Fall in PEC: Your October Guide to Festivals, Food and Fall Colour

Autumn is a good time to visit the County. The crowds thin out, the harvest is on, and the calendar is full of festivals, concerts and cozy dinners. Here’s what’s on in October, plus a few self-guided favourites.

Festivals and Big Days

PEC Chamber Music Festival (weekend 2) Date(s): Oct 2–4 Location: 335 Main St E, Picton, ON K0K 2T0, Canada Ticket: Weekend passes and a full festival pass are sold (prices on site) Description: A string-focused festival, including a recital by James Ehnes & Andrew Armstrong on Oct 3 and Four Play Cello 2 on Oct 4.	© Prince Edward County Chamber Music Festival
PEC Oyster Fest Date(s): Oct 4 Location: Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar Ticket: See pricee here Description: Live-fire cooking, oysters and the PEC Oyster Shucking Tournament.	© Sand and Pearl Oyster Bar
Scarecrow Festival Date(s): Oct 10–11 Location: Macaulay Heritage Park, Picton Ticket: Free grounds admission, scarecrow kits from $25 plus fees — Source Description: Build a scarecrow, try crafts and visit the fortune teller on Thanksgiving weekend.	© Terror at Macaulay
Tom Allen: J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow Date(s): Wed, Oct 14, 7:30–9:30 PM Location: The Andrew, Picton Ticket: $40 (purchase online) OR AT THE DOOR Description: Live music and storytelling.	© Tom Allen Productions
Wellington Pumpkinfest Date(s): Sat, Oct 17, 10 AM–5 PM Location: Main Street, Wellington Ticket: Free Description: The County’s biggest fall celebration, with a Main Street parade at 10:30 AM, giant pumpkin weigh-offs, a Kidzone, local vendors, food and live entertainment.	© Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest
Countylicious Date(s): Oct 22–Nov 15 Location: 28 participating restaurants across the County Ticket: Prix-fixe lunches $20–$40, dinners $40–$65 Description: The County’s fall dining festival, with special menus built around local ingredients.	© Visit the County
Terror at Macaulay Date(s): Sat, Oct 24, 6–9 PM Location: Macaulay House, Picton Ticket: Free admission — Source Description: A one-night haunted walk-through, with an optional “Scare Area”.	© Terror at Macaulay

Workshops and Experiences

Pink Tea at The Waring House Date(s): Sun, Oct 18, 1:30–4:30 PM Location: The Waring House Restaurant & Inn Ticket: Eventbrite Description: An afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and clotted cream.	© Women Worth & Wellness
Bloomfield Sign Painting Workshop Date(s): Sat, Oct 24, 10 AM–5 PM Location: Angeline’s Inn, Bloomfield Ticket: Eventbrite Description: Learn sign painting from a Toronto lettering artist. No experience needed, and lunch is included.	© Christopher Rouleau
Cabin Dreams Date(s): Tue, Oct 27, 6–8 PM Location: 191 Cressy Bayside Rd Ticket: Eventbrite Description: Outdoor tarot readings by the fire with warm apple cider.	© Qveen of Swords Tarot

October is a good time to see Prince Edward County. The crowds are smaller, the harvest is on and the calendar is full of festivals, concerts and dinners. Pick an event or two, then leave time to wander: festivals or a country road with fall colour.

Check each source link for current times and ticket details before you travel, and book dinner early if you’re planning around Countylicious, which runs through November 15. Pack a sweater, leave room in the trunk for apples and wine, and come back soon.