Challenge yourself at the UpRiver Running Fall Races. Choose from 10K, 25K and 50K distances, or register young runners for the 2.5K Kids Trail Run. Courses travel primarily along single-track trails, with all participants receiving a finisher medal and age-division awards presented in the 10K, 25K and 50K events.



Date: Saturday, October 3

Time: 50K – 7:00 am; 25K – 9:30 am; Kids Trail Run – 10:45 am; 10K – 11:30 am

Location: Kinsmen Park (Trowbridge)

Prefer a leisurely fall drive? On the same Saturday, you can explore the Slate River Valley during Country Roads Day, and experience the region’s brilliant fall colours, local food and rural charm. Visit participating stops such as Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, Slate River Dairy, Belluz Farms, Firefly Farm, and other local businesses for farm-fresh products, locally made goods, seasonal activities, food and more.

Date: Saturday, October 3

Time: Hours vary by participating location

Location: Slate River Valley

Or find something in between with a fall hike through Thunder Bay’s expansive trail network. Take in the autumn foliage and scenic views along trails suited to a range of abilities. Learn more about our local trails at the Visit Thunder Bay website. Kakabeka Falls is breathtaking in every season!

Other Ways to Experience Spooky Season in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay has your Halloween plans covered!

Embrace the magic at the Thunder Bay Witches Walk. Dress in your witchiest attire, connect with fellow Halloween enthusiasts and enjoy festive vendors, entertainment and seasonal fun at Goods & Co. Market on October 9.

The Halloween spirit continues at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, with family-friendly activities including a campground-wide scavenger hunt, a bat discovery program and a Night at the Museum-inspired historical walk-through. On Sunday, October 11, visitors can take part in a Halloween-themed Art in the Park program.

For those seeking more of a scare, step into the woods—if you dare. The Trail of Purgatory has multiple dates from October 2 to 31, while the Slate River Slaughter takes place from October 14 to 31. Both haunted outdoor walks offer eerie scenes, scares and immersive experiences, with select family-friendly nights available for a lighter dose of fright.

Looking for a frightfully fun outing from the comfort of your vehicle? From October 15 to 31, follow Visit Thunder Bay’s self-guided Halloween Lights and Display Driving Tour to discover creatively decorated homes and seasonal displays throughout the city.

Create, feast and step into another era with three distinctive October experiences.

At Artisan Workshop Weekend, work alongside Fort William Historical Park’s heritage artisans to learn traditional skills and create a 19th-century-inspired item. Choose from hands-on workshops such as ropework wreath-making, blacksmithing, bread baking, fibre arts and more. Pre-registration is required and workshop spaces are limited.

Date: October 3 & 4

Time: Workshop times vary

Location: Fort William Historical Park (FWHP)

Travel back in time to the Thunder Bay Medieval Faire for two days of medieval history, whimsical fantasy and family-friendly entertainment. Enjoy a full schedule of performances and activities, including jousting by the Knights of Valour. Costumes are encouraged for those ready to join the quest!

Date: October 10 & 11

Time: 10 am to 6 pm

Location: Hymers Fairgrounds, 47 Hymers Fair Drive, Gillies

Savour the flavours of Northwestern Ontario at the Belluz Farm Hall Dinner, a five-course harvest meal showcasing locally grown and foraged ingredients from area farms and forests. Proceeds support Belluz Farms’ Community Connections Program. Tickets are limited.

Date: Saturday, October 17

Time: 6 pm

Location: Goods & Co. Market, 251 Red River Road

Thunder Bay’s classical music season begins this fall with concerts from the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO) and Consortium Aurora Borealis.

The TBSO launches its 66th season with three free Season Preview Concerts:

• October 1 at 7 pm at Hilldale Lutheran Church
• October 2 at 11 am at the Succi Student Lounge at Confederation College
• October 3 at 2 pm at Intercity Shopping Centre

TBSO's Season 66 officially begins with Looking Forward, Looking Backward on October 16 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. The opening Masterworks program features music by Violet Archer and Fauré, alongside Beethoven’s celebrated “Eroica” Symphony. Other October highlights include flamenco guitarist Matt Sellick’s Watching the Sky on October 23 at the Italian Cultural Centre and the family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular on October 31 at St. Paul's United Church.

Consortium Aurora Borealis begins its new chamber-music season on Saturday, November 21, with additional concerts scheduled for January, February, March and May 2027. The series offers intimate live performances, with tickets priced at $25 for adults, $15 for students and free admission for children age 11 and under.

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