Here are 5 local activities to celebrate Thanksgiving long weekend

Oct 6, 2023 | Culture

Thanksgiving is right around the corner which means many families and friends will have an extra day to visit fun events in the GTA.

It is all about giving thanks and spending time with loved ones, so why not visit the events happening this long weekend?

Woodbridge Fall Fair

A white sign that says "Woodbridge Fairgrounds" in black coloured text and "Woodbridge Fall Fair" in a bright red colour.

The Woodbridge Fall Fair sign that visitors see before entering the fair grounds. Photo credit: Eleanor Kate Iglesia

The Woodbridge Fall Fair is the place to go for those looking for an old-fashioned setting that offers the feeling of being in the countryside.

The event has various activities for all ages, such as rides, games, a car and animal show, and live music. Agricultural, arts, photography, floriculture, and antiques competitions also take place.

Fair foods such as cotton candy, caramel corn, onion rings, French fries and candy apples will be available for sale.

James Maynard, the treasurer of the Woodbridge Agricultural Society, said he is proud of the non-profit event and how much it has accomplished throughout the 176 years it has been running.

“We are the closest fall fair to the city of Toronto, and we’re probably the only fair that you can take regular transit to,” he said.

The Woodbridge Fall Fair is at 100 Porter Ave., Woodbridge.

The event is open through the long weekend, but hours may differ on Thanksgiving day.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or by cash, debit or credit at the gates.

Pumpkinfest in Toronto and Richmond Hill

An information board of Parc Downsview Park - the information includes an overview of the the map and a trail guide information.

Pumpkinfest Toronto is located in Parc Downsview Park. As seen in the image above, the park provides a map of the grounds and a trail guide. Photo credit: Eleanor Kate Iglesia


There is also a family-friendly event happening in Toronto and Richmond Hill.

The Pumpkinfest includes midway rides, a bouncy castle, hayrides, train rides and much more. There are even daily performances and a PAW Patrol meet and greet.

Various food options will be available.

The event opens from Friday, Oct. 6, to Monday, Oct. 9, and hours may vary depending on the day.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gates. However, prices vary depending on the location.

Both Toronto and Richmond Hill have additional information for people interested.

Downey’s Farm

A stand-up board of a farmer holding a welcome sign and in the background there is a pumpkin patch and farm house that says "Downey’s".

Downey’s Farm's famous pumpkin patch and barn house is the first view visitors see when arriving at the farm. Photo credit: Eleanor Kate Iglesia


While some family-friendly events have rides and games, Downey’s Farm has animals, fruits and freshly baked goods.

The farm contains apple picking, a pumpkin fest play area, a farmyard, a corn maze and a pumpkin patch.

Downey’s Farm Market sells fresh free-range turkeys, pumpkin donuts, pies and other baked goods.

The event only requires tickets when attending the Pumpkin Fest play area. Prices may vary depending on the day, and tickets are only available online.

The farm is on 13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mississauga Harvest Fest

Harvest Fest is spelled out in giant letters on the ground, with pumpkins scattered around and rows of haystacks in the background.

Mississauga Harvest Fest is filled with fall decorations and activities, and can be found in parking lot six at Square One Shopping Centre. Photo credit: Eleanor Kate Iglesia


In the heart of Mississauga at Square One Shopping Centre, the third annual Harvest Fest is being held.

The free event includes haystack photo-ops, giveaways and contests, carousel and train rides, live performances and various food trucks.

The ten-day fest is open from now until Sunday, Oct. 8. However, hours may differ depending on the day.

For people interested in attending the Mississauga Harvest Fest, they can visit their official website for more information.

Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland

In the center of the image is a bright sign that says "Canada&squot;s Wonderland." In the lower one-third of the image are people lining up to get into the park.

People filling the the entrance of Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland as the freight night begins. Photo credit: Eleanor Kate Iglesia


Halloween Haunt offers good scares for those looking for a spooky night with family and friends.

The event has seven mazes, multiple scare zones throughout the park grounds, hundreds of monsters, roller coasters, and live entertainment.

In addition, Wonderland also offers Halloween treats such as candy apples, cake pops, cupcakes and much more.

Halloween Haunt is open Friday to Sunday nights, from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Guests must arrive at Haunt before 11 p.m., and re-entry to Haunt will not be permitted.

Children under 13 are not recommended to attend Halloween Haunt and guests are not allowed to wear make-up/costumes.

Canada’s Wonderland is open Saturday and Sunday for families to visit Camp Snoopy from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gates, but the prices may vary. This season’s pass holders are eligible to attend Halloween Haunt for free.