Best of Fall (September, October & November) in Charlottetown

Charlottetown offers many fantastic reasons to visit during the fall, where an array of yellows, oranges, and reds are splashed across the Island’s landscape. From the abundance of food-focused fall festivals to the variety of outdoor activities that are perfect in sweater weather temperatures, it’s all too easy to fall in love with the crisp days and cozy nights in Charlottetown.

Make it a getaway! Watch the leaves of Charlottetown change colour and take in all the amazing fall events with a stay at one of the city’s many accommodations.

1) A PLETHORA OF FESTIVALS & EVENTS

PEI International Shellfish Festival – Taking place at the Charlottetown Event Grounds, this is a kitchen party of epic proportions you do not want to miss. Packed with culinary demos, celebrity chefs, delicious dining experiences, the best of the best seafood chowder, live music, oyster shucking competitions, and more. September 18 – September 21

70 Mile Coastal Yard Sale – Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the 70 mile yard sale has grown to one of the largest outdoor events on PEI. Every September, people line the roads east of Charlottetown with all of their treasures, making it a bargain hunter’s dream! Stay in Charlottetown and launch your adventures “down east” from there. September 20- September 21

Fall Flavours Festival – If you enjoy incredible food, celebrity chefs and unique experiences, you’ll definitely want to come during the annual Fall Flavours Festival. This autumn celebration features numerous culinary festivals, events & foodie adventures from tip to tip across the Island. September 25 – October 10

Moonlight Bazaar – An award-winning, unconventional street festival that celebrates creativity by blending music, food, art, and live performances under the light of a 7-metre inflatable Moon. Get ready for an electric atmosphere on Victoria Row! September 27

Treaty Day Celebrations – Learn traditional Mi’kmaq customs and enjoy the beautiful culture through games, dance, songs, stories, art, and more! All are welcome.
October 1

Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival – This annual festival decks the streets of downtown with hundreds of unique scarecrow installations & fall decor, horse & wagon rides, haunted ghost tours, a fall-themed cocktail crawl, haunted hotel rooms, tarot readings in the park, seance reenactments, outdoor markets, and more. See the full schedule of events here! October 3 – October 31

Farm Day In The City – Taking place on Queen Street in downtown Charlottetown and presented by the PEI Potato Growers, Farm Day is one of the most magical, fun and delicious days of the year. Join over 180 farmers, producers, hot food purveyors, crafters, and artisans from across Prince Edward Island for the Island’s largest outdoor market and street festival. October 5

Oktoberfest – This annual PEI Brewing Company event puts a twist on tradition! With incredible beers brewed on-site, German-inspired food stations, the chance to compete for prizes in yard games, keg races, a stein holding competition, and more, PLUS live entertainment all day. October 11

Charlottetown Film Festival – Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the Charlottetown Film Festival champions emerging filmmakers, programs exciting new films across all genres, and provides rewarding networking opportunities for creatives in the entertainment industry. October 15- October 19

The PEI Marathon – Seasoned marathoners searching for a gorgeous Boston Marathon qualifier race, first-time 10kers looking for a new challenge, or even enthusiastic cheerleaders will all love the PEI Marathon. It’s an exciting and invigorating way to discover the beauty of Charlottetown and the surrounding area while pursuing your personal best or cheering on the runners. October 17 – October 19

Harvest Fest at Founders’ – Fall into fun at Founders’ Food Hall & Market! Join us on Saturday, October 18, from 11 AM – 8 PM for Harvest Fest—a full day of fall family fun, delicious eats, local vendors, and more! Free event — grab your crew and come celebrate the season with us! October 18

Wild Threads Literary Festival – This four-day celebration of the written and spoken word brings together a diverse lineup of talented writers and covers creative events such as panel discussions, spoken word, music and comedy, and more. Whether you’re an up-and-coming writer, or a literary enthusiast, Wild Threads offers a vibrant and inclusive space to connect, learn, and be inspired. October 23 – October 26

PEI Fibre Festival – “Woolcome” to the PEI Fibre Festival, where the fibre meets the shore. Celebrate all things fibre – including a marketplace, a fibre fan lounge, classes and Maritime entertainment. October 23 – October 25

PEI Spirits Festival – An event showcasing both local and worldwide unique, high-end spirits. Sample and shop limited quantity spirits exclusively at this fine-tasting festival. November 1

1) LOCAL FLAVOURS

Fall is the ultimate time to nuzzle into restaurants across the city and enjoy the flavours of PEI’s harvest. From pan-fried halibut to garlic mashed potatoes, and bubbly baked oysters to roasted root veggies, our chefs are primed and ready to rock your world with the freshest seasonal ingredients in the most charming spaces. Check out our Food & Drink Directory to scout out your next stop.

2) MARKET MOSEYS

Fall is the ideal time to hit up one of the city’s many open-air markets. Whether it’s the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays (seasonally) and Saturdays, the Downtown Farmers’ Market at Confederation Landing each Sunday (until September 28), or Farm Day in the City (October 5), the Island’s largest outdoor market and street festival on Queen Street, nothing gives you a better sense of Island culture than meeting the people who make this place so special.

3) COFFEE, BOOKS & COZY CORNERS

Charlottetown’s cafés are made for fall. Grab a pumpkin-spiced latte, wander to a bookstore like Bookmark or The Bookman, and cozy in for prime people-watching. Find a roundup of our favourite coffee shops around town in our Best Coffee, Cocktails & Craft Beer blog.

4) BRUNCH SEASON

Fluffy stacks, buttery croissants, and coffee strong enough to wake even the groggiest. Charlottetown’s brunch spots deliver all the morning comforts you could dream of. Check out our Best Bet for Brunch blog to scope out your next stop.

5) ADVENTURE AWAITS

Whether you’re an avid biker or a casual hiker, there’s no better place to witness the colours of the seasons than throughout the various wooded trails within and just beyond the city limits. Visit Victoria Park for pure autumn magic along the water’s edge, perfect for golden-hour walk and to see Charlottetown’s only lighthouse at Brighton Beach. Head to Brookvale, Bonshaw, or Winter River for some of the most stunning hiking trails on the Island. You can also hook onto the Confederation Trail from downtown Charlottetown, which features over 400km of cycling and walking trails spanning across the Island. Need a bike? Rent one through Rising Tide Electric Bicycles.

6) OUR HAUNTED CITY

When the sun sets, swap pumpkin pie for spine-tingling tales. Join a Charlottetown ghost tour and wander lantern-lit streets while uncovering the city’s haunted past. Learn more and check out the schedule to book your tour HERE.

7) A SIP OF THE SEASON

Nothing says fall quite like craft beer and cider. Pop into The Gahan House or PEI Brewing Company for a pint of local handcrafted beer. Or, head to Red Island Cider, PEI’s coziest taproom, to sip their crisp, small-batch pours – the perfect companion to sweater weather.

8) COUNTRYSIDE COLOURS

Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the Island’s red clay heritage roads, where scenic views and signs of rural life greet you at every turn. Old barns, golden hay bales, and red cliffs make for perfect photo stops along the way. Get inspired with our PEI Day Trip Destinations blog.

9) ANTIQUING & TREASURE HUNTS

Hit up antique shops across the island or hunt for vintage goods in town at Green Eye Designs, Luxury Market Consignment Boutique, Back Alley Music, The Bookman, or the Charlottetown Flea Market (Sundays). The 70-mile yard sale every September is also a local favourite—pack the car with snacks and get ready for the ultimate treasure hunt!

10) THEATRE LIGHTS & INDIE NIGHTS

Swap screens for stage lights. From indie films at City Cinema and Tivoli Cinema to live music at Trailside Music Hall, Charlottetown’s venues deliver the perfect cozy night out. Don’t miss shows at Confederation Centre, The Guild, Florence Simmons Hall, and PEI Brewing Company.

And there you have it! Come make all your cozy fall dreams come true in Charlottetown this year.

Need a place to stay? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious about what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss a beat over on our events page.

Looking to start planning this year’s holiday getaway? Check out the 2025 Charlottetown Christmas Festival!