County Fairs: The Heartbeat of Rural Summer
Blue Ribbons, Butter Tarts & Big Smiles: Summer Fun the Country Way
For more than a century, county fairs have marked the rhythm of summer in Southeastern Ontario. With pie contests, veggie competitions, demolition derbies and cattle shows, these events are for anyone who wants a crash course in Canadian rural life.
If you want to see where Ontario’s roots run deep, head to Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County, where Ontario began. The welcome here is as wide as the landscape. Cruise country roads, let your eyes wander across farmers’ fields, paddle winding rivers, tee off under endless skies, and pedal through stories that stretch generations. Around here, you are not a visitor, you’re family.
Looking to immerse yourself in authentic country entertainment? Start with the Williamstown Fair (Aug. 8-10), the oldest annual fair in Canada, where horse pulls and Highland dancing bring out crowds from across the region.
Over in Stormont County, the Avonmore Fair (July 19-20) and Newington Fair (Aug. 29 to Sept. 1) carry on beloved traditions, while the South Mountain Fair (Aug. 14-17) blends classic midway rides with a rodeo twist. Don’t miss Maxville Fair (June 20-22) or the Chesterville Fair, (Aug. 22-24) where generations of families return year after year.
County fairs aren’t just a tradition in one part of the region. They pop up in communities all across Southeastern Ontario, each one offering its own mix of fun, food, and local flavour. Here are a few more spots where the fair spirit comes to life this summer:
Eastern Ontario Country Fairs – 2025
From June to September, Eastern Ontario’s fair season unfolds like a patchwork quilt. Each stop is filled with local pride, live music, prize livestock, and more than a few well-earned bragging rights.
June 20–22: Maxville Fair A classic rural fair with a strong agricultural focus, horse shows, and midway fun.
July 17–20: Lansdowne Fair Celebrating its 161st year with livestock shows, demolition derby, midway, and more.
July 18–20: Avonmore Fair Family-centred with livestock displays, horse pulls, and a laid-back village vibe.
July 24–27: Delta Fair One of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, established in 1830, has four days of agriculture, entertainment, and family fun.
August 1–3: Lombardy Fair marks its 159th anniversary with agricultural displays, a midway, and entertainment.
August 1–4: Napanee Fair Celebrating its 192nd year with exhibits, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
August 8–10: Williamstown Fair is Canada’s oldest annual fair, established in 1812, and includes a blend of heritage and community festivities.
August 14-17: South Mountain Fair Celebrating its 132nd year with agricultural exhibits, entertainment, and family fun.
August 14-17: Russell Fair Part of the community since 1867 to celebrate agricultural roots.
August 14-17: Vankleek Hill Fair Ferris Wheels and Wagon Wheels mark the 181st Vankleek Hill Fair in mid-August.
August 15 to 17: Odessa Fair This year marks 190 years of family fun at the fair and it’s the community’s largest event of the year.
August 22-23: Shannonville World’s Fair Celebrating the farming community and fostering a spirit of togetherness.
August 22–24: Chesterville Fair Horse pulls, cattle shows, local competitions, and a welcoming rural crowd.
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August 28–31: Quinte Exhibition (Belleville) The 202nd edition features a midway, exhibits, a demolition derby, and more.
August 29–September 1: Stormont County Fair (Newington) A Labour Day weekend tradition with a midway, truck pulls, and agricultural showcases.
September 11-14: Kingston Fall Fair This year marks 193 years of bringing family fun to Kingston. Horse shows, beef and dairy shows, entertainment, and competitions for everyone.
September 11–14: Spencerville Fair known as "The Biggest Little Fair in Eastern Ontario," offers traditional fair activities and entertainment.
For more information and trip planning tools, visit the websites of South Eastern Ontario's destinations.
