Savour September: 48 events across South Eastern Ontario this month

Sweet September! Fall is just around the corner, and South Eastern Ontario has brilliant events to usher in a new season. Move beyond back to school and experience local farms, live music, cycling, studio tours and classic fall fairs. Read on for 48 events to look forward to this September.

1. Throughout September: Hall’s Apple Market Pick Your Own Brockville
Nothing says fall like picking apples! Hall’s Apple Market in Brockville is ready to welcome your family for the traditional experience with extra family fun. Pick your own starts Labour Day weekend and typically runs until Thanksgiving. Bring the whole family to enjoy a playground, wagon rides, cider, and explore the country store to savour baked goods and apple boutique offerings!

2. September 4: The Lightfoot Band, Brockville

The original members of Gordon Lightfoot’s band are keeping his music alive! Presenting the Songs Of Gordon Lightfoot, these seasoned musicians collaborated with Gordon on his world famous recordings and toured extensively with him across North America and around the world. See them live at the Brockville Arts Centre!

3. September 4 to 19: Live music at the theatre in Cornwall
Theatre and live music is taking a front row seat this September in Cornwall! The Port Theatre and The Aultsville Theatre are both alive with music this month, ranging from a Led Zeppelin tribute and Grease Tribute to the National Arts Centre Orchestra performing Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony!

4. September 5 and 6: Belleville Downtown Blues Fest
Get your toes tapping at this epic blues fest that takes place all over Downtown Belleville on September 5 and 6! With workshops and special performances added into the mix, it’s sure to be a memorable time of fantastic music! Admission is free with donations of cash or food to Gleaners Food Bank, Quinte. Look for artists, the schedule and location list and plan to attend!

5. September 5 to 7: St. Lawrence Writers Festival, Brockville

The Arts Hub is celebrating Canadian creativity with this new event for writers and readers alike! Explore the power of words through engaging panels, author talks, poetry, comedy and unique events. Highlights include best-selling author Linwood Barclay and Terry Fallis, CBC’s Ali Hassan, and award-winning writer, Wayne Johnston. A welcoming and meaningful event!

6. September 5 to 7: Festival of the Banjo at Hotel Wolfe Island
This celebration of the banjo features concerts, workshops by featured artists, jam sessions and family-friendly fun and musical gatherings!

7. September 6: W3G&CO Fall Fest Extravaganza
Expect more than 80 vendors! Join in the fun at the annual Fall Fest Extravaganza at the beautiful Williamstown Fairgrounds. With vendors, food trucks, and so much more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. you’ll find everything from home décor to treats, crafts to clothing, woodworking to jewellery and flowers.

8. September 6 and 7: Akwesasne Powwow
Witness the best Native dancers, drummers and artisans from the region during this vibrant cultural experience! Taking place September 6 to 7, 2025, at Lamoureux Park, Tsikaná:taien/Cornwall, the Akwesasne Pow-Wow is the place to enjoy a one-of-a-kind music and dancing, to shop the beautiful creations of talented First Nations artisans and enjoy great food and great company.

9. September 6 and 7: Fireball Enduro at Cornwall Motor Speedway
Edge of your seat action! The Cornwall Motor Speedway is one of the premier dirt track facilities in North America. Multiple events take place during this two-day event, like trailer racing, a backwards race, van race and more! It’s one of the most popular track events of the racing calendar for a reason!

10. September 6 and 7: L&A Studio Tour
Enjoy a weekend exploring unique artwork! The L&A Studio Tour is a self-guided tour visiting 16 different studios while getting to know 35 artists. The route takes visitors through peaceful rural areas, historic towns, villages, and hamlets. Meet the artists, learn about their process, see demos, and purchase artwork! New this year: there are four hub locations with a total of 15 artists!

11. September 6: Connie Kaldor at Leopard Frog Farm
Triple Juno-Award-winner, Connie Kaldor, is known as one of Canada’s finest songwriters as well as being a member of the Order of Canada. She is celebrating 45 years in music this year and is performing live at Leopard Frog Farm the afternoon of Sept. 6. Don’t miss it!

12. September 6: Discover L&A Ride
This annual road cycling event draws 500 cyclists, is 56 km and is regarded as one of the best fun rides in the region. Grab some friends and explore L&A County on two wheels!

13. September 6: Baitfuel Fishing Tour Championship
This elite professional bass series is reeling in a championship in Gananoque! More than 45 teams in the BFT Shimano TOY standings will have the opportunity to prove their skills by choosing the river or the lake. Joel Stone Park is the tourney headquarters with a wrap-up barbecue before the awards ceremony at the Lou Jefferies Arena on Sunday.

14. September 7: 50th anniversary celebration at Great Lakes Museum Kingston
The Great Lakes Museum in Kingston is celebrating a great milestone! Be a part of this special day of festivities honouring half a century of connecting to the region’s maritime heritage. Visitors to the family-friendly celebration can take part in children’s activities, community and heritage organization booths, live music and behind-the-scenes museum tours. For one day only, the museum is also offering exclusive 20-minute “sneak peek” tours of the S.S. Keewatin, the world’s last surviving Edwardian-era passenger steamship. 

15. September 11 to 21: Prince Edward County Chamber Music Festival
Showcasing internationally acclaimed artists in a series of classical concerts at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church in Picton, this Chamber Music Festival has gained a loyal following! For 2025, the festival continues to present the finest of Canada’s musicians, offering a deep exploration into Western chamber music. Look for a baroque ensemble, cello, storytelling performance, string quartet, workshops, an exciting fusion trio and much more!

16. Throughout September and October: Open Farm Days
Celebrate farming and food in Frontenac and Kingston! Starting in September, learn about farms firsthand by touring local farms with the farmers themselves. Walk through rows of veggies and flowers during harvest or enjoy a delicious culinary experience. Get a deeper understanding of where food comes from and appreciate the connection to the land.

17. Sept. 12 to 14: Farms Open Quinte and Hastings
The first Farms Open is taking place this month in Quinte and Hastings! Enjoy a self-guided tour of participating locations, meet the passionate growers, producers, and hosts behind the scenes, and hear their inspiring stories about why they love what they do!

18. September 13: Bath Artfest hosted by The Hive
This is a celebration of creativity and community in Centennial Park on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcomes more than 30 local artists, live music, and delicious food! It's a great opportunity to explore, connect, and support the vibrant art scene. Find painters, potters, jewellers, fashion makers, glass artists and more!

19. September 13: Cornwall Culture Fest
Showcasing the rich culture that defines Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Cornwall, and Akwesasne! With 60 exhibitors, crafts, arts, food from around the world as well as diverse music, dance performances and cultural demonstrations in Lamoureux Park.

20. September 13: Gather in Frontenac
A culinary event in Frontenac, Gather allows the discovery of farms and food makers through a culinary journey. Tour eight stations offering a food and drink pairing with ingredients from Frontenac County!

21. September 13, 26, 27: Stargazing at the Dark Sky Viewing Area
You’ll have stars in your eyes! See the night sky as it was 100 years ago – remarkable views await at Ontario’s most southerly point to offer a clear night sky unobstructed from light pollution! From dusk til dawn, the Dark Sky Viewing Area opens up a world of wonder. The popular laser-guided stargazing tour on September 26 and 27 is a great way for novice stargazers to get to know the night sky, or be a part of the Dark Sky Triple Feature on Sept. 13!

22. September 13: Beautiful View Music Festival in Belleville 
There’s a new music festival in town! Beautiful View Music Festival is coming to Belleville Sept. 13 as a new indie festival organized by acclaimed artists who live locally. See super live music at various locations throughout BoQ!

23. September 13: Doors Open Belleville
Since 2002, Doors Open Belleville has unlocked exploration across the city! This year, 15 sites are free to visit, with volunteers ready to provide information and a tour of the facilities. 

24. September 13: Princess Street Promenade
Princess Street Promenade welcomes more than 100 businesses and community groups for a day of family fun and discovery! Princess Street is buzzing with interesting wares, activities, sales and for the first time and welcome back for students. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., stroll the car-free street and dive into a celebration of local shops, delicious eats, and family-friendly fun. Then, from 6 to 9 pm, the party moves to the stage at Princess and Ontario with a free live show by Lukas Oak, Kyra and local indie rock favourites, Kasador. 

25. September 13: Spirit Fair and Mystical Market at the Historic SDG Jail

From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., explore the first Spirit Fair and Mystical Market, organized by Chrismystical Market. The halls, cells, and courtyards of the Historic SDG Jail will be filled with gifted vendors offering psychic readings, tarot, energy sessions, handmade spiritual tools, and more. Whether you’re seeking insight, connection, or simply a night of soulful curiosity, you’ll find something to stir the senses.

26. September 13: Merrickville Makers Market
More than 60 makers onsite with unique handcrafted items! Free admission, outdoors at the Merrickville Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find everything from pottery to stained glass and from woodworking to textiles!

27. September 13: Taste! Community Grown in PEC
Celebrate local farms, makers, growers, chefs and more during Taste! Community Grown at Macaulay Heritage Park in Prince Edward County. Featuring a vendor market, PEC Wine Passport and much more.

28. September 13: Fall Weekend at Upper Canada Village
Mark your calendars for a weekend like no other - be transported back in time to a dazzling 1860s Fall Fair! From farm animals to dairy products, vegetables to flowers and apple cider, old-fashioned games to magic shows, it’s a weekend the whole family will enjoy!

29. September 18 to 21: Kingston WritersFest
Known as one of the top festivals in the country, Kingston WritersFest tells its tale from Sept. 18 to 21. The lineup for the annual festival is exciting, no matter if your go-to genre is food writing, fiction, social issues or spoken word, aiming to inspire and engage at this readers and writers festival. Hear top Canadian and international authors' readings, conversations, performances and even master classes during the festival! Discover the lineup!

30. September 19 to 21: PEC Studio Tour

The numbers don’t lie: more than 60 artists in 39 studio locations celebrating the brilliance of local artists! This free tour sees studios open their doors to the public for three days. Map out a self-guided route and have fun exploring the County’s creative side! This free event, presented by PEC Arts Council, is an annual favourite! 

31. September 19 to 21: Ontario Culture Days, Gananoque
A weekend of free and inclusive events for all with music, storytelling and a parade! This special event features internationally acclaimed musician, David Maracle, and Toronto artist and large-scale puppet maker, Catherine Moeller. Gan Arts Fest presents Fish Tales: a celebration of legend, lore and life where rivers meet. 

32. September 19 and 20: Black Creek Pro Rodeo and After Party at Lombardy
Giddy up to the third annual Black Creek Pro Rodeo and After Party in the Barn at the Lombardy Agricultural Hall, presented with Lombardy Agricultural Society! Experience the thrill of the rodeo with bull riding, barrel racing and more. Cap the night off with live music by Highway Sunrise and The Derringers.

33. September 20: Lyndhurst Turkey Fair
The Lyndhurst Turkey Fair struts into town on Saturday, September 20 and is set to be a gobbling good time! This free day of family fun sees thousands of people come to Lyndhurst to experience antique cars, prize draws, silent auction, petting zoo, sidewalk sales, crafts, meet a mermaid, music, and so much more!

34. September 20: Hops on the Water Bay of Quinte
Grab your favourite people and get your tickets for Hops on the Water Craft Beer Festival today! Recognized as one of the Top 100 festivals in Ontario, Hops on the Water features specialties from local craft breweries and beverage makers from across the Bay of Quinte region. This year’s event also features live music, roaming buskers, interactive games and activities!

35. September 20: Iroquois Apple Fest
The Iroquois Apple Fest is a bushel of fun for the whole family! With a night parade, “cutest apple dumpling” baby contest, live music, baking contests, chicken dinner, live music, car show and much more, it’s bound to be a good time. How do you like them apples?!

36. September 20: Westporch Festival
Front porches become a showcase for regional artists, musicians, activities and treats! Set for Sept. 20 in Westport, it’s a free outdoor walking tour of the village with fabulous live music enlivening porches throughout the day. Be sure to check out the pre-party and after-party with more great live music! Experience this village-wide, family-friendly, happy event.

37. September 20: Readings and Holistic Fair Gananoque 
Silver Bee Goddess is offering Spirit Communication readings on Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lou Jefferies Arena in Gananoque. With various readers, mediums, psychics, intuitives and healing practitioners, as well as crystal supplies, it’s sure to be enlightening.

38. September 21: Autumn Open House at Wintergreen Studios
Drop in to Wintergreen Studios during the Autumn Open House to learn about the land, unique buildings, programs and retreats there. Stay for an Autumn Equinox Labyrinth Walk that afternoon.

39. September 21: Soul Float Open Event at the Love Loft PEC
A deeply restorative experience, Soul Floats guide your body and mind into a deep rest, release and realignment, with Reiki and intentional sound coming together as a guide. 

40. September 25: Harvest for Hospice Night Market, Kemptville
Kick off fall festivities at the beautiful Kemptville Campus with supporting local artisans from across Eastern Ontario! Enjoy shopping as well as live music, buskers, kids zone, tarot readings, face painting, delicious foods, and more!

41. September 26: Art After Dark in Downtown Kingston
Light up the night with Art After Dark, when galleries and art-enthusiastic businesses in downtown Kingston showcase stunning art for a super night of art, live music, shopping and connection. Be inspired on Friday, September 26, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Art After Dark!

42. September 27: Belleville Porchfest
This free, family-oriented event sees porches in the city sparkle with live music on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. Presented by the Rotary Club of Belleville, join in for a neighbourhood celebration of music where East Hill residents perform on front porches to an audience that moves from house to house. Belleville Porchfest is now in its 16th year and has become a beloved fall event. Enjoy a tune or two and don’t forget the after party!

43. September 27: Oktoberfest in PEC

Handcrafted brews, a full day of live music, inspired games - sounds like a great time! Food and drinks are available all day at Parsons Brewing Company.

44. Fridays and Saturdays in September: Moonlight Corn Maze Wynn Farms
Chill in this year’s Arctic Maze theme at Wynn Farms! Each year, the theme changes, but the quality and challenging fun for visitors of all ages remains the same. September is a busy month at Wynn Farms with the flower farm still blooming, the apple orchard in full swing, and the corn maze delighting visitors. Looking for some evening fun? Look here for Moonlight Corn Maze days on Fridays and Saturdays throughout September. Grab a cup of fresh hot apple cider and your flashlight, and do the maze in the dark! Afterwards, warm up around the fire.

45. September 27 to 28: Merrickville Arts Guild Studio Tour
Celebrating 40 years! This legendary studio tour allows visitors to go at their own pace, discovering Merrickville and the area’s nationally and internationally renowned artists and craftspeople in their own studios and galleries. Watch them create, discuss their processes and buy original works directly from the artists!

46. September 27: Delta Harvest Festival 

Celebrate all things harvest at the Delta Harvest Festival – a true community fall festival. Set for Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, vendors line the main street and craft vendors can be found at the Fairgrounds along with live music and a car show. The Old Stone Mill is open for tours with a milling demonstration in the afternoon. Blacksmithing demonstrations are a favourite for visitors in the blacksmith shop beside the Mill. The Old Town Hall is home to Friends of the Mill, featuring a variety of food, fresh-baked goodies, flowers and preserves!

47. September 27: Soiree in the Field, Kemptville
Lavender Mills Farm presents Soiree in the Field - an unforgettable early autumn luxury harvest picnic. It’s a picture-perfect celebration of friendship and fall!

48. September 27 and 28: Apples & Art Tour, SDG Counties
Celebrating 34 years of the Apples & Art Tour! Enjoy art in the spaces where it is created. Meet the artists, chat and see their work in a natural setting. The tour features a variety of artists who work with paint, ink, clay, fine stones, wood and glass to create original pieces of art.

No matter where you end up in SEO this September, we know it will be the best combination of harvest, community and fun (with a hint of pumpkin spice!).