It’s the middle of August and that means It’s time to start going into denial about the end of summer, pool parties and days spent on the beach. But, fall of course isn’t all bad. That means it’s time for sweater weather, the beloved pumpkin spice lattes, and, of course, fall fairs. To get you looking forward to the shorter days and cooler nights, we’ve rounded up some of the best fall fairs coming back to the GTA and beyond this year. Take a trip to one of these towns and experience your own Gilmore Girls-inspired fall magic!
Paris Fair in Paris
View this post on Instagram
After a cancelled 2020 show, the beloved Paris Fair is back! Since 1858, the Paris Agricultural Society has provided a community space for people to gather, learn about, and conserve agriculture in the area. The five-day fair opens by partnering with local organizations to mentor future leaders in the Ambassador Competition and closes with the classic horse show. In-between, visitors can groom off their lovable pooches for the children’s pet show and the extreme dogs show. Other favourite events at the Paris Fair include the talent show and demolition derby. Throughout the weekend, Campbell’s Amusement Midway will be open to entertain the youngsters in the family, while food and vendors will be available to satisfy everyone’s cravings. The Paris Fair will be running from September 2 through September 6 with general admission pricing of up to $13 for adults and free for children under 5.
Cranberry Festival of Bala
View this post on Instagram
From the small town of Bala comes the not-so-small Cranberry Festival. For over 35 years, the Cranberry Festival has been a volunteer-run event dedicated to extending the summer tourist season with a family-friendly event that art enthusiasts and local artists will not want to miss. This year, the festival will be for enthusiasts of epicurean delights, quality arts, and those with an affection for local- and Canadian-made goods. Though this year it will be smaller in size to comply with provincial health orders and guidelines, the Cranberry Festival is still expected to be one of Ontario’s very best arts and crafts festivals. The festival will run from October 15 to October 17.
Woodbridge Fair
Spend Thanksgiving weekend enjoying good old fashion country fun right in the city with the Woodbridge Fair. This fun, education and historical fair has been running since 1847 from the community’s Agricultural Society. Featured events include an exotic car show, horse and wagon rides, live entertainment, petting zoos, amusement rides, a pioneer area and plenty of tasty culinary treats. The fair is running Thanksgiving weekend from October 9 through October 11. Tickets are on sale for $10 and under, with an available Family Pass that admits 2 adults and 3 children 14 years and under for $35.
Veg Food Fest
From the Toronto Vegetarian Association, the Vegetarian Food Fest is the largest celebration of plant-based food. Over 35 years ago, five hundred people gathered at George Brown College’s Kensington Campus for the first Veg Food Festival. This year, it was just announced that the Veg Fest will be running a bit smaller this year. It will be on for one day only at Locomotive Hall at the Steam Whistle Brewery. There, visitors will be able to gather food from vendors and take it to the nearby Roundhouse Park. Veg Food Festival is a must-attend for anyone vegetarian, vegan, veg-curious or just those looking for a day of trying delicious food.