The Awakening! Friday, October 2
2026-10-02 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | Ontario
The Awakening: Release the Monsters
October 02, 2026

Release the Spirit of Monster Month at “The Awakening”: Elora’s Spooktacular Monster Month Begins!
On the evening of October 2, the grounds at the Elora Centre for the Arts come alive with eerie enchantment as The Awakening launches this year’s Monster Month! Step into a world of ghoulish fun where zombies roam, spirits stir, and surprises await at every turn.
Guided by our waggish Master of Ceremonies, Prince Pilkington and his humble servant, Nicholtwp, the evening builds to the dramatic release of the Spirit of Monster Month.
There will be mist and fog, mysterious sounds, music, light, dance, and dramedy, all there to distract you before the scarifying finale.
Of course, dress for the occasion. It’s a sort of funereal celebration of monstrous proportions. Be spooky, silly, or spectacular, whatever the ‘Spirit’ moves you to wear.
Bonus! Meet Tim Murton, creator of the Twilight Zoo. Yes, he is responsible for the creatures perched around the town. He has a lot to answer for!

Our Photo Booth is ready for your best side. Warning, monsters love to photo-bomb!
Our booth will offer free tattoos for kids (nothing permanent), merch, and Monster Month event info.
Take a walkabout to meet the GreenSpace monsters in person. You can even name them. Think of them as cuddly pets! (or not)
Elora’s own Pumpkin-eater, Sir P. Scareguard will be dreadfully pleased to take you on a tour through the village to meet the creatures. A donation to the foodbank is all it takes!
Oooh, there’s a Trivia Night at the Elora Legion!
Check out the shops, restaurants, and bars for special Monster Month treats. Cocktails and even Mocktails make Monsters seem friendly, for a while anyway…..
The Gorge Cinema has appropriately scary films on.

Then explore the town for even more monster-inspired magic. It’s the perfect kickoff to a month filled with mayhem, mystery, and fun for all.

Monster March - Saturday, October 17
2026-10-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Ontario
This is it – the best night to party down the street in your favourite getup!
It’s the Monster March!
This free event is a great opportunity for the whole family to get in disguise, pets included. If you are walking in the parade, dress for it! Please keep it family-friendly as we invite all ages to walk with us or watch from the sidelines!
Everyone rally at 1 MacDonald Square at 6 pm. March starts at 6:30 Rain or Moonshine!
Wicked Wagons: You can also participate in the Wicked Wagon Contest and decorate a parade float from your wagon or stroller with your best spooky ideas to win one of 3 top prizes!
The Sparrow’s Nest volunteers will be collecting donations for the Centre Wellington Foodbank along the parade route. We ask that parade participants and viewers please bring donations to help us combat food insecurity in our community.
The parade is followed by a “mini-mash” at Bissell Park for parade participants.

Wicked Wagon judging and awards
Great monster music
Food booths
Selfie / Photo Station
Merch – yes, souvenirs!

FREE

Sensational Soup Off Sunday, Nov 1
2026-11-01 13:00 - 15:30 | Wellington County Museum & Archives, 0536 Wellington Rd 18, Fergus, On, N1M 0A1, Canada
How better to spend a Sunday afternoon in November? Join us for our signature event filled with delicious food, lively company, and beautiful music.
Enjoy a variety of soups crafted with care by our community of chefs — from youth and home cooks to seasoned professionals — all bringing their best recipes to the table.
Taste them all, cast your votes, and help crown the winners.
Best of all, every dollar raised supports the Centre Wellington Food Bank and CW Eats at CWDHS.
Tickets will be available soon — stay tuned!
Do you have a soup you’d love to make? We welcome your application. Please note, our soup makers must be residents of Centre Wellington. Following the link posted at: https://www.sensationalelora.com/event/sensational-soup-off/

Empty Bowls - Sunday, Nov 1
2026-11-01 13:00 - 15:30 | Ontario
The Empty Bowls Project raises both funds and awareness for the fight against poverty and hunger in our community. Local professional potters generously donate their time and talent, crafting unique soup bowls for Sensational Elora to support fundraising efforts that directly address food insecurity in Centre Wellington.
These bowls will be available at the Sensational Soup Off on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Aboyne Hall. When you attend, you’ll be invited to select from a stunning array of handcrafted bowls. Every purchase of an Empty Bowl goes entirely to the Centre Wellington Food Bank and the CW Eats program.
Not only are Empty Bowls wonderful for everyday use, they also make thoughtful gifts—perfect for a housewarming, a thank-you, or simply sharing something special. Each one is beautiful, one-of-a-kind, and most importantly, when you buy one, you help support those in need right here in Centre Wellington.
The Sensational Soup Off is an annual event where up to 18 professional, amateur, and youth chefs will compete to become the “Super Souper” of 2026. Use your empty bowl to sample all of the soups and then cast your ballot for your favourites. At the end of the event, your bowl will be rinsed for you. Your Empty Bowl is yours to take home.
Thank you to our 2025 bowl makers:
Colibri Pottery (Claudia Lambert), Elora Pottery (Staci Barron), Murray Fox Pottery, Grove Pottery (Pauline Grove), Gleason Brook Pottery (Tim Smith), Cobalt Gallery (Annette Hansen), and Play With Clay (Nina and Mario)
