Paris Fair 2026: 168 Years of Agricultural Heritage
Labour Day weekend farm fair with livestock shows, demolition derbies, country concerts, and midway rides
Dates
Sep 3–7
Cost
$20/day
Where
Paris, ON
Type
Family Fair
Chris Lane performs Saturday night, Brett Kissel and Lindsay Ell headline Sunday—plus daily demolition derbies, livestock shows, the Campbell Amusements midway, and agricultural competitions that celebrate 168 years of rural tradition in Brant County.
🎵 Country concerts included
🚜 Livestock & ag shows
💥 Demolition derbies
🎡 Midway rides & fun
💡 The Paris Fair is one of Ontario’s oldest and largest agricultural fairs. Five days over Labour Day weekend means family traditions, livestock championships, and a chance to experience rural Brant County at its best.
✨ Why the Paris Fair Still Matters
The Paris Fair is more than a weekend festival—it’s a living archive of agricultural tradition in Ontario. Founded by the Paris Agricultural Society in 1858, the fair has run continuously for 168 years, making it one of the oldest fairs in the province. What started as a way for farmers to showcase livestock and crops has evolved into a sophisticated blend of heritage events and modern entertainment that honours its roots without losing touch with current times.
Over Labour Day weekend, tens of thousands of visitors descend on the Paris Fairground to participate in a tradition their grandparents and great-grandparents knew. Kids who’ve never been to a working farm see livestock shows and milking demonstrations. Urban visitors explore homecraft and horticulture exhibits. Families ride the Campbell Amusements midway (now celebrating 50 years at the fair) and watch demolition derbies that are somehow both chaotic and deeply organized.
The headliners—Chris Lane on Saturday, Brett Kissel with Lindsay Ell on Sunday—are draws in their own right, but they’re part of a larger picture. The fair’s strength is in its refusal to be just one thing: it’s agricultural education and carnival thrills, livestock competition and pop music, preservation and progress all running simultaneously across five days.
📅 Fair Schedule at a Glance
The Paris Fair runs five full days, from Wednesday, September 2 (Exhibit Drop-Off and Holstein Show) through Monday, September 7. Each day has a different flavor—Thursday is opening night with demolition derbies, Friday brings barrel racing and animal shows, Saturday is the Chris Lane concert day, Sunday features Brett Kissel and Lindsay Ell, and Monday wraps with family-friendly wrap-up events.
Thursday, September 3 — Opening Night
5:00 PM Gates open. 6:00 PM Exhibit buildings open, midway opens (Toonie Night until 11 PM). 7:00 PM Demolition Derby (Light Build Full Size Teams of Three), Opening Ceremonies, Paris Fair Ambassador Competition.
Friday, September 4 — Agriculture & Action
9:00 AM NBHA Barrel Racing, 4H Dairy Show. 12:00 PM Ultimutts Animal Actors show, Bracelet Day midway opens. 4:00 PM Milking demonstration. 7:00 PM Demolition Derby (Bone Stock). BMX and Freestyle Motocross throughout the day.
Saturday, September 5 — Chris Lane Headliner Night
9:00 AM Barrel racing and Open Western Horse Show. 10:00 AM Exhibit buildings open, beef shows. 12:00 PM Ultimutts show, Bluey Meet & Greet, midway opens. 3:00 PM Hwy 24 Band performs. 8:00 PM Chris Lane Country Concert (included in admission). VIP Beer Garden with Rock Bass Derby at 6:00 PM.
Sunday, September 6 — Brett Kissel & Lindsay Ell Headliner
9:00 AM Goat Show, Jersey Parish Show. 11:00 AM The Glass Slipper Company performance. 12:00 PM Ultimutts show, midway opens. 1:00 PM Magic Danny’s Wonderama, BMX. 4:00 PM Milking demo. 8:00 PM Brett Kissel with Lindsay Ell Country Concert (included in admission). VIP Party on the Track at 6:00 PM with Ken Emberson Band.
Monday, September 7 — Family Wrap-Up Day
9:00 AM Heavy Horse Show, Sheep Show, Baby Show registration. 10:00 AM Exhibit buildings open. 12:00 PM Midway opens, Grand Champion Baby awarded. 1:00 PM Classic Six Horse Hitch, BMX. 2:00 PM Walters Greenhouses flower arrangement demo. 4:00 PM Demolition Derby (Figure 8 and Light Build Trucks), Milking demo. 6:00 PM Buildings close.
🎵 Country Music Headliners
Saturday, September 5: Chris Lane
Chris Lane brings high-energy country rock to the grandstand at 8:00 PM. His set is included with general admission. Lawn chairs welcome—arrive early for good seating.
Sunday, September 6: Brett Kissel & Lindsay Ell
Brett Kissel returns after a record-breaking 2025 performance, performing with Lindsay Ell at 8:00 PM. Included in your admission. The VIP Party-on-the-Track begins at 6:00 PM with the Ken Emberson Band (optional upgrade for a premium experience).
🎪 Top Fair Attractions
Demolition Derby
Multiple nights: Light Build Full Size (Thursday), Bone Stock (Friday), Figure 8 & Light Build Trucks (Monday). Included in general admission. Intense, chaotic, unforgettable.
Livestock & Agricultural Shows
Holstein cattle, beef shows, dairy competitions, 4H youth shows, horse shows, sheep, goats, poultry. One of Ontario’s premier showcases for agricultural excellence and youth involvement.
Ultimutts Animal Actors Show
All-ages entertainment with performing dogs, acrobatics, and stunt work. Multiple performances throughout each day.
Campbell Amusements Midway
50 years at the Paris Fair. Full-size rides for all ages, from kiddie rides to thrill rides. Bracelet discounts available; discounted ticket books ($15) go on sale August 4.
BMX, Freestyle Motocross & Barrel Racing
Action sports throughout the fair. NBHA Barrel Racing on Friday & Saturday mornings. Freestyle Motocross and BMX daily.
ℹ️ Fair Essentials
Admission
$20 per day (ages 16–64). Discounted tickets and group rates available.
Parking
Ample parking on fairgrounds. Arrive early for best spots.
Good For
Families · agriculture enthusiasts · country music fans · thrill seekers
Note
No pets (service animals excepted). No smoking on grounds.
❓ Common Questions
Details may change — always confirm on the official Paris Fairgrounds website before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsParis Fairground, 139 Silver Street, Paris, ON, N3L 1V5
