Doors Open Woodstock – Explore Industrial Heritage and Fall Fest Fun | October 4, 2025

Fall is the perfect season to pair community celebrations with hands-on learning opportunities. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors are invited to explore 10 unique heritage sites during Doors Open Woodstock through the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program. Participants can look forward to uncovering stories of industry and culture while also enjoying Fall Fest in Museum Square, which brings family fun activities to the downtown core. This full day promises opportunities for students, families, and lifelong learners to deepen their appreciation of Woodstock’s past and present. Keep reading for our full interview with Dariel McIntyre, Museum Clerk, City of Woodstock.

Known as “The Friendly City,” Woodstock is celebrated for its welcoming spirit, historic downtown, and lively events such as Cowapalooza. The city is located in Oxford County, just a short drive from major centres like London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Hamilton, making it an ideal day trip. Beyond Doors Open, Woodstock offers plenty for food lovers with cheese farms, breweries, and bustling local markets. At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutoring team encourages families to attend events like this Ontario Heritage Trust event series because they bring classroom learning to life. Whether you are a day-tripper curious about heritage or a local eager to rediscover your city, Doors Open Woodstock is an engaging way to spend the day learning and exploring.

Participating Sites at Doors Open Woodstock

• Baird Machines Inc. — 568 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 3J5
• Church of the Epiphany — 560 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 1C7
• Museum Square — 472 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 1C4
• Old St. Paul’s Anglican Church — 723 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 1E6
• The Mill — 50a Ingersoll Road, Woodstock, ON N4S 2P9
• Woodstock Art Gallery — 449 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 1C2
• Woodstock Fire Station No. 1 — 1203 Parkinson Road, Woodstock, ON N4S 8L2
• Woodstock Masonic Lodge — 10 Brock Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 3B4
• Woodstock Museum National Historic Site — 466 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 1C4
• Woodstock Public Library — 445 Hunter Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 4G7

Read Our Full Interview With Dariel McIntyre, Museum Clerk, City of Woodstock

With 10 sites participating this year, which Woodstock locations are new or less well-known that visitors should be sure to check out?

Baird Machines and The Mill are both new sites. Baird Machines is a family-owned business that has been in the family for over 100 years. The Mill is a store that brings in local vendors to sell their wares in the old mill.

For first-time visitors to Doors Open Woodstock, can you suggest a route or a cluster of sites that make for a full and engaging day?

Most of our sites are downtown or very close to downtown.

What interactive or family-friendly activities are happening across the Woodstock sites that younger visitors will enjoy?

Museum Square will be hosting Fall Fest from 12pm-5pm. There will be pumpkin carving, a dog parade, trunk or treat, inflatables, a petting zoo, and various other activities.

For visitors new to Woodstock, are there any recommended routes or clusters of sites that let visitors maximize what they can see without feeling rushed?

Most of our sites are in or near the downtown core which would allow them to see quite a few sites before checking out Fall Fest at our Museum Square site.

If someone only has a few hours, which 2 or 3 sites are must-sees, and what makes them special?

The Masonic Lodge as this is one of the very few times the public is allowed in to see it. It has very ornate woodwork that is something to behold. Old St. Paul’s Church has a heritage designation and is a Gothic Revival style church. The Church of the Epiphany has lovely stained glass windows and an impressive pipe organ.

Exploring can work up an appetite. What local cafés, restaurants, or sweet spots would you recommend visitors check out while in Woodstock?

There are so many restaurants in the downtown core alone such as Crabby Joe’s, Charles Dickens, an English Pub Style restaurant, (505 Dundas St, Woodstock, ON N4S 1C4) Tandoori Knight (511 Dundas St, Woodstock, ON N4S 1C3) , A Taste of China (523 Dundas St, Woodstock, ON N4S 1C3), Dino’s and Cheesy Cow Company (521 Dundas St, Woodstock, ON N4S 1C3) to name a few. They are all great restaurants that cover a variety of tastes.

How do you hope visitors feel or what do you hope they take away after spending a day at Doors Open Woodstock?

That Woodstock has a rich history and has many repurposed historic buildings.

Has there been a standout moment or memorable experience from past Doors Open Woodstock events that really captures the spirit of the day?

Last year’s Doors Open the Whitelaw Foundry Site was a big hit as the public is not allowed in that building but has been in Woodstock for over 160 years.

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With 10 diverse sites to choose from, Doors Open Woodstock offers a perfect mix of history, architecture, and community connections. New additions like Baird Machines and The Mill highlight the city’s ability to preserve heritage while embracing change, while iconic stops like the Masonic Lodge and Old St. Paul’s Church showcase remarkable craftsmanship and Gothic Revival design. Families will also enjoy the lively Fall Fest in Museum Square, filled with seasonal fun and activities for all ages. No matter your route, you are sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for Woodstock’s rich history and welcoming community spirit. Looking for more Doors Open Ontario events happening near you? Doors Open Quinte West is also taking place on October 4, 2025.

Looking for an inside look at part participants in Doors Open Woodstock? In 2023, the Teachers on Call team spoke with the team behind Habitual Chocolate (389 Dundas St, Woodstock, ON N4S 1B6)  in preparation for their previous participation.Look back on our interview with the team at Habitual Chocolate. Famous throughout Oxford County for their carefully crafted bars and delicious treats, it’s the perfect spot to pop by after your Doors Open adventures!