Find your Happy Place First Day of the Fair with Free Admission for ALL for a Limited Time.
Fall fairs are woven into Ontario’s community fabric and we would love for you to be a part of our special tradition. There are a ton of ways for community members to connect with, support and enjoy the fair. As we count down the days to this year’s event, read about all the ways you can join in the fun and celebrate and support a vibrant community tradition in a way that is meaningful for you.
Western Fair celebrates Community with Two FREE Admission Hours on First Friday (September 5 – 3pm – 5pm)
London, Ontario, August 6, 2025: Fall fairs are woven into Ontario’s community fabric and we would love for you to be a part of our special tradition. There are a ton of ways for community members to connect with, support and enjoy the fair. As we count down the days to this year’s event, read about all the ways you can join in the fun and celebrate and support a vibrant community tradition in a way that is meaningful for you.
Free Gate Admission for Two Hours on Opening Day – to celebrate Community
Enjoy free admission to the Western Fair for the first two hours (3pm – 5pm) on opening day (Friday, September 5, 2025).
We're so grateful for our customers continued support, and we want the community to create memories with us and enjoy some time at the Fair. To express our sincere appreciation, join us early on opening day and take advantage of two hours of free gate admission with our special Community Spirit Hours.
Don’t forget Kids 10 and Under and Big Kids 65+ are free every day of the Western Fair.
Newcomers to Canada in our Community – can use the Canoo APP for discounted fair admission.
Newcomers to Canada in our Community – can use the Canoo app for discounted fair admission.
Western Fair partners with the Canoo App to give newcomers to Canada VIP access to one of the oldest community traditions in Canada – The Fair! Western Fair is offering Canoo members special discounts on Super Passes and General Admission tickets to the Fair.
Canoo is available and free to new Canadian citizens in their first year of citizenship and new Canadian permanent residents within 5 years of arriving in Canada. You can become a member when you download the app from the App Store or the Google Play store.
Fair Share Fundraising Program
Western Fair is happy to launch our third year of our Fair Share Program. Originally set-up specifically to support local school fundraisers, the program will expand to support additional registered non-profits with their fundraising efforts. The program is an excellent opportunity for your registered non-profit to raise funds while also giving families an opportunity to buy tickets to the Fair at the lowest prices available. For Fundraisers who qualify they can generate $ with every Ticket or Super Pass sold to assist in raising money for your programming, equipment or cause. Western Fair will donate $1 for every General Admission ticket sold, and $2 for every Super Pass (admission plus ride all day bracelet) sold through the Fair Share Fundraising Program. Find out more at www.westernfair.ca
Community Competitions - Perform, Compete, Exhibit
Western Fair offers the chance to win a ton of ribbons, prize money and bragging rights for talented community members who create and compete in a variety of competitions available to all ages. Our creative arts competitions give all artists an opportunity to exhibit their talents and compete in visual arts, crafts, culinary, horticulture & more. The Carousel Stage will delight fairgoers with tons of community performances, and new this year, participate in Daily Competitions at the stage. Register online at www.westernfair.ca or if spaces remain sign up day-of, side stage, for a chance to win corn shucking, sock sorting, look alike, Mom hollering contests and more.
WFA Volunteer Program
Volunteers are an important part of Western Fair Association’s success. Whether you represent your community organization as one of WFA’s membership representatives or prefer to help your fellow fair fans make the most of their day through our volunteer program, volunteers are essential to making memorable moments for fairgoers. There are a few rewarding volunteer opportunities available to which you may offer your skills, time and talents in a way that positively affects people and our community. Learn more about volunteering at Western Fair visit www.westernfair.ca
Media Inquiries:
Greg Blanchard
Gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
226-210-4827
Kiddyland - New Sponsor, New Happy Place Announced for 2025 Western Fair
The annual Western Fair announced today its latest collaboration with longtime community partner the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London who are excited to sponsor the annual fair’s much loved Kiddyland in its brand-new location beside the Barn.
London, ON, July 30, 2025: The annual Western Fair announced today its latest collaboration with longtime community partner the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London who are excited to sponsor the annual fair’s much loved Kiddyland in its brand-new location beside the Barn.
Kiwanis Club of Forest City - London today announced a $10,000 sponsorship of Kiddyland at the Western Fair, a beloved kid-friendly zone featuring rides and attractions designed for young fairgoers. Both organizations are delighted to mark the occasion with Kiddyland’s move to its new location within the Fair, bringing together two family favourite happy places – Kiddyland and The Barn.
“Sponsoring Kiddyland as 'Fair Ambassadors' means we can provide a delightful space for young families to experience the thrill of the Fair while creating memories that will last forever. And I believe that each positive connection a child has can — and will — inspire many more,” said Paul Garret, President of the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London. “Their focus on supporting children in the world, and our ever-present efforts to enhance and evolve free family fun for fairgoers particularly this year as Kiddyland moves in beside the Barn creates an experience many families with young children are going to appreciate because of close proximity. Kiwanis is helping to ensure the community we both serve has a unique and magical memory for children to carry with them long after a day at the Fair,” said Reg Ash, CEO, Western Fair District.
As one of Canada’s oldest community traditions, Western Fair welcomes everyone for 10 days of fun each September, with the goal of ensuring our attendees have a good time,
especially children. This sponsorship reinforces the ongoing partnership between Western Fair District and the Kiwanis Club of Forest City – London. “Our outstanding team of volunteers work tirelessly to fundraise at parking lots and events, and their commitment and determination makes it possible for us to provide this type of sponsorship," said Garret.
“Support like that provided by the Kiwanis Club of Forest City -London means a lot to this annual community celebration,” said Ash. “The vision of Kiwanis is to be a positive influence worldwide so that one day all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them, and provide the support they need to thrive. That’s why a collaboration with the Western Fair made perfect sense.” Said Garret.
About Western Fair Association:
The Western Fair District (WFD) is a multi-faceted, not for profit, Agricultural Society, based in the heart of London, Ontario. WFD is a member driven organization supported by an extensive group of volunteers and staff. Through its programming and facilities, it is a leading year-round agriculture, entertainment, commercial, sports and recreation destination for residents of the city of London and far beyond, anchored by its signature event, the annual Western Fair. www.westernfairdistrict.com
About Kiwanis of Forest City-London
The Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London supports charitable, educational, cultural, recreational and environmental projects that serve children from infants to 19 years of age and vulnerable adults. By fundraising, our volunteer-driven Club gives over $100,000 annually in support of local and global service projects and initiatives including a major portion of a $1.1 million donation to London Children’s Hospital by Kiwanis Clubs of Southwestern Ontario. The Club has also fulfilled a five-year $100,000 commitment to assist Kiwanis International in its worldwide service project to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, which claimed the lives of some 130 children each day before we began this project. We welcome members of the public to volunteer their time, to donate or join our Club.
Learn more at www.forestcitykiwanis.ca.
For more information:
Western Fair Association
Greg Blanchard Media Liaison
glanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
226-210-4827
Kiwanis of Forest City-London Brenda Martin Marketing and Communications
blmartin@rogers.com
416-617-4321
Headliners: Gowan - Alan Frew - The Mahones - Cam Galloway and The Lemon Bucket Orkestra
Western Fair’s 2025 Bud Light Music Garden provides fairgoers 10-days of FREE concerts (September 5-14) and whatever music genre you are looking for, you are likely to find it exploring the artists and bands featured.
Western Fair’s 2025 Bud Light Music Garden provides fairgoers 10-days of FREE concerts (September 5-14) and whatever music genre you are looking for, you are likely to find it exploring the artists and bands featured.
Imagine an evening under the stars, surrounded by fellow music lovers the air filled with vibrant music and the lights and sounds of the Midway and Fair in the background. The air will be buzzing with anticipation, as many favourite regional bands, tributes and artists like Thunder Queens, Carson Janik, Bella Rosa, Copper Sky, Fresh Religion, Ness, Sheridan Band, Farewell Stanleys, Brothers Wilde, ToNi Blu, Joel Dupuis Band, UK Calling, Sam Peco, Sunshine Makers, Crush, Errol Blackwood, Living Room for Small, Wing Night and more step into the spotlight.
Headlining Western Fair’s Bud Light Music Garden are Canadian Music Stars - Gowan, The Mahones - 35th Anniversary World Tour, Glass Tiger’s Alan Frew’s 80/90 Rewind, and rising Canadian coun-try artist Cam Galloway will take the stage, as well as the much anticipated Ukrainian punk/folk group Lemon Bucket Orchestra.
Join us at the 2025 Western Fair for one, or more, of these amazing free musical performances.
For more information: Greg Blanchard, WFA Media Liaison
gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com, 226-210-4827
2025 Western Fair MUSIC GARDEN Featured Performers and Showtimes*
Friday, September 5
Gowan | Pop Rock | 9:30 pm - 10:45 pm
Saturday, September 6
The Mahones | Celtic Rock/Punk | 9:00 pm - 10:45 pm
Sunday, September 7
Carson Janik | Country | 7:30:pm - 8:15 pm
Cam Galloway | Country | 9:00 pm - 10:30pm
Monday, September 8
Sheridan Band | Celtic Folk/ Acoustic Rock | 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Copper Sky | Country | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
NESS | Country | 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tuesday, September 9
Fresh Religion | Hip Hop | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
ToNi Blu | R&B, Hot AC/ Pop |6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Zach McPhee | 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wednesday, September 10
Brothers Wilde | Country | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Farewell Stanleys | Rock | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
UK Calling | Brit Rock, Retro, Pop Tribute | 8:15 pm - 10:30 pm
Thursday, September 11
Crush | Rock Tribute | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Errol Blackwood (DUO) | Reggae | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Alan Frew REWIND | Retro Tribute | 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Friday, September 12
Errol Blackwood (SOLO) | Reggae | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Joel Dupuis Band | Blues / Rock | 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Thunder Queens | Rock | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Lemon Bucket Orkestra | Ukrainian Punk / Folk | 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Saturday, September 13
Farewell Stanleys | Rock | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
TBA | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Joel Dupuis Band | Blues / Rock | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Bella Rosa | Alternative/Indie | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Caverners | Beatles Tribute | 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Living Room for Small | Alt Pop | 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Sunday, September 14
Sam Peco | Folk/Country | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
TBA | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Joel Dupuis Band | Blues / Rock | 3:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Errol Blackwood | Reggae | 5:30 pm -6:30 pm
Sunshine Makers | Soul | 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Wing Night The Band | 2000s R&B, Hip Hop Tribute | 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Dream Day Awaits Children at the Fair
Western Fair has created a more manageable sensory experience for Day of Dreams (DOD) attendees, which we hope creates an amazing memory they will enjoy for a lifetime.
Western Fair is happy to announce…
Dream Day Awaits Children at the Fair
London, Ontario, July 22, 2025: Many fair attendees come for the sights and sounds of the Western Fair, but for some the hustle and bustle of an action-packed time at the Fair is not their idea of a wonderful day.
Western Fair has created a more manageable sensory experience for Day of Dreams (DOD) attendees, which we hope creates an amazing memory they will enjoy for a lifetime.
Western Fair is happy to announce that we can offer this unique opportunity to a limited number of children and youth between the ages of three and twelve.
Day of Dreams will take place on Friday, September 12th from 12:30pm to 3:00pm.
New for 2025 DOD will be popping up inside the annual fair’s Kiddyland Midway, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London – now in a new location. To enhance family fun for fairgoers, Kiddyland has been relocated beside the Barn. Many families with young children are going to appreciate the new home for Kiddyland because it bundles two fan favourites for our families in one convenient location.
12:30PM: DOD – Gate Opens - New DOD Guests enter fairgrounds through Sports Centre gate. Volunteers will direct you to the new location upon entry.
12:30- 1:30PM – Lunch - Participants will enjoy a delicious lunch, roving entertainment from our fabulous fair attractions, as well as a special meet and greet with our fair Mascot, HAPPY, just outside Kiddyland with smaller crowds, no lights, and limited sounds.
The fun continues from 1pm to 3pm, as Dreamers are invited to experience the magic of Kiddyland rides or enjoy farm animals in The Barn, or both. Face painting will be graciously offered to participating children, free of charge, courtesy of Dotsy the Clown.
3:00PM – Western Fair Gates open to the public, crowds, lights, music, and sounds resume.
Application forms for families who feel their child’s special needs would benefit from this unique sensory friendly event should apply as soon as possible as numbers are limited. 2025 capacity for DOD is limited to 400 children (plus their guests) for this one-of-a-kind opportunity.
Registration spots will go quickly; application forms can be found on the Western Fair’s website at www.westernfair.ca There is no cost for those who register, but availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
We are looking forward to helping you Find Your Happy Place at this year’s Western Fair.
Day Of Dreams Inquires:
Kristen Witmer, 2025 Day of Dreams Coordinator
kwitmer@westernfairdistrict.com 226-242-4953
Media Inquiries:
Greg Blanchard, Western Fair Media Liaison
gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com 226-210-4827
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