The smell of popcorn and fresh mini donuts, the lights of the rides at night, sticky cotton candy hands, and activities for the whole family. Summer is here and so are country fairs, offering up a load of entertainment for a whole day (or weekend).
These events feature a myriad of options — watching local singers and talent shows, grabbing a treat to eat under a tree, trying out mini dirt bikes, visiting the animal barns, watching tractor pulls and bouncing around in bumper cars.
These fairs are synonymous with agriculture and farming and offer hands-on fun for people of all ages. If your city kids aren’t used to barnyards and tractors, stroking the soft muzzle of a freshly groomed calf might just be the highlight of their summer.
From early June right into September, there are fairs happening within a short drive from Montreal and we’ve rounded some to check out.
Maxville Fair
The fair is back in 2022 with live entertainment, kids’ activities, games, an array of great food, and agricultural shows — all on the fair’s beautiful grounds with its impressive grandstand.
When: June 17-19, 2022
Where: 35 Fair St., in Maxville, Ontario
What to expect: Agricultural events, competitions, horse shows, live entertainment, games, vendors, petting zoo and pony rides, and of course lots of food. There are also scheduled shows by Little Rays Reptiles, a Mad Scientist kiosk, Bowman’s Archery, Highland dancing, and a free pancake breakfast on Sunday.
Tickets: Friday admission is $5, Saturday and Sunday $10. Free for kids 12 and under.
More info: maxvillefair.ca
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Expo Lachute Fair
As the oldest agricultural fair in Quebec and the second oldest in Canada, this fair has been entertaining visitors for a long time. This year, it kicks off with a parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 7 at Richelieu Park and continues with shows and entertainment throughout the weekend.
When: July 7-10, 2022
Where: 399 Gougeon, Lachute, Quebec
What to expect: Crafts and food exhibits, livestock shows, antique tractor pull, demolition derby, monster trucks, music, snowmobile show, and a wrestling show.
Tickets: Pre-sale online only from June 9 to 30. One day for $27, four days pass for $82. Parking on site costs $25. After June 30, online or at gates costs $32 for Friday and Saturday, or $27 for Thursday and Sunday.
More info: expolachutefair.com
Calixa-Lavallée Agricultural Fair
Located south-east of Montreal, this fair is celebrating its 142nd edition this year and invites everyone to experience farm life with plenty of family fun.
When: July 8-10, 2022.
Where: 602-A, ch. de la Beauce, Calixa-Lavallée
What to expect: Demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, games and inflatables for kids, petting farm, try out an excavator or milk a mechanical cow, vendors and food.
Tickets: New this year, online ticketing. Free for children 12 and under.
Friday $15, Saturday and Sunday are both $20, and a weekend pass is $50.
More info: expocalixa.com
Coaticook Valley Fair
Highlighting local agricultural products and all things rural, the fair offers events and activities for all. Visitors can also take in other attractions in the area including the beautiful Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook with its suspension bridge and Foresta Lumina show, nature parks, beaches, hiking and biking trails.
When: August 5-7, 2022.
Where: 125 Morgan St., Coaticook, Quebec
What to expect: Canine agility demonstrations, cattle and horse show, competitions, vendors, midway, live music and entertainment, games and kids’ activities.
Tickets: Pricing will be announced later in the summer and include special pre-sale tickets.
More info: expovalleedelacoaticook.com
Williamstown Fair
Located just a skip and a hop from Lancaster Ont., the Williamstown Fair is Canada’s oldest annual fair and has been delighting visitors since 1812. With gorgeous grounds, heritage-style buildings, and a great family-friendly atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to celebrate rural life.
When: August 6-7, 2022.
Where: 19629 John St., Williamstown, Ontario
What to expect: Canin agility, competitions, cattle and horse show, vendors, midway, live music and entertainment, games and kids’ activities.
Tickets: Purchase your tickets online. Weekend passes are $50, a day pass is $20. Free admission for children under 36″ tall that includes unlimited access to KidZone inflatables.
More info: williamstownfair.ca
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Vankleek Hill Fair
The beautiful town of Vankleek Hill celebrates “Blue Jeans & Country Scenes” with its 178th edition of its fair. Covering four days in late August, there’s lots of time to see all that the
When: August 18-21, 2022, Opening at noon August 18.
Where: 92 Main St., West, Vankleek Hill, Ontario
What to expect: Midway with rides for all ages, a combine and tractor pulls, horse pull, car demolition derby,
Tickets: Weekend passes $55 until July 31. Day passes are $20 until July 31. Free for kids under 36″ but will need a pass to go on rides.
More info: vankleekhillfair.ca
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Brome Fair
Since 1856, the Brome Fair has been giving visitors the opportunity to get up close with farm animals and experience farming and agriculture. Head to the fair this Labour Day weekend for a whole lot o’ fun.
When: September 2-5, 2022.
Where: 345 Stagecoach Rd., Brome, Quebec
What to expect: Midway with rides and shows, horse and truck pulls, heavy and light horses, live music, and activities for all. Check later in the summer for the full schedule of events.
Tickets: Tickets are available online or in-person. A family rate for two adults and two children can be purchased online for $65. Free for kids 3 and under.
More info: bromefair.com
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Note that most fairs do not allow dogs on fair grounds (with the exception of service dogs) so you’ll need to leave your pooch at home.
Because fairs are also large and sometimes crowded, it’s a good idea to stick your phone number on a card in your child’s pocket or on a wristband and to designate a meeting spot.
