One of Oxford County’s biggest summer traditions returns this weekend as the 189th Woodstock Fair takes over the Woodstock Fairgrounds from today until Sunday.
This year’s theme is “Share What You Know, Show What You Grow,” celebrating the connection between rural and urban communities and encouraging residents to showcase the skills, knowledge, creativity and traditions that help make the community unique.
And once again, admission to the Woodstock Fair is free.
Woodstock Agricultural Society says visitors can expect a weekend packed with agricultural exhibits, animals, competitions, live entertainment, food, rides and plenty of family activities.
Something for Everyone
One of the biggest additions this year is a new partnership with Your Local Ribfest, bringing ribs, food vendors and additional entertainment to the fairgrounds throughout the weekend.
The ACE Midway is also back, with rides and attractions including the High Roller Coaster, Starship, Sizzler, Expo-Wheel, Drop Tower, Himalaya, Merry-Go-Round, swings, spinners, the Fun Slide and more.
There will also be midway games and classic fair food.
Friday — “Friday Rocks!”
The fair opens Friday at noon, with the exhibit halls also opening at noon. The Midway, Ribfest and food trucks get underway at 2 p.m., while the official opening ceremonies are scheduled for 6 p.m.
Friday night is all about music and cars.
A car show, presented by Zehr Insurance, runs from 5 to 9 p.m.
Woodstock band Blind Dog Joe takes the Ribfest stage from 5:30 to 8 p.m., followed by an AC/DC Eras Tribute from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Both concerts are free at the Ribfest stage.
Saturday — “We’re Going Country!”
Saturday gets underway at 10 a.m., with the exhibit halls opening at the same time. The Midway, Ribfest and food trucks begin at 11 a.m.
A chainsaw carver will be demonstrating his skills throughout the day, with three carvings scheduled to be completed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The big motorsports attraction comes Saturday afternoon with the Tractor Pull, running from 4 to 9 p.m.
Country music will also take centre stage.
Shaylyn performs from 5:30 to 8 p.m., followed by 8 Second Ride from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Both performances are free at the Ribfest stage.
Sunday — The Final Day
Sunday is the final day of the fair, with gates and exhibit halls opening at 10 a.m.
The Pet Show takes place on the indoor stage beginning at 11 a.m., with a line-dancing demonstration also planned.
Sunday afternoon brings one of the weekend's biggest attractions — the Demo Derby, presented by Impact Sports.
The Demo Derby runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and costs $5, with children 12 and under admitted free to the event. Fair admission itself remains free.
The Midway, Ribfest and food trucks will operate Sunday from noon until 5 p.m., with the fair wrapping up at 5 p.m.
Animals, Agriculture and Homecraft
The Woodstock Fair remains much more than rides and entertainment.
The 2026 competition and exhibit program includes 4-H entries, an Oxford 4-H Dairy Show, goats, llamas and alpacas, photography, vegetables, house plants, flowers, antiques, handicrafts and youth competitions.
There will also be a Goat Show, Llama & Alpaca Open Show and the Sunday Pet Show. The Llama and Alpaca Open Show is scheduled for Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Civic Centre Arena.
For the kids, there is a daily scavenger hunt, with question sheets available at the Oxford Auditorium, along with a free Kids Fun Zone featuring an inflatable obstacle course, petting zoo, trackless train, face painting and more.
There are also competitions throughout the weekend, including an ice cream eating contest, bale decorating, window and yard sign competitions and more.
A Fair Nearly Two Centuries in the Making
The Woodstock Fair's history runs deep.
The Woodstock Agricultural Society was established in 1836, making it one of Ontario's earliest agricultural societies. The Society says it is the longest-running organization in the City of Woodstock, and in 2026 it is marking 190 years since its founding.
The agricultural society was established less than 50 years after Ontario's first fall fair was held in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Agricultural fairs became an important way for communities to bring farmers, families and businesses together, showcasing livestock, crops, food, crafts and agricultural innovations.
That tradition continues today, even as the Woodstock Fair has grown into a much broader community celebration.
A 2024 City of Woodstock historical feature noted that the 2023 edition was the 187th Woodstock Fair, demonstrating just how long the fair has remained part of the community's annual calendar.
The fairgrounds themselves continue to serve as an important gathering place throughout the year, hosting agricultural events, community activities, the weekly Woodstock Farmers' Market and major events at facilities including the Oxford Auditorium and the half-mile track.
Fair Information
The 189th Woodstock Fair runs August 21st to 23rd at the Woodstock Fairgrounds, 875 Nellis Street.
Friday: Gates and exhibits noon; Midway, Ribfest and food trucks 2–11 p.m.
Saturday: Gates and exhibits 10 a.m.; Midway, Ribfest and food trucks 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday: Gates and exhibits 10 a.m.; Midway, Ribfest and food trucks noon–5 p.m.
Admission to the fairgrounds is FREE. Some individual attractions and events, including the Demo Derby and midway rides, have separate costs.
For the complete schedule and event details, visit the Woodstock Agricultural Society's official 2026 Fair website.
With live music, the midway, Ribfest, agricultural exhibits, animals, competitions, a tractor pull and a demolition derby all packed into one weekend, organizers are hoping the 189th Woodstock Fair will once again bring generations of Oxford County families together.
