Spooky Season in Simcoe County: Halloween Events In and Around Barrie

From eerie lakefront tours to glowing pumpkin trails and haunted forests, the Barrie area is full of fun and frightful Halloween events and activities.

Whether you’re after family-friendly fun, spine-tingling scares, or a stylish night out, there’s a local event ready to set the mood. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate the spooky season in and around Barrie this year.

1. Barrie Haunted Harbour Tour

Date/Time: Evenings in October
Location: Barrie Waterfront
Admission: $27.99 per person + tax

Step onto the foggy lakefront and let the eerie atmosphere set the stage for tales of lost sailors and lingering spirits. 

Guides will bring local legends to life as you walk along the water’s edge, with occasional mist and flickering lights making the stories feel frighteningly real. Teens and adults who enjoy spooky history will find this experience both thrilling and atmospheric.

2. Downtown Barrie Haunted Tour

Date/Time: Evenings in October
Location: Downtown Barrie
Admission: $27.99 per person + tax

Next on our list of Halloween activities and events in Barrie is the Downtown Barrie Haunted Tour.

This guided walking tour takes you through dimly lit streets, hidden alleyways, and centuries-old buildings where restless spirits are said to roam. Stories of mysterious fires, tragic events, and paranormal sightings add a chilling layer to Barrie’s history and your Halloween festivities. 

Whether you’re a fan of ghosts or history, the experience is immersive and suspenseful.

• 1–2 hour walking tour with ghost storytelling
• Explores historic buildings and alleyways
• Recommended for teens and adults

3. Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour

Date/Time: October 16–18 and 23–26 | 6 to 10 PM
Location: Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene
Admission: $15 per person

Pumpkinferno is one of those events that has become a Halloween tradition for families in Barrie across Simcoe County. Every year, Discovery Harbour transforms into a glowing pumpkin wonderland with over 5,000 hand-carved “fun-kins” in whimsical and spooky designs. 

Themed zones like the Macabre Mansion and the Toxic Swamp feature fog, eerie lighting, and roaming performers, making it a fully interactive experience. 

Food trucks, cafés, and seasonal treats keep the fun going, and drive-thru nights provide an accessible way to enjoy the spectacle. In addition to all of these, there will also be lots of extra pay-to-play activities, such as: 

• Coffin Ride – A solo adventure through a spooky, enclosed space. $5 per person (tax included). Not recommended for children under 13 or anyone prone to claustrophobia.
  
• “Wristrained” Mini-Escape Challenge – Solve puzzles with up to 5 friends in just 5 minutes. $5 per person, recommended for ages 13+ due to a jump-scare. Quick-thinking and nerves of steel required!
  
• Secrets of Séance – Begin with a traditional-style séance, then learn the clever tricks 19th-century spiritualists used to create their eerie illusions. Advance booking is required.
  
• The Bosun’s Brig Escape Room – A 60-minute, 3 to 6 person challenge where you must outwit the fearsome Bo’sun Starkweather, solve twisted puzzles, and escape before time runs out. Pre-booking required.
  
• Photo Opportunities – Step into themed sets and glowing backdrops for memorable fall photos with friends or family.
  
• Wednesday Drive-Thru Experience – On Wednesdays from October 1 to 29, enjoy a 30-minute tour of the glowing pumpkin displays from the comfort of your car for $13 per person. Reservations and prepayment required.

RELATED: What to expect from Discovery Harbour’s glowing Halloween tradition ...

4. Cannington Haunted Attraction

Date/Time: Oct 17–18, 24–25 | 6:30 to 9 PM
Location: MacLeod Park, 91 Elliot St., Cannington
Admission: $20 per person

Experience three haunted zones across outdoor wooded trails and an indoor barn maze, all filled with live actors and immersive horror environments. There are lots of other Halloween activities and events at Cannington Haunted Attraction as well: 

• Axe-Throwing
• Photo booth
• “Face Your Fears” and “Cemetery of Lost Souls” mini-escape rooms
• Food and craft vendors on site
• Outdoor and indoor scare attractions

Proceeds from tickets support the Cannington Lions Club, adding a community-minded twist to the scares.

5. Grimm Grounds Halloween Attraction

Date: October 11, 17, 18, 24–26 | 7 to 10:30 PM
Location: Georgian Bay Recreational Park
Admission: $15 per person at night, $10 per person for daytime 

Step into the darkest corner of the park for one of Simcoe County’s most ambitious Halloween experiences. Grimm Grounds has expanded for 2025, featuring an even scarier Wendigo Trail, a bigger SpookyTown display, new clowns of horror exhibits, and exquisitely carved Jack-O’-Lanterns.

The centerpiece is the Grimm Grounds Scare Maze, a large-scale, linear, medieval-themed attraction filled with nightmarish monsters, dramatic sound effects, and terrifying jump scares. Patrons are drawn deep into the forest, encountering immersive horror sets that make the maze a truly memorable fright.

For daytime visitors, family-friendly horror films are projected on the barn screen, and the SpookyTown display — with miniature Halloween-themed buildings and nostalgic amusement rides. These events are open to the public, providing a more relaxed, visually spectacular experience this Halloween.

Other Highlights:

• Wendigo Trail: A dark, forested trail filled with folklore creatures leading to the main maze
  
• SpookyTown Display: Nostalgic mini-town and amusement rides open for daytime viewing
  
• Nighttime Outpost: Snacks, beverages, and food available for purchase
  
• Parking and restroom facilities included

Grimm Grounds has received praise for its detailed medieval and French Revolution-inspired demon themes, impressive props, and theatrical scares. Both the maze and SpookyTown are crowd favorites, making it a must-visit event for thrill-seekers and families alike.

6. Coldwater Witches Walk

Date/Time: Friday, October 17 | 5 to 9 PM
Location: Downtown Coldwater
Admission: Free

Step into the shadows of downtown Coldwater for one of the region’s most enchanting Halloween events. The Coldwater Witches Walk draws up to 2,000 attendees and is exclusively for women 19+, creating a unique and empowering celebration of witchcraft, community, and Halloween spirit.

Downtown transforms into a spellbinding stage, filled with live entertainment and interactive performances.

Highlights of the Evening:

• Live music & performances
• Dress as your most bewitching self and take part in the costume contest. 
• Join the traditional Witches Dance, immersing yourself in the communal spirit of sisterhood and celebration.
• Experience spine-chilling thrills at the historic Coldwater Mill (built 1833) in collaboration with The Scream Shack, one of Ontario’s scariest haunted houses.
• Vendor markets and shopping

Whether you’re seeking magical performances, shopping for witchy treasures, or simply celebrating Halloween with like-minded women, the Coldwater Witches Walk offers an unforgettable evening of enchantment and community spirit in the heart of historic downtown.

7. Quayle’s Brewery Pumpkin Painting 

Date & Time: Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 2 PM to 5 PM
Location: Quayle’s Brewery, Coldwater

Release your inner artist at Quayle’s Brewery and get into the Halloween spirit! Using the fall scenery as inspiration, kids and adults alike can decorate their own pumpkins. It’s a relaxed, creative way to celebrate the season with family or friends.

• All supplies provided
• Perfect for children and families

8. Quayle’s Brewery Halloween Party

Date & Time: Thursday, October 31, 2025 | 5 PM to 8 PM
Location: Quayle’s Brewery, Coldwater

Cap off the Fall Festival with a lively Halloween Party featuring games, music, and festive fun for all ages. Enjoy a playful evening celebrating the season with friends and family.

• Fun and interactive games
• Live music and seasonal entertainment
• Family-friendly Halloween celebration

9. Flashlight Corn Maze at Rounds Ranch

Date/Time: Saturdays in October | 3 to 10 PM
Location: Rounds Ranch, Elmvale
Admission: Kids $21.49 | Adults $25

Grab a flashlight and test your navigation skills in the interactive Flashlight Corn Maze. Twists, turns, and hidden surprises await as you try to solve the maze in the dark … don’t get lost! The experience is both thrilling and family-friendly, perfect for teens and adults who enjoy a little Halloween adventure.

While you’re at the ranch, the package also includes a cozy campfire and the chance to pick your own pumpkin from the patch, any size or color is included with admission.

For daytime visitors, add Pumpkin Mania (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) to your ticket for just $3 for extra fall fun. Rounds Ranch also offers plenty of activities to enjoy before dark, including jumping pillows, ziplines, barrel train rides, and more.

• Interactive maze puzzle with twists, turns, and hidden surprises
• Campfire and pumpkin picking included with admission
• Daytime activities and add-on Pumpkin Mania for younger children

There are also lots of add ons to make your experience even better, including animal feed, pony rides, a corn cannon and more. 

10. Accessible Halloween Village

Date/Time: Specific timeslots, Sunday, October 26 | 2:30 to 5 PM
Location: Oatley Vigmond Parking Lot at 151 Ferris Lane, Barrie
Admission: Free but times can be booked in advance

The Accessible Halloween Village offers a spooktacular Halloween experience designed for kids and the young at heart who face barriers with traditional trick-or-treating. Volunteers from over 40 local businesses will host barrier-free trick-or-treating tables, creating a safe, inclusive, and memorable evening for all participants.

To ensure everyone has a fun experience, each group must register in advance for a 20-minute timeslot. Tickets are required for participants but not for parents or guardians. Free parking is available onsite.

• Inclusive Trick-or-Treating: Barrier-free tables make it easy for children with physical or sensory challenges to enjoy Halloween.
  
• Community Support: Presented in partnership with Treat Accessibly, a grassroots initiative promoting accessible Halloween experiences across Canada.
  
• Guidelines: Groups register in advance; each participant receives a ticket to manage flow and timing.

11. Palettes & Florillia: Autumn Hallow’s Eve

Date/Time: October 30 | 7 to 9:30 PM
Location: Florillia at 21 Matchedash St S Unit 1D, Orillia
Admission: $55

Step into an intimate, adults-only Halloween celebration where creativity meets autumn elegance. This luxury evening at Florillia blends moody seasonal charm with Palettes’ signature artistic flair, offering a sophisticated way to celebrate the season.

Guests will enjoy a mix of hands-on workshops, indulgent treats, and exclusive shopping opportunities in a setting that feels straight out of a magical movie.

Event highlights:

• Ribbon-Tying Masterclass: Learn three elegant techniques on pre-wrapped gifts. Each guest takes home an instruction card to recreate the looks.
  
• Seasonal Sips & Sweet Treats: Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and mocktails alongside decadent Halloween-inspired confections by Vanilla Sprinkle.
  
• Exclusive Holiday Shopping: Get first access to Palettes’ holiday collection at special discounts, plus Florillia’s event-exclusive deals.
  
• Atmospheric Décor: Black linens, flickering candlelight, and moody autumn styling create an enchanting backdrop for the evening.
  
• Dress Code: Costumes encouraged but not required—come in your chicest Halloween attire to embrace the seasonal magic.

Ticket Includes:

• Admission to the event
• 3 sheets of Palettes paper from the exclusive Autumn & Christmas collection
• Ribbon-tying workshop + take-home instruction card
• Early access to shop new holiday designs at discounted rates

This event is perfect for those who love Halloween and want a refined, creative way to celebrate the season with artistry, elegance, and autumnal allure.

11. Orillia Horror-Fest

Date/Time: October 18, 2025
Location: Orillia Square Mall
Admission: $20 General Admission | $10 for kids | Packages for $40 to $100

Dive into a spine-chilling celebration of all things horror at Orillia Horror-Fest 2025. Hosted at Orillia Square Mall, this one-day event brings together horror enthusiasts, pop culture fans, and families for a day filled with thrills, chills, and collectibles.

Event highlights:

• Horror Movie Screenings: Enjoy classic and contemporary horror films throughout the day.
  
• Creepy Cosplay Contests: Show off your best horror-themed costumes for a chance to win prizes.
  
• Vendor Marketplace: Explore a variety of booths offering horror-themed merchandise, collectibles, and more.
  
• Special Guests & Panels: Meet industry professionals and participate in discussions about horror culture and filmmaking.

Whether you're a die-hard horror fan or just looking for fun Halloween events to check out, Orillia Horror-Fest has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this thrilling event!

12. Pumpkin Painting at Bradford Greenhouses

Date/Time: October 5 | 11 AM to 2 PM
Location: Barrie & Bradford locations
Admission: Free

Get into the Halloween spirit with a hands-on pumpkin painting activity at Bradford Greenhouses! This event is perfect for children under 12 to express their creativity and celebrate the season in a fun, relaxed setting.

• No registration required – first come, first served
• Pie pumpkins provided for decorating
• Suggested minimum donation $5; all proceeds go to Roots For Youth
• Wear clothing you don’t mind getting messy

It’s a great way for kids to enjoy a festive fall activity while supporting a local youth charity.

13. Hallowalk: A Haunted Trail Through the Woods

Date/Time: October 10–12, 17–19, 24–26, 31–November 1 | 6 to 9 PM
Location: Friday Harbour Resort, Innisfil
Admission: Adult $17 | Child $9 

Step into the shadows if you dare. The Hallowalk transforms the Nature Preserve into a haunted Halloween trail, where glowing pumpkins, eerie lights, and ghostly surprises await around every bend. Visitors will wander through themed zones along a lit forest path, encountering witches, skeletons, and woodland spirits brought to life.

• Immersive trail combining natural beauty with Halloween thrills
• Themed forest zones with interactive elements and spooky decor
• New twilight experience available from 5 to 6 PM for an additional cost

This unique fall event is perfect for families, friends, or anyone seeking a spooky outdoor adventure in Simcoe County.

14. Haunted Harbour: Trick-or-Treat Fun on the Promenade

Date/Time: Saturday, October 25 | 12 to 6 PM
Location: Friday Harbour Resort, Innisfil
Admission: Free (additional pay-to-play activities also available)

Friday Harbour’s Promenade transforms into a festive waterfront village filled with Halloween spirit. This family-friendly event invites kids to trick-or-treat at participating shops while enjoying a variety of seasonal activities.

• Trick-or-treating at local shops
• Crafts and games for all ages
• Face painting and interactive roaming characters
• Costume contest to showcase your Halloween creativity

It’s the perfect way for families to celebrate the season together in a safe, fun, and festive environment.

15. Addams Family Halloween Dinner & Dance

Date/Time: Friday, October 31 | 7 PM to Late
Location: Lake Club Restaurant, Friday Harbour
Admission: $87

Celebrate Halloween in style with a spooky evening inspired by the Addams Family. This adults-only event combines great food, festive fun, and a touch of mischief for a night you won’t forget.

• Three-course prix-fixe menu featuring seasonal and themed dishes
• Halloween photo booth for capturing your costume creativity
• Costume contest with prizes for the best-dressed guests
• Live DJs and late-night dance party to keep the energy going

Perfect for those looking to enjoy a stylish and festive Halloween night with friends or a date, all while embracing the spooky spirit.

Where Halloween meets autumn adventure with these great events in and around Barrie

Whether you’re chasing ghost stories on the waterfront, sipping a pumpkin ale under string lights, or getting lost in a corn maze, there’s no shortage of Halloween events and activities in and around Barrie.

From family-friendly fun to full-on frights, the region offers something for every kind of thrill-seeker, all set against Ontario’s most beautiful fall backdrop.

RELATED: The best pick your own pumpkin patches near Barrie ...