By Natalie Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Labour Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and Ontario knows how to send the season off in style. From classic country fairs to air shows, ribfests, and fireworks, there’s no shortage of epic festivals and events happening across the province. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or one last summer road trip, here are some of the best Labour Day weekend festivals in Ontario.

Toronto International BuskerFest

Location: Woodbine Park, Toronto

Dates: August 29 – September 1, 2025

One of Toronto’s most vibrant and entertaining festivals, the International BuskerFest brings street performers from around the world to the city. From family foam parties, acrobats and magicians to musicians and circus acts, the performances are as diverse as they are captivating. Located in the Beaches, BuskerFest is a family-friendly event with plenty of food vendors, crafts, and activities for kids. Back this year is the popular Bark In the Park TO, a paradise for dog owners and their furry companions, featuring a wide range of activities, obstacle courses, pet photo ops, and pet-centric vendors.

Paris Fair

Location: Paris Fairgrounds

Dates: August 27 – September 1, 2025

The Paris Fair is a classic Ontario event that has been running for over 160 years. Perfect for families, this fair includes a midway, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, demolition derbies, and tractor pulls. The fair also features live entertainment, craft vendors, and food stalls offering local treats. It’s a great way to embrace the rural charm of Ontario while enjoying Labour Day weekend.

Port Perry Fair

Location: Port Perry Fairgrounds

Dates: August 30 – September 1, 2025

The Port Perry Fair is a classic country fair that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with lively livestock competitions, horse shows, and tractor pulls. The fair also offers a thrilling midway, delicious local food vendors, and a variety of entertainment, including live music, FMX Bike Show, the Extreme Rodeo and a demolition derby. With its blend of rural traditions and fun activities for all ages, the Port Perry Fair is a perfect way to experience the warm community spirit and charm of small-town Ontario.

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

Location: La Baie Park 988 Saint-Louis Street Gatineau

Date: August 27 – 31st, 2025

While just across the Ontario border in Gatineau, Quebec, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau) is a popular Labour Day weekend event that attracts many visitors from Ontario. This vibrant festival fills the sky with a stunning display of colorful hot air balloons, creating a magical atmosphere. In addition to the breathtaking balloon flights, the festival features live concerts, buskers, fireworks, family activities and an exciting amusement park. Visitors can enjoy tethered balloon rides and after dark, some of the balloons are lit up during night flights! It’s an unforgettable way to celebrate the end of summer and less than a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa.

Perth Fair

Location: Perth Fair Grounds

Dates: August 29 – 31st, 2025

The Perth Fair offers visitors a quintessential rural fair experience. This long-standing tradition showcases the best of local agriculture, with livestock shows, horse pulls, and vibrant agricultural displays. Visitors can enjoy the thrills of midway rides, live entertainment, craft exhibits, and delicious fair food.

Canada’s Largest Ribfest

Location: Spencer Smith Park, Burlington

Dates: August 29 – September 1, 2025

Canada’s Largest Ribfest, held annually in Burlington, is a mouthwatering celebration of BBQ and summer fun. This four-day festival draws thousands of visitors eager to sample the best ribs, chicken, and pulled pork from top pitmasters across North America. Alongside the irresistible food, Ribfest features live music, family-friendly activities, and a bustling marketplace, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario. With its lively atmosphere and delicious BBQ, Canada’s Largest Ribfest is a must-visit for food lovers.

Canadian International Air Show

Location: Toronto

Dates: August 30 – September 1, 2025

The Canadian International Air Show is a thrilling highlight of Labour Day weekend in Toronto. Held over three days at the scenic waterfront of Exhibition Place, this iconic event features breathtaking aerial displays from military and civilian aircraft, including the legendary Canadian Forces Snowbirds and CF-18 Hornet. As one of the oldest and most prestigious air shows in North America, spectators can enjoy stunning stunts, formation flying, and aerobatic performances.

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

Location: Exhibition Place, Toronto

Dates: August 15 – Sept. 1st, 2025

No Labour Day weekend in Ontario would be complete without a visit to the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) in Toronto. Running until Labour Day Monday, the CNE is one of the province’s most iconic end-of-summer events. Explore a massive midway, indulge in outrageous fair foods (think pickle lemonade and deep-fried everything), check out live shows, shop local vendors, and catch daily performances.

One of this year’s most thrilling new experiences? Dinner in the Sky—a once-in-a-lifetime dining event where guests are strapped into a table and lifted 150 feet into the air for a gourmet meal with panoramic views of the fairgrounds and Toronto skyline. It’s part adrenaline rush, part bucket list dining moment. And don’t forget to look up—because the Canadian International Air Show, which soars over Lake Ontario during the final weekend, is a jaw-dropping highlight and crowd favourite. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, the CNE is a can’t-miss tradition to wrap up your summer.

How to Plan the Perfect Labour Day Weekend Ontario Getaway

Planning a Labour Day weekend getaway in Ontario? Here’s how to make it unforgettable:

Choose Your Festival or Destination Early
Popular spots like the CNE, Port Perry Fair, or Wasaga Beach events fill up quickly. Whether you’re drawn to food fests, music, or cultural celebrations, pick your top event and book early.

Reserve Accommodations in Advance
Hotels, campgrounds, and short-term rentals tend to book out for the long weekend—especially near major festivals. Try smaller towns nearby for charming and sometimes more affordable options.

Mix Festivals with Local Fun
Make the most of your trip by combining a festival visit with other attractions and experiences—like hiking, scenic boat and train tours, wine tasting, or beach time. For example, spend the day at the Perth Fair and then unwind at a local spa or riverside inn.

Pack Smart
Bring layers (nights can cool down), comfy shoes for walking, and portable chargers for all those event photos and Reels. Don’t forget sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and ear protection if you’re hitting an air show.

Check for Coupons or Deals
Head over to the Summer Fun Guide coupon page to see if your destination or attraction is offering savings for the long weekend.

Where to Go to Skip the Crowds This Labour Day Weekend

If packed midways and long lineups aren’t your vibe, there are still plenty of amazing ways to spend Labour Day weekend in Ontario—without the hustle and bustle. Here are a few quieter alternatives:

🌲 Restoule Provincial Park – Tucked away between Muskoka and North Bay, this park offers scenic hiking, canoeing, and peaceful lake views with fewer visitors than Ontario’s more popular parks.

🌅 Bon Echo Provincial Park – While not completely empty, it’s a more laid-back alternative to Sandbanks. Explore the towering Mazinaw Rock by canoe and enjoy tranquil campsites.

🛶 French River or Killarney – Paddle through rugged, unspoiled terrain and camp under the stars. These destinations are great for disconnecting from the crowds—and your phone.

🎨 Small Town Day Trips – Visit under-the-radar towns like Warkworth, Killaloe, or Merrickville for cute shops, walking trails, and local cafés—all without the chaos of big events.

🚘 Mid-Weekend Getaways – Consider heading out on Sunday and returning Monday evening. You’ll miss the peak arrival traffic and often get better availability at accommodations.

Have a great long weekend!

Natalie