Woodbridge • Vaughan • York Durham Headwaters
The Woodbridge Fall Fair is one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, celebrating livestock, homecrafts, giant pumpkins, pioneer demonstrations, midway rides, and family-friendly entertainment. Hosted by the Woodbridge Agricultural Society, the fair has been a Thanksgiving weekend tradition since 1847, bringing rural traditions to the heart of one of Canada’s fastest-growing urban communities.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Woodbridge Fairgrounds, 100 Porter Avenue, Woodbridge (Vaughan), Ontario
🎪 Event Type: Agricultural Fair
👨👩👧👦 Best For: Families, agricultural enthusiasts, classic car fans, children, and anyone looking for a traditional country fair close to the city
🗓 2026 Dates: October 10–12, 2026 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
🌐 Official Website: Woodbridge Fall Fair & Agricultural Society
Plan Your Visit
⏱ Time Needed: Plan a full day enjoying agricultural exhibits, entertainment, midway attractions, and family activities.
🎡 Fair Highlights: Midway rides, antique and classic car show, giant pumpkin contest, sheep shearing demonstrations, pioneer cooking, horse and wagon rides, live entertainment, homecraft exhibits, and agricultural displays.
🐄 Agricultural Experiences: Farm animal exhibits, sheep shearing, giant pumpkin competition, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and educational demonstrations celebrating Ontario’s farming heritage.
🎠 Family Activities: Petting zoo, children’s entertainment, midway rides, games, food vendors, live music, interactive demonstrations, and family-friendly attractions throughout the fairgrounds.
📅 Annual Timing: Thanksgiving Weekend (Mid-October)
Celebrating Agriculture in York Region
The Woodbridge Fall Fair has been bringing together families, farmers, volunteers, and visitors for nearly 180 years. Organized by the Woodbridge Agricultural Society, the fair continues its mission of preserving agricultural traditions while providing educational and family-oriented experiences in the rapidly growing City of Vaughan.
Often described as “a rural fair, right in the City,” the Woodbridge Fall Fair offers visitors the opportunity to experience Ontario’s agricultural heritage without leaving the Greater Toronto Area. Livestock exhibits, homecraft displays, pioneer demonstrations, and agricultural competitions are combined with classic midway rides, live entertainment, and family activities, creating an event that appeals to visitors of all ages.
From the giant pumpkin contest and antique car show to sheep shearing demonstrations, horse and wagon rides, and traditional fair food, the Woodbridge Fall Fair continues to celebrate the harvest season while reminding visitors of the important role agriculture has played in shaping York Region and Ontario.
Did You Know?
The Woodbridge Agricultural Society was founded in 1847, making the Woodbridge Fall Fair one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs. The fairgrounds have remained an important community gathering place for generations and continue to host events throughout the year. The 2026 fair celebrates its 179th year.
About the Fair
A Vaughan Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Spirit Since 1847
The Woodbridge Fall Fair, proudly hosted by the Woodbridge Agricultural Society, has been one of Ontario’s longest-running agricultural fairs. First held in 1847, the fair has grown from a small rural gathering of farmers and neighbours into a cherished community tradition that continues to honour agricultural excellence, homecraft creativity, and the deep-rooted heritage of the Woodbridge area.
A Fair Rooted in Rural Heritage & Early Vaughan Settlement
When the fair began, Woodbridge was a thriving rural village with mills, farms, workshops, and a tightly connected community along the Humber River valley. Agricultural societies played a vital role in these early years, helping farmers improve livestock, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships that supported the growing township.
Early fairs featured livestock judging, produce competitions, preserves, sewing and quilting, local crafts, and demonstrations of essential homesteading skills. Many of these agricultural traditions remain at the heart of the Woodbridge Fall Fair today.
Agriculture at the Heart of the Woodbridge Fall Fair
Although Woodbridge has grown into a major urban community, the fair continues to celebrate the agricultural roots that helped build the region. Exhibits proudly showcase:
- Dairy and beef cattle
- Sheep, goats, poultry & small livestock
- Field crops, grain, vegetables, and garden produce
- Woodworking, rural crafts, and traditional skills
These displays honour the dedication and expertise of farming families from across Vaughan, York Region, and nearby rural communities.
The homecraft sections, including preserves, baking, quilting, sewing, knitting, floriculture, photography, and junior categories, highlight creativity and domestic craftsmanship that have long been part of rural Ontario life.
Youth Involvement & Generational Strength
Youth participation is a cornerstone of the Woodbridge Fall Fair. Through 4-H clubs, school displays, junior competitions, and agricultural education programs, young people learn:
- Leadership
- Hands-on farm and homecraft skills
- Creativity and teamwork
- Agricultural awareness
- Pride in community and heritage
Many families have participated for generations, helping preserve traditions that continue to thrive year after year.
Powered by Volunteers & Community Dedication
The Woodbridge Agricultural Society, supported by dozens of passionate volunteers, works tirelessly all year to bring the fair to life. Their dedication, setting up exhibits, preparing fairgrounds, guiding participants, and preserving local heritage, reflects the deep pride felt throughout the Woodbridge community.
A Celebration of York Region’s Rural Foundations
The Woodbridge Fall Fair highlights the region’s most enduring values:
- Agricultural excellence
- Creative homecraft traditions
- Youth engagement
- Volunteer leadership
- Heritage preservation
- Strong community unity
A Tradition That Endures
More than 175 years after its first gathering, the Woodbridge Fall Fair remains a treasured celebration, honouring the agricultural roots, creativity, and community spirit that continue to enrich Woodbridge and the wider Vaughan region.
