As the leaves change colour and warm sweaters come out of the closet, excitement is building for the 42nd annual Bala Cranberry Festival, returning to beautiful Muskoka from October 16 to 18.
From the moment visitors pass through the gates, they’ll be immersed in all things cranberry. There will be so much to see and do, from the bustling Artisan Market, featuring unique gift items, cranberry-inspired products and delicious food options, to the Plein Air Art Exhibit, where visitors can admire stunning artwork, enter a free draw and take part in a scavenger hunt for the kids. Visitors can also explore the Country Bazaar Artisans Market, where everything is homemade — and that’s the only key needed to get in!
Three Days of Live Entertainment
Festival goers can enjoy continuous music all three days on the Main Stage. At Buskers Square, talented performers will entertain audiences with juggling, magic and comedy.
Fun for the Whole Family
Kids will love the free Inflatable Village, featuring bounce castles, a giant slide, carnival games and rides aboard the Cranberry Express.
New this year is Crafting with Cranberries, an all-ages crafting tent facilitated by Muskoka Arts & Crafts. Visitors are invited to get creative using cranberries.
Plenty to Discover Around Bala
The celebration extends beyond the festival grounds, with plenty of interesting and entertaining activities taking place throughout Bala all weekend.
Visitors can stop by one of Bala’s local churches for a light lunch and browse for hidden treasures. On Saturday at 10 a.m., they can head to The Bala Falls Pub to catch the Peter Cowan Memorial Street Hockey Tournament.
The Bracebridge Rotary Club’s Duck Race will take Saturday at 3 p.m. on the shores of Lake Muskoka, where spectators can cheer on their favourite duck as it races toward the finish line.
New This Year: The Cranberry Queen Contest
New this year, the Cranberry Queen Contest has invited local businesses across Bala to showcase their creativity
Participating businesses have received a PVC pipe skeleton to transform into their very own Cranberry Queen. The finished creations will be displayed outside of participating businesses beginning October 8, giving visitors and residents a chance to see them throughout the community.
Members of the public can vote for their favourite Cranberry Queen by scanning a QR code. The winning creation will receive the People’s Choice Award.
On Sunday at noon, all entries will be brought to the Main Stage, where a panel of local judges will select the recipient of the Judges’ Choice Award. The coveted prizes? Plaques and, of course, bragging rights.
Tickets on Sale Now
Tickets are on sale now. Celebrate the cranberry season with three days of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, local artisans and delicious food. Experience all that the Bala Cranberry Festival and the Muskoka community have to offer.
This event has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Fund (OCAF) and sponsored by Weismiller Timber Mart, TD Bank, Muskoka Lumber, Cogeco, Cooper Equipment, Maple Lodge Farm, and the Township of Muskoka Lakes
For more information and tickets, visit us at Bala Cranberry Festival website or follow the festival on Instagram.
Muskoka411 is a proud media sponsor.
