It’s looking like a gorgeous first weekend of the Fall season, with so many great events taking place around town. I recommend getting outside and soaking up this weather while it lasts! Here is my guide to the best family friendly events for the weekend of September 21-22.

Saturday:

• Flavours of Fall Market – 3470 Trim Rd, Navan, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Chili, Beef barley soup, veggie soup, pumpkin spice muffins, hot chocolate, apple cider, apples and pumpkins for sale)
• Richmond Fair – Richmond Fairgrounds, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm (midway, agricultural shows, tea room, kiddie zone, food, fireworks and more)
• Ottawa Parent and Child Expo – Nepean Sportsplex, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (75 local exhibitors, character meet and greets, pony rides, martial arts, interactive play zones and more)
• Opening Day for Haunting Season at Saunders Farm – 7893 Bleeks Rd, Munster, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm (play structures, mazes, barn of terror, haunted hay ride, live shows, bouncy pillows, food, save a few dollars and buy tickets online ahead of time)
• Beau’s Oktoberfest – Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (beer of course but also food, rides and live entertainment for kids)
• Taste of Wellington West – Wellington West Village, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (Support Parkdale Food Centre and enjoy food samples from 100 amazing restaurants and cafes in Hintonburg and Wellington Village, plus plenty of demos and entertainment)
• Fall Horse Festival – Wesley Clover Parks, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (This event will feature a variety of equestrian and canine demonstrations throughout the day, including the RCMP Musical Ride, also pony rides, horse drawn wagon rides, face painting and more…cheaper to buy tickets online ahead of time rather than pay at the door)
• The Secret Life of Pets 2 – Ottawa Family Cinema, 2:00 pm (Last chance to see this hilarious pet adventure on the big screen)
• Northern Adventures with Susan Aglukark – NAC, 2:30 pm ( Through storytelling, throat singing, and dance, singer-songwriter and activist Aglukark will guide you through your discovery of this spectacular region’s dynamic culture, recommended for children aged 5 to 12)

Sunday:

• Canada Army Run – Canadian War Museum, 7:00 am – 11:00 am (opening ceremonies at 7 am followed by wave starts for 5K, 10K and half marathon, come and cheer on this inspirational race event!)
• Richmond Fair – Richmond Fairgrounds, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (midway, agricultural shows, tea room, kiddie zone, food, cowboy obstacle course, talent show, tractor race and more)
• Ottawa Parent and Child Expo – Nepean Sportsplex, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (75 local exhibitors, character meet and greets, pony rides, martial arts, interactive play zones and more)
• McKellar Park Fall Festival – McKellar Park, 539 Wavell, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm (bouncy castle, live entertainment, yoga, bring your bicycle for a bike rodeo, face painting, and food…bring cash for food purchases)
• Boston Pizza Barrhavens Unicorn Party – Boston Pizza, 1681 Greenbank Rd, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (come for lunch and enjoy free face painting, free crafts and a colouring contest..and a live unicorn!)
• Northern Adventures with Susan Aglukark – NAC, 2:30 pm ( Through storytelling, throat singing, and dance, singer-songwriter and activist Aglukark will guide you through your discovery of this spectacular region’s dynamic culture, recommended for children aged 5 to 12)