We’re just over halfway through the summer season, and as we move into crisper autumn weather, there’s no better way to celebrate your remaining vacation days than by visiting a succession of local fall fairs! These fairs pop up between August and October, and feature everything from Ferris wheels and prizes to delicious fried foods and craft vendors—so there’ll be activities for the whole family! The Canadian National Exhibition is one of the top agricultural fairs in North America. Still, there are plenty of other local fairs in Ontario worth a visit as we head into the fall season.
The Western Fair (London)
The Western Fair features indoor displays and competitions, animals, attractions, and some of the best traveling midway rides and games found in North America—crowd favourites include the Ring of Fire carnival ride and the 120′ “Mega Drop” drop tower. Snack on tasty corn dogs and candy floss while listening to live music! This year’s fair also promises a full outdoor concert series, including opening-day performances by the James Barker Band and Mackenzie Porter.
When: September 6–15, 2024
Where: Western Fair District, 865 Florence St., London, ON
Tickets: $12–$42, Free for kids 10 & under and seniors 65+
Caledonia Fall Fair
The Caledonia Fair hosts tons of family-friendly activities and exhibits! Patrons can showcase their talents at the Exhibition Hall or livestock shows, enter their child in the annual baby show, check out cool and classic cars at their annual car cruise, participate in a delicious pie-eating contest, and smash and crash at the Demolition Derby! Live music will also be playing each day, everything from The Retro Rockers, creating reproductions of the Pop, Rock, and R&B hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s to an outdoor ecumenical church service.
When: September 26–29, 2024
Where: 151 Caithness St. E., Caledonia, ON
Tickets: $10.00 or $5.00 with a non-perishable donation to the Caledonia & District Food Bank. Free for children aged 3 and younger and grades K-8
Milton Fall Fair
The Milton Fall Fair is a celebration of rural life and has been held on the same 26 acres of land since 1864. Munch on freshly spun candy floss at the midway, before checking out the rides and games and taking a stroll through the exhibitor barns for an intimate visit with farm animals. Popular attractions include midway games and rides, equestrian events, a pet show, a baby contest, tractor pulls (including a children’s pedal tractor pull), a demolition derby, and a ton of vendors. Display areas for competitions will be packed with entries in various categories from fruits and vegetables, needlecraft, baking and preserved goods, and antiques/collectibles. This year’s theme is “Homestead and Homemade Bread” (a lot of the competitions and activities will focus on this theme)!
When: September 27-29
Where: Milton Fair Grounds, 136 Robert Street, Milton, ON
Tickets: $5-$15; free for children under 5
Markham Fair
There’s something for everyone when it comes to the Markham Fair, including a children’s pet show, an ambassador’s contest, a ‘So You Think You Can Cook’ contest, truck & tractor and heavy horse pulls, interactive “Farm to Table” demonstrations at the Agri-Food Tent, agricultural and home-craft demos, pony rides, monster truck rides, and even a demolition derby! This year, animal lovers can also see newborn farm animals at Old MacDonald’s Barn. Don’t forget to check out the midway rides and sample some delicious treats from the dozens of food vendors and commercial concessions.
When: October 3–6, 2024
Where: Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham, ON
Tickets: $10–$60
Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show (Simcoe)
This fair runs a bit later than others, but with over 15,000 entries in their competitions, including equine, art, livestock, poultry, giant pumpkins, home crafts, and even photography—the Norfolk County Fair is a favourite in Ontario, drawing more than 120,000 visitors annually. In addition to competitions, patrons can also enjoy lively outdoor concerts, motorsports, midway rides, and a bunch of games. This year, attendees can look forward to over 100 commercial vendors selling everything from jewelry to dog treats. Don’t forget to snack on your fav culinary treats, like fries and poutine from Bev’s Chip Wagon, mouthwatering chicken from Gator BBQ, and traditional perogies cooked to perfection at Forkin’ Perogy.
When: October 8–14, 2024
Where: 172 South Dr, Simcoe, ON
Tickets: $10–$60 (depending on age, 1-day admission, or 1-week admission)
