Fall Fairs on Vancouver Island

Sadly summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the fun needs to stop! Fall brings new beginnings, crisper weather, and the ability to reap what we sowed in those warmer months. No matter where you live on Vancouver Island, you will find fantastic Fall Fairs geared to celebrate the bounty of the harvest.

And you can find all of the details right here! The fairs mentioned below are arranged in date order, (not necessarily by location, however, the locations are separated into sections).

The following list has been updated for 2019

South Vancouver Island Fall Fairs

Cobble Hill Fair

August 24 from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

With its theme of “All Creatures Great and Small” this year’s 110th Cobble Hill Fair promises family fun for everyone. This old-fashioned country fair showcases all that is terrific about living in South Cowichan. Start the day with a pancake breakfast, and then watch the parade before you take in the livestock exhibits. There are farm animals, vintage farm machinery and so much more. See the domestic science, floral arts, fruit and vegetable displays. Take in the live entertainment on stage, watch the youngsters in the children’s area or take the crane ride to enjoy new heights.

Location: Free Shuttles take you to the fair. Shuttles are located at 3791 Cobble Hill Road.

The Saanich Fair

August 31 – September 2

Celebrating 150 years!

The Saanich Fair is a must for the whole family on Labour Day weekend. And the Saanich Fairgrounds is where fun, food and fantastic meet. There will be a variety of things for people of all ages to see and do.

What to Expect

• 5,000 exhibits
• Dog and Horse shows
• Concessions with an ethnic flair
• Carnival and games
• Pumpkin and Duct tape contests
• Continuous stage entertainment
• Midway
• Headliners: The Chris Buck Band and 54-40!
• And more

For further information, please visit the Saanich Fair website.

Cowichan Exhibition

September 6 – 8

Get ready for a weekend full of entertainment and help celebrate their 151st anniversary! This year’s theme is ‘151 years of growing’. Go and see the past, present and future of agriculture in the Cowichan Valley.

What to Expect

• Carnival Rides
• Logger Sports
• Archery
• Gold Panning
• Live Concerts and Entertainment
• Pro-Wrestling
• Kids Corral
• Displays of Antique and Modern Farm Equipment
• Tractor Parade and Pulls
• 4-H Club
• Farm Animal Displays
• Vendors
• Camping options
• and much more

Location

Cowichan Exhibition Grounds – 7380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan

For further information regarding admission prices and times of operation, please visit the Cowichan Exhibition website.

Sooke Fall Fair

September 7 & 8

• Saturday, September 8 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Sunday, September 9th from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

“Rooted in Tradition” is this year’s Sooke Fall Fair theme. Join in the celebration of embracing the talents and traditions of the many vendors. Your family will have a ton of fun at all the other activities as well. Admission is by donation.

What to Expect

• Games & Entertainment
• Cooking demonstrations
• Food Eating Contests
• Animal viewing
• Pet parades
• And more

Location

Sooke Community Hall (2037 Shields Rd)

For further information, please visit the website for the Sooke Fall Fair

Metchosin Day

Sunday, September 8 (8:00 am – 6:30 pm)

This FREE admission event is fun for the whole family. Enjoy lunch in the Family Picnic Area with plenty of shade and lots of seats. Or stroll among the many vendors, and enjoy the provided entertainment.

What to Expect

• 100+ Vendors
• Entertainment
• Hayrides ($0.25)
• Backhoe Digger ($0.50)
• Farmers Market
• Horse Demonstrations
• Motorcycle Demonstration
• Children’s Games
• Vintage Cars
• Sheep Shearing
• Beer Gardens
• Dunk Tanks
• Baking Contests
• Photography Contest
• Games
• Pet Shows
• Food Vendors
• Lamb and Salmon BBQ (starting at 5:00 pm) ($$)
• And more

Location

Metchosin Municipal Grounds, behind the Fire Hall, 4450 Happy Valley Road.

For more information visit the Metchosin Day website.

Luxton Fall Fair

September 13-15

Step back in time and celebrate 109 years of Fall Fairs in the Western Communities. This fair showcases local agriculture and helps support local history and events. Admission is by donation. Entry to the Midway and other special events are an additional cost.

What to Expect

• Displays and Exhibits
• Midway rides and Games
• Antique Farm Equipment
• Blacksmithing
• Museum Displays
• Crafts
• Product Booths
• Sand Drags
• Art
• Clay Baking Demonstrations
• And more

Location

Luxton Fairgrounds, Langford

For more information, including the cost of admission to Midway, visit the Luxton Fair website

Salt Spring Island Fall Fair

September 14 & 15 from 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Join the fun at this annual Fall Fair, and help celebrate Salt Spring Island’s oldest community event. Since 1896 the fair has grown in both exhibits and attendance. Go and party with the animals and celebrate ‘Crops and Crafts of Every Colour’.

What to Expect

• Livestock viewing
• Vendors and Exhibitors
• Games and Entertainment
• Sawmill Demonstrations
• Blacksmith Demonstrations
• Pet shows and parade
• Food Contests
• Zucchini Races
• Tractor Pull
• Chicken Races
• Rooster Calling Contest
• and much more

Location

Vesuvius Bay, on the Society’s Grounds.

To view their Fall Fair Catalogue, please visit the Salt Spring Island Farmer’s Institute website.

Homesteading Fair

Saturday, September 21st from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

For the 4th year in a row, the Vancouver Island Homesteading Fair is happening in Duncan. The intention of the fair is to foster the exchange of knowledge, skills and experience in supporting a secure, vibrant and sustainable island community. This event is free to the public.

Besides vendors and onsite exhibits, there will be ongoing presentations related to food production, preservation, livestock, energy, housing and more. The schedule of presentations will be available in early September.

Location

Hub at Cowichan Station, located at 2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan

To find out more, check the website:  www.homesteadingfair.ca

---

 

Central Vancouver Island Fall Fairs

VIEX

August 23 – 25

Celebrating 125 years of memories!  Help welcome back West Coast Amusements with bigger and better rides.  The VIEX is the largest and oldest event in Nanaimo.  Visit Yukon Dan, Global FMX- a professional freestyle motocross show, or the fun Laughing Logger Lumberjack Show.  This year promises to be the biggest main stage event to date.  As always you can enjoy the Family Fun Zone, Kennel Club demos, Vintage Tractor display, horse shows, community gardens and so much more!

The Vancouver Island Exhibition is fun for the whole family.

Location: Beban Park – 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

Visit the VIEX website for more information.

Comox Valley Exhibition

August 23 – 25

Promoting local farming for over 140 years, CVEX offers three days of fun-filled events for the whole family.  You can fish for trout, tour the grounds on a hay ride, watch the many farm animal shows and demonstrations, sink your teeth into a freshly made candy apple and sit back and enjoy the lumberjack shows. There’s also non-stop live entertainment. A special feature this year is the exciting FMX Motocross Show!

This year’s theme is “Go Hog Wild”.

Location: Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds (4835 Headquarters Road Courtenay, BC)

Visit the CVEX website for more information.

Lighthouse Country Fall Fair

Saturday, August 31, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

The 49th Annual Lighthouse Country Fall Fair theme is Bees and Blossoms.  All children’s activities are free (bouncy rides, all that jazz). Enjoy vendors, food galore, live music, community booths, and 4-H type entries. This year, Fred Penner is their special guest entertainer. He’ll be on stage at 2:45.

Location

Lighthouse Community Centre (240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay)

Admission: $5.00 with kids under 12 free.

Alberni District Fall Fair

September 5 – 8

The #1 destination for family fun in the heart of Vancouver Island is the Alberni District Fall Fair. Join them for food, fun and plenty of entertainment.

What to Expect

• Freestyle Skateboarding
• Stump Artist
• Alberni Aquarium Display
• Lawn Mower Pulls
• Magic Show
• Stilt Walkers and Roving Acts
• Parade
• Midway
• Exhibitors
• Logger Sports
• Live Entertainment
• Zucchini Races
• Heritage Vehicle Displays
• Livestock shows
• Old McDonald Farm Yard
• and much, much more

Location

Port Alberni Fair Grounds – 4102 Hollywood Street, Port Alberni

For further information visit the Alberni District Fall Fair website.

Black Creek Fall Fair

September 7 from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Celebrate the start of the fall season at the annual Black Creek Fall Fair! This family-friendly, community festival is fun for all ages! All-day activities include live entertainment, craft and food vendors, petting zoo, kid’s carnival, community contests and more. Always with a focus on rural and agricultural lifestyle. Admission is by donation.

Location: Black Creek Community Centre – 2001 Black Creek Road.

Knox Fall Fair

September 14 (7:00 am – 2:00 pm)

Join the largest and most popular fundraiser of the year, and help support the Knox United Church in Parksville. This 12th annual Fall Fair is sure to be fun!

What to Expect

• Breakfast (7:00 – 10:00 am)
• Huge Garage Sale
• Silent Auction
• Lunch (10:30 am – 2:00 pm)
• Pie & Icecream (starting at 10:00 am)
• Cookie Walk
• Home Baking
• Kids Zone
• Children’s Activities
• Live Entertainment
• Free Shuttle Service from Ballenas SS

Location

345 Pym Street, Parksville

Please visit the website of Knox United Church for more information.

---

North Vancouver Island Fall Fairs

Mount Waddington Regional Fall Fair

September 7 & 8

Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

This annual event has brought North Island communities together for the past 50+ years. It is the only time the entire North Island comes together to celebrate their creativity and ingenuity.

What to Expect

• Agricultural Exhibits
• Craft Exhibits
• Food Exhibits
• Information Booths
• Forestry Displays
• Chili Cook-Off
• Kid Zone
• Pet Show
• and more

Location

Chilton Regional Arena –  2205 Campbell Way, Port McNeill

---

If you have further information about any other Fall Fairs on Vancouver Island, please contact me at [email protected]