Animals, monster trucks, racing pigs and generations of tradition return to the Western Fair, with savings and community programs helping more people be part of it.
LONDON, ON – September 8, 2026 – Ask a Londoner what makes the Western Fair the Fair, and chances are it’s something they remember from childhood.
The animals. The rides. Racing pigs. Creative Arts competitions. The excitement of demo derby. And now, introducing their own kids or grandkids to those same traditions.
For 149 years, the attractions have become traditions, but the idea behind the Western Fair has remained much the same: bring the community together and make sure as many people as possible can be part of it.
From September 11 to 20, many of the favourites that generations have grown up with return alongside ticket savings and community programs designed to keep a day at the Fair within reach.
The favourites that make the Fair
Animals remain at the heart of the Western Fair, with pigs, cattle, goats, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, chickens and horses filling the Animal Barn. Horses, live milking demonstrations and agricultural activities continue the Fair's long tradition of bringing a little bit of the country into the city.
Beyond the barns, familiar Fair entertainment is everywhere.
Aces Flying Pig Races return for multiple races each day. Canine Circus and the Grand Illusion Show featuring Aaron Matthews bring family entertainment to the TD Theatre, while roaming favourites Bandaloni the One Man Band and Doo Doo the International Clown return to the grounds.
Inside the McCormick Community Pavilion, the Tomco Carousel Stage showcases community talent and classic competitions, Circus Surreal’s circus tricks and stunts, while Creative Arts presented by Comfort Suites London carries on another generations-old Fair tradition of sharing handmade creations with the community.
And, of course, Happy will be back for 10 days of hugs, high-fives and photos.
Long standing Grandstand fan favourite traditions that require you to get your seat early. Monster Trucks and FMX Showcases bring 10,000-pound trucks, freestyle action and stunts to the Jayden’s Mechanical Grandstand, while the Demolition Derby delivers two nights of crashing plus a night of Figure 8 racing.
From September 11 to 13, the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Canadian Championship will also see Canada's top athletes chop and saw their way toward a spot at the World Championships.
And it's all part of the price of admission.
Keeping the tradition within reach
As household budgets remain top of mind, the Western Fair is also putting an emphasis on helping families make their Fair dollars go further.
An admission to the Fair includes a full day of visiting animals, catching a few fair shows and demonstrations, admiring the homemade arts, visiting the exhibits and dancing along to a full concert line-up. Advance admission is $15, while an advance SuperPass is $50 and includes admission and unlimited midway rides for one day. Kids 10 and under and big kids 65 and older are free, making it easier for three generations to experience the Fair together.
Through Fare to the Fair, a paid Western Fair ticket also provides free LTC transportation to and from the Fair throughout all 10 days.
But making the Fair accessible goes beyond ticket prices.
On September 18, Day of Dreams, sponsored by Westland Insurance, will welcome 400 registered children with special needs and their families for a free, sensory-friendly Fair experience before the gates open to the public. 1000 people are planned to attend this special afternoon on the final Friday.
The Fair Share Fundraiser returns for its third year, helping schools and registered non-profits raise funds through Fair ticket sales. Participating organizations receive $1 from each general admission ticket and $2 from each SuperPass sold through the program.
And following its inaugural success last year, Community Hours, sponsored by Old East Village BIA return on opening day, with free admission for everyone from 3 to 5 p.m. on September 11.
Together, these programs carry forward something that has been part of the Western Fair for nearly a century and a half: the belief that the Fair should be a place where the community comes together.
Because 149 years later, Fair traditions aren't only about remembering what you did as a kid.
They're about getting to share it with the next generation.
The Western Fair runs September 11–20, 2026, at Western Fair District in London. Advance admission starts at $15.
For schedules, tickets and complete Fair information, visit westernfair.ca.
About Western Fair District
Western Fair District is a year-round, not-for-profit agri-food organization dedicated to celebrating community and agriculture. Through events, entertainment, agriculture, racing, sport and community programming, Western Fair District brings people together while reinvesting in programs and initiatives that support London and the surrounding region.
Media Contact:
Angela Hawkins
Western Fair District
[email protected]
519-281-4809
westernfair.ca
