Posted on Monday, September 14 2026
There's officially a little chill in the air, and that can only mean one thing: fall is on its way.
While we bid farewell to summer, there's so much to look forward to this season, from the changing colours to pumpkin patches and all things spooky. Fall also brings a full lineup of events happening across the country, so mark your calendars: here are the top events happening across the country this season.
A festival of discovery that feels truly out of this world, Dark Sky Festival celebrates Jasper, Alberta’s stunning star-filled skies—part of one of Canada’s 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves. With cultural events, workshops, expert speakers, stargazing, and the chance to see the Northern Lights, the festival invites you to take in the beauty of above.
When: October 16-25, 2026
Location: Held in the town-site of Jasper, Alberta. Other events take place throughout Jasper National Park.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo is the championship round of Canadian professional rodeo, where Canada’s top contenders compete for the national titles. Several performances lead up to the final, with a week packed full of events (chili cook-off, anyone?) and themed nights throughout. Running concurrently is the Cinch Canadian Country Expo, the daytime destination for western shopping, live demonstrations and a celebration of western culture and sport.
When: October 6-11, 2026 (Cinch Canadian Country Expo); October 7-10, 2026 (Canadian Final Rodeo)
Location: Rogers Place and Edmonton EXPO Centre, Edmonton, Alberta
One of Canada's largest and most prestigious film festivals, VIFF marks its 45th edition in 2026, screening around 120 feature films and 100 short films from Canada and around the world. Festival attendees can enjoy screenings, host talks, live performances, and immerse themselves in the industry buzz of Hollywood North.
When: October 2-12, 2026
Location: Various theatres across downtown Vancouver
Okanagan Fall Wine Festival celebrates the region's harvest season with tastings, vineyard tours, and food pairing events across the valley. Signature events include the British Columbia Wine Awards and the Sunset Sip, a wine-tasting experience held along Kelowna's Sunset Drive, alongside dozens of individual winery events throughout the two festival weekends.
When: September 25 to October 4, 2026
Location: Wineries across the Okanagan Valley, including Kelowna, Penticton, and surrounding areas
Bratwurst, live music, beer halls... what more could you ask for? This annual event, running strong for over 50 years, is one of the largest Bavarian celebrations outside of Germany. Happening across Kitchener and Waterloo, the festival period comes with a stacked events calendar, including visits to beer halls, a parade, and other cultural programming. If you haven't been before, this is a fall must-do!
When: September 25 to October 17, 2026
Location: Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario. Check out the Oktoberfest Event Calendar for details on events and exact locations.
For 8 days, Montreal will be home to the world’s biggest cycling competition. Over 1,000 athletes from across the globe will be competing in a series of thirteen events stretching across the city. Cheer from the sidelines, visit the Fan Village located in Parc Jeanne-Mance, or enjoy one of activities taking place. The entire city is expected to shift into high gear for the world’s most prestigious cycling event.
When: September 20-27, 2026
Location: The primary venue or starting point will be located at the foot of Mont Royal (Avenue du Parc). View the schedule and courses to see track maps.
Montreal is no stranger to an incredible food scene, and MTLàTABLE celebrates exactly that. This annual event is a massive joint effort by restaurants across the city, each offering special tasting menus, new brunch creations, and more. It's an invitation to support the local culinary scene, discover tasty new dishes, and celebrate the communities that keep Montreal at the top of the foodie game.
When: October 29 to November 15, 2026
Location: Over 165 participating restaurants throughout the Montreal.
This is how you give summer a proper send-off (and welcome fall in style). The annual Harvest Music Festival brings over 400 musicians and 150 performances to Fredericton across six unforgettable days, with a line-up spanning international, Canadian, and East Coast talent, including big names like Barenaked Ladies. Add in local vendors, incredible food, and a city that turns into one big block party, and you've got one of the East Coast's best times of the year.
This year also marks Premiere Suites' fifth year sponsoring the festival. We couldn’t be prouder to support the community and the team behind the scenes who make it all happen.
When: September 15-20, 2026
Location: Spread across downtown Fredericton.
Where to stay: The Creighton
This internationally recognized festival takes over the entire Cape Breton Island, celebrating Celtic culture and music during peak fall foliage on the Cabot Trail. Now marking its 30th year, the event features over 50 concerts across dozens of communities, bringing together local talent with visiting musicians from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Brittany. Beyond the concerts festivalgoers can expect plenty of dancing, storytelling sessions, and traditional community meals hosted by locals.
When: October 9-17, 2026
Location: Cape Breton Island
This event may not be on the same national scale as the others on this list, but we couldn't resist including it, it's simply unlike anything else out there. While some carve spooky faces into their pumpkins, contestants here turn them into boats. Now in its 5th year, the festival features a giant pumpkin weigh-off, carving stations, and the famous regatta, where racers paddle their hollowed-out pumpkins down the water to see whose floats fastest (or floats at all!). It's certainly unlike anything you've seen before, and well worth a day trip.
When: October 10, 2026
Location: Shelburne, Nova Scotia (various location along Dock Street)
The Evergreen Festival quite literally has it all: food, art, crafts, and all the cozy vibes. Bundle up and stroll the Halifax waterfront for the Evergreen Market's cozy wooden chalets, live music at the Evergreen Stage, light displays along the Evergreen Bright trail, and hot chocolate stops on the Cocoa Trail. It's become one of the city's most beloved seasonal traditions, and the perfect warm up to winter.
When: November 27 to December 20, 2026
Location: Across Halifax and Dartmouth, but primarily along Halifax Waterfront.
Where to stay: Maple Commercial
The fall fun doesn't end here. While we've covered many of the major events happening across the country, there's so much more happening in cities and communities that may feel a little closer to home.
For more on what's happening locally, we recommend:
· Following our social channels for updates on the destinations we cover across Canada, including recommendations and tips from our local experts.
· Checking your local BIA or tourism page for additional events and festivals in your area.
· Visit Our Cities page to discover more things to see and do in all of destinations across Canada, year round.
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