Fall 2025 Edition – Canada

NORTH AMERICA 

Cincinnati, OH/Northern Kentucky – www.visitcincy.com  

The largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich takes place in Cincinnati, a city with strong German roots. Zinzinnati, which takes place 18-21 October, celebrates a half-century of celebrations next year (2026). Held at Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, admission is free and includes live Oom-pah-pah entertainment, a colossal tented biergarten, German food and beer, and other lively festivities. Visitors can explore Cincy’s OTR (Over The Rhine), which got its name from the Germans who settled this part of town more than a century ago. The OTR looks like New York City in the 1930s, which makes it a favourite for location scouts in search of preserved architecture, and features hidden beer tunnels. Ghost Baby, a modern-day speakeasy, has reimagined one of the beer tunnels and is one of the hottest (and most clandestine) places in town.  

The fall brings a flurry of events along the banks of the Ohio River, where the north (Cincinnati) meets the south (Covington and Newport, KY). Kicking off the United States’ 250th birthday is America’s River Roots Festival, taking place 8-12 October on both sides of the river. The event pays homage to America’s river roots by hosting nine majestic riverboats from seven cities, including Cincinnati. Designated by the America 250-Ohio Commission, America’s River Roots Festival showcases diverse cultures, cuisine and music of America’s inland waterways. The event will include multiple stages of headlining musical acts and local artists, celebrated chefs, river boat brunch and dinner cruises, and an on-the-water parade. 

For those seeking an adventure, Cincinnati’s renowned ghost tours offer a spirited journey into the city’s mysterious past. Cincinnati Ghosts: Queen City Haunted Walking Tour explores the notoriously haunted Over-the-Rhine district. Nightly Spirits: Cincinnati Haunted Pub Crawl combines ghost stories with stops at iconic historic bars. Phantoms of the Pig Iron Past: Cursed Cincinnati Ghost Tours heads through historic neighbourhoods and riverfront areas. The Nightmare on Elm Street Walking Tour enters the dimly lit brewery tunnels beneath Elm Street while Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Tour offers a 2.5-hour adventure combining chilling local ghost stories with drinks at historic pubs. Ghosts of Covington Haunted History Tour takes guests just across the Ohio River to visit sites from the Civil War era.  

 Expedia Group — www.expedia.ca 

This autumn, dive into updated travel data with Expedia Group’s 2025 Traveler Value Index, which reveals that travel remains a top priority, with 50% of consumers saying it’s more important now than five years ago. Despite global uncertainties, 88% plan to take a leisure trip in the next year, and 68% are likely to book international travel—a 19% jump since 2022. Travellers are also embracing new formats like flexcations and bleisure trips, blending work and leisure. These shifts highlight how travel continues to play a vital role in personal fulfillment and lifestyle flexibility. 

While price remains a key factor, trust has become equally important—75% of travellers are willing to pay more for accommodations with better reviews. Social media’s influence is also growing, with 61% of visitors finding trip inspiration on platforms and 73% influenced by creators. Loyalty programmes are gaining traction too, with 83% preferring to redeem points for travel and 82% open to booking through non-travel platforms like credit cards. Regional and generational differences also stand out, with younger travellers prioritizing reviews and experiences, while affordability remains top-of-mind across most markets.  

Additionally, Expedia Group also announced a major expansion of its B2B technology platform, launching new APIs and advertising innovations designed to power partner growth and unlock smarter traveller engagement. The company is also extending its reach with new GenAI-powered discovery experiences, starting with Expedia® Trip Matching, a first-of-its-kind feature that turns reels on Instagram into personalized travel recommendations. Additionally, with the latest release of its new end-to-end AI Agent on Hotels.com®, and integration with OpenAI Operator and Microsoft Copilot Actions, Expedia Group is making trip planning more intuitive and accessible — meeting travellers across every touchpoint. These latest innovations were shared during Expedia Group’s flagship EXPLORE™ event. 

Greater Miami and Miami Beach, FL – www.miamiandbeaches.com  

Miami’s hotel scene is heating up this autumn with several openings. Andaz Miami Beach debuts as Florida’s first Andaz, featuring an ocean-view lobby, a luxe pool oasis, and 25,000 square feet of event space. Thompson Miami Beach began welcoming guests in August, offering rooftop views, jewel-toned interiors, and a prime location near the Convention Center. Meanwhile, the iconic Shelborne reopened this May after a full reimagination, boasting four new restaurants and beautifully restored Art Deco architecture. 

In terms of new attractions and experiences, The Vizcaya Village Night Market, held monthly through December, offers an enticing open-air setting with local food, crafts, and community programming. Miami Worldcenter, now fully open, stands as Florida’s largest retail and entertainment venue, featuring a mix of flagship brands and boutique shops. For immersive fun, the Museum of Ice Cream and Little Havana Culinary Tours continue to trend, offering colourful, Instagram-worthy experiences that blend culture, flavour, and play. 

Food lovers can indulge in Miami Spice Restaurant Month through 30 September, featuring prix-fixe menus at top restaurants across the city. Art of Black Miami runs from November through December, celebrating Black artists and creatives with exhibitions, performances, and community events. September also brings the Brazilian Film Festival, a cultural highlight with screenings and panels. The season culminates with Art Basel Miami Beach from 5–8 December, the city’s premier global art event attracting over 80,000 attendees. 

Montreal, Canada – www.mtl.org/en 

Early to mid-October is ideal to catch the vibrant red and orange autumn leaves in parks like Mount Royal Park, Beaver Lake, Parc Jean-Drapeau, and the Montreal Botanical Garden, which offer spectacular natural scenery for long walks, picnics, and photography. The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal in mid-September attracts cycling enthusiasts. Also outdoors, the Gardens of Lights festival in the Botanical Gardens during September and October showcases colourful silk lanterns, creating a magical ambiance. 

The Montreal International Music Festival takes place in late September, featuring concerts suitable for all ages and additional art shows. And in November, MTL à Table invites visitors to enjoy Montreal’s vibrant culinary scene during Restaurant Week, and the city hosts several festive events like the Santa Claus Parade later in the month. 

Throughout the autumn, visitors can explore contemporary Indigenous art at the daphne Indigenous artist-run centre and learn about Montreal’s local memories at the MEM—Centre des mémoires montréalaises in Quartier des spectacles. Visit landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Montreal’s historic district, and take in views from the Port of Montréal Tower overlooking the St. Lawrence River. For thrill-seekers, try Montréal Bungee’s jump from 210 metres above the Old Port. Enjoy shopping at Montreal’s newest luxury mall, Royalmount, or explore the Underground City (RESO) for unique retail and dining options connected by an indoor network, ideal for cooler autumn days. 

New accommodations like Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame opened in early 2025. According to Hotelier Magazine, the Gray Collection officially expanded its Le Petit Hôtel brand with the opening of Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame in February 2025. Several Michelin-recognized restaurants in Montreal are renowned for highlighting local Quebec ingredients, especially during the harvest. As autumn brings an abundance of regional produce—like wild mushrooms, squash, maple, orchard fruit, and root vegetables—and chefs craft seasonal tasting menus that celebrate these flavours. 

Orlando, FL – www.visitorlando.com 

Visiting Orlando in the autumn means smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. Visitors can enjoy Universal Epic Universe, a brand-new immersive theme park with five unique lands, opening at Universal Orlando Resort. New Universal hotels such as Universal Helios Grand Hotel, offering doorstep access to Epic Universe. 

Top Halloween events include Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, with 10 chilling haunted houses inspired by pop culture and original horror stories, alongside sinister scare zones and a thrilling live stage show. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World offers family fun from 15 August to 31 October. LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick-or-Treat takes a playful twist on Halloween with events running on weekends throughout September and October. Costumes are encouraged, and there’s fun at every turn for LEGO fans of all ages. 

Orlando Come Out with Pride (17-19 Oct.) features a vibrant parade on 18 October through downtown Orlando ending at Lake Eola Park. The celebration includes multiple performance stages, a family zone, a large marketplace of LGBTQ+ vendors, and culminates with stunning fireworks. Nightlife hotspots offer diverse entertainment and drag shows.  

The autumn is all about food experiences in Orlando. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (through 22 Nov.) invites visitors on culinary adventures across six continents with over 35 global marketplaces. Vegan Block Party – Fall Festival at Lake Eola Park (1 Oct.) is Orlando’s ultimate plant-based food and lifestyle festival with over 70 local vendors offering vegan cuisine. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Fall Food & Wine Classic (14-15 Nov.) provides samples of gourmet food and fine wines from the resort’s acclaimed chefs. Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining (through 30 Sept.) is a special event where 150 Orlando restaurants offer specially priced three-course prix fixe menus ($40 or $60 per person at select venues). A culinary celebration ideal for exploring diverse local eateries. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the festival.  

San Francisco, CA – www.sftravel.com 

Seasonal events like Fleet Week, the Castro Street Fair, and the Autumn Moon Festival bring San Francisco’s diverse communities to life with music, food, and celebration. Plus, new attractions like the Counterculture Museum and the return of the Bay Lights add fresh energy to a city already rich in history and innovation. 

Portola Music Festival (20-21 Sept,) is an electronic dance music extravaganza at Pier 80, featuring LCD Soundsystem, Christina Aguilera, The Chemical Brothers, Peggy Gou, The Prodigy, and more—an immersive, 21+ celebration of sound. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with over 80 free performances in the heart of downtown, from jazz and world music to contemporary dance and spoken word. The concert series Pier Party at the Wharf transforms the heart of iconic Fisherman’s Wharf into a musical hub every second and fourth Saturday until the end of September.   

The Institute of Contemporary Art, SF (ICA SF) has debuted the largest presentation of Masako Miki’s paintings, sculptures, and installations. The fully site-responsive exhibition brings Miki’s paintings, “Night Parades,” to life in experiential form, featuring throngs of Miki’s signature felted character sculptures in a dramatically darkened, immersive environment. Running in tandem (through 7 Dec.) is a site-specific solo exhibition by David. The Counterculture Museum is opening at Haight-Ashbury, exploring San Francisco’s legacy in movements like the Beat Generation, Summer of Love, and LGBTQ+ rights.  

Enjoy the good weather at Sunset Dunes Park, a 43-acre pedestrian park along Ocean Beach with art installations, hammocks, and skate zones. Or head to Outpost Meadow at Presidio Tunnel Tops, a new gathering space with picnic areas, food trucks, and Bay views.  

Fleet Week (5–13 Oct.) brings the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, ship tours, and waterfront festivities while the Castro Street Fair (6 Oct.) boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ celebration with music, food, and dancing in the streets. No autumn is complete without the Autumn Moon Festival in Chinatown, featuring lion dancers, martial arts, and mooncakes along Grant Avenue. 

U.S. Virgin Islands – www.visitusvi.com  

For travellers who dread chilly sweater weather, pumpkin spice overload, and the relentless parade of autumnal foliage, the US Virgin Islands offer a sun-drenched paradise where summer feels endless. As the leaves turn and temperatures drop elsewhere, the USVI bask in warm, breezy days perfect for beach lounging, snorkeling, and island exploration. November brings the prestigious USVI Charter Yacht Show at Yacht Haven Grande, where luxury yachts take centre stage. Visitors can mingle with charter brokers and crews, enjoy culinary competitions, sample a variety of rums, and embark on half-day sails. The marina buzzes with cocktail parties, carnival parades, and informative seminars on everything from coral preservation to yachting history. 

Later in November, Thanksgiving is marked by the Coral Bay Yacht Club’s classic regatta. Spectators gather at local favourites like the Salty Mongoose or Surf Club Cantina to catch stunning views of elegant vessels navigating Coral Harbor, making for a festive and scenic holiday experience. With fewer crowds and perfect weather, the autumn is the ideal time to indulge in local flavours, pristine beaches, and unforgettable island adventures. For those craving sun, sea, and a slice of island life, the US Virgin Islands are the perfect escape. 

Washington, D.C. – www.washington.org  

Autumn transforms the nation’s capital with brilliant yellow, auburn, and red leaves especially visible around the National Mall and Rock Creek Park, creating picturesque settings around iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. The cooler autumn weather provides a pleasant backdrop to visit famous sites such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the US Capitol Building, all rich with history and meaningful stories. Many Smithsonian museums remain free to visit year-round, including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of American History—perfect for indoor activities if the weather turns too crisp. 

Autumn events also liven up the city. NoMA in Color Mural Festival (8–15 Sept.) sees the NoMa neighbourhood transformed into an outdoor art gallery, as artists paint murals in real-time and pop-up galleries energize the streets. This marks the 10th anniversary of the festival. Art All Night (12–13 Sept.) offers installations, performances, and live music across multiple neighbourhoods, celebrating DC’s vibrant arts scene. Walking Town DC (13–20 Sept.) is a week-long programme of free guided walking tours highlighting historic, artistic, and multicultural corners of the city. H Street Festival on 20 September brings the street alive with live music, dance performances, contests, and diverse food and vendor stalls. And Snallygaster on 11 October is the city’s biggest craft beer festival featuring rare pours, food trucks, and live entertainment. 

The autumn season is the time to book a new hotel, like Sixty DC opened this June. The boutique hotel brand, with locations in Beverly Hills, California and New York’s Lower East Side, makes its DC debut on Connecticut Avenue near Dupont Circle. The luxury hotel boasts two trendy food and beverage concepts: Casamara, serving coastal Mediterranean, and Reynold’s, a cocktail bar whose name is a nod to Alexander Hamilton’s infamous affair. Mint House Downtown Washington, DC opened in May. Thai 11-story former office building near McPherson Square has been converted into a hotel offering 85 high-end apartment-style suites, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, complete with full kitchens and spacious living areas.  

INTERNATIONAL 

Barbados – www.visitbarbados.org  

Autumn in Barbados is packed with high-energy events and cultural moments that offer a fresh angle for every beat — from sports and food to ancestry and the arts. September spotlights cricket in St. James as part of We Gatherin’ 2025, with local matches and heritage events honouring Barbados’ national pastime. The Tour De Bim (26–29 Sept.) cycling event returns as one of the region’s most scenic and competitive rides, while The Final Handicap (6 Sept.) offers a classic day at the Garrison Savannah track. 

October celebrates the sea in Christ Church with beachside culinary pop-ups, live music, and maritime-themed events. The Barbados Triathlon Open draws international athletes with Olympic, sprint, and relay formats. Also on deck: the One Movement Skateboarding Invitational, a three-day fest with pro demos, youth clinics, and local music. Rounding out the month is the 9th Annual Barbados Jazz Excursion & Golf Weekend (10–13 Oct.), hosted by Barbadian-born saxophonist Elan Trotman. This Columbus Day weekend event combines live jazz and R&B concerts, island excursions, and a charity golf tournament, offering a soulful, scenic way to experience the island. 

November turns up the flavour in St. Michael with the Barbados Pork Festival (1 Nov.), where top chefs serve up Bajan-style pork belly, jerk ribs, and pudding & souse. Sport lovers can dive into the Barbados Open Water Swim (5–9 Nov.), take on the Barbados Adventure Race, or catch the BTBA Juvenile & Breeders’ Classic races. The Mega Genealogy Marketplace also returns, helping visitors trace their roots through expert workshops and historical archives.  

December closes the year with family, friends and festivities. The Run Barbados series (5–7 Dec.) and Rugby World 7s Tournament (5–7 Dec.) offer action-packed weekends, while the Independence Day Parade (30 Nov.) and Boxing Day Races (26 Dec.) bring out national pride across the island.  

Belize – www.travelbelize.org 

Fall is one of the most rewarding times to visit Belize, as the country transitions out of its lush green season into a vibrant, adventure-filled period with excellent travel value. From September to November, travellers can take advantage of lower rates on hotels and tours, fewer crowds, and a landscape at its most alive—rainforests are greener, waterfalls fuller, and wildlife more active. Enjoy a hike through the Maya sites like Caracol, where archaeologists recently uncovered the royal tomb of Te’ K’ab Chaak, the first known ruler of Caracol, Belize’s largest Maya site—marking one of the most significant discoveries in the region in decades. Other activities include cave tubing in Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave), or snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, the conditions are ideal for outdoor exploration and eco-adventure. 

This season also marks the return of direct seasonal flights from Canada (Toronto and Calgary), making it easier than ever for Canadians to escape to Belize’s tropical warmth (flights start in November, with a new direct flight route from Montreal being introduced through Air Canada in December. Culturally, the fall is rich with events that bring Belize’s heritage to life. September kicks off with Independence Day celebrations on 21 September, while November culminates in Garifuna Settlement Day (19 Nov.), a national holiday filled with drumming, dancing, and traditional foods like hudut and cassava bread.  

Culinary travellers can also enjoy the tail end of Lobsterfest in early autumn and chocolate-themed experiences in the south. Inland towns like San Ignacio offer vibrant farmers markets and quiet nature escapes like the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch.  

Chile – www.chile.travel  

In September, Chile will celebrate Fiestas Patrias, with the La Pampilla Festival in Coquimbo as one of the most significant gatherings. This festival attracts over 100,000 attendees who come to enjoy traditional food, music, and dance. Additionally, the Valparaíso International Book Fair will be held in September, bringing together authors, publishers, and readers for book presentations, author talks, and workshops. On 25 September, Chilean Cinema Day will feature screenings of Chilean films at discounted rates, providing an opportunity to explore the country’s rich cinematic heritage. 

The Providencia International Jazz Festival, scheduled for November in Santiago, will feature national and international artists performing in an open-air setting. Also in November, the Santiago International Book Fair (FILSA) attracts authors, publishers, and readers from around the world for presentations, talks, workshops, and activities for children.  

For sports enthusiasts, the Pucón Triathlon will take place in November, offering a challenging race set against the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Villarrica and the surrounding volcano. 

Monaco – www.visitmonaco.com/en  

While summer in Monaco dazzles with its buzzing beach clubs and celebrity-studded soirées, autumn is when the Principality truly shines for those in the know. As the high season fades, Monaco transforms into a more relaxed, intimate version of itself—still stylish, still sun-kissed, but with fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and more room to breathe. The Mediterranean remains warm well into October, and the streets, boutiques, and waterfront terraces feel delightfully unrushed. Kicking off the season is the Monaco Yacht Show (25–28 Sept.), one of the world’s most prestigious superyacht events, drawing industry insiders, designers, and discerning travellers to Port Hercule for four days of stunning vessels, innovation showcases, and VIP experiences. Cultural life picks up in the fall with world-class programming at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. November brings the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, where global music legends perform in the iconic Salle Garnier. 

Scotland (BUSINESS EVENTS PR) – www.businessevents.visitscotland.com  

Scotland’s MICE offering is stronger than ever, with several exciting new developments. Newly opened in St Andrews, Seaton House is a luxury boutique hotel offering 42 rooms, including suites, and exceptional dining led by acclaimed chef Roy Brett. The property blends Scottish tradition with modern luxury, making it a standout venue for events and incentives. Recently reopened after extensive renovations, Crossbasket Castle combines grandeur with state-of-the-art facilities, ideal for high-end meetings and retreats. 

Edinburgh Gin Distillery is a new destination for immersive experiences, tours, and tastings, perfect for unique group activities. Mar Hall is another refreshed luxury property, offering elegant event spaces and wellness amenities. The Lost Shore Surf Resort is an innovative resort that features luxury lodges, a waterfront bar and restaurant, and Scotland’s first rental fleet of plant-based wetsuits, ideal for incentive groups seeking adventure and sustainability. 

Vienna – www.wien.info/en  

Autumn in Vienna is a season vibrant with colours, rich traditions, and captivating cultural festivities that attract both locals and visitors. As the city embraces its golden hues, the Vienna Design Week (26 Sept.–5 Oct.) transforms the 3rd district into a creative hub, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and installations that celebrate design and craftsmanship. Art enthusiasts can also look forward to viennacontemporary in September, an international art fair that draws collectors and curators from around the globe. 

On 13 September, Vienna’s Rathausplatz transforms into the world stage for the quirky Tram World Championship, inviting drivers from around the world. For architecture lovers, Open House Wien (Sept. 2025) offers free tours of over 50 fascinating Viennese buildings, providing exclusive insights into the city’s architectural heritage. Music lovers can celebrate the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II on 25 October, with special performances at Vienna City Hall and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Vienna Music Society. Additionally, the Wiener Wiesn-Fest (25 Sept.–21 Oct.) brings Austrian traditions to life with folk music, hearty cuisine, and festive attire at Kaiserwiese in Prater Park. 

Vienna’s parks and green spaces offer a picturesque backdrop for autumnal activities. A leisurely walk through the Prater reveals the beauty of changing leaves, while Setagayapark, a Japanese-style garden, provides a tranquil setting to experience the season’s colours. Vineyard enthusiasts can participate in the Vienna Wine Hiking Days (27–28 Sept.) where scenic routes through vineyards allow for tastings of local wines amidst stunning views of the city. 

Development Counsellors International is the leader in marketing places.
Since 1960, we have represented more than 700 countries, regions, states and cities. aboutdci.com