Carousel Stage Community

Something happening every single day

The Carousel Stage is where the community takes over. Ukulele orchestras, Ugandan choirs, puppet troupes, Irish folk sessions, Ukrainian dancers, and the daily competitions that have people shucking corn, calling cows, and showing off their beards. Join us daily and be part of the excitement, or sign up to compete and take the stage yourself!

Prizes for first, second, and third are up for grabs! Stay tuned for more details!

30+

Performances

9

Daily Competitions

10

Days of Programming

$0

Extra Cost

★ From Past Years

The stage in action

Three children and two adults are standing behind a long table on a stage, each with a laundry basket in front of them. Two carousel-style horse rides are positioned on either side of the group. The background consists of a black curtain with purple and pink lighting.

Performer dancing on stage with musicians and a woman in a green blazer and a woman in leopard print pants clapping nearby, in an indoor venue with black curtains and photos on the wall.

A group of children and adults on stage receiving awards or recognition. An older man is reading from a paper, while a woman speaks to two boys in front of her. The children are holding certificates and gifts, and the event appears formal with an audience.

A young boy holding a violin and a bow, wearing a ribbon that says 'Fair,' standing on stage during a musical award ceremony. Behind him, a man is playing a violin, seen wearing glasses and a checkered shirt.

Young woman singing into a microphone during a cultural performance, wearing traditional colorful attire and headband, with men in similar attire playing instruments in the background.

Four boys sorting socks on a long table with laundry baskets filled with socks in a stage area. In the background, there are black curtains and a wall with framed portraits. An emergency exit sign is visible at the top left.

More shows to catch

All included with your Fair admission — no extra charge.

SOUP — Southern Ontario Ukulele Players

A non-profit group dedicated to promoting the ukulele through weekly jam sessions, workshops, and special events. Expect a full stage of strummers.

Fri Sept 11 · 4:30 PM

Folkestra

The Forest City Folk Orchestra brings together novice, amateur, student, and retired musicians. Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, piano, and flute all welcome.

Fri Sept 11 · 8:00 PM
Mon Sept 14 · 8:00 PM

Crumpit Puppet Troupe

A London-born puppetry company with over 100 original creations. Regularly featured on Rogers TV and a genuine local favourite for all ages.

Sat Sept 12 · 1:45 PM
Sun Sept 13 · 8:00 PM
Sat Sept 19 · 12:00 PM

Celina's String Studio

A London music school specializing in Canadian and Celtic traditional fiddle, plus classical, folk, rock, jazz, and popular music.

Sun Sept 13 · 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM

London Irish Folk Club

A welcoming community organization celebrating traditional Irish culture through music sessions, dances, and workshops for all skill levels.

Wed Sept 16 · 4:30 PM
Fri Sept 18 · 4:30 PM

Neema Choir Uganda

A choir of orphaned and vulnerable youth from Kampala, Uganda, performing African traditional music and gospel while raising awareness for the Neema Child Project.

Sat Sept 12 · 3:00 PM
Tue Sept 15 · 4:30 PM
Sat Sept 19 · 4:30 PM

London Men of Accord

An award-winning, 80-year-old men's a cappella barbershop chorus. Four-part close harmony with no instruments, directed by Gordon Miller.

Sun Sept 13 · 3:00 PM
Wed Sept 16 · 8:00 PM

Greyhound Riders

A progressive Canadian folk and roots duo who met on a Greyhound bus in 2011. They blend folk, jazz, and newgrass into a signature Canadiana sound.

Thu Sept 17 · 4:30 PM & 8:00 PM

Step & Fiddle

The Fair's traditional step dancing and fiddle competition closes out the ten days on the Carousel Stage.

Sun Sept 20 · 12:00 PM

★ Every Night at 6:30 PM

The daily competitions

Nine nights, nine ridiculous challenges. Anyone can enter. Prizes for first, second, and third.

Fri · Sept 11

Knot So Fast

Untie knots from a length of rope as fast as possible. Fastest time wins.

Sat · Sept 12

Poop the Potato

Carry a potato between your legs from a chair to a bucket. Teams of three. Exactly as chaotic as it sounds.

Sun · Sept 13

Cow Call Idol

Do your best impression of everyone's favourite barnyard animal. Most lifelike wins.

Mon · Sept 14

The Shuck Stops Here

Shuck cobs of corn as quickly as possible in a series of rounds.

Tue · Sept 15

Ball Pick, Run & Drop Relay

Dash from the start line, grab one ball at a time off a pylon, drop it in a box, repeat. Speed and precision.

Wed · Sept 16

Pair Pressure

A basket of mixed socks. Find every perfect pair as fast as you can.

Thu · Sept 17

Hammer Time

Armed with nothing but a hammer, race to drive nails through a board.

Fri · Sept 18

Whisker Wars

Got impressive facial hair? Groom it, style it, decorate it. Judged on complexity, originality, and accuracy.

Sat · Sept 19

The Big Peel

Peel apples as quickly as possible in a series of rounds.

Sign Up to Compete →

Want to be on the stage?

We're always looking for bands, dance groups, choirs, and community talent to perform on the Carousel Stage. Every performance gets a 45-minute time block in the J-AAR Expo Centre lobby, and all performers receive free entry to the Fair on their performance day.

Apply to Perform →

★ Don't Stop Here

More to explore

More music, rides and family fun to discover.

A stylized purple vintage microphone with radiating lines around it, on a black background.

Bud Light Music Garden

Live music every single night of the Fair, from local acts to national headliners.

See lineup →

Midway rides

The Western Fair features some of the best Traveling midway rides and games found in North America.