Fantastic Fall Fairs in Full Effect Across Ontario’s Cottage Country
As summer starts to wrap up and cooler temperatures prevail, the annual celebrations of all things rural begins. It’s fall fair season in Ontario’s cottage country – a chance to experience the agricultural lifestyle and simpler things as well as lots of delicious freshly-harvested food, livestock and exhilarating rides. Great fun for the whole family!
Here’s just a partial list of 2025’s sweater weather fairs happening across the region in September and October, including the Bala Cranberry Festival:
Almaguin Highlands
Armour, Ryerson & Burk’s Falls Agricultural Society Fall Fair August 30 – September 1
The weekend kicks off with the Ontario Xtreme Cowboy clinic and show. The Sunday features the English Horse show and the 144th Fall Fair main events will be held on the on the Labour Day Monday at the Burk’s Falls Fairgrounds.
South River/Machar Fall Fair September 6-7
For more than 140 years, the fair has celebrated the agricultural roots, community spirit, and northern hospitality that define the South River and Machar area. This year boasts a parade, heavy horse pull, traditional kid’s games, music and dancing, food and local vendors at the South River/Machar Community Centre.
Strong Agricultural Society Fall Fair September 12-13
Dating back to 1885, this year will feature a horse pull on Friday with the main events on Saturday. These include the parade, horse show, farmer’s market and events such as log sawing, and prizes for everything from the best honey, to baked goods and quilting.
Parry Sound
Foley Fall Fair August 30
A Labour Day tradition. Don’t miss out on the delicious fair food like the Famous Foley beef on a bun, fries and poutine, hot dogs and hamburgers. This fair has lots of vendors and games for both kids and adults.
McKellar Agricultural Fall Fair September 6
Tug-of-war competitions, arm wrestling, races, baked goods competition, horse show, livestock display, Great Canadian Lumberjack Show and more!
Parry Sound Bee & Honey Festival September 20
Held at Kinsmen Centennial Park it is a free event that is a great chance to meet local beekeepers, learn about bees and buy a variety of local honey. Enjoy food and other items made form bee bi-products or supporting bee awareness. Lots of fun and games for the kids!
Rosseau Pumpkin Festival October 11
There will be something for everyone, including bouncy castle, climbing wall, local and market vendors, pumpkin bingo, pumpkin decorating, local cuisine and farm animals. Activities run throughout the whole village.
Muskoka
Bracebridge Fall Fair & Horse Show September 12-14
For more than 150 years, locals and visitors alike have gathered to celebrate the farming season in Muskoka. Held at J.D. Lang Park, it features a parade, Farm Olympics, an enormous midway, wagon and pony rides, petting zoo, tractor and horse pulls, giant vegetable weigh-off, and lumberjack show.
Huntsville Fall Fair September 19-21
A huge selection of events happening at the fair grounds over the weekend. Midway, giant vegetables, amazing food and kid’s games. It will also feature a Demolition Derby on the Sunday at 1pm.
Township of Georgian Bay Honey Bee Festival October 4
A variety of honey-themed events from a pancake breakfast, scavenger hunt, art walk, marketplace at Honey Harbour and a beer garden. There is also a speed boat tour, kids’ zone and live music. Sweet!
Bala Cranberry Festival October 17-19
Always held the weekend after Thanksgiving, the Bala Cranberry Festival is one of the largest events in the region. For three days this small town lives up to its name as the Cranberry Capital of Ontario as it transforms into one of Ontario’s premier arts and crafts shows with hundreds of vendors. Every spare space in the town has vendors, live music, amazing food, entertainers/performers and attractions all weekend long. It is a celebration of all things cranberry! A visit to Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh and Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery should definitely be a part of your festival experience.
Did we miss anything? Email [email protected] to be added to the list.