October is one of the best months to get out and explore Kingston and the surrounding area. Between the fall colours, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, Halloween events and a packed local events calendar, there’s plenty happening throughout the month.
Whether you're looking for something family-friendly, a fall day trip, live entertainment or something a little spooky, we've rounded up some of the best things to do in Kingston this October 2026.
Here’s what to add to your calendar.
Kingston WritersFest
Date: October 1–4, 2026
Location: Kingston Marriott, Downtown Kingston
Kingston WritersFest returns for four days of conversations, readings and workshops with local, Canadian and international writers. This year's festival brings readers and writers together for a full schedule of literary events in downtown Kingston. Kingston WritersFest
Fort Fright at Fort Henry
Date: October 2–11 & October 16–31, 2026
Location: Fort Henry, 1 Fort Henry Drive
One of Kingston's biggest Halloween traditions is back. Fort Fright transforms historic Fort Henry with scare actors, elaborate sets, animatronics, special effects and haunted experiences throughout the fort.
There are also select Dark Nights on October 8, 15, 22 and 29, when the attraction lights are turned off and visitors navigate using only a provided flashlight. Regular Fort Fright nights run on select dates rather than every night within the date ranges above, so check the schedule before heading out. Parks Ontario
Ruby’s Acres Alpaca Farm Fall Market
Date: October 3, 2026
Location: Ruby's Acres Alpaca Farm, Odessa
Looking for a quieter fall outing just outside Kingston? Head to Ruby's Acres Alpaca Farm in Odessa for a chance to spend some time in the country and meet the alpacas.
It's an easy local fall day trip for anyone looking to get outside and explore beyond Kingston.
Montreal Street Vintage Market
Date: October 4, 2026 · 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Montreal Street at Princess Street, Downtown Kingston
Spend a Sunday browsing vintage clothing, secondhand finds, handmade goods and local vendors at the Montreal Street Vintage Market.
The October 4 market is the final scheduled Montreal Street Collective street market of 2026, making it a good excuse for one more afternoon of outdoor shopping downtown before the season wraps up. Zap Records
Fall Walks at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
Dates: October 6, 9 & 30, 2026
Location: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, 1641 Perth Road
October is a great time to explore the trails at Little Cataraqui Creek, and Cataraqui Conservation has several guided fall events planned throughout the month.
October 6 features a Featuring Fall Guided Walk, October 9 brings a Fall Colours Forest Therapy Walk, and October 30 wraps things up with a Creatures of the Night Hike.
The October 6 walk, for example, takes visitors through the wetlands and forests to learn more about local wildlife and the changing fall landscape. Registration is required for scheduled programs. Visit Kingston
Kingston Witches Walk
Date: October 9, 2026 · 5:00–11:00 PM
Location: Skeleton Park & Downtown Kingston
Grab your best witchy attire because the Kingston Witches Walk is back.
This community event brings witches, wizards and magical beings together for an evening walk through Kingston, along with the signature group dance and spell. The event is inclusive, non-religious and supports local charities, with the 2026 walk supporting Kingston Interval House. Kingston Witches Walk
Fallin’ For Maple
Date: October 10, 2026
Location: Salmon River Sugar Bush, Tamworth
Take a short drive north of Kingston for a full Canadian fall day at Salmon River Sugar Bush.
Fallin' For Maple brings together local makers, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, corn maze, axe throwing, food, hot drinks and, of course, plenty of maple treats.
It's a fun option if you're looking for a fall day trip outside Kingston and want to enjoy the changing colours along the way. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Mctaggart Apiaries
Monster Trucks All Out
Date: October 10, 2026
Location: Napanee Fairgrounds, Napanee
For something completely different, Monster Trucks All Out is making a stop at the Napanee Fairgrounds with two shows at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Expect massive trucks, jumps, car-crushing stunts and freestyle competition, plus pre-show pit parties where fans can get a closer look at the trucks and meet the drivers. MonsterTrucks AllOut
Witch Market
Date: October 10, 2026 · 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: The Broom Factory, Kingston
Keep the Kingston Witches Walk festivities going the next day at the Witch Market.
The free, all-ages market brings together local vendors, makers and plenty of witchy wares for a Halloween-season shopping day at The Broom Factory. Kingston Witches Walk
Queen’s Homecoming Football Game
Date: October 17, 2026 · 1:00–4:00 PM
Location: Richardson Stadium
Homecoming weekend is a big one in Kingston, and the annual football game is right at the centre of it.
This year, the Queen's Gaels take on the Guelph Gryphons at Richardson Stadium. Expect plenty of tricolour and a lively game-day atmosphere as alumni return to Kingston for Homecoming weekend. Queen's University
The Hip Experience
Date: October 17, 2026
Location: The Spire, Kingston
Celebrate the music of The Tragically Hip right here in their hometown.
The Hip Experience brings the band's music to the stage for a night that should feel particularly fitting in Kingston — whether you've been listening to The Hip for decades or simply want a night of familiar Canadian music.
Wynn Farms Pumpkin Festival
Date: October 17–18, 2026 · 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Location: Wynn Farms, Greater Napanee
Make a fall day of it at Wynn Farms' Pumpkin Festival.
Kids' admission includes a small pre-picked pumpkin, pumpkin painting, cotton candy and admission to the farm's corn maze. It's an easy family-friendly fall outing within driving distance of Kingston. Bay of Quinte Region
Fall Vinyl Records Sale
Date: October 22–25, 2026
Location: Kingston Symphony Warehouse, 785 Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard, Unit 7A
Record collectors, this one's for you.
The Kingston Symphony's Fall Vinyl Records Sale features everything from pop and rock to jazz, blues, classical, folk and country. You'll also find CDs, DVDs, audio equipment and a Platinum Lounge with collectible and harder-to-find items.
The sale is run by Kingston Symphony Volunteers as a fundraiser in support of the Kingston Symphony. The Kingston Symphony
Wynn Farms Haunted Hallowynn
Date: October 23–24, 2026
Location: Wynn Farms, Greater Napanee
If a regular corn maze isn't spooky enough, Wynn Farms turns things up for Haunted Hallowynn.
Head out after dark for a Halloween-themed farm experience and a much spookier take on fall at Wynn Farms.
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny
Date: October 24, 2026 · 8:00 PM
Location: Slush Puppie Place, Downtown Kingston
International comedian Jimmy Carr brings his Laughs Funny tour to Kingston for one night at Slush Puppie Place.
If your ideal October Saturday involves comedy rather than haunted houses and pumpkin patches, this is one to add to the calendar. Ticketmaster
Lock & Kee: A Halloween Event
Date: October 24, 2026 · 5:00–9:00 PM
Location: Great Lakes Museum / S.S. Keewatin
Board the historic S.S. Keewatin for a Halloween mystery on Kingston's waterfront.
The ship's crew has fallen under a curse, and guests have 45 minutes to search for clues, solve puzzles and find a way off the ship. The escape-room-style experience is designed for groups of up to six and is recommended for ages 13+. Great Lakes Museum
Tett After Dark
Date: October 31, 2026 · 8:00 PM–Late
Location: Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning
End October with Halloween night at the Tett Centre.
For Tett After Dark, the building transforms into an enchanted forest filled with immersive installations, interactive art, live performances and experiences throughout the building. There will also be food, drinks, music and a silent auction.
This is a 19+ fundraising event, with proceeds supporting the Tett Centre's year-round arts programming and community initiatives. Kingston Arts Council
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Ongoing Things to Do in Kingston This October
Not everything needs a specific date. Some of the best fall activities around Kingston can be enjoyed throughout October.
Take a Fall Colours Trolley Tour
Dates: October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 & 25, 2026 · 1:00 PM
Departs From: Visitor Information Centre, 209 Ontario Street
See Kingston's fall colours without having to plan the route yourself.
The two-hour Fall Colours Trolley Tour travels from downtown Kingston toward Fort Henry, Kingston Mills, Sunbury and the Rideau Canal, with a stop at Waddell Farms along the way. Kingston Trolley Tours
Take a Haunted Walk Through Kingston
Dates: Available daily
Location: Multiple Kingston tour routes
Kingston's history lends itself particularly well to ghost stories.
The Haunted Walk offers several Kingston tours exploring haunted buildings, darker pieces of local history and some of the city's best-known ghost stories. October is probably the most fitting month of the year to try one.
Explore Kingston Haunted Walks
Pumpkin Patches Near Kingston
Looking for a pumpkin patch near Kingston? There are a few local options worth making a fall afternoon out of.
Fruition Berry Farm
Location: 3208 Hughes Road
Take a tractor-drawn wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch, explore the corn maze and pick out a pumpkin to bring home. Fruition is an especially easy option for families looking for a classic fall farm outing close to Kingston.
Wynn Farms
Location: 8191 Hwy 33, Greater Napanee
Wynn Farms combines its pumpkin patch with a themed corn maze, apple cider, caramel apples and other fall treats. Evening Moonlight Corn Maze dates also run throughout October for anyone who wants to visit after dark. Bay of Quinte Region
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Apple Picking Near Kingston in October
Apple season isn't over yet. If you missed September picking — or just want another excuse for cider and a drive through the fall colours — several orchards around Kingston continue their harvest season into October.
Waddell Apples
Location: 1345 Washburn Road, Kingston
Located along the Rideau Canal, Waddell Apples offers pick-your-own apples along with its historic 1830s log cabin farm store, cider and locally made products.
Loughborough Heritage Orchard
Location: 3371B Lakeside Road, South Frontenac
For something a little different, Loughborough Heritage Orchard specializes in organic heritage and vintage apple varieties. It's a beautiful rural stop north of Kingston during the fall.
Spring Meadow Orchards
Location: 10143 Loyalist Pkwy, Greater Napanee
Head west of Kingston for pick-your-own apples, including varieties such as Ambrosia, Empire and Honeycrisp. You can also make a day of it with cider donuts, candy apples, picnic areas and a mini corn maze.
Learn More
Make the Most of October in Kingston
October goes quickly around here.
Between the changing leaves, local farms, Halloween events, Queen's Homecoming and plenty happening throughout downtown Kingston, it's one of those months where there's almost always something worth adding to the weekend calendar.
Whether you're visiting Kingston, new to the area or have lived here for years, we hope this list gives you a few reasons to get out and enjoy fall locally.
And as always, double-check event dates, times and ticket availability with the organizer before heading out, as details can change.
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