Pigs Will Fly; Swords will be Swallowed & Cars Demolished at 2025 Western Fair
London, Ontario, July 15, 2025: Summer's here and southwestern Ontario’s most anticipated community celebration - WESTERN FAIR- returns for its 10-day run September 5 - 14, 2025 with tickets on sale starting July 15, 2025!
We are gearing up to share our Happy Place with you – with lots of free fun planned for every day.
Free attractions range from STIHL Timbersport Competitions, Pig Races and SuperDogs to Mega Machines, One-Man Bands, Farm Animals and magical Circus Performers. Demolition Derby makes its long-awaited return to the much-loved Grandstand accompanied by sensational Stunt Drivers and Monster Truck mayhem and the Music Garden one of Western Fair’s most captivating locations is bigger and better this year packed with amazing artists and first come first seated FREE concerts.
So much FREE fun we don’t know how we are going to fit it ALL into 10 days!
Grandstand Motor Mayhem: Your favourite action-packed Happy Place is back! An old favourite returns with a bang opening weekend—find the Demolition Derby in The Grandstand each Sunday of the Western Fair.
FMX World Tour: Kick things off opening weekend with Freestyle Motorcross stunt drivers performing tricks and flips across the sky.
Monster Trucks: End your Friday night with Monster Madness – watch in awe as monster trucks soar through the air and crash into each other. Full schedule can be found here.
Music Garden - FREE concerts: Imagine an evening under the stars, filled with vibrant music and the lights and sounds of the fair and midway atmosphere surrounding you. Picture yourself surrounded by fellow music lovers, the air buzzing with anticipation, as a fantastic band or artist takes the stage. Experience several free concerts in the Western Fair’s Music Garden this September. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing local libations while soaking in the free live performances. Stay tuned for concert announcements.
STIHL Canadian Timbersports: Come early on Opening Weekend to get front row seats to cheer on your favourite Canadian Lumberjack. The pinnacle of competitive lumberjacking comes to the Western Fair – a first for London! A series of extreme sport contests in lumberjacking, athletes compete against each other in up to three axe and three sawing disciplines. We can’t wait to watch the showdown! Opening weekend only—don't miss out!
J-AAR Expo Centre: The newly named J-AAR Expo Centre is set to host an array of events for its Fair debut! Check out the following free family attractions and exhibits located inside the J-AAR Expo Centre at the Western Fair:
J-AAR MEGA Machines KID ZONE: Ignite your curiosity and fascination with the world of J-AAR MEGA Machines a next-level touch-a-truck experience and new must-see free family fun attraction. Kids of all ages can marvel at the world of Mega Construction Equipment and experience the size and power of these vehicles in person. Step-up into the driver’s seat, test the controls, and imagine yourself moving earth, loading trucks, and constructing amazing spaces in your community!
SuperDogs Wild Wild Woof: Saddle up and get ready to ride as the legendary SuperDogs bring the Wild West to life in Wild Wild Woof—a thrilling spectacle celebrating the spirit of country! Proudly Canadian and featuring the family pets of Canada's best trainers, Wild Wild Woof tips its hat to our country roots while showcasing the incredible bond between people and their furry companions.
Circus Surreal: An eclectic group of circus performers, hailing from Edmonton, Alberta. Their show features a wide variety of unique and amazing circus arts including aerials, ladder-balancing, sword-swallowing, crystal-ball contact juggling, acrobatic stilt-walking, a gliding bubble ambassador, and much more!
Creative Arts & Community Showcase: Check out all the talented people in your community and meet some of the amazing organizations and service providers in our Community Showcase area. New this year—over $16,000 worth of cash prizes to be won and brand-new competitions to try your hand at! Practice being the host with the most and decorate a table based on your favourite movie with the Tablescaping competition. Brewing behind the scenes is a beer enthusiasts dream—Western Fair’s Amateur Homebrewing Competition. From bold IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between, homebrewers and hobbyists can showcase their best homebrewed creations. Uncork your winemaking potential with the Amateur Winemaking Competition, an old favourite making its long-awaited return at the 2025 Western Fair. We'll cheers to that!
Fair Square Marketplace: All our fabulous indoor shopping is displayed in one mega square inside the J-AAR Expo Centre—tons of stroll-and-shop fun.
Fair Food Court: Check out new and favourite fair food concessionaires inside the J-AAR Expo Centre next to the Fair Square marketplace. Conveniently located indoor near public washrooms, and a dedicated seating area. Relax, make your feet happy, and enjoy a savory or sweet food option.
Kids Stage: Find everyone’s favourite, Doo Doo the Clown on the Kids Stage located inside the J-AAR Expo Centre. You won’t want to miss the magnificent, Aaron Matthews: The Ultimate Showman!
Visit Happy at the Happy Camper: Visit our beloved Western Fair Mascot – ‘HAPPY’ at the Happy Camper for a must-have photo. Get a big pink HAPPY hug!
HAPPY will be celebrating their birthday on the opening weekend of the 2025 Western Fair and they want to share their special day with you - this is your personal invite to stop by the Happy Camper – as soon as the gates open each day of the opening weekend, September 5, 6, 7.
If you are one of the lucky first 500 folks to stop by and give HAPPY a big birthday high five, you’ll receive a free keepsake to mark the special occasion.
Carousel Stage: A fair favourite, the community stage, returns as The Carousel Stage! Find daily entertainment with competitions and live performances that will keep the whole family smiling! From corn shucking, to step and fiddle dancing - there’s something for everyone! Join us daily and be part of the excitement or sign up to compete and win great prizes and coveted ribbons when you take to the stage yourself!
Strolling Midway Entertainment: A fair classic returns to bring smiles to the midway –Back for the first time since 2018 is Bandaloni—The One-Man Band who is always a hit at the Western Fair. Watch as he plays multiple instruments simultaneously, with his limbs, feet, and various crazy contraptions, while he sings the hits to create a full musical performance. Bandaloni calls our Fair his “first big gig,” we are so happy to have him back again.
Field of Fun: Take a walk off the beaten path (aka the tunnel that runs between The Barn and The Grandstand) and visit the grassy area inside the racetrack - typically called the ‘infield’ - where we have planted a kid-sized corn maze this year, along with a straw bale climbing area, and some live-crop displays. See watermelon, sunflower, and soybean crops up close!
The Barn: One of the most-loved happy places of the Fair is the Animal Barn. This year, fairgoers can look forward to seeing various types of cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, alpacas, mini horses, llamas, pigs and more! The agricultural offerings are bountiful, and visitors can take in live milking demonstrations, the bouncing barnyard, beehive displays and NEW this year – Case IH Farming Game Simulator. Sit in the cab of a tractor and get a feel for a day of work on the farm.
Aces Flying Pig Races: A one-of-a-kind, family-friendly entertainment experience that has been delighting fairgoers for years. This whimsical sport lends humour, competition and fun as trained pigs race round a track, vying for the top spot! A fun twist fairgoers can get excited about – each pig is named after a pop-culture icon, come cheer on your favourite “celebrity!”
Crystal Promenade: Enjoy our outdoor vendor promenade daily and when the sky turns dark, enjoy the twinkle of this enhanced outdoor shopping experience with crystal light wrapped trees that glitter while patrons' shop, with rides, food, and attractions just steps away.
Kiddyland: Has found its new Happy Place—nestled next to The Barn! Families visiting the fair always have two questions - “Where are the kids rides?” and “Where is the Barn?” - So, we have conveniently moved Kiddyland beside the Barn creating a space where families can enjoy family-friendly rides like mini-coasters, a kiddie carousel and spinning teacups, and visit the horses, cows and pigs too—all your must-visit spots all in beautiful location.
Midway Rides & Games: The Western Fair features some of the best traveling midway rides and games found in North America. With over 25 thrill rides coming to London this year, adrenaline junkies are in for a treat!
Sign-up for sneak peeks at westernfair.ca and watch our social channels for exciting updates through the summer on day-of Carousel Stage competition registrations–like Beard Decorating and Look-A-Like contests; Music Garden Free Concert announcements; Community Showcase additions; and Happy Camper Pop-Ups across London and surrounding communities where you can take advantage of great discounts, prizes and more!
Pricing & Promotions
Kids 10 & Under and Big Kids 65+ are FREE at Western Fair!
In Advance (11-64) Buy Before September 4, 2025 at 11:59PM:
General Admission: $15.00
SuperPass: $42 Advance (1 Admission, 1 Ride All Day)
Corporate & Group Sales Packages are also available for businesses that want to offer value pricing for their employees, as well as private groups of 15 or more. Sign up online, here.
Fair Share School Fundraising Program: This school group sale program provides discounted fair admissions, and for every ticket or super pass sold with your school’s specific promo code the school can raise money for programming or equipment. For every General Admission sold through the Fair Share School Program, the Western Fair will donate $1 to the school and for every Super Pass (admission plus ride bracelet) the Western Fair will donate $2 to your school. Sign up online, here.
At The Gate (11-64):
General Admission: $20
Bounce Back: $6
Ride All Day: $50
For more information:
Tanner Poortinga
Marketing & Communications Manager
tpoortinga@westernfairdistrict.com
226-210-5057
PLANTING A FIELD OF FUN
The seeds you plant today determine the fair fun you enjoy tomorrow!
The seeds you plant today determine the fair fun you enjoy tomorrow! Thanks to our friends Advantage Farm Equipment for being open to tackling our newest project for the Annual Western Fair – a corn maze!
For the first time ever, we have planted a crop in the infield of our Raceway, and we’re excited for fairgoers to get an up-close and personal look at some corn this year!
See the step by step process of planting the corn maze below!
One Fair, Happy Place for All!
Group Sales Packages and School Fundraiser Tickets are now available!
The Fair Share School Program returns this year, a group sale program that provides discounted fair admissions. For every ticket or SuperPass sold with your custom promo code, your school can raise money for programming & equipment.
The Group Sales Program offers companies the chance to sign up to receive discounted tickets to the Western Fair – an incredible way to treat your team to the amazing offerings at the annual fair.
Group Sales Packages and School Fundraiser Tickets are now available!
The Fair Share School Program returns this year, a group sale program that provides discounted fair admissions. For every ticket or SuperPass sold with your custom promo code, your school can raise money for programming & equipment.
The Group Sales Program offers companies the chance to sign up to receive discounted tickets to the Western Fair – an incredible way to treat your team to the amazing offerings at the annual fair.
A day at the fair is a fantastic way to celebrate as a company your achievements for the year. Want to make a few more on your team HAPPY? Why not recognize the success of a department, reward long-service employees, or treat ALL your valued employees and their families to a day they will never forget.
As one of Canada’s major fairs, the ten-day extravaganza is packed with hundreds of ways to Find Your Happy Place this September 5-14, 2024. Thrill rides, food, music and beer garden, free family attractions, strolling performers, farm animals, indoor displays and competitions, amazing entertainment and more will get your team in a ‘happy place’ state-of-mind.
Learn More
September’s Western Fair Celebrated Street Arts new indoor attraction, The Summit, thanks to the support of My Main Street
… the annual Western Fair was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator initiative to support The Summit, a 10-day urban arts festival within the Fair.
Western Fair 2024 - The Summit
Western Fair District receives My Main Street support to draw visitors and increase vibrancy in London
October 16, 2024, London, Ontario: The Western Fair Association is pleased to announce that our signature event, the annual Western Fair was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator initiative to support The Summit, a 10-day urban arts festival within the Fair.
The Summit brought amazing, talented artists to London, Ontario along with a massive indoor skate-space showcasing skaters, BMX, quads and scooter stars. “The 10-day festival within the Western Fair, brought the largest mural and urban arts stars London, Ontario has ever seen LIVE,” said Ken Galloway, Summit curator. A massive indoor skate-space, a giant photo installation, hands-on workshops, live mural painting and immersive change-making talks provided young people with a connection between their passion and their purpose.
Critically acclaimed British-Mexican photographer Pablo Allison, presented his photographic work depicting a migrant caravan from South America against a two-hundred-foot-wide canvas.
Critically acclaimed British-Mexican photographer Pablo Allison, presented his photographic work depicting a migrant caravan from South America against a two-hundred-foot-wide canvas. The street artist named Bacon, who is widely regarded as Canada’s top spray painter, created a mega-mural on the walls of the Western Fair District, as did Rime MSK, an American graffiti artist. Furthermore, a congregation of outstanding artists also lead a Queens Park Mural Transformation on the walls of The Market at Western Fair, a lasting gift of art and culture to the City of London.
A congregation of outstanding artists lead a Queens Park Mural Transformation on the walls of The Market at Western Fair
“The Market is a vibrant gathering place for everyone and having urban artists painting on the park side of the Confederation Building, home to our beautiful market during the annual Western Fair, has been an amazing journey,” said Carole Sceli, Business Manager, The Market at Western Fair District. “We love the vitality it brings to the Old East Village.”
The artwork remains for the public to enjoy in person when visiting the Western Fair District throughout the years to come.
A newly built Skate Park inside the Fair’s Community Pavilion hosted some of the greatest talent from the world of action sports.
A newly built Skate Park inside the Fair’s Community Pavilion hosted some of the greatest talent from the world of action sports. Joe Buffalo, a professional skateboarder originally from Samson Cree Nation – Maskwacis, Alberta and TJ Rogers, a fan-favourite Ontario skateboarder, considered one of the greatest street skaters in the world, joined The Summit as did Jon Julio, the Tony Hawk of rollerblading and Dua Flip and Milkbox the Artist, the two top stunt roller-skaters in Canada. Ryan Williams, a pro BMX and scooter rider – widely regarded as the best in the world – was also there.
The My Main Street support received for The Summit attraction allowed Western Fair to present a new experience and attract a unique audience that might not have experienced the Fair before. Funding for
the Urban Arts aspects of the event also helped create a unique, vibrant outdoor experience in the Old East Village with the murals added to Queens Park, and they will provide a lasting gift of art and culture, for years to come. Learn more about the event at Western Fair District.
My Main Street is built on the principle of supporting community economic development and creating vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods which will enhance the overall quality of life for residents while also promoting sustainable and inclusive community development. My Main Street is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), and supported by a Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Learn more about the My Main Street program at mymainstreet.ca.
Quotes
“The Summit is one of the many impactful placemaking projects happening thanks to the federal government’s investment in My Main Street Community Activator projects. The Western Fair District has been empowered to leverage community events on their main street to create a hub of social and economic activity, setting long term change in motion.”
Mary W. Rowe, CEO and President, Canadian Urban Institute
“Communities throughout southern Ontario offer a diverse range of exciting experiences and businesses, attracting both local and international visitors to their lively main streets. Our government, through the Canadian Urban Institute, is supporting organizations that bring events and festivals, such as The Western Fair, to showcase their region. When we invest in programs like My Main Street, we’re supporting and revitalizing our local communities.”
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Associated Links
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Media Contacts
Greg Blanchard, Media Liaison
Western Fair Association
gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
Ken Galloway, Curator
The Summit
kenpgalloway@gmail.com
Samantha Staresincic, Communications Manager
My Main Street
Media@mymainstreet.ca
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
Background:
About My Main Street: The My Main Street program has returned with an additional Government of Canada investment, building on an initial investment in 2021, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to spur local economic recovery. To date, the initial investment has supported nearly 4,500 businesses and organizations, nearly 7,500 jobs and leveraged nearly $19 million in additional investment. The funding aims to revitalize neighbourhood main streets with a healthy retail mix while generating inclusive economic opportunities. The program now features two streams – Business Sustainability and the Community Activator. My Main Street is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI).
About Canadian Urban Institute (CUI): The Canadian Urban Institute is a leading organization dedicated to advancing urban solutions. CUI collaborates with city builders, researchers, and community leaders to create thriving, equitable, and sustainable urban spaces across Canada.
About FedDev Ontario: For 15 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Our Happy Place
Western Fair has many reasons to be happy, we had so much fun with ALL of you this year! We loved sharing hundreds of ways to find your happy place at the 2024 Western Fair.
Many individuals, groups, and organizations play a vital role in helping Western Fair celebrate our community and create lasting memories. Thank you to all our guests, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, employees, entertainers, educators, and partners. All the energy and dedication people invest into Western Fair is the good we do together to ensure there is always fun, and good times ahead
Western Fair has many reasons to be happy, we had so much fun with ALL of you this year! We loved sharing hundreds of ways to find your happy place at the 2024 Western Fair.
Many individuals, groups, and organizations play a vital role in helping Western Fair celebrate our community and create lasting memories. Thank you to all our guests, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, employees, entertainers, educators, and partners. All the energy and dedication people invest into Western Fair is the good we do together to ensure there is always fun, and good times ahead.