Small-town fairs are a traditional way to spend a Fall weekend, especially over the Thanksgiving long weekend. You can get out of the city and enjoy some outdoor time in the fresh crisp air, watch a show, see farm animals and giant pumpkins, go on some rides and eat some special carnival treats. So, get out into the countryside with our Guide to the Best Thanksgiving Weekend Fairs in Southern Ontario…
PumpkinFest Toronto
PumpkinFest Toronto is the place to celebrate all things autumnal over Thanksgiving weekend. Attractions include midway rides and inflatables, tractor-pulled hayrides, live performances, PAW Patrol meet and greet, trackless train rides, autumn-themed photo ops, and the iconic pumpkin house.
When: October 6-9, 2023
Where: 35 Carl Hall Road (Entrance at Sheppard Ave. W and John Drury Dr.), Toronto
Website: www.pumpkinfesttoronto.com
Blue Mountain Apple Harvest Festival
The Collingwood and Blue Mountain area is a fruitful apple farm region so this festival celebrates both the land and the farmers, with live music, roaming entertainment, plenty of delicious apple-focused treats and family entertainment.
When: October 7-9, 2023
Where: Blue Mountain Village, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., Collingwood
Website: www.bluemountain.ca
Elmvale Fall Fair
The Flos Agricultural Society, which was established in 1860, hosts the Elmvale Fall Fair in the Georgian Bay area. It includes agricultural entertainment and education displays, parades, midway, children’s pedal tractor pull, baby show and more.
When: October 6-7, 2023
Where: 14 George St, Elmvale (east of Wasaga Beach)
Website: www.elmvalefallfair.com
Erin Fair
The Erin Fair has lots of fun activities like kids midway, music, food, plus plenty of animal friends such as horses, livestock and rabbits. There are also popular shows, including truck pulls, demolition derby and tractor pulls.
When: October 6-9, 2023
Where: 184 Main St, Erin (west of Caledon)
Website: www.erinfair.com
Richmond Hill Pumpkinfest
Richmond Hill Pumpkinfest has something for all ages with food, vendors, entertainment and of course, loads of pumpkins.
When: October 7-9, 2023
Where: Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
Website: www.richmondhillpumpkinfest.com
Woodbridge Fair
Just north of Etobicoke, the Woodbridge Fall Fair hosts a number of sights and attractions: kids area with a fun farmer’s challenge, midway, daily dog shows, farm area with petting zoo and pony rides, local entertainment, working blacksmith, a giant pumpkin & vegetable contest and more.
When: October 7-9, 2023
Where: 100 Porter Avenue, Woodbridge (off Kipling Ave. north of Hwy 7)
Website: www.woodbridgefair.ca
Rockton World’s Fair
This classic small-town fair has been running since 1852 (!) and features everything a small-town fair should have: agriculture and livestock shows, equestrian competitions, midway, demolition derby, family activities, entertainers and much more.
When: October 5-9, 2023
Where: 812 Old Hwy 8, Rockton (between Cambridge and Hamilton)
Website: www.rocktonworldsfair.com
Ball’s Falls Conservation Area: Thanksgiving Festival
Enjoy the beauty of the Niagara Escarpment at Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival, with food and drink, kid’s entertainment and nature hikes.
When: October 6-9, 2023
Where: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln
Website: www.thanksgivingfestival.ca
Burford Agricultural Fair
This fair between Brantford and Woodstock has horse shows and classic activities such as a demo derby, baby show, superhero & princess party and lots more! Plus, there’s also a Thanksgiving pancake breakfast on Monday.
When: October 7-9, 2023
Where: 6 Park Avenue, Burford (west of Brantford)
Website: www.burfordfair.ca
Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show
The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show runs for five days, with exciting motorsports shows and concerts, plus agriculture demonstrations, shows, food, rides, games and agricultural experiences.
When: October 3-9, 2023
Where: 172 South Drive, Simcoe (north of Port Dover)
Website: www.norfolkcountyfair.com
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