Reading Time:  9 minutes -

Autumn in the Niagara region is a season of transformation. The air grows crisp, the vineyards glow with gold and crimson hues, and the calendar fills with festivals celebrating wine, food, music, art, and Halloween thrills. For travelers, this is one of the most rewarding times of year to explore Niagara Falls and its surrounding communities. Whether you are drawn to the vineyards, the arts, or the supernatural, the region offers an itinerary that pairs perfectly with the season’s beauty.

---

Niagara Grape & Wine Festival

September 5–28, 2025 | St. Catharines & Wine Country
Ontario’s wine country comes alive every September with this iconic harvest tradition. Discovery Passes unlock tastings across dozens of wineries, while Montebello Park in St. Catharines serves as the festival hub. From September 25–28, Montebello Park transforms into a culinary village featuring more than 100 VQA wines, food prepared by local chefs, and over 50 hours of live music. Highlights include the Grande Parade on September 27, drawing thousands to downtown St. Catharines, and the Pied Piper Parade on September 28, a family-focused celebration.

---

Cicada Music & Arts Festival

October 3–4, 2025 | Henley Island, St. Catharines
Henley Island becomes the stage for one of Ontario’s most beloved independent music gatherings. The 2025 lineup features Sam Roberts Band, Broken Social Scene, and 54•40, among others. Festivalgoers can also browse an artisan market, sample craft food and drink, and take in waterfront views that make this event uniquely Niagara.

Sam Roberts Band

Friday, October 3rd

Martindale Stage: 9:45 – 11:00pm

---

---

Warner Ranch Pumpkin Patch

September 1–November 1, 2025 | Niagara Falls
Pumpkin picking is a quintessential fall activity, and Warner Ranch delivers with fields full of every variety, from decorative gourds to massive prize pumpkins. Families can add a hayride, pony ride, or a turn through the corn maze for a day of harvest-themed fun. With no general admission charge, it is one of the most accessible family outings of the season.

---

Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival

October 10–13, 2025 | Ball’s Falls Conservation Area
A Thanksgiving weekend tradition since 1974, the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival blends heritage, culture, and family fun. More than 150 artisan vendors fill the historic conservation area with crafts, while food trucks, beer gardens, and local wineries ensure plenty of seasonal flavors. Families can explore the 1800s heritage village, enjoy live raptor shows, and join guided hikes along the Niagara Escarpment, surrounded by peak fall foliage.

---

Frightmare in the Falls

October 25–26, 2025 | Niagara Falls Convention Centre
One of North America’s most interactive horror conventions, Frightmare in the Falls dedicates 50,000 square feet to horror fandom. Visitors can meet film icons including David Arquette, Bill Moseley, and Michael Berryman, explore memorabilia exhibits, and attend panels with directors and actors. The event culminates in the official after-party on October 25, complete with celebrity appearances and a costume contest.

---

Haunt Manor

September 27–November 1, 2025 | Niagara Falls
Known as Canada’s largest haunted attraction, Haunt Manor builds an entire Halloween village on Lundy’s Lane. The 2025 season introduces “Nightmare on 13th Street Hayride” alongside multiple haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment. For travelers seeking a theatrical and adrenaline-pumping Halloween experience, Haunt Manor is unmatched.

---

Other Notable Fall Events in Niagara:

Niagara Falls Classic

(September 13th, 2025): Body builder showcase in Niagara Falls with athletes competing for a chance to earn a spot at the Toronto Pro Qualifier!

Inked Circus Tattoo Expo

(September 26-28th 2025) Our expo is a vibrant celebration of art, creativity, and self-expression, offering an unforgettable weekend for tattoo enthusiasts.

---

Sip Niagara

(October 4 to 5, 2025): Pair up your SIPS with yummy bites from local restaurants and chefs all while feeling the vibe with to live bands, DJs and check out the festivities with some of the coolest activations, SIP SPACES.

Culture Days

(September 19–October 12, 2025): Culture Days is a nationwide initiative that brings together creators, artists, community groups, and institutions to offer free arts and cultural experiences to the public.

Rock N’ Gem Show

(Oct 31st-Nov 2nd, 2025): Discover thousands of new crystals, gemstones, jewelry pieces, beads, and fossils at this spectacular event.

---

Alternate Events:

Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed

(Nightly, Niagara Parks Power Station)

Annual Blues Festival

(September 12 & 13, 2025, Old Falls St., Niagara Falls, NY 14303)

Harvest Pioneer Day

(September 20, 2025, Lincoln Museum, 3800 Main St. Jordan, ON)

---

FAQ: Fall Festivals and Events in Niagara 2025

What is the best time to see fall colors in Niagara?
Peak foliage typically occurs in early to mid-October, aligning with the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival and Thanksgiving weekend.

Do I need tickets for the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival?
General access to Montebello Park is free on most days, but tastings, seminars, and Discovery Passes at wineries require tickets.

Is Haunt Manor suitable for children?
Haunt Manor is designed for mature audiences who enjoy intense scares. Families with younger children may prefer Warner Ranch Pumpkin Patch or Boo at the Zoo at Safari Niagara.

Where can I watch fireworks at Niagara Falls in the fall?
Fireworks displays run through October 13, 2025, best viewed from Queen Victoria Park or along the Niagara Parkway.

Are pets allowed at Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival?
Pets are not permitted, except for valid service animals.

Do I need to buy Frightmare in the Falls tickets in advance?
Yes, advance purchase is strongly recommended. VIP and deluxe passes often sell out quickly.

---

With its blend of vineyard celebrations, cultural showcases, family harvest outings, and spine-tingling Halloween attractions, Niagara in fall 2025 offers an itinerary as vibrant as its autumn landscape. Whether planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, visitors will find every week brings a reason to celebrate