A Bountiful Delight: The 2023 Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival
The vibrant splendor of fall is hard to beat, but one local festival takes centre stage amidst the resplendent natural beauty.
The Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival has quickly become a cherished tradition thanks to the abundance of all-ages fun, with families returning again and again to take in the sights at the five-week fall event, running from September 15 through October 22, 2023.
Bringing the essence of fall to life
One of the delights of autumn is celebrating the harvest, and where better to do that than at one of Huntsville’s most beloved nurseries? Journey to the heart of harvest magic with unique activities, interactive art installations, and music under the stars.
The Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival aligns with Muskoka’s peak fall colours, with the trees ablaze in red, yellow, and orange serving as a breathtaking backdrop to the festival fun.
Test your puzzle prowess in the maze, explore the prolific pumpkin sculptures, and feast your eyes on the Kry Art outdoor gallery featuring the works of Kristyn Watterworth. Play giant Jenga, Connect 4, and cornhole games, or let the kids run free at Sandhill’s new playground. And on weekends, dance like no one’s watching to the tunes of local musicians like Jamie Clark, Sean Cotton, James Gray, and Tobin Spring, or be amazed by the talents of magicians and fire performers. There’s even a kids’ dance party! See the full schedule here.
Stoke your imagination at the NEW Kids’ Activity Zone
All ages can unleash their inner artist at Sandhill’s newest addition, the Kids’ Activity Zone! There are five exciting creative adventures to choose from (do one or do them all!): craft a rock monster, create a leaf-shaped paper suncatcher, bring a spooky spider to life, paint a pie-pumpkin character, or ignite your curiosity with a challenging scavenger hunt.
Register in advance for a start time and take as much time as you need to complete the activities of your choice. The $15 fee is for participants only — adults only need to register if you’d like to create your own crafts.
The Kids’ Activity Zone is available every day of the festival.
Create stunning fall décor
Add some wow factor to your home décor with Sandhill’s expert workshop facilitators. Create one of three stunning centrepieces — choose from a floral pumpkin centrepiece, a floral autumn centrepiece, or a fall candle centrepiece — or an autumn harvest urn that will add a beautiful seasonal touch to your home. Register for a fall workshop here.
Get your fill of fabulous food trucks and seasonal suds
All that fall fun is sure to whip up an appetite. Enjoy lunch most days at Merci Eh! — poutine, anyone? — or pick up a delicious hot dog at The Dogs food cart every weekend. Pair your weekend treats with a brew or two from Canvas Brewing Co, also featuring seasonal cocktails with Copperhead Distillery’s moonshine.
The countdown to Christmas is on
Christmas is less than 100 days away! Shop Sandhill’s popular Christmas market in the greenhouse, or browse the garden centre and retail store for gifts galore. You can even enter to win fabulous prizes — don’t forget to fill in your ballot!
Fun after the sun goes down
The Nursery Nights concert series, presented by Huntsville Festival of the Arts, brings some great Canadian acts to Huntsville. Settle in for a great show by ‘national treasure’ the Great Lake Swimmers (Sept. 30), three-time JUNO-nominee Jenn Grant (Oct. 13), and one-man wonder Ben Caplan (Oct. 22). Get your tickets today!
The Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival runs Monday to Friday from 8-6, Saturday from 8-5, and Sunday from 9-5 from September 15-October 22, 2023. General admission to the daytime festival is free, with donations for Hospice Huntsville welcome. (Note: fees apply for the kids’ activity zone, workshops, and Nursery Nights.)
Embrace the joys of the season and create some cherished memories that will last long after the leaves fall!
Get all the details here.
Make the most of your trip to Huntsville and Lake of Bays and check out these great accommodations nearby.
Photo Credit: Zach MacPherson