Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Hometown Happenings is your go-to list of markets, music, festivals, fundraisers, and good old-fashioned community fun happening in Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place, Almonte, Montague, Merrickville, North Grenville, Rideau Lakes, Westport, and points in between.
Want to see your event listed in Hometown Happenings? Send the details to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca and we’ll do our best to include it in the next Hometown Happenings roundup. Published every Thursday, alphabetically by region, just in time to tee up your weekend plans.
Hometown Happenings Oct. 3 – 5
Almonte (Mississippi Mills)
Almonte Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Oct. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beside the library on High Street. Local produce, crafts, food and sharpshooting knife sharpening.
Carleton Place
Carleton Place Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Oct. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Market Square Pavilion, 7 Beckwith Street. Local produce, baking and handmade treasures.
Pumpkinfest Weekend
Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The streets of the town will come alive with fall festival fun. Something for everyone. Kids games, cultural experiences, buskers, and meet for a fall colours’ walk outside town hall at 10 a.m.
Perth
Perth Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Oct. 4, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Crystal Palace. Riverside setting with produce, prepared foods and artisan crafts.

Perth Off Leash Dog Park Grand Opening
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2 to 4 p.m.: Celebrate the first phase of the new Dog Park with family, friends, and pups. Enjoy Perth Barkery treats, live music by Matt Dickson, and nail trims by Dana of Lanark Village Pets for a donation of $10 or more. Perth Brewery will have non-alcoholic beer to enjoy on site or take home, while Mel’s Rescue brings adoptable dogs and a silent auction. A basket draw, seasonal canine apparel by donation, and dog behaviour tips from Rob the Dog Guy will all be part of the day. Meet volunteer Jenna Rath from local real estate, and join Town Crier Brent McLaren with the mayor and town council for the official opening.
5K Prediction Fun Run/Walk
Sunday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. at Stewart Park. Hosted by the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation. Proceeds will support the diagnostic imaging department. Register here.
Rideau Lakes
Octoberfest
Saturday, Oct. 4, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ronald E. Holman Municipal Complex (South Elmsley Hall), 441 Highway 15. This free event welcomes Valley Custom Cutting Oktoberfest sausage on a bun, salad and a drink. Kids meal available, as is take-out. Donations appreciated.
The Pairs Live in Chaffey’s Lock
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Part of the Festival of Small Halls, this year, enjoy an afternoon fall performance.
Smiths Falls
Open Air Market
Friday, Oct. 3, 3 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Park, 2-22 Confederation Dr. Pick up some produce, check out the crafters and artisans. Food available on site.
Big Art Walk at the Falls
Saturday, Oct. 4, starts at 11 a.m. Wander the outdoor art gallery, enjoy live music, and take home your own sweet finds. Tickets are $10 and available at Experience Smiths Falls.Â
Cruise In final event of the season
Saturday, Oct. 4, 12 to 3 p.m. is the final show of the Smiths Falls Thursday night cruise-in events. Taking place at Settlers Ridge Centre, and there will be a barbecue. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 5.Â
Oktoberfest at The Tap Room
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2 to 10 p.m. Games, $5 to play with proceeds to the Smiths Falls community Food Bank. Two live bands, Garrison Blues and Derecho Party, Oktoberfest sausages on sale.Â
Heritage House Fall Fest
Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Heritage House Museum; horse drawn wagon rides, heritage demonstrations, petting zoo, vendors, Cinderella meet and greet; barbecue and canteen. Kids entertainment and museum tours. Admission by donation.Â
Westport
Breakfast with the Mayor
Thursday, Oct. 2, at The Cove Inn. Meet for breakfast at 8 a.m. and continue until 10 p.m. with updates from town hall. Breakfast is $20. Call to reserve your spot: 613-273-2191.
Live at the Cove
* Thursday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. Rob Lutes and Music Workshop
* Friday, Oct. 3, 5 to 8 p.m. Matt Dickson
* Sunday, Oct. 5, 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays with Eric and Meghan
* Monday, Oct. 6, 5 to 8 p.m. Monday Musical Residency with Jon McLurg
* Tuesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Westport Fall Fashion Show
* Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5 to 8 p.m., Tim Loten
Keep up to date with all Hometown Happenings. Have an event to submit? Send it to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca