Metcalfe Fair 2026: 170 Years of Rural Tradition
Ontario’s premier agricultural exhibition in rural south Ottawa celebrating livestock, competitions, and country fair spirit
Dates
Oct 1–4
Cost
$10–$17
Where
Metcalfe, ON
Setting
24 acres
Since 1856, the Metcalfe Fair has been one of Ontario’s premier agricultural exhibitions. Now celebrating 170 years, this rural south Ottawa tradition brings together livestock competitions, homecraft exhibitions, demolition derbies, and family entertainment on 24 acres of fairgrounds.
🐴 Livestock shows
👶 4-H competitions
🎪 Demo derby
👨👩👧👦 Family friendly
Essentials
Location
South Ottawa
20–25 minutes from city center
Parking
No public lots
But shuttle bus from nearby areas
Kids
Under 5 FREE
Kidzland activities & entertainment
Region
Ottawa
Rural fairgrounds in Metcalfe
Fair Highlights
Livestock & Horse Shows
Prize cattle, horses, sheep, and poultry judged by experts. 4-H Regional Championship competitions showcase young farmers.
Homecraft & Agricultural Exhibits
Local talents showcase baking, quilting, photography, and preserves. Field crop and produce displays celebrate the harvest.
Demolition Derby & Horse Pull
Saturday evening demolition derby delivers classic fair thrills. Horse and tractor pulls showcase working animals and equipment.
Entertainment & Midway
Live music, stepdancing, fiddling competitions, Robertson Amusements midway, and Kidzland activities for families.
4-Day Schedule
Thursday, October 1
Gates open noon | Midway 4:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Evening entertainment begins
Evening entertainment begins
Friday, October 2
Gates open 10:00 a.m. | Midway 1:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Livestock shows, exhibitions, and competitions throughout
Livestock shows, exhibitions, and competitions throughout
Saturday, October 3
Gates open 10:00 a.m. | Midway 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Demolition Derby evening—the signature event
Demolition Derby evening—the signature event
Sunday, October 4
Gates open 11:00 a.m. | Midway 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Final day celebration and closing events
Final day celebration and closing events
Why Metcalfe Fair
Metcalfe Fair’s 170-year history speaks volumes. This is a genuine agricultural exhibition run by and for a rural community. It’s not a theme park or commercial enterprise—it’s a celebration of farming, 4-H youth leadership, and rural traditions. You’ll see real livestock competitions, hear live folk music and fiddling, and experience a slower-paced, authentic country fair atmosphere.
For Ottawa residents, it’s a chance to connect with the region’s agricultural heritage just 20–25 minutes from the city. For visitors from elsewhere, Metcalfe Fair offers exactly what traditional fall fairs were designed for: a celebration of harvest, community, and country spirit in a rural setting.
FAQs
Details may change — always confirm on the official Metcalfe Fair website before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsMetcalfe Agricultural Society Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Road, Metcalfe, ON, K4P 1A2
