Barrie Fair

“August 21 – 24, 2025 – A Summer Tradition Rooted in Agriculture and Packed with Fun!“

From August 21st to 24th, 2025, the Barrie Fair returns for its 172nd year, celebrating everything that makes rural Ontario special: agriculture, community, entertainment, and unforgettable summer memories. First held in 1853, the Barrie Fair has grown into one of the region’s premier events, offering something for everyone—from thrilling motorsports and live music to farm-fresh experiences and hands-on learning.

Whether you’re a lifelong fairgoer or planning your first visit, the 2025 Barrie Fair promises four days of non-stop excitement and authentic country charm.

A Celebration of Agriculture

As one of Ontario’s most historic agricultural fairs, the Barrie Fair proudly puts farming and livestock front and centre:

• The barns will be bustling with Farm Animal Displays, offering visitors of all ages the chance to get up close to cows, goats, pigs, chickens, and more.
• Learn how milk gets from the cow to your cereal bowl with Milk the Cow Live Demonstrations—a fun and educational highlight for kids and adults alike!
• The Holstein Dairy Show and Jersey Calf Rally showcase some of the province’s top dairy cattle, while the 4H Dairy and Beef Shows give young handlers the chance to shine in the ring.
• The 4H Horse and Miniature Horse Shows combine skill and showmanship, giving fairgoers a chance to witness the dedication of young equestrians in action.
• Don’t miss the majestic Draft Horse Show, where powerful teams compete in traditional classes that are as impressive as they are time-honored.

Entertainment, Music & Fairground Thrills

The Midway brings bright lights and big thrills, with rides, games, and classic carnival treats creating the ultimate fair atmosphere. After a spin on the Ferris wheel, kick back in the Beer Garden, where you can relax with friends and enjoy some local brews.

The fairgrounds will be rocking with Live Music throughout the weekend, featuring local talent and special musical guests who bring a festive soundtrack to the summer vibes.

For fans of adrenaline and horsepower, the Demolition Derby delivers edge-of-your-seat excitement as cars crash and compete for glory, while the Truck and Tractor Pulls showcase raw engine power and mechanical skill.

Extreme Competitions & Classic Attractions

Get ready for high-speed horsemanship with the thrilling Ontario Extreme Cowboys competition, where riders and their horses navigate an obstacle course with precision and speed.

Car lovers can stroll through the Car Show, featuring classic, vintage, and custom vehicles, while the Homecraft Exhibits offer a quieter space to admire handmade quilts, baked goods, preserves, crafts, and more.

Join the Fun at the 2025 Barrie Fair!

With its rich history, agricultural heart, and full schedule of family-friendly fun, the 2025 Barrie Fair is a true highlight of summer. Join us August 21st to 24th for a weekend filled with tradition, community, and country celebration!

History of the Barrie Fair

The Barrie Fair has a rich agricultural heritage that dates back to 1853. Originally organized by the Innisfil Agricultural Society, the fair was created to promote and celebrate agricultural practices in the Simcoe County region. The fair quickly grew in popularity, becoming a gathering place for farmers, families, and local businesses to showcase their livestock, crops, crafts, and culinary skills.

Over the decades, the fair evolved to include a broader range of activities, including midway rides, horse shows, tractor pulls, homecraft displays, and live entertainment. It moved locations several times to accommodate its growing size and changing needs. Today, the Barrie Fair is held at the Essa Agriplex, just outside of Barrie in Thornton, Ontario.

The fair remains a staple of the late summer season, continuing its mission of agricultural education and community celebration. It brings together urban and rural communities and is organized each year by the Essa & District Agricultural Society (EDAS), the successor to the original Innisfil Agricultural Society.

In recent years, the Barrie Fair has embraced modern attractions while staying rooted in tradition, offering a blend of family fun, competitive shows, educational exhibits, and rural charm—a perfect reflection of its more than 170 years of history.