Nothing quite beats the autumnal abundance of family-friendly events in Prince Edward County. From festivals celebrating pumpkins, scarecrows, and our search for light and love on a dark November night – to spooky Halloween adventures and heartwarming community parades – we can’t wait!

Because this post spans 3 activity-packed months, be sure to check back regularly as new events will be added as we go. As always, feel free to send along any missing info to andrea@pecparents.ca.

We hope you enjoy this guide to a fun, family-friendly October, November, and December in beautiful Prince Edward County!

And make sure to check out our Activities Pages for info about kids’ arts classes, sports and fitness activities, clubs, and more!

Image – November 2022 edition of the Firelight Lantern Festival presented by The Department of Illumination (Crystal Palace, Picton).

Special events

OCTOBER

October 3rd – Alternatives for Women hosts the annual Take Back The Night event along Picton Main Street – they’ll have supplies to make your own placard, chili, and activities for kids. Meet at Giant Tiger between 5 and 6:30, leave for the walk at 6:30. See their Facebook page for details.

October 4th – The Wellington Dukes host street hockey games for kids at Lehigh Arena in Wellington from 4-5 p.m. An opportunity to meet Dukes players off the ice!

October 5th – The County Guys Real Estate Team is hosting its second annual fall pumpkin community event from 1-3 p.m. – join them at Creasy’s Apple Dabble Farm in Waupoos for wagon rides, pumpkin decorating, hot apple cider and donuts! Bring a donation for our local Food bank and take home a pumpkin to enjoy just in time for Thanksgiving.

October 5th – Early ON PEC is hosting a Fall Festival and Touch A Truck event from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hub Child and Family Centre. Facebook event here.

October 5th-6th – Fall Maple Madness is happening at various locations from 11-5 – there are breweries, wineries, farms, maple syrup producers and retail spaces participating. Facebook event here.

October 9th – The Wellington Dukes host street hockey games for kids at Prince Edward Community Centre in Picton from 4-5 p.m. An opportunity to meet Dukes players off the ice!

October 12th-13th – This year, the annual Scarecrow Festival is hosted by NorthFIRE Circus & The County Museums with proceeds supporting The Witches, an upcoming Halloween event hosted at the museum. From 11-4 both days, visitors can take part in family-friendly crafts, activities, and mini aerial arts lessons. Visit with the fortune teller or have your photo taken with the stilt walker! Then for $45.20, make your own scarecrow to take home or leave at the museum as decoration for an upcoming Halloween event. Facebook event here, reserve your scarecrow kit here.

October 12th-14th – Enjoy the Thanksgiving long weekend at Base31 with the beautifully restored Lancaster Bomber KB 882, 1 of only 17 remaining in the world. This preview will give you special access to Base31’s Hangar 1 and the airplane within. Take in a bite-sized documentary, hear real-life stories, try the pilot’s physical challenge, puzzle your way out of an escape game, and much more. Enjoy this unique sneak peek into what to expect when Base31’s new museum opens in 2025. This experience typically requires approximately 45 minutes to complete. Adult (18+) – $9.50 / Youth (5-17) – $6.50/ Child (4 and under) – free. Facebook event here. Tickets here.

October 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th – The Witches is a 1 hour experience like no other, held at Macaulay House Museum. Immerse yourself in the haunting creations of Terror Macaulay as you walk through the museum. Followed by a spectacular outdoor fire and aerial show by NorthFIRE Circus and Bass Witch Coven. There are 2 shows each night: 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. Update Saturday October 26th – tonight’s show is sold out BUT they’ve added a FREE Open House from 3-5 today so everyone can view the spooky installations!

October 19th – The Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest takes place in Wellington! 2024 schedule is here – parade at 10:30 am followed by music in the park, a Kid’s Zone in front of CML Snider School from 10-2, and a pumpkin weigh-off at noon (also at CML Snider). Also from 10-2, there will be a “Trick or Treasure” costume swap event at Wellington Heritage Museum.

October 20th – Quintissimo hosts a Family FUN-draiser at 2 p.m., admission by donation, at Compass Rose Suites. Alongside the concert featuring Opus 4 flute quartet with Quintissimo founder Diana Lam, there will be different musical arts and crafts activities, along with an instrument petting zoo which will begin after the concert is over. Event info here.

October 24th – County Creative Gallery is hosting a Taylor Swift-themed pottery painting party from 6:30-8:30. This is an all ages event, but children must be supervised – $35/per person. Link here.

October 25th – The Picton Rec Committee is hosting a Pumpkin Contest (bring your own, pre-carved!) and costume celebration at Benson Park from 4-5:30. Free entry, costumes encouraged, prizes, free hotdogs prepared by the Picton Firefighters! Check the Rec Committee FB page for details.

October 25th – Continue the downtown Picton fun at the Picton Fall Art Crawl! Happening from 4 p.m. onward in a range of venues including Proudest Pony PEC, the County Arts Lab in the Armoury, and more. Follow the hashtag #pictonfallartcrawl for more info on locations or just go on a wander!

October 25th – The 3rd annual Sophiasburgh Howler dance takes place from 6:30-9 at Sophiasburgh Town Hall! For kids aged 9-13 only. Tickets are $12 plus a non-perishable food item, purchase them here.

October 25th – The Ameliasburgh Recreation Committee is hosting a Children’s Halloween Dance Party from 6:30-8:30 at Ameliasburgh Town Hall. Prizes for best costumes in different age categories! Click here for their Facebook page.

October 25th – Base 31 hosts a free outdoor movie screening at The Commissary, with the Addams Family Values playing at 7 o’clock. Facebook event here.

October 26th – Heal with Horses’ Halloween Spooktacular returns from 10-4! Family fun for all ages: pony rides, small animal fun, haunted goodies and more! There is no fee to enter the event. Each station or activity varies in price ($1-$20). Learn more here.

October 26th – Join the County Museums at the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village for Ameliasburgh After Dark from 6-9. Dress up in your costumes and go trick or treating in the historic village! Check out the carved pumpkins as you explore the grounds and see the buildings lit by candlelight. Facebook event here.

October 27th – From 2-4, the Bloomfield Hallowell Rec Committee is hosting a free Halloween Party at the Town Hall – games, pumpkin decorating, village scavenger hunt, and more. Costumes welcomed.

October 27th – The South Marysburgh Rec Committee is sponsoring a Milford Haunted Castle event from 6-7:30 p.m. “Make your way out of the dungeon, through the tournament training, and into the Throne Room!” Register your child (ages 3-12) by Monday October 21st by emailing events.in.sm@outlook.com. Food bank donations accepted.

October 27th – It’s Lil’ Ghouls Day at Base 31! From 12-5, enjoy an afternoon of trick-or-treating at The Commissary – kids can show off their costumes and gather treats from mysterious candy caches, while adults enjoy paranormal-inspired cocktails that will leave them questioning what’s real. Facebook event here.

October 29th – The Picton BIA and Feral Folc host one of their one-hour, mini trash bashes in Picton. Come help tidy up town from 6-7 p.m. They will provide all supplies, and each participant will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gabriel Pizza! Facebook event here.

October 29th-31st – Come by the Wellington Heritage Museum Gardens for the 4th Annual Pumpkin Walk! Jack O’Lanterns will be on display from October 29th to October 31st in the Wellington Heritage Museum Garden (290 Main Street, Wellington). Facebook event here.

October 1st-31st – The 2024 Deadnersville Halloween walk-through will run from 4-10 p.m. daily from October 1st-31st, with live actors “scaring” on the 31st. The experience features 140 feet of decorated covered canopy with 70 animatronics and mannequins and more. Free, but donations to benefit the Belleville General Hospital Foundation are welcome. The address is 1744 County Rd 3 (Rednersville Rd).

October 30th is the Picton Houndoween event – “a costume parade for dogs and their humans”! Gather at 5:30 at Giant Tiger, 5:45 parade to Benson Park. Prizes!

NOVEMBER

November 1st – Baxter Arts is hosting a Double Feature Halloween Fundraiser – and you get to vote here for your favourite movie option! The event starts at 5 p.m; there will be 6 pm and 8 pm screenings.

November 8th-9th – The Department of Illumination is hosting its annual Firelight Lantern Festival, with the most magical parade in all the land taking place on Saturday the 9th. This year you can even join the Aurora Borealis choir, which will perform at the pre-show on Saturday at Benson Park! Make your own lantern at an October workshop and check the Festival page for more details.

November 16th – Kids aged 8-11 are welcome to join local author Lynne Grist for the launch of her latest book focusing on PEC history through time travel adventures. Starts at 1 p.m.; there will be treats! Info here.

November 16th – The Picton Night Market takes place from 5-8 p.m.! Picton Main Street will be closed off to cars, and filled with activities including sidewalk sales, a Smores station, live music, and more. Info here.

November 22nd – 24th – Santa visits the Holly Jolly Holiday Market at the Crystal Palace in Picton on Friday from 12-3, Saturday from 11-4 (plus storytimes at 12 and 2), and Sunday from 10-3 (plus storytimes at 11:30 and 1). There will also be a Wishlist Writing table set up in the adjacent Bluebird Building.

November 23rd – Kingston’s Mom Market comes to Highline Hall at the Wellington Arena from 10-4. Christmas goodie bags, photo opps with Christmas backdrops, Letters to Santa, face painting, and more.

November 16th-December 8th – Holiday Photo in the Barn is back at ANDARA Gallery, on Saturdays and Sundays! For a donation to the PEC Memorial Hospital Foundation you and yours can have a photo taken in front of a beautiful festive setting including a 20 foot Christmas tree. Pets welcome! Treats on site for purchase, and you can take in the owners’ beautiful artwork and gallery as well. Call 613-393-1572 to make a reservation.

November 23rd – Join the Department of Illumination and the Picton BIA for the annual treelighting at the Picton Cenotaph (across from Tim Hortons). Free hot chocolate and cookies, and a holiday sing-along. Info here.

November 24th – Join Nella Casson and Gaby Cole from 10-12 and 1:30-3:30 at Baxter Arts Centre to create larger-than-life outdoor holiday decorations for your home or a float to go into the Bloomfield Parade! Baxter will supply cardboard, paint and other supplies as well as help with inspiration. Participants are welcome to bring additional supplies. Registration not required.

November 24th – The Picton Santa Claus Parade along Main Street kicks off at 1 p.m.! Facebook page here.

November 29th is the Bloomfield Nighttime Santa Parade! Streets close at 6 p.m., parade starts at 6:30. Facebook event here.

November 30th – Day one of Campbell’s Orchards Holiday Market from 11-4 – face painting, vendors, and treats and Campbell’s hot apple cider around the fire.

November 30th – Santa visits the Wellington Heritage Museum from 12-4. Bring your camera and a donation for the food bank!

DECEMBER

December 1st – Day two of Campbell’s Orchards Holiday Market from 11-4 – face painting, vendors, and treats and Campbell’s hot apple cider around the fire.

December 1st – Save the date for Consecon’s Santa Claus Parade at 1 p.m. 11:30-1pm FREE facepainting, balloon artist and food for the kids, Parade from 1-1:30, after the parade come back to the hall to meet Santa. Get a picture! Our facepainters and balloon artist will still be there. Santa has a goody for every kid. Reindeer feed station & free hot cocoa! Facebook event here.

December 5th – Santa visits the Ameliasburgh Heritage Museum from 3-7. Bring your camera and a donation for the food bank!

December 6th and 7th – Emmanuel Baptist Church hosts “an illuminated hay-ride through the Christmas story with live actors and animals (drive-through also available). After seeing the Christmas story, come inside for some hot chocolate or apple cider, goodies, and live Christmas music.” Facebook event here.

December 7th – Santa comes to Picton Home Hardware from 11-1! Kids and dogs welcome, complimentary hot chocolate and treats.

December 7th – The Wellington Recreation Committee hosts their annual Tree Lighting in Wellington Park! From 4:30-6, hot chocolate, visit with Santa, and carols.

December 7th – It’s Ameliasburgh’s Christmas in the Village from 12-3! Wagon rides, treats, cookie decorating, vendors, storytime, photos with Santa. Hosted by the Ameliasburgh Recreation Committee and friends.

December 8th – The Macaulay Village Neighbourhood Group is hosting a free holiday event at Picton Town Hall from 2-4 – holiday crafts & games, winter photo booth, hot chocolate, County Kids Read, and more!

December 8th is the Winter Wanderland Holiday Market at Wander the Resort! From 11-4 enjoy holiday shopping from local vendors, live music, bonfires, photos with Santa, plus a delicious market menu from Gather. And visits with the alpacas from Noble Beast Farms of course! Facebook event here.

December 8th – Santa visits the Ameliasburgh Heritage Museum from 11-4. Bring your camera and a donation for the food bank!

December 14th-15th – It’s Christmas at Macaulay House – more precise details to come. See Macaulay house all decorated for Christmas while enjoying a nice cup of hot cider and music. Visit with Santa inside the Parlour Room Saturday and Sunday from 12-4. Bring your camera and a donation for the food bank! Facebook event here.

December 15th – Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Milford Town Hall from 6-7:30 thanks to the South Marysburgh Recreation Committee! Gift bags for children aged 3-10 – register by December 8th by emailing events.in.sm@outlook.com.

December 31st – Josh’s Diner is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve Party for the whole family – free event with dancing and a midday countdown. Grown-up drinks and kid-friendly snacks available for purchase. Facebook event here.

Harvest

Pick-your-own (PYO) Produce

Apple and pumpkin picking is in full swing at Campbell’s Orchards in Carrying Place. Say hello to the resident animals, hit the playground, and reward yourselves with apple fritters and other treats. Check out their weekend Fall Farm Passes including corn mazes, wagon rides, and more.

Farm experiences

Struisvogel Ranch is offering $5 self-guided Ostrich Walks from Thursday-Monday from 11-5 until the end of October.

LOHA farms offers farm tours to meet their pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and sheep; message them to book a time.

There are a few other farms where kids can interact (mostly from a distance) with farm animals:

• Hagerman Farms, just outside of Picton on the way to Bloomfield, is one of our favourite places to visit – enjoy a treat from Farmhouse Eats cafe (open seasonally), do your local produce shopping, and say hello to the animals hanging out in the outdoor pens.
• The petting zoo at Waupoos Estates Winery & Restaurant is currently closed, but you are welcome to walk up to the outdoor pens and say hello to some furry friends. It would be unwise to leave without sampling from the winery’s extensive array of chocolate, candy, and gelato treats across the street!
• Carson’s Garden & Market has a friendly goat herd on site.

Farmers’ markets

Most markets will be going until mid or late October, check their social feeds for updates! Stroll the stalls and sample the treats at the Wellington Farmers’ Market (Eddie Hotel & Farm, Saturdays 9-1), Wellington Community Market (next to Wellington Park and the United Church, Saturdays 9-1) and the Picton Town Hall Farmers’ Market (Sundays 9-1). Bonus – the latter two are both playground adjacent – Wellington Park and Benson Park respectively; and the Eddie Hotel & Farm offers lots of gorgeous nature to run around in.

Rainy / Any Day activities

Maria Serrano from Save the Wheels PEC is hosting weekly rollerskating events at the Drill Hall at Base 31 on Thursdays from 5-7! Free, BYO rollerskates/blades/equipment.

Early ON PEC Playgroups happen from Monday – Saturday at both indoor and outdoor locations throughout the County. Check out the schedule and pre-register on their website.

Check out the Public Skating schedule at the Prince Edward Community Centre (Picton Arena) and at the Wellington District Community Centre (Lehigh Arena) here. There are special times for Parent & Tot skating, Girls Stick and Puck, and Youth Shinny.

The Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre’s pool is currently closed but reopening soon – when it does, they run regular public swims. Contact PEFAC for rates.

The PEC Public Library offers a wide range of kids’ events throughout the week – check the Events calendar for details.

Three County Museums are open to the public from Wednesday-Sunday, 1-4 – Ameliasburgh Heritage Village, Macaulay Heritage Park, and Wellington Heritage Museum. Check their website for details.

More sunny day activities

Beaches are beautiful all year round! The facilities at Sandbanks (Outlet, Dunes, or Lakeshore Beach) close on October 31st and the facilities at North Beach close on October 1st, but you can still access both on foot. Wellington Beach is open and free to the public in the fall!

Enjoy art “en plein air” at the Oeno Gallery Sculpture Garden until October 31st. A new exhibition is installed each May, and the garden is open every day from dawn until dusk. Free, but donations welcome.

Escape Camp Picton offers one outdoor adventure (Master Spy Academy) and two indoor escape adventures (A Spy’s Workshop and The Secret Guild). Check out the “Age Restrictions” section in the FAQ for more info on playing with kids.