Experience the warmth and charm of Muskoka at the annual Bala Cranberry Festival! Spend a fall weekend exploring vibrant vendor markets, live music, family activities, interactive exhibits and cranberry-themed experiences throughout the picturesque town of Bala.

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FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
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- Browse local artisan vendors, crafts, food and specialty products

- Enjoy live music at various locations around the festival grounds

- Let kids enjoy inflatables, games and activities

- Hop aboard the Trackless Train

- Get creative with Cranberry Crafting by Muskoka Arts & Crafts

- Meet the roaming busker “Cranston Berry” and other performers

- Visit the Scales Nature Park Reptile Exhibit and Science North Exhibit

- Capture memories at the “In the Cranberries” photo booth

- Watch the Championship Woodcarving competition at Weismiller Farmers Market

- Explore Bala's shops, restaurants and additional cranberry-themed activities

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FAMILY FUN
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The festival offers plenty for kids and families, including:
- Trackless Train
- Inflatables
- Carnival-style games and activities
- Reptile exhibit
- Science North exhibit
- Cranberry-themed crafts
- Live entertainment and buskers


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Vendor markets
- Bala Plein Air art exhibition
- Inflatables, games and activities
- Trackless Train
- “In the Cranberries” photo booth
- Roaming buskers
- Live music, 11:00 AM–3:45 PM
- Championship Woodcarving at Weismiller Farmers Market

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM festival hours

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Vendor markets
- Scales Nature Park Reptile Exhibit
- Science North Exhibit
- Bala Plein Air art exhibition
- Trackless Train
- Inflatables, games and activities
- Cranberry Crafting with Muskoka Arts & Crafts
- “In the Cranberries” photo booth

10:00 AM–4:45 PM
- Live music

10:00 AM–4:00 PM
- “Cranston Berry” and Busker Square

Other Saturday activities around Bala include the Cranberry Christmas Bazaar, Peter Cowan Memorial Street Hockey Tournament, Duck Race at Bala Falls, chili, cranberry crêpes, cider and peameal on a bun, and live music.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM festival hours

9:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Vendor markets
- Bala Plein Air art exhibition
- Trackless Train
- Inflatables, games and activities
- Cranberry Crafting with Muskoka Arts & Crafts
- Scales Nature Park Reptile Exhibit
- Science North Exhibit
- “In the Cranberries” photo booth

10:00 AM–2:00 PM
- “Cranston Berry” and Busker Square

10:00 AM–1:45 PM
- Live music

12:00 PM
- Cranberry Queen Contest judging on the Main Stage

DOG-FRIENDLY
Well-trained, leashed dogs are welcome in all outdoor festival areas.

Service animals are permitted throughout the festival grounds, including indoor spaces, with proof of service animal registration.

ADMISSION
Festival activities listed as “Included in your festival admission” are part of the festival admission.

Some additional activities around Bala are separate and may have additional fees and/or require advance registration.

CRANBERRY EXPERIENCES AROUND BALA
- Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery - reservations required for activities; book online in advance

- Cranberry Christmas Bazaar

- Cranberry crêpes, cider and peameal on a bun

- Bala's Museum

- Chili at Bala United Church

- Phil's Sausage at Bala Legion

- Beer, food and live music at Jaspen Park

- Duck Race at Bala Falls

DATE & HOURS
Friday, October 16, 2026: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Saturday, October 17, 2026: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunday, October 18, 2026: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM


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GOOD TO KNOW
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- The festival runs Friday through Sunday.

- Many festival activities are included with festival admission.

- Some activities and attractions operated by local businesses are separate from festival admission and may require additional fees or pre-registration.

- Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery activities require reservations.

- Dogs must be well-trained and leashed in outdoor festival areas.

- Event schedules and entertainment may be subject to change.

Booking:
No booking required for general festival activities.
Some individual activities require advance registration/reservations.