Summer isn’t the only time when you can enjoy a multitude of activity at Base31. As we evolve into a thriving and active year-round destination, Base31 is thrilled to bring fall programming to Prince Edward County. Enjoy nighttime and daytime activities, a new ‘behind the scenes’ tour of Base31, a major new dinosaur exhibit, family-friendly activities and group celebrations. Plus, a holiday gala, Halloween dance party, beer festival, comedy shows, public art installations, a sensory garden and more. There is no shortage of experiences for any interest or age group and we can’t wait to see you this fall. All tickets are now on sale at our event calendar page.

DINOSAURS: A BASE31 EXHIBIT

The Drill Hall comes alive for the month of October featuring a Jurassic Park-esque experience. Research Casting International (RCI) + Base31 present: Dinosaurs: a Base31 Exhibit, open September 29 to October 28. Grab your tickes to view replica fossil skeletons, full scale dinosaurs and more. 

Are you celebrating an October birthday? Book a Dinosaur Birthday Package any Saturday in October, complete with games, playtime in the Sensory Garden, a free exhibit tour and a dinosaur-themed party for a group of 10 or under! Grab your ticket to view replica fossil skeletons, full scale dinosaurs and more.

NIGHTS AT BASE31

Nights at Base31 offer JUNO and Grammy-award winning musical acts, art walks and a Monster Mash. Dinosaurs: A Base31 Exhibit ends with a 19+ Monster Mash Halloween Party in the Drill Hall amongst the dinosaurs October 28, featuring a live DJ. In partnership with the Department of Illumination, Night Watch continues Friday and Saturday nights until October 28. Find out why attendees of this art walk say it’s, ‘thought-provoking,’ ‘immersive,’ ‘sensory’ and ‘beautiful.’ 

The historic Sergeants Mess Hall features eight award-winning performances, including JUNO-award folk legend CONNIE KALDOR October 7, Grammy-award winning COLIN LINDEN October 28, JUNO-award winning LORRAINE SEGATO with COLLEEN ALLEN present WILD WOMEN CABARET – a feminist Remembrance Day performance November 11, Frankie Drake Mysteries star SHARRON MATTHEWS November 4, JUNO-award winning JUSTIN RUTLEDGE November 18, SAMANTHA MARTIN & DELTA SUGAR November 25, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS with THE BRIAN BARLOW TRIO December 2 and SUSAN AGLUKARK December 16. 

Comedy Country brings Mini-Fest at Sergeants Mess to Base31 September 27 to 30 with award-winning comedies THIS CHELS STANDS ALONE, I’M ONLY ONE MAN, GAY FOR PAY WITH BLAKE & CLAY and MS. TITAVERSE. Book a show or festival pass at Base31.ca. 

On Friday, December 1, gather your team, family and friends for the first ever Sergeants Mess Hall Holiday Gala at 6 pm. Enjoy a buffet dinner, drinks, and dance the night away with a live DJ. Email groups@base31.ca to book your tickets.

DAYS AT BASE31

A brand new Behind The Scenes Tour of Base31 is now available, taking you on a 7-passenger golf cart through some of the iconic and revitalized buildings, formerly used as WWII barracks when the site operated as No. 31 Bombing and Gunnery School. You’ll also learn the inspiration around our newest art installations. Self-Guided Tours of Base31 are available until the end of October. Historical Walking Tours are available by request and private group bookings are possible for many site experiences. September 22 and 23,  the Prince Edward County Craft Beer Festival is at The Drill Hall.  

Base31 has over 70 tenants on site including Escape Camp Picton where visitors can play two escape room experiences in a historic WWII barrack. Maison Depoivre Art Gallery and Melt Studio + Gallery are open in the daytime for visitors to appreciate art or book a private viewing.

FAMILY PROGRAMMING

Base31 offers themed camps on PA Days in September, October and November for kids aged 5 to 9, combining a mix of outdoor play, nature, art, exploration and some fun surprises in store with their summer camp counsellors.

Join Base31 for A Community Dig and art unveiling, Sunday, September 24 from 9 am – 12 noon. Bring your shovel and take some of the native wildflowers and grasses that Base31 isn’t able to relocate. As we prepare to bring new water lines to the site, these plants need a new home. That’s where you come in! To register for this free community event, visit this page. Plus, Base31 unveils four recent public art installations: Maple Key by Cynthia McQuillan & Kelly Cade, Make A Wish by Danielle Reddick, The Hunt by Ken Hall (in partnership with Oeno Gallery) and Pollinator Hotel and Bee Happy by Mondo Forma.

Come to Base31 for a Watercolour Garden Tour Saturday, September 30. On Sunday, October 1, join us for SENSES: Unveiling a New Sensory Garden at Base31 from 11am to 2pm. As we welcome the community for the launch of this new space, enjoy live music, entertainment for kids, introductory speeches, scavenger hunts, crafts, plus the unveiling of incredible artworks by local artist, Portia Chapman. The Sensory Garden, designed and built by Wild Child Regeneration, sits inside the main gate of Base31, and is a playspace for kids and kids at heart. This permanent space offers nature-based play in ways that heighten our many senses. 

Be sure to check the Base31 website for the most up-to-date information on programming and experiences for fall and winter. Base31 has several public-facing tenants on site, listed on the map at www.base31.ca.