Just north of Toronto, Markham hosts one of Canada’s biggest four-day agricultural fairs. It features an exciting midway, a butter sculpture contest, and fun entertainment for everyone.
Taking place at the Markham Fairgrounds (10801 Mc Cowan Road), the Markham Fair is one of the oldest events in the country, marking its 182nd year. The celebration runs from Oct. 1 to 4, open from 9 a. m. to 10 p. m. Thursday through Saturday, and 9 a. m. to 6 p. m. on Sunday.
Harvest Time at the Markham Fair
Organized by the Markham and East York Agricultural Society, this fair began in 1844 to highlight local talent and agricultural products. Held every year on the weekend before Thanksgiving, it draws around 70,000 visitors.
The fair aims to be a lively community partner that supports agriculture, rural life, and sustainability while honoring local heritage and creating new traditions.
The theme for the upcoming Markham Fair in 2026 is Harvest Time.
“Harvest has always been a time for the community to come together, reflect on the year, and reap the benefits of all the hard work and dedication,” said Devin King, Markham Fair President. “This perfectly describes the Markham Fair.”
A local fall tradition
To kick off opening night, there will be a fireworks display lighting up the sky above the infield show ring on Thursday at 8 p. m. Daily activities include performances by Superdogs athletic pups at Horse Drive as well as contortionists and acrobats from Kiki Totally Outrageous and Aerial Mystique Show in the entertainment tent.
If you’re looking for thrills, don’t miss out on Saturday’s demolition derby at the racetrack.
No fair would be complete without a midway! Visitors can head over to the west gate for rides on the ferris wheel and enjoy classic carnival games. For food lovers, there are new options like Korean Fried Chicken alongside favorites such as Vinny’s Wood Burning Oven Pizza, Temptations Food Truck, Liko’s Hawaiian Barbecue, and Chungchun Rice Dog.
If you’re up for some friendly competition, swing by the agri-food tent on Thursday for a live sculpting demo followed by a Miniature Butter Sculpture Contest. Plus, Sunday will see their first-ever pumpkin carving competition.
You can buy tickets online with adult tickets priced at $25; youth tickets are also $25; seniors are $15; kids aged 12 and under are $10; while those four years old or younger get in free.
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