Business in the County This October: Debates, Small Business Week and the Fall Dining Rush

October has fewer business-specific events than it does festivals, but the ones that are on matter: a mayoral debate, regional Small Business Week, and a municipal election that decides who sets the tone for local business. Here’s the shortlist.

2026 Mayoral Candidates Debate Date(s): Mon, Oct 5, 6–9 PM (meet and greet 6–7, debate 7–9) Location: The Regent Theatre, 224 Picton Main St Ticket: Free Description: The PEC Chamber of Commerce, Quinte Home Builders Association and Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture host the three mayoral candidates. It’s already happened, but it’s useful context before voting.	© Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce
Bay of Quinte Small Business Week Date(s): Oct 19–23 Location: Across the Bay of Quinte region, including Loyalist College for the kickoff Ticket: Most events are free, but online registration is required and here is the full schedule Description: Run by the Belleville, PEC and Quinte West Chambers with BDC. It covers AI, productivity and business transitions, with free workshops, a Women in Business event, a business pitch expo and a Chamber mega mingle. The Quinte West page says the kickoff is “Monday, October 29”, which looks like a typo, so confirm the date on the schedule.	© Quinte West Chamber of Commerce
30th Quinte Business Achievement Awards Gala Date(s): Fri, Oct 23 Location: Bay of Quinte region (see source for venue) Ticket: $120.00 Description: The 30th annual awards celebrating business excellence across the region.	© QUINTE BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Countylicious Date(s): Oct 22–Nov 15 Location: 28 participating County restaurants Ticket: Diners pay $20–$40 for lunch and $40–$65 for dinner Description: The fall dining festival drives traffic to restaurants and local food suppliers. Participating businesses can promote their menus around it.	© Visit the County
Municipal Election Day Date(s): Mon, Oct 26, 10 AM–8 PM (advance voting Sat, Oct 17) Location: Assigned voting locations, or online Ticket: Free Description: Voters pick the mayor and councillors who will set local policy affecting businesses.	© Prince Edward County

Plan Ahead, Show Up, Connect

October is a good month to build relationships, find new ideas and get in front of customers. Small Business Week, the dining festival and a municipal election all give County businesses reasons to connect with each other and with the community.

Most Small Business Week events need online registration, so sign up early. Then keep an eye on the PEC Chamber’s channels for anything new, and confirm dates against the source links before you put them on your calendar. A little planning now can set you up well for the rest of the season.