Fun doesn’t have to come to an end after summer is over. In autumn, there is an array of family-friendly festivals that you can visit even after the days of lounging around under the sweltering summer sun have ended. To keep you entertained and “in the know” this fall, we’ve compiled a list of family-friendly festivals that you will love visiting:

1. The Celtic Colours International Music Festival, Nova Scotia

The Celtic Colours International Music Festival is held for nine days every October. The largest festival of its kind in North America, this year, it will take place from October 7–15. This unique Cape Breton Island-wide celebration of Celtic culture takes place when the region’s trees are in their full fall splendour, displaying an array of oranges, reds, and golds. 

2. Nuit Blanche Toronto, Ontario

Each year, the city of Toronto joins in on the internationally celebrated Nuit Blanche (aka White Night) tradition in which cities everywhere stage all-night art displays and cultural events. Toronto’s version typically sees more than 150 engaging, amusing, thought-provoking, or downright wacky contemporary art installations—many of them projected onto its largest buildings—across the city. This year, it will take place from October 1-2.

3. The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, Quebec 

I’m bookmarking this one for next year! Also known as the Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau (FMG), this hot-air balloon extravaganza marks the day dozens of colorful aircraft take to the skies of western Quebec, warranting a weekend of music, amusement rides, and competitions. Other features of the festival include live concerts, an exhibition of classic and modified cars, arts and crafts vendors, a graffiti contest, a kids’ zone, and the rare opportunity to ride in the balloons. This year, it took  place from September 1-5.

4. Jasper Dark Sky Festival, Alberta

Jasper’s Dark Sky invites astronomers at every level to gaze upon the wonder of one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves. This year, Jasper Dark Sky Festival will span October 14-23.

5. Banff Pride Festival, Alberta

This week-long celebration of diversity and inclusion in Banff National Park takes place from September 30-October 10. Join them in restaurants, cafés, and bars throughout Banff as they “Taste the Rainbow”.

6. La Grande Grouille, New Brunswick

From September 29-October 2, you can admire thousands of pumpkins (illuminated at night) at New Brunswick Botanical Garden. This event has been held annually for over ten years in early fall.

7. Fleurs de Ville, Niagara Falls, Ontario

This September 24 to October 3, you can enjoy a self-guided, socially spaced floral celebration throughout Niagara Falls. Explore stunning, fresh floral installations throughout Niagara Parks and the Fallsview Entertainment District.