By admin Saturday, August 30, 2025

Fairs were once gatherings exclusively for Agricultural Society members to share farming tips and showcase their best livestock and produce. Today, they’ve evolved into one of the most beloved ways for communities to celebrate local culture and let visitors experience that true “only-in-a-small-town” charm.

While some incredible fairs take place in big cities like Toronto, the vast majority are hosted in smaller towns — and they’re the perfect excuse to hit the road and explore someplace new.

With fall around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan some road trips around the fall colours and check out these fairs and festivals! The weather’s still warm, the sun’s still shining, and Ontario transforms into a kaleidoscope of autumn hues. Across every region, you’ll find fall fairs and festivals celebrating everything from harvest bounty to local crafts, live music, and delicious food.

There’s something happening every weekend — so grab a warm bevy, hop in the car, and discover a new favourite spot (or revisit one you love) for some classic small-town fun.

We’ve rounded up some of the best fall fairs and festivals in Ontario you won’t want to miss! 🍁

Fall Fairs in Central Ontario

Central Ontario is home to rolling farmland and some of the province’s most charming small-town fairs.

• Beaverton Fall Fair (Sept 12–13) – Enjoy a midway, parades, tug of war, stunt shows, beer gardens, live music, farmers’ market, car show, horse shows, and demolition derby.
• Warkworth Fall Fair (Sept 5–7) – Famous for its apple pies! Plus axe throwing, BBQ, live music, baking contests, petting zoo, truck & tractor pull, and beer gardens.
• Apple Harvest Festival – Collingwood (Oct 10–13) – Celebrate Ontario’s apple-growing region with cider tasting, the Apple Pie Trail, live music, stilt walkers, family entertainment and scenic fall tours.
• Elmvale Fall Fair (Oct 10–11) – A family favourite with livestock shows, truck & tractor pull, craft competitions, midway, and parades.
• Norwood Fall Fair (Oct 11–13) – Since 1868, featuring live animal shows, midway rides, homecrafts, entertainment, tractor pull, and antique car show.

Top Fall Fairs & Harvest Festivals in Eastern Ontario

Eastern Ontario’s fairs combine heritage, agriculture, and small-town hospitality — some dating back over 150 years!

• Roseneath Fair (Oct 3–5) – Celebrating over 150 years with livestock competitions, homecrafts, demolition derby, and family fun.
• Havelock Fair (Sept 13–14) – Experience agricultural displays, kid-friendly activities, and local food vendors in this charming village fair.
• Tweed Harvest Festival (Sept 26-28) – Celebrate all things pumpkin and harvest at the Tweed fairgrounds. Expect live music (including a concert by Practically Hip), pumpkin patch, car show, touch-a-truck, perogie dinner, contests, and more.

Fall Fairs Near Ottawa You’ll Want to Visit

Ottawa and the surrounding towns host some of Ontario’s oldest and most celebrated fairs — true staples of rural life.

• Picton Fair (Sept 5–7) – One of Ontario’s oldest fairs with a demo derby, horse and steer shows, tractor pulls, and midway.
• Richmond Fair (Sept 18–21) – One of the largest in the area featuring a heavy horse competition, demolition derby, live music, food trucks, and dance competitions.
• Carp Fair (Sept 24–27) – Known as “the best little fair in Canada,” with SuperDogs, magic shows, world-class horse shows, petting zoo, and a lively midway.
• Metcalfe Fair (Oct 1 – 4) – A huge fair on 24 acres featuring farmers’ markets, Indigenous performances, livestock shows, heavy horse pulls, midway, and games.

Best Fall Fairs and Festivals in the Greater Toronto Area

From arts festivals to agricultural classics, the GTA brings city flair to traditional fall fun.

• Nuit Blanche Toronto (Oct 4-5) – An all-night art festival featuring over 150 installations across downtown Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, and Scarborough.
• Brampton Fall Fair (Sept 11–14) – Livestock shows, rodeo, demolition derby, homecraft exhibits, car show, dog show, and tons of food trucks.
• Sunderland Fall Fair (Sept 9–10) – Enjoy the demolition derby, agricultural show, antique tractors, horse pull, and great food.
• Markham Fair (Oct 2–5) – A major GTA event with midway rides, homecrafts, agri-food exhibits, live music, Faircrow’s Farm Park, and livestock barn.
• Georgetown Fall Fair (Sept 5–7) – Family fun with live music, milking demonstrations, talent show, kids’ crafts, pedal tractor rides, and a demolition derby.

Best fall Festivals in Southwestern Ontario

The southwest is known for its scenic farmland and massive agricultural showcases.

• Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show (Oct 7–13) – One of Ontario’s top 100 festivals, featuring celebrity chefs, concerts, giant pumpkins, horse shows, and midway.
• Fergus Fall Fair (Sept 12–14) – A mix of farm tradition and fun: truck & tractor pull, sheepdog herding, motocross, and farmers’ Olympics.
• Port Elgin Pumpkinfest (Oct 4–5) – Home to Ontario’s biggest pumpkin weigh-off, plus midway rides, food vendors, car show, and pumpkin carving contests.
• Rockton World’s Fair (Oct 10–13) – A Thanksgiving tradition with animal exhibits, food, games, rides, demolition derby, and horse shows.
• Oxford Renaissance Festival (Sept 26–28) – Step back in time at Thorndale Fairgrounds with jousting knights, fairytale costumes, artisan vendors, live shows, archery, and immersive Renaissance-era entertainment
• Western Fair (Sept 5–14, London, ON) – A longstanding regional fair featuring midway rides, entertainment, concerts, animal barns, and lots of family fun.

Fall Fairs and Festivals in Niagara and Northern Ontario

From the vineyards of Niagara to the forests of Northern Ontario, fall is festival season everywhere you turn.

• Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival (Oct 10–13) – A must-visit with a farmers’ market, 50+ artisan vendors, heritage tours, hikes, and delicious local food.
• West Niagara Fair (Sept 5–7) – Features an RCMP Musical Ride, midway, fair food, tribute bands, livestock shows, kids’ zone, and demolition derby.
• Hymers Fall Fair (Aug 31 – Sept 1) – Near Thunder Bay, this traditional Northern Ontario fair features giant pumpkins, horse and cattle shows, exhibitors, and hearty fair food.

🚗 Plan Your Fall Fair Road Trip

Although summer has come to an end, fall in Ontario is equally beautiful — the perfect season to explore small towns, breathe in crisp air, and enjoy the stunning fall colours.

Whether you’re heading to a small-town fall fair, a big-city festival, or somewhere in between, each one offers a glimpse into Ontario’s local charm and community spirit.

For a full list of Fall Events, Festivals and Fairs check our Event Calendar. Search for one near you — or better yet, plan a road trip! 🍁 For more fall fun, check out our Fall Fun Guide Here

Enjoy!

Natalie, Summer Fun Guide