The cooler than average temperatures we’ve been experiencing in August are making me think about fall sooner that I usually do. As much as I love the summer sun, fall is my favourite season of all. Nothing beats the glorious panorama of glistening golds, copper and burnt orange foliage beautifying the outdoors. I love throwing on a cable knit sweater, going for a walk and breathing in the cool, crisp autumn air. Of course, escaping to the country is high on my list whether it is to go apple picking or to visit one of the falls fairs near Toronto. Enjoy your earthier side by tasting the delicious fall harvest and watching tractor pulls, horse hitch competitions, demolition derbies, sheep shearing and pumpkin carving. Going on Midway rides will help you extend the summer feeling. Find out more about these fall fairs near Toronto in 2023:
Rockton World’s Fair 2023
If you’re looking for a fair with longevity, Rockton World’s Fair has been operating since 1852. There is lots to experience at this southern Ontario fair, located southeast of Cambridge. The fair, which runs on Thanksgiving weekend from Oct. 6-9, 2023. See the famous Demolition Derby on Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Other shows include the Western and Heavy Horse shows, goat shows, sheep shows, antique machinery displays, a craft show and sale, midway, Purina Dog Stars, square dance competition, talent show and karaoke contest. Rockton’s World’s Fair hours are Friday, October 6, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Monday, October 9, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is Advance Adult (16-64) $15; Advance Senior (65+) $13; Advance Student (6-15) $7; Sunday Family Pass (2 adults, 4 kids) $45; Weekend Pass Adult (16+) $40; Weekend Pass Student (6-15) $20.
Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show 2023
Visit the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show 2023 over the Thanksgiving weekend from October 3-9, 2023 where you’ll enjoy lots of fall-themed activities. Watch sheep shearing competitions, cow milking, a horse pull, a Western Horse show and a talent competition. Enjoy rides on the midway and see agricultural displays, pumpkin competition and craft exhibits. Purchase delicious menu offerings from food vendors at Ontario’s 4th largest fair. Adults (14+) Tues. – Thurs. $13; Fri. – Mon. $15; Youth (6-13) Wed. – Mon. $8; Tues., Oct. 4 Free; Kids (5 and under) Free; Seniors (60+) $9 on Wed., Oct. 5 (Seniors Day). Parking is $8 daily; Parking Pass (7 days) $30. The fair is located at 172 South Drive, Simcoe, 519-426-7280
Norwood Fall Fair 2023
Located east of Peterborough in Norwood, the Norwood Fall Fair is held Thanksgiving weekend from Oct. 7-9, 2023 and features a Lawn Tractor Race, an Antique Car Show, Ontario Xtreme Cowboy Competition, Flyball, Tractor Pull, Horse Show, Kid’s Talent Contest, live music, crops competitions, crafts exhibits, and Midway. Kouri’s Kopters Helicopter Tours are available on Saturday and Sunday. Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Adults $15 daily; Children 12 and under Free; Adult weekend passes $25. Free parking. Enter via Alma Street. Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Midway starts at 10:30 a.m.
Markham Fair 2023
Operating for 167 years, this popular Toronto fair takes place September 28, 29, 30 and October 1, 2023. Highlights of the Markham Fair include a Demolition Derby, a heavy horse show, Monster trucks, FMX bike demos, the President’s Choice Superdogs, pie and quilt exhibits, and live bands. 2022 Admission prices (2023 prices have not been posted yet) are Adult/Youth $25; Seniors (60+) $15; Children (12 & under) $10; Pre-School Children (4 and under) Free; Special Needs and their Caregiver Free. A Family Pass (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is $60. Ride Pass does not include admission fee. Markham Fair hours are Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bolton Fall Fair 2023
Closer to home, the 164th annual Bolton Fall Fair runs from September 21-24, 2023 and features a Truck and Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby, President’s Choice Super Dogs, Sheep Shearing demonstration, Midway, Motorcycle Show, Caledon Farmer’s Market, Pedal Pull, Chainsaw Carver, Milking Competition, Axe Throwing, Craft Beer & Cider Festival and a Pumpkin Carving exhibition. Thursday is Toonie Ride Night; Friday is Rawhide Rodeo; Saturday is Rodeo and Demo Derby; and Sunday is Family Day. Admission and hours are: Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Adults Free; Kids under 12 with Adult Free; Friday, September 22, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Adults $20; Kids under 12 with Adult $10; Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Adults $20; Kids under 12 with Adult $10; Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults $10; Kids under 12 with Adult $5. Unlimited Midway Ride bracelets are available on Sunday only for $25. The Midway operates from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bolton Fall Fair takes place at Albion Bolton Fairgrounds, 150 Queen Street East, Bolton. Bolton is 29 km northwest of Vaughan.
Bobcaygeon Fall Fair 2023
The Bobcaygeon Fall Fair takes place Thursday, September 28, 2023 to Saturday, September 30, 2023 and features a Truck and Tractor Pull, a Western Horse show, Heavy Horse Show, Demolition Derby, Horse Pull, Midway, Talent Show, live music, Dog Show, pony rides, petting zoo and Craft Beer Tasting. This is a pet-friendly event but please pick up after your pets. Adults $10; Children 10 and under Free. Weekend pass $25. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Fair hours are Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, September 29, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bobcaygeon Fall Fair takes place at the Bobcaygeon-Verulam Community Centre, Fairgrounds and Curling Club.
Ancaster Fair 2023
The Ancaster Fair returns September 21-24, 2023 and features antique cars and tractors, demolition derbies, agricultural activities, steam engines, a quilt draw and rides. This Hamilton-area fair is located at Ancaster Fairgrounds. Fair hours are Thursday 5 p.m. to 1o p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is: Thursday Pass from 5 p.m.: Adults $5 + fees; Seniors (60+) $5 + fees: Kids (5-13) $5; 4 and under Free; Friday Pass from 9 a.m. Adults $13 + fees; Seniors (60+) $10 + fees: Kids (5-13) $5; 4 and under Free; Saturday Pass from 9 a.m. Adults $13 + fees; Seniors (60+) $10 + fees: Kids (5-13) $5; 4 and under Free; Sunday Pass Adults $13 + fees; Seniors (60+) $10 + fees: Kids (5-13) $5; 4 and under Free; Weekend Pass: Adults $35 + fees; Seniors (60+) $25 + fees: Kids (5-13) $10 + fees; 4 and under Free. Free parking.
I hope you get a chance to visit one of the fall fairs near Toronto in 2023. Let me know in the comment section which fall fair you checked out!
You may be interested in reading, “Where To Go Apple Picking Near Toronto and the GTA in 2023“.
