The Bala Cranberry Festival: Celebrating 30 Years

The village of Bala, Muskoka will host its 30th annual Bala Cranberry Festival from October 17 to 19, 2014, in what is sure to be the best edition yet.

Come to Ontario’s cottage country the weekend after Canadian Thanksgiving to celebrate the ruby-red berry during its harvesting at the nearby Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh and Iroquois Cranberry Growers farms, and stay for the weekend party in downtown Bala.

This year’s event features live music throughout the weekend on two stages, including performances by Sean Cotton, Small Town Road, Valley of Kings, Leah Barley, Jenn Morin, Stacey Renee, Fifty Three Seventy Five, and Sheri Hawkins and the Rockin ’88’s. There will also be lots of children’s entertainment, including a “Punch & Judy” show.

Headlining the weekend at The Kee To Bala on Saturday night are Canadian rock legends The Stampeders, whose classic song Sweet City Woman has delighted fans for generations. The band that toured the world more than any other Canadian band in the early to mid-70s is back with the three original members from their hit-making days: Rich Dodson, Ronnie King and Kim Berly.

Featuring incredible food and vendors, a midway and petting zoo, snowmobile watercross (new this year), an appearance by the O.P.P.’s Golden Helmets motorcycle officers, helicopters rides from Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh, and with shuttles going between town and both marshes (take a tour and sample the cranberry delights!), the Bala Cranberry Festival is a unique event that is sure to delight every member of the family from October 17-19 – always the weekend after Canadian Thanksgiving!

And don’t miss the annual Anne of Green Gables Look-Alike Contest at the Bala Museum on October 18,.

For more information on the Bala Cranberry Festival, including events, passes and accommodation ideas, click here. 

Stay longer and experience more by planning an extended stay in the region. To plan your stay, click here.

See you in The Cranberry Capital of Ontario!