Demolition derbies part of fall fair fun across Greater Toronto Area

Here’s a look at some of the fall fairs that Toronto and area residents can enjoy over the next few weeks

Published Sep 13, 2026  •  5 minute read

Drivers take part in a demolition derby, part of the Mitchell Fall Fair in Mitchell, Ont., on Sept. 6, 2026. Photo by Andy Bader /Postmedia Network

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While the 2026 Canadian National Exhibition has come and gone, there are still plenty of smaller festivals near Toronto that provide families the opportunity to enjoy a day out during the final warm days of 2026.

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In addition to traditional agricultural and rural exhibits, many of the fall fairs celebrate the deliberate debilitation of motor vehicles for fun and profit.

Yes, the demolition derby — a competition in which drivers try to put other cars out of commission by hitting them intentionally.

“The derby is loud and goes long, but signifies the fair in small communities,” according to Andy Bader, editor of Postmedia’s Mitchell Advocate. Mitchell’s fall fair took place over the Labour Day weekend and included a demolition derby.

“My wife would go hours ahead of time to save spots in the bleachers.”

Here’s a look at some of the fall fairs that Toronto and area residents can enjoy over the next few weeks:

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NOT-TOO-FAR FAIRS

The Sunderland Fall Fair takes place on Sept. 15 and 16 — yes, that’s a Tuesday and a Wednesday.

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“The Sunderland Fair is a mid-week fair that has been running for 173 years and involves our entire community,” according to fair president Debbie Brethour. “There is participation from the farm community, the schools and the community groups and we use the wonderful historical buildings in town.”

Demonstrations of sheep herding take place on Wednesday at noon and 2 p.m. The grandstand shows are a lawn tractor pull (Tuesday, 6 p.m.) and a demolition derby (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.)

The Brampton Fall Fair runs Thursday to Sept. 20.

“We’ve been celebrating agriculture and community since 1853, but every year we bring something new to the experience,” reports fair manager Trisha Doe. “Families can come to enjoy the midway, entertainment and food, while also experiencing livestock, agriculture and traditions that have been part of our community for generations.”

Entertainment includes a Taylor Swift tribute concert (Friday, 7:30 p.m.), a demolition derby (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.) and three sessions of mini chuckwagon racing (Sept. 20, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m.)

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Also that weekend (Friday and Saturday) is the Beaverton Fall Fair.

“For 171 years, the Beaverton Fair has proudly supported our farming community and given our cottage visitors a chance to connect with agriculture up close,” said fair president Joline Quinn. “From cow shows, horse shows to derbies and 4H tractor pulls, our board works hard at having something for everyone to enjoy. Our small-town pride fuels our fair.”

The fair opens with a parade (Friday, 12:15 p.m.) starting at the Beaverton Public Library with participants encouraged to decorate their entries using the fair’s 2026 theme, “Stitch & Grow, Put on a Show!”

In addition to many shows on the Curling Club stage, there is a Demo Cross (Friday, 7 p.m.) and a demolition derby (Saturday, 8 p.m.)

More than 80 vehicles were entered in the demolition derby at the Mitchell Fall Fair in Mitchell, Ont., on Sept. 6, 2026. Photo by Andy Bader /Postmedia Network

The 168th Albion & Bolton Fall Fair takes place Sept. 25-27 with most events taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

On the Saturday, there are free rides offered on ponies, a train and a monster truck. On Sunday, there are two K-Pop Demon Hunters performances followed by a meet-and-greet with the performers.

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The demolition derby takes place on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.

The Markham Fair is scheduled for Oct. 1-4.

“Community is at the heart of what makes the Markham Fair so special,” according to fair president Devin King. “Since 1844, we’ve brought together generations of families, farmers and neighbours to celebrate agriculture and sustainability. That spirit comes alive each year thanks to the dedication of our more than 800 volunteers, exhibitors and partners that make our fair possible each year.”

In addition to livestock shows, displays of farm animals and midway rides, there are fireworks shows on Oct. 1 (8 p.m.), Oct. 2 (8:30 p.m.) and Oct. 3 (9 p.m.)

And yes, there is a demolition derby (Oct. 3, 7 p.m.), as well as monster truck events (Oct. 1, 7 p.m., Oct. 4, 4:45 p.m.) and a truck and tractor pull (Oct. 2, 7 p.m.)

The Woodbridge Fall Fair takes place during the Thanksgiving weekend on Oct. 10-12.

This fair does not have a demolition derby, but it does have Doo Doo and Corbin the clowns, Wild West shows (Oct. 12 and 13, noon and 3 p.m.), and a Canine Circus (Oct. 12 and 13, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.)

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Callie Lamb, 6, gets a close look at an alpaca at the Western Fair in London, Ont., on Sept. 11, 2026. Photo by Geoff Robins /Postmedia Network

FAIRS A BIT FARTHER

In London, Ont., the Western Fair began last Friday and continues until Sept. 20.

“The Western Fair has been operating for 149 years in London, Ont., bringing the agricultural fair traditions to the heart of the city,” said Angela Hawkins, the fair’s marketing and communications director. “We draw in many from across the region to experience farm animals and agricultural programs, concerts, shows and exhibits and creative arts.

“In addition to our attractions, we host North America’s largest travelling midway.”

Travelling through the grounds this year is the Bathtub Singer — a unique performer whose “stage” is a clawfoot tub.

The final night of three demolition derby programs is on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The Caledonia Fair takes place Oct. 1-4.

“The Caledonia Fair is the best fair for families,” according to fair general manager Ian Thompson. “We know money is tight, so this year kids Grade 8 and younger are free for the entire fair. All of our entertainment is geared to families, including family-friendly music, busker and variety acts.”

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Superdogs shows are scheduled for each day.

Demolition derbies take place on Oct. 2 (mini-derby, 7:30 p.m.) and Oct. 3 (stock trucks, straight stock and pro stock, 7:30 p.m.)

The Rockton World’s Fair goes Oct. 9-12 and dates to 1852. This year’s theme is “There’s no place like home.”

“The Rockton World’s Fair is more than a Thanksgiving tradition — it’s where generations come together, memories are made and our community feels like family,” said Terri Mand, a member of the Rockton Agricultural Society’s board of directors. “Because no matter where life takes you, there’s no place like home.”

The fair’s giant pumpkin championship takes place on Oct. 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Demolition derbies are on Oct. 9 (7 p.m.), Oct. 10 (7 p.m.) and Oct. 11 (5:30 p.m.)

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NOT REALLY A FALL FAIR, BUT …

Another annual event that celebrates rural traditions and agriculture is the International Plowing Match, which in 2026 takes place on Sept. 22-26 in Walkerton, Ont. The event is held in a different community each year.

In addition to the plowing competitions, there is entertainment such as lumberjack shows, square dancing tractors and lawn mower racing.

Demolition derbies are Sept. 25 and Sept. 26 at 3:30 p.m.

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