York's Harvestfest and Kidsfest returns to Short Sands Beach on Saturday, Oct. 17, with crafts, food, live music and children's activities.

The 41st annual festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, according to the organizer's website. Admission is free. The festival area is near the York Beach Fire Station at 18 Railroad Ave.

The York Region Chamber of Commerce lists free festival parking at York's Wild Kingdom, 1 Animal Park Road, off Route 1. Beach parking meters remain in effect through the end of October, so a free event does not mean all nearby parking is free.

Kidsfest programming includes storytelling and activities for children alongside the craft and food vendors. Pets are not permitted at the festival; service animals are allowed.

Photo: Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0. File photo; cropped for display.