Markham Fair
“October 2 – 5, 2025 – Celebrating 181 Years of Agricultural Excellence!“
The 2025 Markham Fair is set to take place from October 2 to 5, 2025, at the Markham Fairgrounds, located at 10801 McCowan Road, Markham, Ontario. Established in 1844, this cherished fair celebrates its 181st 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 Shows—including Dairy, Beef, and Goats—alongside the Heavy Horse Shows and Light Horse Shows, 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 Children’s Activities, Old MacDonald’s Farm, and Midway provide fun and excitement for children. These activities offer engaging experiences for children and families alike.
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.
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 Agricultural Displays offer a visual feast of intricate patterns and vibrant colors, reflecting the artistry of local artisans. 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 Markham 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 Markham. Mark your calendars for October 2 to 5, and be part of this cherished celebration at the Markham Fairgrounds.
History of the Markham Fair
Markham Fair is one of Canada’s oldest country fairs, an annual event established in 1844. It is located in Markham, Ontario and hosted by the Markham and East York Agricultural Society.[1] With over 700 volunteers working on more than 70 committees, Markham Fair is the largest community-based volunteer organization in Canada. The fair and fairgrounds are owned by the agricultural society.
The fair occurs annually on the weekend before Thanksgiving, and is attended by upwards of 80,000 people annually. Approximately 3,000 exhibitors enter more than 12,000 items, which are judged and put on display during the fair. Promoting excellence through competition in this way makes fairs unique in comparison to other events.
Agricultural societies used to meet on a regular basis to discuss various concepts of agricultural improvement such as livestock development and increased grain yields. Often the society would collectively purchase a bull or seed grain, which would be made available to members only. The fall fair would then be an opportunity for the farmers to compete by showing off the fruits of their labour.
Due to increased technology and rapid communication, agricultural societies no longer find it necessary to provide this service, but the Markham Fair continues to provide the community with a showcase for talents and products in a friendly competitive spirit.
As well as the competitive displays, the community is further brought together to enjoy various forms of entertainment such as horse and tractor pulls, a demolition derby, midway rides, and displays of farm animals.
The 2020 Markham Fair was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] This marked the Fair’s third period of cancellation, as it was also cancelled in 1917 and 1918 due to World War I and from 1942 to 1944 due to World War II.
The 2021 Fair was held but required prepurchased tickets and physical distancing by means of one way walk through fairgrounds. Food vendors were available near the exit but there was no midway.
