10 Things to do in Cobourg this October

October is Ghost Walk season in Cobourg.

Every Friday night in October, plus October 28, 29 and 31, Experience Cobourg’s lantern-lit Ghost Walk takes visitors through the historic downtown, combining local history with stories of unexplained encounters, legendary figures and the town’s darker past. There are two tours each night at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with a new route and fresh stops for 2026.

Starting at the Henley Arcade, the roughly two-hour walk is a different way to experience Cobourg’s heritage—and perhaps see some of the town’s most familiar streets differently after dark. Tickets are $15.

Before the ghosts take over, there's still plenty happening on stage.

Northumberland Players presents The Memory of Water, an award-winning black comedy about three sisters gathering before their mother's funeral and confronting their very different memories of the past.

Performances continue at the Firehall Theatre through October 4, giving visitors another reason to make an evening of downtown Cobourg: dinner, theatre and a walk through the historic streets afterward.

Cobourg's most recognizable landmark looks a little different once the doors close.

On select October nights, the Paranormal Investigation Tour invites participants inside historic Victoria Hall and the Art Gallery of Northumberland from 8–10 p.m. to investigate reported paranormal activity using professional ghost-hunting equipment.

It's part history lesson, part hands-on investigation—and one of the rare opportunities to experience these historic spaces after hours. October dates include October 9, 23 and 31. Tickets are $40.

October's calendar at the Victoria Hall Concert Hall is packed with live music, from tribute shows to Canadian rock.

Catch Jersey Nights, Mudmen, The Beatle Band, GODDO, Carl Dixon, Sweet Water, Northumberland Orchestra Society's Mischief and Spirits, and more throughout the month.

One to put on the calendar: Carl Dixon – A Man of Titanium, Rock & Soul on October 24. Dixon's career stretches back to the Canadian rock scene of the 1980s, making the evening as much a trip through Canadian music history as a concert.

If your idea of October fun involves a little more magic, head to the Witches Ball & Psychic Fair at the Lions Community Centre on October 3.

The free Psychic Fair runs during the day, with vendors, readers and handmade treasures, before the Witches Ball takes over in the evening. Costumes are encouraged, so consider this your excuse to start Halloween early.

It's another example of the kind of quirky, community-driven event that makes a fall weekend in Cobourg more interesting.

You don't need a ticket to experience Cobourg's history.

October is a beautiful month to slow down and explore the town's heritage streets on your own. Cobourg's self-guided heritage walking tours let you discover the architecture, stories and landmarks that make the downtown distinct.

Start around Victoria Hall, wander toward King Street and the waterfront, and take your time. The cooler weather makes it a particularly good month for walking—and the fall light doesn't hurt the photos either.

Make Saturday, October 3, a fall day in downtown Cobourg during Downtown Cobourg Harvest Fest 2026. King Street and beyond will come alive with seasonal décor, local artisans and guest vendors, live music, food trucks, extended patios and plenty of autumn activities for all ages.

Browse for something unique from local shops, stop for lunch or a coffee, snap a fall photo, and check out the live animals before taking part in the Walk a Mile Event supporting a meaningful cause.

And don't forget the exciting annual Boat Lift Out at Cobourg Marina will take place over two weekends: October 3-4 and October 24-25.

With so much happening throughout the day, there's no need to rush. Make time to wander beyond the festival, explore Cobourg's independent shops and restaurants, and take a stroll toward the waterfront before heading home.

It's the kind of fall day that lets you experience Cobourg the way it should be—slowly, locally and with plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

October is a beautiful time to slow down and enjoy Cobourg outdoors, whether you're looking for a round of golf, a lakeside walk or a longer hike.

For golfers, The Mill Golf Course offers nine- or 18-hole rounds following Cobourg Creek through the grounds of the historic mill. The public course remains open seven days a week through October 9.

Prefer to explore on foot through our hiking trails? The Cobourg section of the Waterfront Trail follows Lake Ontario through Lucas Point Park, Victoria Park, Rotary Waterfront Park, the Cobourg Boardwalk and Peace Park before continuing toward Port Hope. For a wooded walk, Cobourg Conservation Area (James Cockburn Park) at 700 William Street offers almost 30 acres of naturalized trails along Cobourg Creek.

Looking for a longer hike? About 15 minutes north of town, the Beagle Club Trails offer routes ranging from 1 to 14 kilometres, including a 1-kilometre accessible Heritage Trail.

And for an easy Saturday morning, join the Victoria Park Beach parkrun, then head downtown for coffee and breakfast.

Whether you spend the morning on the greens, beside the lake or under the trees, October is a great time to get outside and experience a quieter side of Cobourg before winter arrives.

The Cobourg Farmers' Market continues into the fall, making Saturday morning a good excuse to get out early and explore (Location: Rotary Harbourfront Park (around the Oval) in downtown Cobourg, on Albert Street behind Victoria Hall 8 am - 1 pm until October 31 and then it moves the Winter Market across the road in the Market Building Parking lot 9 am - noon until Christmas).

Pick up something local for breakfast, browse the vendors, then build the rest of your day around downtown, the waterfront, a museum visit or an afternoon event.

It's a simple way to experience Cobourg like a local rather than rushing from one scheduled event to the next.

If you're looking for a reason to visit at the end of the month, Halloween brings together some of October's biggest experiences.

Gather the kiddos and test drive those costumes at the Downtown Cobourg Halloween Trick or Treat taking place Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The Ghost Walk runs October 28, 29, 30 and 31, with 6:30 and 8 p.m. tours. There's also a Paranormal Investigation Tour on Halloween night, plus live music at Victoria Hall, including Creedence Clearwater Arrival on October 31.

Head out earlier in the day with the kiddos and dress them up for another test drive of those costumes at the annual Trunk or Treat from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre. Bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.

In other words: come for the ghosts, stay for dinner, catch a show and spend the night. That's a pretty good way to finish October in Cobourg.