Carp Fair

“September 25 – 28, 2025 – “The Best Little Fair in Canada!“

The 2025 Carp Fair is set to take place from September 25 to 28, 2025, at the Carp Fairgrounds, located at 3790 Carp Road, Carp, Ontario. Established in 1863, this cherished fair celebrates its 162nd year, offering a delightful mix of agricultural showcases, family-friendly entertainment, and community spirit.

Agricultural Exhibits and Livestock Shows

Agriculture remains at the heart of the fair. The 4-H Club Shows, Dairy and Beef Cattle Shows, Sheep Show, Heavy Horse Show, Light Horse Show, and 6-Horse Hitch Class highlight the dedication of local farmers and the quality of livestock in the region. These exhibits celebrate the agricultural arts that have been a staple of the fair since its inception.

Family-Friendly Entertainment and Activities

Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the fair. The Midway offers thrilling rides and games, while the Petting Zoo provides delightful interactions for younger attendees. Children’s Activities are designed to engage and entertain, ensuring fun for all ages. The SuperDogs show, featuring talented canine performers, is a must-see attraction for visitors of all ages.

Live Entertainment and Community Gatherings

Evenings at the fair are filled with lively entertainment. Live Music performances by local artists provide a festive atmosphere, inviting attendees to dance and celebrate. Throughout the fair, various acts ensure continuous enjoyment for all visitors. These performances add to the vibrant and communal spirit of the event.

Special Attractions and Competitions

Adding excitement to the fair, the Demolition Derby and Lawn Tractor Pull promise high-octane thrills as participants compete in tests of endurance and strategy. The Rawhide Rodeo showcases traditional rodeo events, offering a glimpse into cowboy culture and skills. These events are favorites among visitors, highlighting the power and skill involved in these traditional fair activities.

Homecrafts and Community Engagement

Inside the exhibition halls, visitors can explore an array of Homecraft Exhibits, showcasing local talents in baking, quilting, preserves, and crafts. The Agriculture Tent offers educational displays and interactive experiences, emphasizing the importance of farming in the community. These exhibits celebrate the domestic arts that have been a staple of the fair since its inception. Community members are encouraged to participate in various exhibits and competitions, fostering local talent and engagement.

Join the Celebration

The 2025 Carp Fair offers a rich tapestry of events and exhibits that honor the area’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, the fair provides an opportunity to connect with the traditions that have shaped Carp. Mark your calendars for September 25 to 28, and be part of this cherished celebration at the Carp Fairgrounds.

History of the Carp Fair

The first Carp Fair was held in 1863 but its story dates back to 1818, when the first settlers, of predominantly Irish descent, arrived to Huntley Township. The Township of Huntley has always been agriculturally centered specifically because due to the fertile clay loam soil that can be found in the valley of the Carp River. This rich soil supports some of the richest farmland in Eastern Ontario. Seeing Carp soil is essential for Eastern Ontario’s agriculture success, it has always been an important part of Huntley Township. Although, after the fire of 1870, which destroyed a big part of the surrounding area, it unarguably became the centre of the Township. Carp quickly began to grow, becoming the junction between Ottawa, Arnprior and Stittsville. Carp was not only known for it’s promising agriculture but it was home to four hotels, numerous bars and a couple of public schools. By 1854, Carp had its own newspaper and by 1899, trains began to pass through. Today, Carp is becoming more of a residential community but those who call it home still hold the Carp Fair at great importance.

All of this to say, the Carp Fair is an event that has always brought members of the community together. People would come from all over Eastern Ontario to show off both their crops and animals. Historically speaking, it was an opportunity to both share and learn from other farmers. Today, the Carp fair offers far more than just crops and animals. It is a weekend long event that showcases all the beauty the countryside has to offer.

The Carp fair, also known as the “Best Little Fair in Ottawa,” has a variety of events lined up for this years fun filled weekend.  This year’s fair will take place from September 26th to the 29th and include live music, world-class horse shows, President’s Choice SuperDogs, a petting zoo and so much more. There’s no better way to celebrate the fall than by enjoying a family filled weekend in Ottawa’s countryside. Get ready for some good old fashioned fun.