Fall is officially in full swing, and while Toronto is packed with seasonal things to do, one of Ontario’s most beloved harvest celebrations is just a short road trip away.
From October 16 to 18, 2026, the charming Muskoka village of Bala will once again come alive for the Bala Cranberry Festival, a three-day celebration that has been drawing visitors to the region for more than 40 years.
Known as the “Cranberry Capital of Ontario,” Bala has been celebrating its signature crop since 1984. The festival has become a major annual event for the small Muskoka community, attracting visitors with its combination of local shopping, live entertainment, food and plenty of cranberry-themed activities.
Rather than being confined to a single fairground, the festival spills throughout the village, making it an ideal excuse for a fall day trip or weekend getaway from Toronto.
Hundreds of vendors will set up throughout the festival, with arts and crafts, local products, food and plenty of opportunities to browse for unique finds. There will also be live music, entertainers, family-friendly activities, a trackless train, inflatables, games, a cranberry-themed photo booth and more.
Food is another major part of the weekend. You can grab the festival’s famous cranberry crêpes, along with cider and peameal on a bun from Trinity All Saints Anglican Church, while the Bala United Church will be serving up homemade chili.
One of the weekend’s most anticipated traditions is the Duck Race at Bala Falls, taking place Saturday at 3 p.m. Visitors can purchase a duck at Legeis Parkette before the race and watch as they make their way down the falls, with a prize going to the winner.
Get up close with the cranberry harvest
No trip to the Bala Cranberry Festival would be complete without a visit to Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, formerly Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh.
The farm is one of the highlights of the weekend, offering seasonal activities including its famous Cranberry Plunge, where visitors can wade into a marsh filled with floating cranberries, as well as wagon tours through the cranberry fields and wine experiences. Harvest activities are available throughout the festival weekend, but reservations are required and activities are purchased separately from festival admission.
The farm is also part of the broader Muskoka Cranberry Route, which returns from September 25 through October 18 with more than 45 stops across Muskoka. The route highlights cranberry-inspired food, drinks, baked goods and other creations from local businesses throughout the region.
The Details
For 2026, a single-day festival pass costs $10 when purchased online in advance or $15 at the gate. Children five and older are $5, while kids are free on Friday. A three-day weekend pass costs $15 online in advance or $20 at the gate, with children five and older priced at $8.
You can check out more details and grab your passes here on their website.
