Halloween weekend is arriving early across Burlington and Hamilton, with candlelit pumpkin trails, costumed walks, a family swim and plenty of chances to get outside. Pick a few favourites, book ahead where required, and check event pages before you head out in case schedules change.
A quick date check: RBG’s current listing places RBG After Dark on Thursday, October 22, not October 24. We’ve left it off this weekend’s schedule.
6 Halloween Weekend Highlights
1. The Great Pumpkin Trail at Royal Botanical Gardens
Friday, October 23 | Timed entry from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Hendrie Park, Burlington
Follow a candlelit route past hundreds of carved pumpkins, seasonal displays and live entertainment at Hendrie Park. Choose an entry time when you book; the trail itself continues until 10 p.m. RBG describes the main valley section as a one-kilometre route with uneven, hilly terrain, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight. A shorter accessible loop is also available.
2. Halloween Skelebration at Mountsberg Conservation Area
Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25 | 4:30 p.m.–10 p.m. | 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville
Take the family for an evening of Halloween attractions and wagon rides at Mountsberg. Make your plans in advance: Conservation Halton requires advance tickets and says it cannot accommodate walk-ins. Check the event page for current ticket options and attraction details before you set out.
3. 20th Annual Hamilton Zombie Walk
Saturday, October 24 | Starts at noon | Gore Park, downtown Hamilton
Get into costume and join the public walk through downtown. The event is free and open to the public, so you don’t need a ticket to take part. Check the event listing for route and day-of details, then arrive ready for a lively, all-ages Halloween tradition.
4. Spooky Splash at Tansley Woods Community Centre
Saturday, October 24 | 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m. | Burlington
Swap the neighbourhood sidewalk for a Halloween-themed swim. The afternoon includes a family-friendly recreational swim, plus pumpkin painting and a scavenger hunt. A sensory swim is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Review the City’s recreation registration listing for availability, program details and any applicable fees before you go.
5. HalloweenFEST at Mastermind Toys Burlington
Saturday, October 24 | 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | 1035 Brant Street, Burlington
Dress up the kids and head to the store for two hours of Halloween surprises, activities and giveaways. The event is free, but reserve a spot through the event listing so your family can plan ahead.
6. Holland Park’s Spooktacular Bash
Sunday, October 25 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Holland Park, 294 York Road, Hamilton
Bring the family for a relaxed Halloween gathering with popcorn, apple cider, lawn games and a photo area. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is free; reserve in advance if you want to paint a pumpkin, and plan on a $5 donation per pumpkin to support Fetch + Releash Dog Rescue.
More Local Events This Weekend
Add a seasonal stop before or after the main Halloween events. Check each organizer’s page for the latest hours, admission details and weather updates.
- 10th Annual Waterdown Scarecrow Walk: Stroll past community-made displays and follow the clue activity around Waterdown Village through October 31. City event details
- Waterdown Treat & Pet Walk: Visit participating Waterdown businesses on Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the Scarecrow Walk. Check the City listing
- Trick or Trains! Halloween Train Day: Head to Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology on Sunday, October 25, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., for Halloween crafts, decorations and miniature train rides. Entry is free; museum admission is by donation. Event information
- Mini Pumpkin Painting at Goodness Me! Burlington: Drop in Saturday, October 24, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Reserve a free mini pumpkin in advance; quantities are limited. Reserve yours
- Mini Pumpkin Painting at Goodness Me! Waterdown: Make a Sunday, October 25, stop between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and reserve a free mini pumpkin ahead of time. Event and reservation details
- Burlington Centre Lions Farmers’ Market: Shop local produce, baked goods and artisan products Friday or Saturday, 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m. The 2026 season ends October 24. Market information
- Hamilton Farmers’ Market: Browse the downtown market Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s closed Sunday, so plan accordingly. Visit and hours
- Dyment’s Pumpkin Patch Festival: Explore the Dundas farm’s pumpkin patch, corn maze and family activities Saturday or Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Book online ahead of time; weather may affect operations. Official farm details | Festival tickets
- Springridge Farm Harvest Season: Visit the Milton farm Saturday or Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., for the Fun Farmyard, weekend corn trail and wagon rides. October weekend admission is $19 per person; the market and bakery are open without farmyard admission. Farmyard details
- Fall Displays in Hendrie Park: See RBG’s seasonal garden displays and pumpkin, squash and gourd arrangements during daytime hours, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., through November 1. Garden admission or membership is required. Display details | Admission tickets
- Fall Floral Mum Show at Gage Park: Visit the greenhouse Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., through October 25. Browse more than 200 chrysanthemum varieties and over 100,000 blooms; ticket prices vary by age and group. Official information and tickets
- Hamilton Film Festival: Catch a screening during the festival’s October 16–25 run. The October 23–25 programme lists venues including Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, The Westdale and Playhouse Cinema; check the schedule before choosing a screening. Festival programme | Weekend event listing
- Fall Harvest Market at Lime Ridge: Browse the seasonal market Saturday or Sunday, noon–8 p.m. Review the event listing for current ticket and admission information before visiting. Saturday event information | Hamilton event listing
Make a Neighbourhood Walk Part of Your Weekend
Halloween season is a useful time to walk a neighbourhood you’re considering. Notice who is home, how the street feels, whether families are out and about, and how well properties look after the growing season, when landscaping can’t hide as much. Don’t treat one evening as a complete picture; visit at different times and days to get a fuller feel.
Explore downtown Burlington, Aldershot, Millcroft, Alton Village or Tyandaga, or take a closer look at Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Binbrook, Waterdown, the Mountain or Hamilton’s west end. Each area has its own feel, and local context matters when you’re weighing a move.
For grounded guidance on Burlington and Hamilton neighbourhoods, connect with Team Smulders. Then enjoy the weekend, support local organizers and book early for the events that need tickets.