Fall Events in Ottawa 2025: Pumpkin Patches, Apple Picking & Festivals

As the air turns crisp and the leaves glow in shades of gold, red, and amber, Ottawa transforms into a breathtaking autumn wonderland. This is the perfect time to explore various fall events Ottawa has to offer. Fall is one of my favourite seasons here in the capital — the kind that calls for cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and family adventures that create memories to cherish for years to come.

If you’re searching for the best fall events in Ottawa 2025, this guide is filled with everything from lively festivals to charming apple orchards and family-friendly pumpkin patches. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or a day trip beyond the city, here are the must-do fall events in Ottawa and the surrounding area.

Ottawa Festival Events

CityFolk Festival

Lansdowne Park | September 10–14
Kick off September with Ottawa’s biggest fall music event. CityFolk Festival brings together top folk, alternative, and indie performers under the autumn skies. Alongside the music, you’ll find delicious food trucks, craft beer, and artisan vendors that make this festival a true community celebration.

Latin Sparks Festival

LeBreton Flats | September 6
Imagine a massive Latin street party under the stars. With DJs, live bands, and energetic dance performances, it’s the perfect way to end summer and welcome fall in Ottawa. Bring your friends, grab some authentic bites, and dance the night away.

Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF)

Downtown Ottawa | September 24-28
For something a little different, the OIAF is North America’s largest animation festival. Film screenings, industry talks, and family-friendly workshops make this a creative must-see for movie lovers of all ages.

Metcalfe Fair

Metcalfe, ON | October 2–5
Step back into tradition at the Metcalfe Fair, a classic Ontario country fair. With agricultural displays, horse shows, midway rides, live music, and local crafts, it’s one of the region’s most anticipated fall events around Ottawa!

Carp Fair

Carp, ON | September 25–28
Known as the best little fair in Canada, the Carp Fair is packed with fun — from carnival rides and horse shows to craft exhibits and tasty fair food. It’s a wonderful day trip just outside the city.

Saunders Farm PumpkinFest & FrightFest

Munster, ON | September 20–November 2
Saunders Farm is a fall tradition for so many families. By day, enjoy PumpkinFest with hayrides, pumpkin picking, and famous hedge mazes. By night, the farm transforms into FrightFest with haunted attractions for thrill-seekers.

Apple Picking Events Near Ottawa

Nothing says fall quite like apple picking. Luckily, Ottawa is surrounded by orchards where you can spend the afternoon filling baskets, sipping cider, and enjoying farm-fresh treats. Make a day out of visiting one of these locations for a fall family event in Ottawa:

• Mountain Orchards (Kemptville): Famous for honeycrisp apples, wagon rides, and cider donuts.
• Log Cabin Orchards (Osgoode): A rustic orchard with pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and a cozy market.
• Cannamore Orchard (Crysler): Apple picking, pumpkin patch, and their spooky Acres of Terror event in October.

If you’re looking for the best apple picking near Ottawa in 2025, these orchards offer both charm and family fun.

Pumpkin Patch Events Around Ottawa

Pumpkin picking is a beloved Ottawa fall tradition — perfect for little ones to explore, for photos among the vines, or for finding that one “just right” pumpkin for your front porch.

• Millers Farm & Market (Manotick): Pumpkins, gourds, wagon rides, and a bustling farm market.
• Proulx Farm (Cumberland): Known for its pumpkin patch, wagon rides, and family fun weekends.
• Saunders Farm (Munster): Double the fun — pumpkins plus mazes and seasonal activities.

Families searching for pumpkin patches in Ottawa 2025 won’t want to miss these farms.

Fall Colours & Outdoor Adventures

Of course, one of Ottawa’s most magical fall experiences is simply stepping outside.

• Fall Rhapsody in Gatineau Park: From late September to mid-October, the rolling hills burst into fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow. Free NCC shuttle services run on weekends, making it easy to take in the views.
• Local Ottawa Trails: Rockcliffe Park, Mer Bleue Bog, and Major’s Hill Park are just a few of the stunning spots to enjoy crisp fall walks and family picnics.

For the most breathtaking fall colours in Ottawa, these trails and parks are unforgettable.

Ottawa in the fall is pure magic — whether you’re dancing at a festival downtown, wandering through pumpkin fields, or watching your children run through apple orchards with sticky cider-sweet smiles. These Ottawa fall events in 2025 are the perfect way to celebrate the season and create memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Which tradition will you be adding to your calendar this year — a pumpkin patch visit, a crisp autumn hike, or a lively festival?

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Are you expecting this year? Check out this blog post to help you with choosing the perfect newborn photographer for your growing family. And get ahead with packing your hospital bag here.