A Valley Full of Colour

In Early September, look to the sky for the 9th Annual River Bend Balloon Fest, happening September 3-7. Along the beautiful Saint John River, colourful hot air balloons drift overhead, turning the sky into a moving canvas of colour. Watch the spectacle from the ground or reserve a flight for a bird’s-eye view of the valley. Back on the fairgrounds, there’s plenty to keep you exploring, from an artisan market and kids’ activities to a classic car show and tethered balloon rides. As dusk settles in, don’t miss the beloved Balloon Glow, when the balloons light up against the darkening sky. The festival wraps up on Labour Day with the Trevor Goodine Professional Lumberjack Competition, bringing a thrilling finale to the weekend. 

A few days later, get hands-on at the pARTicipate Arts & Nature Festival, happening September 10–13. Across four days, artists open up studios, galleries, and creative spaces throughout West NB, inviting you to workshop-hop your way through the festival. Try pottery, painting, and up to 10 other creative pursuits with guidance from experienced artists—you may leave with a new skill, a piece you made yourself, or simply the surprise of discovering something you didn’t know you could do. The festival begins with a welcoming artist exhibition and wraps up with a pop-up show featuring work created during the workshops, giving you a chance to see through the eyes of local artists—and through your own.

Start with sunflowers at McLellan’s U-Pick in September, where rows of vibrant golden blooms stretch beneath blue skies. Wander the fields, stop for a photo, and pick a bouquet of sunshine to enjoy during your travels. The season is fleeting, so plan this stop early in the fall.

As the days cool and the leaves begin to change, it’s time for apples. Later in September, visit Dukeshire’s Orchard Shade Farms or Homestead Orchards and experience the harvest for yourself. At Dukeshire’s, pick apples with a view overlooking the Saint John River. At Homestead Orchards, look for variety favourites like Ambrosia and Honeycrisp, among many others. Both orchards offer fresh apple cider, perfect for sipping among the apple trees.                                     

Finish the trail with pumpkins at Hunter Brothers Farm, where the harvest takes on every shape, size, texture and colour imaginable. Wander through displays of tiny decorative gourds and giant carving pumpkins, and let the kids take the lead in finding their favourites. Take your time—the fun is in the hunt, and there’s no rush to find the perfect one.

Plan your harvest trail:

• McLellan's: 4212 Rt 540, Belleville
• Dukeshire's Orchard Shade Farms: 4204 Rt 105, Northampton
• Homestead Orchards: 70 Homestead St, Hartford
• Hunter Brothers Farm: 8534 Main St, Florenceville-Bristol

Connell Park Raceway is New Brunswick’s only racetrack with an annual race season on the Maritime circuit, featuring a half-mile track with a long-standing harness racing tradition. The 2026 season runs from September into late October, with several weekend dates perfect for adding some trackside excitement to a planned weekend trip. Settle in for an afternoon or evening of racing, with the Autumn series beginning Friday, September 4th. Admission is just $5, with ages 15 and under free.

📍Connell Park Raceway - 244 Connell St, Woodstock