Looking for something fun to do this weekend without spending a lot of money?

Fall is in full swing across Grey and Bruce counties, and there are several free activities happening Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4. From fall hikes and art tours to salmon watching and free skating, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy our communities.

Here are some free events to check out this weekend.

GREY COUNTY

Autumn Leaves Studio Tour

Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Various locations throughout Grey and Bruce counties
Free

Take a drive through the beautiful fall countryside and visit local artists in their studios during the Autumn Leaves Studio Tour. The self-guided tour features artists working in ceramics, metal, glass, wood, photography, painting, printmaking, and more.

The tour is always held the weekend before Thanksgiving and is free to attend.

Owen Sound Self-Guided Salmon Tour

Saturday, October 3
Special information session: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mill Dam, Owen Sound
Free

One of Owen Sound’s great fall traditions is back. Follow the Sydenham River and watch for Chinook salmon making their annual journey upstream.

On Saturday, representatives from the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority will be at the Mill Dam from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help visitors spot salmon, answer questions, and share information about the salmon run.

The Salmon Tour itself is self-guided and can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by car.

Fall Colours with Pride

Saturday, October 3
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Beaver Valley Rest Area, 235082 Grey County Road 13
Open to all

Enjoy the beautiful fall colours of the Beaver Valley during a community hike presented by the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club in partnership with the Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay.

The hike is open to everyone, with a special invitation extended to members of the 2S-LGBTQIA+ community.

New Beginnings: Pods & Seeds in Fibre Art

Saturday, October 3
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thornbury
Free, no registration required

Explore a new textile art exhibition featuring Connections Fibre Artists. The exhibit uses fabrics, stitching, felt, dye, and woven forms to explore themes of growth, transformation, and new beginnings.

Visitors can meet the artists during the free opening event on Saturday afternoon.

Bruce Trail Day 2026

Sunday, October 4
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kimberley Hall, 235309 Grey Road 13, Kimberley
Free

Celebrate the Bruce Trail with a day of outdoor fun in Kimberley. Activities include free guided hikes, family-friendly activities, crafts, and information about the trail.

Pre-registration for the guided hikes is encouraged but is not required.

Meaford Public Library Tech Help

Sunday, October 4
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Meaford Public Library
Free

Need a little help with your phone, tablet, laptop, or eReader? Volunteers at the Meaford Public Library are available to provide free technology assistance.

Sessions are 30 minutes and are available by appointment or drop-in.

Write @ Your Library: Teen Creative Writing Contest

Sunday, October 4
Meaford Public Library
Free

Young writers can take part in the Write @ Your Library Teen Creative Writing Contest. Participants can submit short stories, poetry or artwork for the front cover, with cash prizes available.

The submission deadline is October 23.

BRUCE COUNTY

Autumn Leaves Studio Tour

Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Various locations throughout Grey and Bruce counties
Free

This free self-guided tour crosses both Grey and Bruce counties, giving visitors an opportunity to explore local studios, meet artists, and enjoy the fall scenery along the way.

Free Public Skate in Port Elgin

Saturday, October 3
12 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
The Plex, Port Elgin
Free

Lace up your skates and hit the ice! The Town of Saugeen Shores lists the October 3 public skate at the Plex as a sponsored free skate, courtesy of Saugeen Shores Windows & Doors.

Free Public Skate in Southampton

Sunday, October 4
9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
Southampton Coliseum
Free

Start your Sunday with a free skate in Southampton. The Walker House is sponsoring regular-season public skates for the 2026-27 season, including the first Sunday skate of the season on October 4.

Bruce County Public Library Book Sale

Saturday, October 3: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 4: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Port Elgin Branch, Bruce County Public Library
Free to browse

Book lovers can stop by the Port Elgin Branch for its weekend book sale. Browse the selection and see what treasures you can find. Purchases may have a cost, but there is no listed admission fee to visit the library event.

Enjoy a Fall Weekend Close to Home

You don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money to enjoy a great weekend. Whether you’re hiking through the fall colours, discovering local artists, watching the salmon run, visiting the library, or lacing up your skates, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy Grey and Bruce counties.

Events can sometimes change due to weather, capacity or other circumstances. We recommend checking with the event organizer before heading out.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend from all of us at United Way of Bruce Grey!