Ontario’s beloved late summer and fall fairs are back, offering everything from midway rides and live music to livestock shows and pie contests — and it all starts with the grand opening of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) on August 15. Running through September 1 at Toronto’s Exhibition Place, the CNE marks its 146th year as one of the province’s most iconic seasonal events.
Across Ontario, agricultural fairs will soon fill small-town streets and fairgrounds with the sights, sounds, and flavours of rural life. From one-day celebrations to week-long showcases, these fairs spotlight the farmers, artisans, and communities that keep Ontario’s traditions alive. Visitors can expect classic fair fare, homecraft competitions, horse pulls, and even demolition derbies in some towns.
Destination Ontario’s regional listings reveal that festivities begin in mid-August and carry on well into autumn, with each community adding its own unique flavour. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city event or a charming countryside gathering, there’s a fair or festival to fit every style — and plenty of reasons to take a weekend road trip.
Seasoned fairgoers know to dress in layers, as warm afternoons can give way to crisp evenings under the lights of the midway. From the roar of tractor pulls to the scent of fresh kettle corn, Ontario’s fairs promise a sensory feast and a celebration of the province’s agricultural heart.