fairgrounds, 812 Old Highway 8, Rockton, Hamilton area
A classic agricultural fair with children’s and family entertainment, livestock shows, heavy horses, 4-H exhibits, educational displays, local fair food, and plenty of country charm. It is a full fall fair experience just outside Hamilton.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Edmonton Elks
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Hamilton Stadium, 64 Melrose Avenue North, Hamilton
A big Friday night football game with stadium energy, cheering fans, and a fun atmosphere for sports-loving families. It is a classic Hamilton night out for kids and parents who enjoy live action.
Waterdown Farmers’ Market October Market Morning
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 551, 79 Hamilton Street North, Waterdown
A friendly small-town market morning with local produce, baked goods, flowers, prepared foods, and community vendors. Families can grab breakfast treats, shop local, and enjoy an easy fall Saturday in Waterdown Village.
Ancaster Toy & Collectibles Expo
Date: Monday, October 12, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Road South, Ancaster
A treasure-hunting day for kids, collectors, and nostalgic grown-ups. Families can browse toys, comics, cards, action figures, retro games, pop culture finds, and collectibles, with lots to see for every age.
Haunted Hustle Run 2026
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Day Use Area, Burloak Drive, Oakville
A playful Halloween-themed run with 5K, 10K, and 1K options for families who want to move, laugh, and dress up. It is a fun way to enjoy the park, get active, and celebrate spooky season without anything too scary.
Disney Descendants: ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Location: TD Coliseum, Hamilton
A big concert night for Disney-loving kids, tweens, teens, and families. Fans can sing along to favourites from Descendants, ZOMBIES, and Camp Rock in a colourful, high-energy Halloween night event.
Toddler Days: Halloween
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Joseph Brant Museum, 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington
A sweet Halloween-themed museum morning designed for little ones ages 2 to 4. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities, playful learning, and a festive theme in a parented setting that feels fun, gentle, and not too spooky.
Halloween Witches and Monsters! Family Pottery Workshop
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Creative Insight Pottery, 23 Main Street South, Waterdown
Short Description: A creative Halloween afternoon where families can make their own spooky clay pieces together. It is a great option for Burlington families who want something hands-on before trick-or-treating, especially for kids who love art, monsters, and making something they can keep.
