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September 2026

Fall fair season has arrived. Follow the sweet scent of mini doughnuts and candy apples and the sound of the midway at can't-miss fairs happening across Durham Region this September.



Hit the back roads and discover rides, games, demolition derbies, livestock displays, entertainment and all your favourite fair treats. From Beaverton, Blackstock and Orono to Port Perry, Sunderland and Uxbridge, each of these Durham fairs put their own spin on this beloved family tradition. Whether you're reliving childhood memories or creating new traditions, make time for a classic fair day. 

Autumn only comes once a year. Make the most of it by enjoying the season's simplest pleasures. Think fresh-baked pies, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, warm drinks and leisurely drives through Durham's quiet countryside. 

Gather at the Farm is your go-to guide for farm festivals, events and farm markets across the region. September kicks off the fall festivities with apple-picking and one-of-a-kind farm adventures like digging your own potatoes straight from the field.

Good food tastes even better when it's local. This September, celebrate Local Food Month by exploring Durham Region one delicious stop at a time. From farmers' markets and roadside farm stands to bakeries, farm-to-table restaurants and craft beverage producers, Durham is full of fresh flavours. 

Turn a weekend drive into a culinary adventure as you sample freshly-picked produce, sip locally crafted beverages and savour dishes made with locally grown ingredients at Feast On® certified restaurants. Be sure to check out Trailicious in Uxbridge, a month-long celebration of local food and culinary events. 

Along the way, you'll meet the farmers, makers and chefs who make Durham a delicious food destination.

Apple season is one of the sweetest signs that fall has arrived! Pick-your-own apples typically starts.

Head to the orchard, grab a basket and make a day of it by picking some of the best apples grown right here in Durham Region. From Bowmanville and Newcastle to Port Perry and Hampton, local orchards welcome you with crisp apples, wagon rides, farm markets and plenty of family-friendly fun.

For those who prefer their apples in a glass, raise a toast during Ontario Craft Cider Week, running September 19 to 26.

Before backpacks replace beach bags, gather the family for one last adventure in Durham Region. With a few extra days before the school bell rings, now's the time to squeeze in another day trip, outdoor adventure or memory-making experience. 

Whether your kids love animals, playgrounds, museums or hands-on activities, Durham has countless kid-approved activities that will keep the summer magic going just a little longer. 

Your next cycling adventure starts in Durham Region. With quiet roads, lakeside views and charming small towns, the region's cycling routes are waiting for you. 

Cycling enthusiast, James Meloche, shared some of his favourite rides through Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and Clarington. Along the way, he discovered breathtaking views, welcoming cafés and a well-earned stop at a craft brewery. 

Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride through the countryside or a challenging route with plenty of elevation, Durham offers a ride for every cyclist. New route markers make it easy to navigate the region's on-road rural cycling loops, and Ontario By Bike certified businesses offer amenities such as parking, water refills, washrooms and more.

Local Business Highlights

Coucou Café Kitchen has officially opened their doors and is now serving up French-inspired comfort food in Cannington! Start your morning with fluffy pancakes or linger over brunch with savoury crêpes, or chicken and waffles. When lunchtime rolls around, dig into a satisfying smash burger or try the intriguing Parisian hot dog. With kid-sized meals on the menu too, it's a delicious stop for the whole family. Follow on Instagram for hours. 

Gigi's Cucina is a brand-new food trailer serving up Italian favourites on Notion Road in Ajax. Open Tuesday to Saturday, it's the perfect spot for homemade pizza, bruschetta and hearty sandwiches—all inspired by family recipes and fresh ingredients. Handcrafted Italian sodas add a refreshing touch, making it a great choice for a quick bite or a taste of Italy on the go. Check out their menu. 

Don't miss your chance to experience The Aftermarket before the season wraps up. Running Saturdays from 4 to 9 p.m. until September 26, this outdoor night market on Victoria Street in downtown Oshawa brings together artisan vendors, local food, independent businesses and emerging entrepreneurs. One of the market's founders got his start with support from the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), helping turn his business idea into a community event. Read his story.

DRIFF in a Jiff is back with a free screening of J.J. Abram's 2009 reimagining of Star Trek at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington on September 11. Sit under the stars at this outdoor screening as Captain Kirk, Mister Spock and the rest of the Enterprise crew save the galaxy. The mission gets underway at 7:30 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Claim your spot.

Join Durham Tourism and Durham Farm Fresh on September 19 for an afternoon of delicious local food and farm fun at Bragg Farms in Bowmanville. Watch Chef Alex Page prepare a culinary demonstration from 1 to 3 p.m., then grab a basket and hop on a wagon ride into the fields to try your hand at digging potatoes. Learn more.

Get ready for a music-filled weekend in Oshawa. It starts with the DREAMS! Music Awards on September 18 at the Biltmore Theatre—celebrating the artists, creators and industry professionals shaping Durham's music scene. Then, on September 19 and 20, the Convergence Music and Art Festival takes over downtown Oshawa with live performances, art experiences and free activities for all ages. View the full lineup.

Follow Winding Roads to an evening of great music in Port Perry! The music fest returns September 19 with headliner Steve Waters Band and special guests Red Cup County, Brodie Bell and Julia Middleton. Celebrating its eleventh anniversary, enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food, and country vibes. Grab your tickets.

Experience one of Durham Region's favourite fall traditions with the Brooklin Harvest Festival. Enjoy live entertainment, local vendors, seasonal produce and family-friendly activities throughout downtown Brooklin on September 19. Entry is free. Plan your visit. 

Discover the creativity, culture and stories that make Durham Region unique. Culture Days returns this September with free events and experiences happening across the region. Meet local artists, enjoy live performances and explore cultural spaces while connecting with the people and traditions that help shape our communities. Browse Culture Day events.

In Case You Missed It

Just a short drive away, Scugog Island offers local charm, scenic countryside, unique shops and great dining. Make the most of your visit with the Scugog Island Experience Passport. Every stop brings you closer to exciting rewards! Visit participating locations and attractions, collect three passport stamps, and enter for a chance to win prizes such as an overnight getaway, theatre tickets and gift certificates. Plan your Scugog Island Experience.

Railway Roots is an augmented reality experience that brings Durham Region’s railway heritage to life. With seven stops to explore across Durham's rural communities, Conductor Bradley shares how the railway shaped the areas we know today and uncovers unexpected stories from local history, including snowbound travellers and a gravity-powered turnip factory! Climb on board Durham's Railway Roots.

Plan your countryside escape with these scenic road trips. Durham's Rural Routes let you leave the highways behind and enjoy a more relaxed pace. From craft breweries and heritage attractions along the Sideroads of Scugog, to roadside farm markets and charming small towns along Clarington’s Country Path, each of the four self-guided routes offer rolling landscapes and memorable stops around every corner. Explore the rural routes.

For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.