What's Happening in Muskoka - September 2026

MUSKOKA LIFE REALTY | SEPTEMBER 2026 BLOG

Fall fairs, local food, art, live entertainment and the first brilliant hints of autumn colour

Muskoka in SeptemberSeptember may be one of Muskoka's best kept secrets. The lakes are still beautiful, the roads and villages are a little quieter, and the first touches of red and gold begin to appear along the shoreline. It is a wonderful month to enjoy the region at a slower pace, whether that means visiting a fall fair, shopping from local makers, watching an endurance paddling race or simply taking a walk beside the water.Here are some of the events and experiences to look forward to across Muskoka this September.

Early September highlights
Food Truck WarsSeptember 1 to 30 | Locations across North MuskokaThroughout September, nine participating food trucks in Huntsville, Emsdale, Port Sydney, Deerhurst, Hillside and Dwight are serving special dishes in support of Community Living Huntsville. It is a fun excuse to explore, eat locally and see which truck takes home the 2026 title.Event details

Music on the BargeSunday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. | Gull Lake Rotary Park, GravenhurstThe final Music on the Barge concert of the 2026 season features Mountain Music and Chicken Fried, an evening of country favourites performed from Gravenhurst’s much loved floating stage. Admission is by freewill offering, so bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music beside the lake.Event details

Muskoka River XSeptember 11 to 13 | Algonquin Park and the Muskoka watershedOne of the region’s most remarkable endurance events returns for its thirteenth season. Teams will set out at dawn and navigate an undisclosed route using course instructions and topographic maps. Even if you are not racing, it is an impressive celebration of paddling, backcountry skill and the waterways that define this part of Ontario.Event details

Huntsville's Harvest FeastSaturday, September 12 | Main Street, HuntsvilleDowntown Huntsville welcomes the season with live music, autumn inspired food, flowers, horse and wagon rides and activities for all ages. Come hungry and plan time to browse the shops along Main Street while you are there.Event details

Severn Bridge Fall FairSaturday, September 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Severn Bridge FairgroundsCelebrating its 151st year, this traditional country fair brings together agricultural displays, a horse show, exhibits, vendors and heritage activities. It is a relaxed, family friendly way to experience Muskoka’s rural side.Event details

Mid month traditions

Bracebridge Fall Fair and Horse ShowSeptember 18 to 20 | J.D. Lang Activity Park, BracebridgeA Muskoka tradition for more than 150 years, the Bracebridge Fall Fair celebrates the farming season with exhibits, livestock, horses, entertainment and midway fun. Gates open Friday evening and the fair continues throughout Saturday and Sunday. Please note that pets are not permitted unless they are registered service animals or part of a competition or exhibit.Event details

The Musical Legacy of ChicagoSaturday, September 19 at 8:00 p.m. | Gravenhurst Opera HouseBrass Transit brings the unmistakable sound of Chicago to the historic Gravenhurst Opera House. At the time of writing, the performance is listed as sold out, but it may still be worth checking the box office for any ticket updates or returns.Event details

The final weekend of September

Huntsville Fall FairSeptember 25 to 27 | Huntsville FairgroundsThe 144th Huntsville Fall Fair features a midway, exhibits and live music throughout the weekend. It is a lively community tradition and a lovely way to round out the month as the autumn colours deepen.Event details

Gravenhurst Autumn Arts TourSeptember 26 and 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Studios and locations across GravenhurstThis free, self guided tour showcases the work of more than 60 artists from across Muskoka. Visitors can meet makers, visit working studios and discover painting, pottery, jewellery, woodwork and other original pieces against a beautiful autumn backdrop.Event details

Downtown Bracebridge Autumn Art MarketSaturday, September 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Manitoba Street, BracebridgeLocal artists, live demonstrations, artisanal food and entertainment come together for an open air art market in the heart of downtown Bracebridge. It pairs perfectly with lunch and a stroll through the shops.Event details

Harry Manx at Sandhill NurserySaturday, September 26 | Sandhill Nursery, HuntsvilleThe Huntsville Festival of the Arts presents an atmospheric evening of blues, folk and Indian classical influences surrounded by the textures and colours of fall at Sandhill Nursery.Event details

Cranberry Harvest BeginsSeptember 26 to October 25 | Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery, BalaLate September marks the beginning of cranberry harvest season in Bala. Visitors can see the bogs at their most colourful and choose from seasonal farm experiences and trails. The store and café area can be visited without a farm pass, while activities beyond that area require admission.Event details

A few more ways to enjoy SeptemberVisit a farmers’ market. The Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Huntsville markets continue into September, offering local produce, baked goods and handmade finds.Take an early fall hike. Huckleberry Rock, Hardy Lake and the trails around Limberlost Forest are especially lovely as the leaves begin to turn.Plan a quiet lake day. September often brings crisp mornings and warm afternoons, ideal for paddling, boating or lingering on the dock. Always check local conditions before heading out.Explore Muskoka’s main streets. Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Bala and Port Carling all have locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants worth discovering.

September has its own kind of magicSummer may be winding down, but Muskoka certainly is not. September brings together the best of cottage country: beautiful scenery, strong community traditions, local food, art and plenty of reasons to spend time outdoors.If you are considering buying or selling in Muskoka, or simply wondering what life here looks like beyond the height of summer, I would be delighted to help.