From tapping into your artistic side to learning about this community we call home, there are so many fun things to see and do in the Waterloo Region this fall. Check out some of our favourite fall activities for the whole family to enjoy this season. While you’re making plans for what to see next, don’t forget to book your family in for any of the events that require tickets or reservations… enjoy!
Explore St. Jacobs Passport
Located in the township of Woolwich in Waterloo Region, St. Jacobs is a community and former village located just north of the City of Waterloo. Explore the historic St. Jacobs Market District this fall to enjoy a cultural, culinary and retail retreat! Renowned for its boutique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, a craft brewery and its small-town charm, this is the perfect spot to spend a sunny fall afternoon.
You can even sign up for the St. Jacobs Passport to receive exclusive offers from local businesses. Participating businesses include Block Three Brewing Company, EcoCafé, The Tasting House and more!
Walktoberfest
St. Jacob’s Village is hosting several events to kick off Oktoberfest! Continue reading to find out what’s coming:
The Change Adventure Race Around The Village is a run for all levels of athletes to participate in an action-packed day! Choose from race options ranging from a family experience for you and your mini adventurers or a beginner-friendly trek. To learn more, click here.
This year, Blocktoberfest is on September 23rd at Block Three Brewing and the Optimist Club of St. Jacobs. Enjoy a Family picnic BBQ and then at night kick off your Oktoberfest celebrations – St. Jacobs style! This is a two-night event filled with live music, delicious food, and of course beer! To learn more, click here.
You won’t want to miss St. Jacob’s Pumpkin Parade! On October 28th & 29th take your kids trick-or-treating at the spooky tent for free Halloween candy! Don’t miss the chance to enter to win a costume or pumpkin contest! To learn more, click here.
Fall Fun at Snyder’s Family Farm
Daytime Activities
If you’re looking to spend a fun day out with the kids, this one’s for you! Take a visit to the Snyder’s Family Farm where you can spend the day riding on hayrides, navigating through a corn maze, walking through a spooky haunted house and so much more! Make a day of it by visiting their licensed patio and bakery where you can enjoy fresh pizza, nachos and popcorn. We highly recommend trying a freshly baked butter tart while you’re there – you won’t regret it! Click here, to book now.
Nighttime Activities
Experience a fall campfire with the family at Snyder’s Family Farm! Why spend those crisp and clear autumn nights inside? Grab your cozy sweater and enjoy your own private pod with your friends and family and sit around a warm, lit fire. Your evening will consist of great company and roasting S’mores and hot dogs provided by Snyder’s Family Farm! If that doesn’t satisfy you, you can order more delicious items from The Sweets and Spirits Bar. Click here, to book now.
Kinderfest Fall Fair
On Saturday, October 1st, from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Bingemans is hosting the Region’s newest fall festival with fun for the whole family to enjoy! It’s not a fair without carnival rides and inflatables, so hop on a few rides with your kids and let your inner child out. Get creative and participate in pumpkin cookie decorating activities or have your face painted! Try the spread of fall treats and drinks while you’re there and end your evening off at the open-fire S’mores roasting station. To learn more, click here.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
This year’s Oktoberfest celebration will be one to remember! You won’t want to miss out on opening ceremonies starting off the celebration on September 23rd. Bring out the lederhosen and dirndl to get your festival on at one of our region’s “Micro-Festhallen” this year. Participating venues will feature live Oktoberfest entertainment, food specials and beer pairings from September 23 – October 15. To learn more about Oktoberfest, click here.
Get the kids involved at Kidtoberfest on October 7th, which will be featuring traditional music and dancing, curriculum-based learning stations, and guided activities created in partnership with various local arts organizations. To learn more, click here.
While you’re celebrating, don’t forget to support one of the most important events at this festival, the Onkel Hans Food Drive. The Thanksgiving Day Parade is back this year – make sure to bring with you a non-perishable food item and cash donations for the collection crews and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. To learn more, click here.
Paint, Sip and Eat Pie
Have you ever been to a fall-inspired paint event where you get to have pie and apple cider? Well, now is the time! Come out and embrace your inner artist with the added bonus of sipping cider and eating pie with your friends and family! This event is located in The Sunday Studio in Kitchener – an event space that specializes in curating and delivering memorable and unique experiences! To learn more, click here.
Taste the Countryside
St. Jacobs is pleased to announce this year’s Taste the Countryside event is back on October 5th. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a 4-course menu with a unique farm-to-table experience! You won’t want to miss out on a delicious harvest feast to treat your taste buds with local ingredients and optional beverage pairings. This meal will be prepared by the best chefs working together to deliver an interactive, full-course dining experience. To learn more, click here.
Halloween Adventure – Release a Cambridge Ghost
Starting September 24th – October 29th, Cambridge Mountview Cemetery has created an escape room, scavenger hunt, geocaching and amazing race all wrapped up in one great adventure that is indeed a spine-tingling true story! You will drive to the witching forest, murder scene, and a haunted cemetery to practice your ghost defence skills. You will then return to release the ghost of Emma Orr. To learn more, click here.
Explore Local Trails
The fall season is one of the best times of the year to go for a hike. There’s truly nothing better than heading outside on a crisp fall day to see the leaves change. Lucky for us, the Waterloo Region is traced with so many beautiful trails to explore! Check out our top hiking trails blogs (part 1 and part 2) to plan your next outdoor adventure!
Get Social With Us
Did we miss your favourite fall activity? Let us know! Send us a direct message or a photo of your favourite spot to @builtbyactiva on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social pages!