Blog > Markham Fair 2026
Markham Fair 2026 — Canada's Oldest Country Fair Is in Your Backyard This October
Long before Markham became Canada's high-tech capital, it was farm country — and every fall, that heritage comes roaring back to life at the Markham Fair. One of the oldest country fairs in the entire country, it's a beloved tradition that's been running since 1844.
When is the Markham Fair in 2026? The Markham Fair — one of Canada's oldest country fairs, established in 1844 — runs Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Markham Fairgrounds (10801 McCowan Road). Now marking more than 180 years, this four-day agricultural fair draws tens of thousands of visitors with livestock shows, a demolition derby, midway rides, homecraft displays, live entertainment, and family fun.
Long before Markham became Canada's high-tech capital, it was farm country — and every fall, that heritage comes roaring back to life at the Markham Fair. One of the oldest country fairs in the entire country, it's a beloved tradition that's been running since 1844. Michael John Lau, a top real estate agent in Markham, shares what to know about this year's fair.
A Piece of Living History
The Markham Fair was established in 1844, making it one of Canada's oldest country fairs — a tradition now spanning more than 180 years. Hosted by the Markham and East York Agricultural Society, the fair began, as agricultural fairs did, as an opportunity for farmers to gather, compete, and show off the fruits of their harvest. Nearly two centuries later, it continues that spirit while welcoming a modern, diverse community. It's a genuine thread connecting Markham's agricultural roots to its present.
Markham Fair 2026 at a glance: Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Road (northeast corner of McCowan and Elgin Mills Roads). The fair typically runs Thursday–Saturday 9 a.m.–10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Confirm current dates, hours, and ticket prices at markhamfair.ca before you go.
What to Experience at the Fair
Agricultural shows and displays
At its heart, this is an agricultural fair — livestock shows, displays of farm animals, and thousands of judged exhibits and homecraft entries. Old MacDonald's Barn showcases newborn farm animals, and the Agri-Food Tent offers farm-to-table demonstrations. It's a window into the farming heritage that shaped the region.
Thrills and spectacles
The fair is famous for its crowd-pleasing events: the horse pull, demolition derby, tractor pull, and monster truck rides. These marquee attractions draw huge crowds and are a highlight of the weekend.
Midway rides and games
A full midway brings rides, games, and classic fair fun for all ages — a staple of the fall-fair experience.
Contests and competitions
From the Baby Contest and Children's Pet Show to Teen Talent, "So You Think You Can Cook," and the Ambassador Contest, the fair celebrates community talent in a friendly, competitive spirit.
Family fun and entertainment
Faircrow's Farm Park for kids, pony rides, live entertainment, comedy, music, commercial concessions, and — a fan favourite — fireworks. There's something for every age.
Why the Fair Matters to Markham
The Markham Fair is more than an event — it's a cornerstone of local identity. In a city that has grown into a diverse, modern, high-tech hub, the fair is where old and new Markham meet: longtime families and newcomers, agricultural heritage and contemporary community, all gathered in one place each fall. For anyone getting to know Markham — including families considering a move here — the fair is a wonderful window into the community's character and warmth.
It's also a reminder of what makes Markham special as a place to live: a city with genuine roots, strong traditions, and a real sense of community, even as it grows and modernizes. That combination of heritage and progress is part of what draws people to put down roots here.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Plan ahead: check markhamfair.ca for the current schedule, buy tickets and passes in advance where possible, and arrive prepared for a full day. The fairgrounds are at 10801 McCowan Road in northern Markham. With four days of programming, there's plenty to see across a visit or two.
Michael John Lau, one of Markham's leading REALTORS®, loves what events like the Markham Fair say about this community — its heritage, its warmth, and its genuine sense of belonging. If getting to know Markham has you thinking about calling it home, that's a conversation worth having. Enjoy the fair — it's one of the best expressions of what Markham is all about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking of Calling Markham Home?
Michael John Lau, REALTOR® CPA, CMA, loves what events like the Fair say about this community. If getting to know Markham has you considering a move, let's talk.
Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® and CPA/CMA at Kaizen Real Estate (eXp Realty), Licence #4784577, serving Markham and York Region. Markham Fair dates, hours, programming, and ticket prices are set by the Markham and East York Agricultural Society and subject to change — always confirm current details at markhamfair.ca before attending. Not intended to solicit clients currently under contract with another brokerage.
More From the Blog
