A Valley Full of Colour
6 Colourful Reasons to Visit
Where the Landscape Becomes the Art
Early Autumn Festivals
In Early September, look to the sky for the 9th Annual River Bend Balloon Fest, happening September 3-7. Along the beautiful Saint John River, colourful hot air balloons drift overhead, turning the sky into a moving canvas of colour. Watch the spectacle from the ground or reserve a flight for a bird’s-eye view of the valley. Back on the fairgrounds, there’s plenty to keep you exploring, from an artisan market and kids’ activities to a classic car show and tethered balloon rides. As dusk settles in, don’t miss the beloved Balloon Glow, when the balloons light up against the darkening sky. The festival wraps up on Labour Day with the Trevor Goodine Professional Lumberjack Competition, bringing a thrilling finale to the weekend.
A few days later, get hands-on at the pARTicipate Arts & Nature Festival, happening September 10–13. Across four days, artists open up studios, galleries, and creative spaces throughout West NB, inviting you to workshop-hop your way through the festival. Try pottery, painting, and up to 10 other creative pursuits with guidance from experienced artists—you may leave with a new skill, a piece you made yourself, or simply the surprise of discovering something you didn’t know you could do. The festival begins with a welcoming artist exhibition and wraps up with a pop-up show featuring work created during the workshops, giving you a chance to see through the eyes of local artists—and through your own.
A Family Tradition in the Making
Classic Corn Maze Fun & More
For generations, Hunter Brothers Farm has been where families return each Autumn to celebrate the season together. What starts as a day at the farm has a way of becoming something more - an annual tradition shared with children, grandchildren, and the generations that follow. When the Corn Maze and Adventure Farm opens on September 12th, it feels like the season has officially begun. Spend a crisp day outside and let everyone find their own kind of fun. Young explorers can bounce on the jumping pillow, climb the Kernel Castle, pedal their way around the farm, or hop aboard the cattle train. Older kids can find their way through the corn maze, race rubber ducks, and test their skills at the rodeo round-up. And when it’s time to slow down, gather everyone aboard for a classic wagon ride.
Know before you go:
- Opening Weekend: September 12th/13th
- Corn Maze: Open Monday-Sunday, with last admission at 5:00pm
- Adventure Farm & Wagon Rides: Available on Weekends and Thanksgiving Monday only
- Reserving tickets online is highly recommended. Tickets are available on-site only if the farm has not reached capacity.
Follow the Harvest Trail
Apple Orchards, Pumpkin Patches & Sunflowers
As the days cool and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to Follow the Harvest Trail. 🍎🍐🍑
At Dukeshire’s Orchard Shade Farms, U-pick opens September 19, inviting you to wander the orchard and pick your own apples, pears, and plums, all while enjoying beautiful views overlooking the Saint John River. Take home the flavours of the season or slow down and enjoy a fresh taste of the harvest along the way.
At Homestead Orchards, an official U-pick opening date is still to come, but mark your calendar for Sunday, September 27 for a day packed with fall fun. Pick your own apples, enjoy live music, grab a slice of wood-fired pizza, and soak up the sights, sounds, and flavours of the season.
Finish the trail with pumpkins at Hunter Brothers Farm, where the harvest comes in every shape, size, texture and colour imaginable. Wander through displays of tiny decorative gourds and giant carving pumpkins, and let the kids take the lead in finding their favourites. Take your time. The fun is in the hunt, and there’s no rush to find the perfect one.
Plan your harvest trail:
- Dukeshire's Orchard Shade Farms: 4204 Rt 105, Northampton
- Homestead Orchards: 70 Homestead St, Hartford
- Hunter Brothers Farm: 8534 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol
Gather For the Season
Markets, Makers & Local Treasures
Fall is a season for gathering. Add one of these Autumn events to your itinerary and take a little piece of West NB home with you.
Buttermilk Creek Fair
📅 September 19, 2026 | 🕙 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | 📍 Bun Veysey Active Living Centre, Florenceville-Bristol
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary this year! The market is full of talent, seasonal goodies, and features over 50 vendors each year.
5th Annual Fall Market
📅 September 26, 2026 | 🕙 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | 📍 The Tabernacle, Hartland
Take your time wandering through the market, then step outside and enjoy the picturesque shoreline and views of the Saint John River.
Gathered For Fall Market
📅 September 27, 2026 | 🕙 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | 📍 Old Carleton County Courthouse, Woodstock
At this market, shopping comes with a little history. Vendors will line up inside and out at a special National Historic Site: the Old Carleton County Courthouse, completely restored and hosting many mysterious stories of its own.
The Sound of Race Day
Home to New Brunswick’s only Horse Track.
Connell Park Raceway is New Brunswick’s only racetrack with an annual race season on the Maritime circuit, featuring a half-mile track with a long-standing harness racing tradition. The 2026 season runs from September into late October, with several weekend dates perfect for adding some trackside excitement to a planned weekend trip. Settle in for an afternoon or evening of racing, with the Autumn series beginning Friday, September 18th. Admission is just $5, with ages 15 and under free.
📍Connell Park Raceway - 244 Connell St, Woodstock
| Friday, September 18 | 7:00 pm |
| Saturday, September 26 | 1:00 pm |
| Saturday, October 3 | 1:00 pm |
| Saturday, October 17 | 1:00 pm |
| Saturday, October 24 | 1:00 pm |
Worth Timing Your Visit For
Limited-time Experiences & Entertainment
Tomlinson Lake Hike To Freedom
📅 October 3, 2026 | 🕙 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | 📍 548 Miller Road, Carlingford
Follow a trail with a story that reaches far beyond the 2.8 km beneath your feet. On October 3, take part in the Tomlinson Lake Hike to Freedom, explore the New Brunswick Black Historical Society Exhibit then watch history come alive at a Civil War encampment with live musket demonstrations. Admission is free, making this annual event a meaningful way to connect with the region's rich history.
Backyard History Book Launch & Talk
📅 October 13, 2026 | 🕙 7:00 p.m. | 📍 128 Connell St, Woodstock
Some stories live in history books. Others are waiting to be told. This October, Connell House hosts Andrew MacLean, author, podcaster and storyteller behind the popular Backyard History book series, for the launch of his fifth book.
The Dreamboats Live in Concert
📅 October 24, 2026 | 🕙 7:30 p.m. | 📍30 School St, Florenceville-Bristol
When the days grow shorter, head indoors for a night of music with The Dreamboats at the Weldon Matthews Theatre. Their high-energy take on ’50s and ’60s rock ’n’ roll brings classic songs, tight harmonies and plenty of toe-tapping energy to the stage.