Celebrate Culture in Ontario's Highlands

It’s hard not to get inspired in fall – inspired to create, inspired to change, and inspired to grow. As Mother Nature shows off her creative side, there are a number of others who will be showing theirs as well, with studio tours and cultural events taking place across Ontario’s Highlands.

Check out one of the tours, events, or shows below for the chance to uncover hidden treasures, cruise winding roads surrounded by rich autumn beauty, and discover the passion and skill behind each local creation.

Ontario Culture Days Events

This year there are two provincial hubs for Culture Days located in Ontario's Highlands: Haliburton Highlands and the town of Carleton Place. These two regions/communities have fostered an exciting line-up of arts and culture events to join in the celebrations during Culture Days. 

Haliburton Highlands: This region is known for its arts and culture presence, a natural consequence of the beauty of the landscape here, and the inspiration it provides artists and artisans. Here, studio tours wind through autumn forests, outdoor walks inspire, and live performances abound. Explore their entire Culture Days calendar featuring dozens of events, or those highlighted below.

• Hike Haliburton Festival (Minden) - Sept. 18, 19, and 20
• Colourfest (Haliburton) - Sept. 19
• Plein Air Painting Days (Eagle Lake) - Sept. 20, 26, 27 and Oct. 3, 4
• The Golden Owl - aerial art performance (Tory Hill) - Sept. 20
• Haliburton Sculpture Forest (Haliburton) - Sept. 26

Carleton Place: Located just a short drive west of Ottawa, the town of Carleton Place is a vibrant community that celebrates and fosters art and artists. Wander through town, visit a museum, festival, or event, and join in the celebration. Explore their entire Culture Days calendar here. 

• Pumpkinfest (Carleton Junction) - Oct. 2, 3, 4
• Charles Spratt: A Lifetime of Light, Impression, and the Canadian Landscape (Carleton Place Gallery) - Wednesday to Sunday
• Carleton Place Community Tattoo (Royal Canadian Legion 177 George St.) - Sept. 20
• Honouring Residential School Survivors: Prayer Circle and Drumming (Riverside Park Misis Zibi Mamidosewin Mississippi River Gathering Place) - Sept. 30
• The Story of McArthur Island (Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum) - Wednesday to Saturday

Fall Studio Tours

Fall is the perfect time to experience a studio tour. As you travel from location to location on the tour you will drive through nature's masterpiece - trees crowd the roadside, blazing with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, and carpet the road with their brilliance. You will take home more than cherished pieces of art while on a studio tour, you will bring home inspiration.

Bancroft & Area Autumn Studio Tour

When: Sept. 19-20 and 26-27, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Bancroft & Area

See the fall colours in North Hastings while touring these artist’s studios and be inspired by the artists, their creations, and the scenery in Hastings County. This year is the 33rd year for the Bancroft Autumn Studio Tour!

Alpaca Farm Tour

When: 2026 dates TBD, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Forest Cove Farm, Chalk River

Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to see alpacas and their babies, called crias? This event at Forest Cove Farm is part of National Alpaca Farm Days, and will feature food, face painting, fibre demonstrations and more.

North Frontenac Backroads Studio Tour

When: Sept. 26-27, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: North Frontenac

Wander the backroads of North Frontenac to be inspired by the beautiful fall scenery. The studio tour takes you from woodlands to farmers fields to 20 studio locations featuring the works of 29 local artisans. Bring your wallet for this road trip, because you’ll need it to bring home some local goodies.

The Tweed & Area Studio Tour

When: Sept. 26-27, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Tweed

Marvel at how the gently rolling countryside is transformed by autumn’s glory outside, before stepping inside artist and artisan studios to discover the warmth and incredible talent that lives in Tweed and the surrounding area. While you're in Tweed, check out 'North America's Smallest Jailhouse'.

Madawaska Valley Studio Tour 

When: Oct. 3-4, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Madawaska Valley

The fall edition of the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour is an opportunity to dive deep into the valley landscape and meet the artists and artisans that provide creative context to the region. Artists include glass makers, wood carvers, textile workers, potters, and more.

The Studio Tour - Haliburton Highlands

When: Oct. 3-4 and 10-11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Haliburton Highlands 

Embrace the peaceful beauty of the Haliburton Highlands as you discover where and how over 30 artists and artisans live and work. Explore the region and watch for the The Studio Tour logo to uncover unique treasures and handmade works of art. Download the 2025 guide here.

Crown & Pumpkin Studio Tour 

When: Oct. 10-11, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Lanark County

This year’s event is a compilation of the Art in the Attic Studio Tour, and the Maple Run Studio Tour, all rolled into one artistic and creative immersion in Lanark County. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you travel the winding roads of the Almonte and Clayton areas and marvel at the artistic diversity that abounds. Wander the region by car or bicycle to discover the craftsmanship and skill of local artists, set against a backdrop of vibrant fall colours and flavours.