Curious about what’s happening around the area? Read this week’s column for local events, community happenings, familiar faces and a few surprises you might not want to miss! Hometown Happenings is here to help! Really, who doesn’t enjoy discovering something wonderfully weird in their own backyard while reading what’s happening right now in your area? And, because every community has its share of oddities, at the end of each listing this week we’ll take a little detour into the downright curious things that have popped up over the years.
Got an event? Spill the tea! Send the details to lseccaspina@pdgmedia.ca and we’ll try to squeeze it into the next roundup. Published weekly, alphabetically by region—because even your weekend plans deserve a little organization before the fun begins!
Hometown Happenings Sept. 17 and more …
Carleton Place events
Free Try Curling Night: Ready to slide into something new? Grab your friends and give curling a whirl on Sept. 29, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carleton Place Curling Club, 120 Patterson Cres. All you need is a clean pair of running shoes and warm clothes. The bar will also be open for snacks and drinks—because every new sport deserves refreshments! For more information, email manager@cpcurling.ca.
Three-Day Festival — Pumpkinfest: Pumpkinfest returns to downtown Carleton Place Oct. 2 to 4, 2026, bringing three days of fall fun, family activities, entertainment and community spirit. Friday night kicks things off, with plenty more happening throughout the weekend for everyone to enjoy. Skip the parking hassle and spend the day enjoying Pumpkinfest. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., shuttles run from RONA Carleton Place to Joe Mamma Cycles, just steps from Carleton Junction.
Dragons, Cards & Reading: The Carleton Place Library is bringing back its popular Dragon Card program, where kids read, collect cards and have fun. The September kickoff party is Sept. 19—come celebrate!
Family Dance with The Rockphiles: Get ready to dance, laugh and possibly embarrass the teenagers! Friday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Zion-Memorial United Church. The Rockphiles will provide the music, while pizza, beer, wine and soda keep everyone fuelled for the dance floor. Admission is $20 for adults; under 18 are free. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, email office@zion-memorial.ca.
Seniors’ Appreciation Day & Fall Colours Tour: Friday, Oct. 2, hop aboard the school bus for a scenic adventure to Calabogie! Ride the chairlift up the mountain, take in those spectacular fall colours from above, then head to MacLaren Orchards for fresh local apples and a taste of the season. Cost: just $15, including bus transportation and admission! Departures are at 9 a.m. from Carleton Place and 9:30 a.m. from Almonte. Return is approximately 3 p.m. Please register by Sept. 28. Email VBOVA@carebridge.ca or call 613-256-1031 ext. 216. A perfect day for seniors who know that the best way to appreciate fall is to let someone else do the driving!
Carleton Place Water Dragons: They’re making a splash! Registration is open to swimmers of all levels who can swim one pool length unassisted. Competitive swimming, Masters for adults, Junior 1 and Youth Conditioning programs are available. Register at www.cpwd.ca or email cpwd.registrar@gmail.com for more information.
Tulips, Dirt & a Little Springtime Mystery: On Sept. 24 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., kids can join the Carleton Place Library to plant 100 tulip bulbs. Come dig in, learn and discover what pops up next spring!
Crafter-Hours: Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sarah Moffat Art Studio, 50 Bennett St., Unit 2. Bring your journal and imagination; supplies, glitter and creative possibilities await. No registration required—just show up and make something wonderfully yours! Free.
Movie Night Under the Stars: Sept. 19 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Carleton Junction. Grab a chair or blanket, bring snacks or visit the Civitan canteen, and settle in for a free movie—Hoppers! Everyone’s welcome!
A Day to Remember, Learn and Gather: On Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m., join the community at Riverside Park (Misi Zibi Mamidosewin—The Gathering Place), 273 Lake Ave. West, for the dedication and ceremony of the Four Directions Stones, an installation honouring the Algonquin people. It will be a meaningful day of recognition and learning, with opportunities to sing, drum, learn and remember together. Everyone is welcome. Bring a lawn chair if you’d like to sit—and perhaps leave room for a little reflection.
The Station Active Living Centre: Age 55 to 105? Drop by The Station Active Living Centre at 132 Coleman St. in Carleton Place. “The Station,” as it is commonly referred to, is the hub for seniors to stay active, connected and engaged! Follow them on Facebook at stationactivelivingcentre to find out more.
Foundry Trivia Night: Think you know everything? Excellent. Come prove it—or discover that your brain has been storing completely useless information instead. Foundry Trivia Night is Sept. 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Foundry Coffee Bar. Bring friends, bragging rights and your most dangerously confident answers.
Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday is a good day for fresh food, local treasures and pretending you only came for vegetables. The Farmers’ Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Market Square Pavilion. Shop local, meet the people who grow and make the good stuff, and leave with considerably more than you planned.
Farmers’ Market Harvest Fest: Sept. 19. It’s harvest season, so the farmers are bringing their best—and shoppers are bringing reusable bags they swear they remembered this time. Visit Market Square Sept. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the Farmers’ Market Harvest Fest. Fresh finds, local goodness and plenty of reasons to buy “just one more thing.”
Carleton Place Tattoo: Prepare for drums, pipes and plenty of stirring music at the Carleton Place Tattoo on Sept. 20 from noon to 5 p.m. at Legion Branch 192. It’s the sort of afternoon guaranteed to make your feet tap, your heart swell and your neighbours wonder where the parade is going.
Bingo is always in Carleton Place: Carleton Place Navy League Bingo is a community bingo held Thursday evenings at the corps located across from St. Mary’s parking lot. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. and runs until approximately 9:30 p.m. Civitan Bingo is held every Tuesday night at the Carleton Place Arena. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and bingo starts at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesdays mean it’s time for the Carleton Place Community Lunch Program at noon, hosted in the Upper Hall at Zion-Memorial United Church, 37 Franklin Street. Fellowship, free food and friendship! Every Wednesday means a free continental breakfast at St. James Anglican Church, 225 Edmond Street, Carleton Place, from 8 to 10 a.m.
The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum: Don’t forget to catch local cyber-antiquarian Adin Daigle on Sept. 27! Step Back in Time: Carleton Place’s Early Drug Store is a fascinating presentation celebrating World Pharmacists Day! Discover the medicines, remedies and businesses that served our community once upon a time.
Did you know? The Haunted Local Lore: If you are talking about something supernatural, Carleton Place is famous for its “Haunted Heritage.” Local sites like the Moore House (Carleton Place Chamber of Commerce) have long-standing, bizarre paranormal reputations involving the ghost of Ida Moore, who reportedly moves objects, turns radios on and off, and opens windows.
Kemptville events
Oktoberfest is Coming: Dust off the lederhosen and prepare your best “Prost!” Kemptville Oktoberfest takes over the W.B. George Centre, 48 Shearer Street, Saturday, Oct. 3 at noon. Come for the fun, stay for the dancing!
Kemptville Farmers’ Market: Sundays are market days in Kemptville! Wander through 200 Sanders St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for local produce, tempting baked goods, handmade treasures and friendly vendors—all season long.
Thanksgiving Shopping Without the Turkey Stress: On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m., head to the Municipality of North Grenville, 44 Leeds and Grenville 44, for 40 local vendors, plenty of handmade treasures and free admission. Come browse—you’ll probably find something you didn’t know you needed!
Time to Journal Your Way Into Fall: Saturday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m. at Saltastic Salt Rooms & Wellness Spa. Bring your thoughts, dreams and perhaps a little emotional baggage. Coach Bona Normandeau leads this $30 fall reset!
Kemptville Legion Pipes & Drums: The band is recruiting because apparently making noise in a kilt is a skill society still desperately needs. No experience required, just enthusiasm, rhythm and a willingness to learn. Come join the band! Contact kemptvillelegionpipeband@gmail.com.
More Knitting: Location: Tallman Program Room of the North Grenville Library. To learn more, contact Heather at hawhoo@gmail.com. Beginners to experienced knitters get together to share ideas, patterns and companionship!
Taste the Maze at Dulmage Farms: Saturday, Sept. 19, offers local food trucks, wineries, breweries, live music and a glowing corn maze under the stars. Come hungry, stay for the music and try not to get lost before dessert. Located at 352 South Gower Dr., Kemptville.
She Creates Market: Explore, stroll and shop locally curated goods in the beautiful fields of Lavender Mills Farm. Because wandering through a lovely field while shopping is considerably better than wandering through a shopping mall. 2243 Beach Rd., Kemptville. Enjoy a beautifully curated market experience designed to celebrate and elevate local women-owned businesses. Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company: Something Rotten! features cast members aged 13 to 68. That’s quite a range—and plenty of talent under one roof. Grab your tickets before they disappear faster than opening-night nerves! Urbandale Arts Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville, Sept. 26 to Oct. 10. Tickets for Something Rotten! are available at www.kymtc.org.
Did you know? The Secret Government Bunker: Kemptville was once home to a smaller Regional Emergency Government Headquarters (REGHQ). It was built around the same era as Ottawa’s famous Diefenbunker and later transitioned into an RCMP training facility.
McDonald’s Corners events
McDonald’s Corners Fall Fair Dinner: Turkey, stuffing and dessert, the holy trinity of fall dining! Join the McDonald’s Corners Fall Fair Dinner on Sept. 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 194 Camerons Rd., McDonald’s Corners. Only 200 tickets are available, so grab yours before the turkey disappears faster than Grandma’s famous gravy!
McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Hall: It is basically the place to be! Thursdays: bingo at 7 p.m. all summer—bring your lucky charm! Sundays: Farmers’ Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come hungry, leave happy! Every other Monday: euchre from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday darts and games: weekly from 7 to 9 p.m.
Annual Fall Agricultural Fair: One of the foundational events of the McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Society takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026—put this on your calendar!
Music at MERA: The Fall Series is back! On Sunday, Sept. 20, enjoy The Homewood Duo at McDonald’s Corners. Come for the music, stay for the atmosphere—and leave humming something you’ll probably be singing all week. Hosted by MERA. The Open Roads Concert featuring Lynne Hanson with Blair Michael Hogan is Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, starting at 5 p.m. in McDonald’s Corners.
Did you know? The Kangaroo That Put Watson’s Corners on the Map! In 1974, Herb Butts reported seeing a kangaroo near Watson’s Corners. Naturally, one kangaroo was all it took. Soon 3,000 curious visitors arrived, and even the Australian Ambassador sent a cheeky kangaroo crossing sign. Just like that, the village had a new claim to fame!
Merrickville events
Got Trees? They Need Help Too: Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Merrickville Legion, learn the secrets of planting and pruning with Donald Telford. It’s free, practical and possibly cheaper than arguing with your backyard maple.
Merrickville’s Makers Fall Market: Sept. 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Merrickville Fairgrounds. Browse handmade goods and local autumn treasures. Come expecting to “just look” and leave carrying three things you never knew you needed. That’s how markets work!
The Dogs Are Back: Take Two is happening Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Merrickville Legion. The show starts at noon, with a barbecue and plenty of canine competition—including best costume. Because apparently dogs need trophies too!
Knitting Happens: Every other Thursday, the Merrickville Public Library becomes the place to be for knitters and crocheters. Drop in anytime from 4 to 8 p.m., bring your project and stitch the evening away with fellow yarn enthusiasts. For more information, call 613-269-3400 or email TakePart@RideauCHS.ca.
Friday, Unwind O’Clock: Every Friday at 2 p.m., the Merrickville Public Library offers free drop-in guided meditation. Learn relaxation and imagery techniques, quiet your mind and give stress the afternoon off. No registration required—arrive 10 minutes early.
Fall For Merrickville: Thanksgiving Market & Fair: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Heritage Stables in Merrickville. The outdoor festival along the Rideau River features more than 100 vendors, a pancake breakfast, petting zoo and Musical Ride performances.
Merrickville Art Walk: Sept. 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. along Main Street West. Enjoy open-air artist demonstrations and living gallery strolls. It’s art without the gallery walls—and a wonderful excuse to wander downtown while pretending you’re appreciating culture rather than shopping.
Did you know? About Harry “Big Pants” McLean? Merrickville was once home to this larger-than-life colourful historical character and millionaire contractor. He lived in a grand stone manor at 905 St. Lawrence Street and kept a private zoo. Known as “Mr. X,” he reportedly handed cash to strangers—and in 1939, made aviation history by landing the first plane at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport!
Mississippi Mills events
Thirty Years of Art, Craft & Pumpkin Magic: The Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour returns Oct. 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., winding through Almonte, Clayton and Mississippi Mills. With 16 stops and more than 40 creators, there’s plenty to discover—and probably something you’ll want to take home!
A High Tea with a Purpose: Grace & Eternal Hope Churches are putting the kettle on for a High Tea on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Clayton Hall—and this is one tea party where the proceeds are doing some very good work! For $25 per person, enjoy an afternoon of tea, tasty treats and good company, all in support of the Lanark County Foodbank. Come hungry, because there are sandwiches and goodies involved—and leave your pinky finger elegantly raised. Tickets are cash only and can be purchased at Temptations Bookstore in Carleton Place, Baker Bob’s in Almonte or the Clayton General Store. Want to make sure your table is ready for eight? You can also book a table by emailing truladyhardy@storm.ca. Tickets are recommended in advance—because good tea parties fill up faster than the kettle!
Knitting & Crochet Group: Drop-in sessions are held at the Mississippi Mills Public Library Almonte branch. Please contact the library for information.
Mississippi Mills Film Society: “The Marching Band”: Sept. 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240 in Almonte. Enjoy The Marching Band as part of the fall film series. Tickets are $15. Sit back, enjoy the movie and let someone else do the marching for a change.
Seniors’ Appreciation Day & Fall Colours Tour: Just in case you missed it in the Carleton Place listings—Friday, Oct. 2, hop aboard the school bus for a scenic adventure to Calabogie! Ride the chairlift up the mountain, take in those spectacular fall colours from above, then head to MacLaren Orchards for fresh local apples and a taste of the season. Cost: just $15, including bus transportation and admission! Departures are at 9 a.m. from Carleton Place and 9:30 a.m. from Almonte. Return is approximately 3 p.m. Please register by Sept. 28. Email VBOVA@carebridge.ca or call 613-256-1031 ext. 216. A perfect day for seniors who know that the best way to appreciate fall is to let someone else do the driving!
Mississippi Mills Business Breakfast: Sept. 22, 2026, at Stewart Community Centre in Pakenham. Get a preview of the new Economic Development Strategic Plan while networking with local leaders. Registration is required by Sept. 17. Come for breakfast, stay for the conversation—and try not to spill coffee on the strategic plan.
Charity Soup Bowl: Soup for the soul and a bowl to take home! The Charity Soup Bowl brings warm soup, community spirit and a good cause together on Sept. 26, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. Contact 613-256-5959. Almonte United Church, 106 Elgin St., Almonte, ON K0A 1A0.
Honouring the Sacred Circle: A Two Spirit Journey: Sept. 29, 2026, at the Mississippi Mills Public Library, Almonte Branch. Presented by Mississippi Mills All My Relations ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. An opportunity to listen, learn, reflect and honour stories and experiences that deserve to be heard.
Almonte Farmers’ Market: Saturdays beside the Almonte library at 155 High St. The outdoor market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with local produce, baking, meats, maple products, flowers, artisan goods and handmade items throughout the season. The 2026 market season runs to Thanksgiving weekend. More information is available at almontefarmersmarket.com.
Poppies: There’s something especially meaningful about the Poppy Project: every handmade poppy is a small act of remembrance, stitched with care and gratitude. Volunteers are needed to help reach this year’s goal of 7,000 poppies. Drop-off deadline: Oct. 5, 2026. Questions? Contact Mary Rozenberg at mary@interlinkx.com.
Community Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when someone else is cooking! Join St. George’s Anglican Church in Clayton for a hearty Community Breakfast on Saturdays, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 2786 County Road, Clayton. Free-will donations.
North Lanark Regional Museum: Apple Pie Fest and a Classic Car Show—because apparently apples and automobiles are the perfect pair. Come Sunday, Sept. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 647 River Road, Appleton. Admission is $15 per person. Bring your appetite, admire the cars and try not to leave with pie in your lap!
The Métis Kitchen Party: Live music, dinner and dancing are on the menu Friday, Oct. 2, with Amanda Rheaume, the Mamawin’ Town Band, Métis dancers, Jason Lepine and Lionel Descharmes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with music from 6 to 11 p.m. or later! It’s at the Agricultural Hall, Almonte Fairgrounds, with dinner, dancing, a cash bar and plenty of toe-tapping. Tickets: reconciliationthroughart.ca.
Chair Yoga: Because sometimes the body wants to exercise, but the knees have filed a formal complaint. Join Darlene Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at Stan Mills Lounge in Almonte for gentle movement, stretching and better balance.
A Meal for All: This Almonte grassroots organization is made up of members from local faith communities. Come and join them for a hot, free breakfast every Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 111 Church Street, Almonte.
Civitan Radio Bingo: Tuesday evenings are getting serious! Tune in to 88.1 myFM at 6:10 p.m. for Civitan Radio Bingo. A $10 card gets you nine faces, with a $2,500 prize board and a $1,200 jackpot waiting for a lucky listener. And there’s a new phone option: 613-264-8811. When the automated attendant answers, simply say “Bingo” and you’ll be connected to the operator. Your couch has never been this exciting.
Bingo Night: Every Wednesday, the Almonte Civitan Community Hall becomes headquarters for people who know that shouting “BINGO!” is perfectly acceptable—if you actually have bingo. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the first game at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy regular, lightning and special games, hot balls, bonanza and toonie pot, with jackpots reaching $2,000! It’s an evening of prizes, laughs and community spirit at 500 Almonte Street, Almonte. Bring your lucky dabber!
Apple Pie & Crisp Day: Sept. 24 is officially a dangerous day for anyone pretending to avoid dessert. The Almonte Civitan offers homemade temptation for pickup between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Almonte Civitan Community Hall, 500 Almonte Street, Almonte. A pie is $20 and a crisp is $16. Call 613-256-1082, order online at almontecivitan.com/shop or ask any Civitan member. Diet plans may be temporarily suspended.
Newfoundland Night: Newfoundland Night returns Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Almonte Civitan Community Hall, with dinner served at 7 p.m. Expect a proper scoff and a scuff, featuring Jiggs dinner and roast turkey, followed by live music, traditional Newfoundland music, blues, folk and country—with an East Coast Irish twist—and a traditional screech-in. Tickets are $45 including HST, advance tickets only. Available at Bob’s, Nicholson’s in Pakenham or almontecivitan.com/shop. Come hungry—and prepare to dance!
Did you know? About the Travelling Medicine Shows? Almonte’s old marketplace on Brae Street once hosted eccentric medicine hawkers. They stood on platforms with torch-lit poles to sell cure-alls for everything from ingrown toenails to fallen arches.
Pakenham events
Don’t forget to visit the Carp Fair: Carp Fair 2026 runs Sept. 24 to 27, 2026, where your favourite Mount Pakenham staff will host a booth.
Pakenham Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon. The annual plant sale is your chance to bring home something green, hopeful and considerably cheaper than therapy. Choose your plants, plan your garden and confidently promise yourself that this year, everything will actually survive.
Did you know? Pakenham may look like the sort of place where nothing stranger than a duck crossing the road happens. Think again! This charming Mississippi Mills community has ancient fossils, forgotten “cure-all” spas and enough oddball history to keep curious minds busy. Who knew quiet could be so weird?
Perth events
Put Your Best Foot Forward: Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crystal Palace in Perth. Join the family-friendly 5K and walk for someone you love. Bring your friends, family or coworkers—and your walking shoes!
Fall Has Arrived—and It Wants a Wreath: Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m., head to Kelly’s Flowers & Gift Boutique at 63 Gore Street East. Create your own autumn masterpiece with all materials provided. Fee and registration required.
Knitting Happens Every Wednesday: Bring your knitting, crochet or felting project and join fellow crafty souls at the Perth Union Library. Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Marguerite Frizell Program Room. Drop in, stitch away and enjoy good company!
Film Club Fridays: Hosted by Studio Theatre Perth, Film Club Fridays is a TIFF Film Circuit group and a fundraiser for the Perth & District Library. Screenings are on select Fridays at 2 and 7 p.m. Regular film admission at the door is $15 cash, debit or credit.
McMartin House: Seniors, are you looking for something to do? McMartin House at 125 Gore St. E. in Perth offers bridge, dancing, yoga, crafts, rug hooking, book clubs, stamp collecting and friendship groups. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Perth Farmers’ Market: Saturdays at Perth Farmers Market in the Tay Basin at Crystal Palace, 31 Basin Ln., Perth. The outdoor market runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout the season and features local produce, baking, meats, preserves, artisan goods, crafts and live music. The 2026 season runs Saturdays to Thanksgiving weekend, with additional Harvest and Christmas markets planned later in the year. More information is available through Perth Farmers Market.
Perth Museum: The museum shifts from its daily summer schedule to operating Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. after Labour Day. Fall and winter hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Having Hope at Home: Sept. 17 to 20 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2026, at Studio Theatre Perth. This heartwarming Canadian comedy promises laughs, warmth and perhaps a little recognition of family life. Come enjoy the show and be grateful your own household arguments don’t require theatrical lighting and ticket sales.
Parkinson SuperWalk: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Conlon Farm. Lace up for the Parkinson SuperWalk and join a community coming together to support people affected by Parkinson’s. It’s exercise with a purpose, friendship with a purpose and a fine excuse to leave the couch behind.
Terry Fox Run: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at Conlon Farm Recreation Complex. Join this family-friendly, non-competitive run supporting cancer research. Walk, jog or run—there’s no need to channel an Olympic athlete. Just bring your determination, your good heart and comfortable shoes.
Honor Our Veterans Banner Program Weekend & Legion Parade: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, Perth pays tribute to veterans with the Honor Our Veterans Banner Program Weekend and Legion Parade. Come out to remember, reflect and show appreciation for those who served. Some occasions call for applause; this one calls for gratitude.
Seize the Day Country Music Dance for Epilepsy: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at the Civitan Club of Perth. Put on your dancing boots and seize the day with country music, dancing and a great cause. Come ready to two-step, toe-tap and prove that sitting still was never really your strong suit.
Did you know? Prohibition Tunnels and Secrets: Guided historical walks sometimes touch upon the town’s hidden 19th-century underground tunnels once tied to local tavern and bootlegging lore.
Port Elmsley events
Port Elmsley Drive-In Theatre: At this writing, the movie lineup was TBA. Check out their website at portelmsleydrivein.com/page2.html. Gates and the grill open at 7:15 p.m. Come for the movies, stay for the snacks!
Did you know? The Autumn of Aliens! In fall 1973, Lanark County and Port Elmsley apparently became UFO central. Residents and OPP reported strange flying objects with red lights hovering near Highway 43 and the army tower. The RCAF wanted reports—and some sightings simply vanished into the night!
Rideau Lakes events
Festival of Small Halls — Small Halls, Big Sounds: Two Ontario Festival of Small Halls concerts are coming Oct. 5 and 18. On Oct. 5, The Pairs bring their gorgeous three-part harmonies to Chaffey’s Locks Community Hall. The perfect excuse to go where the music is—and the halls are small! Oct. 18 brings another Ontario Festival of Small Halls concert to the Rideau Lakes area. The artist and venue are still playing a little game of hide-and-seek, so check the latest schedule before heading out!
A Walk Through History—Without Leaving Your Chair: Sept. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m., join the Rideau Waterway Land Trust for a free webinar featuring Wendy-Anne Jocko, Jim Stone, Kim Lulashnyk and Ted Stewart, exploring Indigenous trails and the rich history of the Rideau Lakes area. Contact info@rwlt.org.
Hooks N’ Books: Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting—or simply making something while chatting? Come join the fun! Hooks N’ Books meets Fridays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Elgin Community Hall. Bring your project, your questions and your yarn. There will be plenty of creativity, conversation and probably a few stories about projects that were supposed to be finished months ago!
Rideau Lakes Stitch Social: A local social group for fibre artists that hosts informal meetups, such as gatherings at the Stagecoach Inn in Newboro, where members bring knitting, crochet and other projects. Sounds like Netflix’s Virgin River! You can connect with members and check upcoming dates through the Rideau Lakes Stitch Social Facebook group.
Crosby Flea Market: Saturday treasure hunters, start your engines! The Crosby Flea Market runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Highways 15 and 42, packed with antiques, goodies, crafts, books, toys, preserves, maple syrup and plenty of “I can’t believe I found this!” moments. Come hungry—the food stand awaits!
Lombardy Pro Rodeo: Sept. 19 and 20, 2026, hosted by the Lombardy Agricultural Society. Expect professional rodeo action, music and family entertainment. Hold onto your hats—and possibly your children—because this is one weekend where things are supposed to get a little wild.
Delta Harvest Festival: Sept. 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Delta Fairgrounds and throughout town. Enjoy local food and craft vendors, a classic car show, live music by Jeff Code and the Silver Wings Band, plus magic shows. Come for the harvest and stay for the car envy.
Hike Ontario Summit & Rideau Trail 55th Anniversary: Sept. 25, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m. at Westport United Church, 27 Spring Street, Westport. Celebrate 55 years of the Rideau Trail Association. A perfect gathering for people who enjoy beautiful scenery, fresh air and calling a very long walk a “recreational activity.”
Did you know? The Witch of Plum Hollow! Long before Google could answer every question, Elizabeth Betsy Barnes was the woman to see. A 19th-century folk healer, seer and fortune-teller, she became a local legend near Athens—because apparently, every neighbourhood needs its own witch!
Smiths Falls events
Thread Lightly—Autumn Is Calling: Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Smiths Falls Public Library, 81 Beckwith St. North. Join the Adult Craft Club for autumn embroidery. These classes fill up fast—run, don’t stitch!
Smiths Falls Seniors Activity Center: 61 Cornelia St. W., Smiths Falls, 613-283-4684. Activities include pickleball, euchre, bridge, carpet bowling, cribbage, darts, shuffleboard, dancing, knitting, crocheting, quilting and a potluck every third Thursday. There is something happening every day of the week.
VANCAMP with Tristan Konkle: Sept. 18, 2026, at Bowie’s Smiths Falls. VANCAMP and Tristan Konkle bring the live music to town. Come for the tunes, stay for the atmosphere and enjoy an evening where the only thing you’re expected to sing is along with the chorus.
Fall Fest at Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. Family-friendly autumn activities include wagon rides, a petting zoo and a pumpkin carving contest.
Smiths Falls Home and Outdoor Show: Sept. 19, 2026. Local vendors and outdoor living take centre stage. Come browse, gather ideas and discover all the things your home apparently needs. You may arrive simply looking and leave with a notebook full of projects—and absolutely no idea who approved the budget.
Smiths Falls Literary Festival: “Small Town, Big Stories”: Sept. 19 and 20, 2026. Smiths Falls gets its first community book and storytelling festival, featuring author panels, workshops and an Outerbridge Magic cabaret dinner show. Come celebrate big stories from small towns—and discover that apparently we’ve all been collecting material without even realizing it.
Saved by the Bell — Hillcrest Cemetery Tour: Sept. 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. Take a guided walking tour through the oldest section of Hillcrest Cemetery and explore local history and traditions. It’s a fascinating afternoon among the town’s earliest residents—and one occasion where nobody will complain if you spend two hours talking to yourself.
Hallows Express at RMEO: Sept. 19, 2026, at the Rideau Canal Museum/Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Hallows Express brings a seasonal special event to the museum. Come aboard for some spooky fun and discover that railways, history and a little Halloween mischief make a surprisingly good combination.
Smiths Falls Bingo: Smiths Falls Civitan Sunday afternoon bingo is back. Join in for new games and prizes. Doors open at 11 a.m. and play starts at 1 p.m. Effective in October, bingo will be held on the first Sunday of the month.
Did you know? Where Are the Falls? Locals often chuckle when tourists ask where the waterfalls are; the rapids around “Smyth’s Falls” drop more than 36 feet through a network of islands and hard rock channels rather than forming a single dramatic vertical drop.
Westport events
B-I-N-G-O … and maybe a Little Beginner’s Luck: Every Monday night, head to the Westport Legion, 10099 County Road 10. Doors open at 6 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m., with cash prizes, refreshments and popcorn. Bring your lucky dabber!
Sit & Stitch: A free weekly crafting circle at the Westport Library for ages eight to adult, welcoming all skill levels to bring projects or learn the basics.
Westporch Festival Kick-Off Party: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. on the patio at The Cove Inn. The Brothers Plaid, featuring Jeff Callery and Shawn McCullough, will get things rolling. Come for the music, stay for the patio—and start the weekend before the weekend officially knows it has begun.
Westporch Festival: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Westport’s front porches become outdoor stages as local homes welcome regional artists, musicians and community treats. It’s a free walking tour where you can stroll, listen and enjoy the neighbourhood. Finally, a festival where wandering around town is actually part of the schedule!
Westporch After Party: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at The Cove Inn. Evan Carlson and Ron Steeves keep the music going while raising funds for Howling Hideaway Rescue. Come for the tunes, support a great cause and prove that after-party energy can survive even after your dancing shoes have filed for retirement.
Westport Museum: After Labour Day until Thanksgiving Sunday, the museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Did you know? The Mother’s Ghost of Parish Road: Local folklore tells of a haunting presence along Parish Road. Residents and paranormal enthusiasts have long shared accounts of a maternal apparition that lingers near the roadside.
See you next week!
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