Richmond Fair 2026: 182 Years Strong

One of the Capital region’s largest agricultural fairs since 1844

📍 Get Directions Full Schedule

One of the largest agricultural fairs in the Ottawa area celebrates its 182nd year with a $5,050 demolition derby, a Heavy Horse Show and Pull, a Saturday morning parade, and a full slate of 4-H competitions across four days.

💥 Demolition derby 🐴 Heavy Horse Show & Pull 🎉 Saturday parade 🎠 Kiddyland

💡 2026 gate admission pricing wasn’t published on the official site at the time of writing – online tickets were confirmed to go on sale August 17. Check richmondfair.ca directly before you go.

Why Go Schedule Derby Essentials Getting There Tips FAQ

✨ Why This Fair Is Worth the Trip

The Richmond Agricultural Society has been running this fair since 1844, and in 2026 it marks its 182nd edition – making it one of the longest-running agricultural fairs in the Ottawa area and, by most measures, one of the largest spectator events held anywhere in the surrounding community each year. It sits inside Ottawa’s city boundary, which is a little surprising given how thoroughly agricultural the fair still feels; Ottawa has the largest agricultural land base and agricultural economy of any city in Canada, and the Richmond Fair is the community’s clearest annual expression of that.

The lineup runs the full spectrum from serious livestock competition to grandstand spectacle. Heavy Horse Show and Pull events, Open Dairy and Beef Cattle Shows, Saddle & Harness competitions, and a Sheep Show all bring genuine agricultural depth to the weekend, while the Friday-night Demolition Derby – with over $5,000 in prize money across five vehicle classes – draws a crowd that comes purely for the spectacle.

What stands out is how deliberately inclusive the fair has become. Friday is both Seniors Day (free admission 11 AM-2 PM for 60+) and Accessibility Day, with pre-registered free admission for accessible school programs, individuals, and community groups, plus a sensory hour for guests who benefit from a quieter environment. Few fairs this size build that kind of access directly into their programming.

📅 Fair Schedule

The official schedule is tentative and subject to change, but here’s the day-by-day plan as published for 2026.

💥 Demolition Derby Deep Dive

Friday night’s headline event runs five separate vehicle classes with over $5,000 in total prize money on the line.

4-Cylinder 6-Cylinder (minivans included) 8-Cylinder Truck Modified

Each class runs $600 to the winner, $300 for second, and $100 for third in the final heat, plus a $50 prize for Best Painted/Appearing Vehicle – a total purse of $5,050 based on a 50-car entry. Entry fee is $50 per car with registration, and the driver plus one additional person get free pit passes; everyone else needs a $20 pit pass.

Vehicles must enter the grounds by Lion’s Park off Huntley Road and be towed in – drivers who don’t follow this rule risk a police fine. The drivers’ meeting is mandatory at 6:30 PM, with the derby itself starting sharp at 7:00 PM.

🎟️ Essentials

🚗 Getting There & Parking

The Richmond Fairgrounds sit on Perth Street in Richmond, a village within the City of Ottawa about 30 minutes southwest of downtown. If you’re coming for the Saturday parade, note that it starts at South Carleton High School and travels to the fairgrounds, so nearby streets will see foot traffic and road closures around 11 AM.

Accessible parking: Available at Gate 6.

Address: 6121 Perth Street, Richmond, ON K0A 2Z0

💡 A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go

🎫 Check ticket pricing closer to the fair. The official site confirmed online tickets would go on sale August 17, but specific gate rates weren’t published as of this writing – richmondfair.ca is the source to check.

🎡 Come Thursday for the cheapest rides. Toonie Night means every midway ride is $2+HST, a fraction of the regular coupon pricing.

👵 Seniors, plan for Friday. Free admission between 11 AM and 2 PM, plus the chance to catch the livestock shows and a proper afternoon tea in the Dining Hall.

♿ Pre-register for Accessibility Day. Friday’s accessible programming requires registration in advance through [email protected] – don’t leave it to the day of.

🚗 Watch for road changes Saturday morning. The parade route runs from South Carleton High School to the fairgrounds starting at 11 AM – plan your arrival around it if you’re driving in.

❓ Common Questions