New ways to play, taste, explore and save at this year’s Fair
Every trip to the Western Fair has its must-dos: the midway, the animals, the food and the familiar sights and sounds that tell you the Fair is back. In 2026, there are even more reasons to find your happy place, with new experiences around nearly every corner.
Expect the unexpected
This year’s entertainment is bringing a playful sense of surprise. Keep an eye out for the Bathtub Singer cruising through the grounds and performing from a clawfoot tub, or catch the Hockey Circus Show bringing acrobatics, juggling and hockey stunts together in three high-energy periods of family fun.
Motor fans can cheer on expanded motor mayhem throughout the Fair, with FMX all 10 days, three nights of Monster Trucks, two Demo Derby competitions, two nights of FMX & BMX All Stars Live and a Figure 8 Derby sponsored by Jayden’s Mechanical.
Animal lovers have lots of new reasons to visit, too. Meet Jersey Ridge Mini Moo’s — micro-mini Highland cows, enjoy free pony rides, take on the new Feel the Farm Mystery Challenge, or try Goat Yoga in the infield pasture on Saturdays and Sundays.
Come hungry for something new
Fair food is supposed to be fun, and this year’s new menu items deliver.
Try a crispy Birria Taco Bomb filled with slow-braised beef and melted cheese, then dip it into rich consommé. Crunch into freshly made tanghulu candy fruit, or cool down with a colourful dirty soda topped with treats like real cotton candy.
Celebrate Latin culture at La Cantina
On Saturday, September 19, La Cantina will bring together food, drinks and a full day of Latin music and culture. The day’s entertainment includes Latin and mariachi performances, leading into Los Grandes Del Norte that evening.
A new concert every night
Ten Fair days mean ten nights of concerts.
The 2026 lineup moves from the soaring alt-folk of The Strumbellas to the blues-rock sound of Wide Mouth Mason, the smooth throwback of The Yacht Rock Show, the ’90s hip-hop and R&B party of Wing Night, and a country finale featuring Sully Burrows with Carson Janik and Tyler Lorette.
Sponsored by Bud Light Music Garden.See the full line-up.
You can also tune into Western Fair Radio, the new soundtrack of the Fair, before you arrive and while you explore.
New ways to explore London’s stories and community
Heritage Hall will become a new home for London’s history. This exhibit brings together some of our region’s treasured heritage organizations under one roof, showcasing artifacts and stories spanning 200 years of local history.
There’s another new way to experience local history at Stage 10 by CTV London. The pop-up theatre celebrates more than 70 years of regional storytelling with short films exploring local landmarks and stories, including Banting House, Middlesex Courthouse, Labatt Park, London’s streetcars and the Western Fair.
In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Fair will also feature Honouring Bravery, an educational display exploring Canada’s role in D-Day. Fairgoers can stop by the Ask a Veteran area to connect directly with those who served, hear their stories and ask questions.
The new Garden Gazebo will bring gardening, sustainability and green spaces into bloom. Local London and area horticultural groups will be on hand throughout the Fair to share their knowledge and passion with visitors.
Presented in partnership with KidSport and the London Sports Council, the new Sports Expo will invite guests to meet local experts, ask questions, try a sport and discover new ways for children to stay active in the community.
Celebrate 25 years of the Sports Centre
The Sports Centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary with special programming throughout the Fair.
The schedule includes a 911 Police vs. Fire hockey game, NHL Alumni game, London Nationals home opener, public skating, a skate-a-thon supporting Children’s Health Foundation and speed skating demonstrations.
For three days, the Fair will also welcome a special Hockey Hall of Fame experience, featuring historic hockey treasures and trophies, plus 15 interactive games and exhibits. An experience that typically costs $35 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto will be included with Fair admission during the program.
Sports Centre programming is included with Fair admission. Tickets to select hockey games are $20 and include admission to the Fair. Children 10 and under and adults 65 and older receive free admission to the Fair and hockey games.
Creativity gets wonderfully weird
Creative Arts is getting wonderfully weird with new competitions for all ages. Sponsored by Comfort Suites.
You’ll find pet rocks with unique stories, paper-roll monsters and marshmallow monster pops. New photography categories showcase patterns in nature, reflections and young people’s views of their world.
Prefer classic Fair competitions? Look for new categories like the largest potato or best homemade peach pie.
New midway rides
Thrill seekers can add two new rides to their list: Super Miami and Downdraft.
Swing, rotate and spin your way through two new midway experiences — including moments of weightlessness you won’t forget.
New ways to save — plus some freebies
Enjoying the Western Fair on a budget is getting easier, with new ways to save on food, drinks, admission and midway rides.
Stay refreshed with free chilled, filtered water stations throughout the Fair.
Want to sample more food while spending less? Participating vendors will offer select food items for $6 before 6 p.m. Families can also look for the new 4 for $40 family meal deal at the J-AAR Expo Centre concession.
Families who love the midway can visit on Midway Monday to get 75 ride tickets for only $30 - perfect for sharing a few favourite rides together.
On We Care Wednesday, September 16, bring a non-perishable food item and receive $2 off gate admission. All donations will go to Harvest Hands, which will use them to create family food boxes filled with shelf-stable essentials.
There are freebies, too! The first 250 visitors to the Happy Camper during opening weekend will receive a free Happy Jibbitz shoe charm. If you miss out, visit the new Fair merchandise tent for exclusive shirts, stickers, squishies and other souvenirs.
These new offers join returning Fair favourites, including:
The advance Superpass, combining discounted admission with unlimited rides for one day
Free Community Hours on opening day, September 11, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Free LTC bus rides with paid Fair admission
Super Sunday, with special admission and midway savings on the final Sunday
A $6 Bounce Back coupon to help you return for another day of Fair fun. Sponsored by Access Storage
Plan your Fair day
The Western Fair runs September 11–20, 2026.
Advance admission starts at $15 online, with even more savings available online for ride-seekers. Children 10 and under and adults 65 and older get in free. Sponsored by Kiwanis Forest City London, In Partnership with OLG and Cascades Casino
Concerts, attractions and shows are all included with admission.
There’s plenty that’s brand new — and all the Fair traditions you already love.
Find your happy place and buy tickets at discounted advance pricing before September 11.