Milton's Fall Fair: Your 2024 Guide

The Milton Fall Fair feels about as synonymous with Milton as the changing of the leaves feels with autumn. It’s reassuring knowing that every fourth Saturday of September, the Fall Fair will take place over three days.

In this post, we will go over everything you need to know about the Milton Fall Fair. We’ll discuss its history, admission, what sorts of entertainment and attractions you can expect, and, of course, the food. By the end of this piece, you’ll have all the information you need to ensure you have a great time.

Table of Contents

History of the Fall Fair in Milton

Some attendees of the Milton Fall Fair may not realize that it is run yearly by the Halton Agricultural Society. This society started in March 1853, and Thomas Douglas was the first President. This society aims to promote agricultural awareness and products and provide grounds and buildings for rent in Milton.

They are a non-profit organization and the Fall Fair hosted in Milton allows them to support the community and bring awareness. Originally, fall fairs were held in the four townships of Esquesing, Nassagaweya, Trafalgar, and Nelson.

In 1854, this was changed to become one Country Fair and took place on Martin Street. This Country Fair presented heavy horses and ponies, while an old wooden workshop displayed butter, eggs, and baked goods across from the fair.

Over the years, the fair moved two more times. First, in 1856 to the land adjacent to the present-day Milton Town Hall. Second, in 1864 to 136 Robert Street, where it is still held to this day and is now the Milton Fairgrounds. In the 1950s and 60s, horse racing was the big draw for entertainment.

Today, people come to see the demolition derbies, truck and tractor pull, lawn mower racing, horse shows, and of course, to go on the rides. The Milton Fairgrounds is also home to other events, including, more recently, the Milton Farmer’s Market and Milton’s Annual Strawberry Fair.

Milton Fall Fair Admission

There are two options for purchasing your tickets to the Fall Fair. First, you can buy them online through the Milton Fair website, where the prices are cheaper than purchasing in person and are as follows:

Adults: $12.00
Children 5-12 years: $5.00
Children under 5: Free
Parking: $5.00
Saturday or Sunday Family Pass for 2 Adults and 2 Children: $30.00

If you are unable to buy them online and would still like to pop by, you can purchase some tickets at the gates for the following prices:

Adults: $15.00
Children 5-12 years: $5.00
Children under 5: Free
Parking: $5.00
Saturday or Sunday Family Pass for 2 Adults and 2 Children: $35.00

It is worth noting a couple of important reminders. First, if you choose to leave the fair, you will require a hand stamp to get back in. Second, many visitors don’t realize the fair is a cash-only event. And while they do have ATMs available on site, the lineups can be quite long.

Entertainment and Attractions

The most well-known events at the fair include the car show, demolition derby, and tractor pull. But before I get into those, let’s first look at some other attractions you can expect to experience at the Milton Fairgrounds.

Animals

When I first started attending the Fall Fair about a decade ago, we took our oldest son, who was about 1 ½ years old. One of his favourite activities was visiting the farm animals up close. There are lots to see, including chickens, goats, cows, sheep, and more.

Beyond visiting barnyard animals, there are:

Dog agility shows
A rabbit hopping agility course
Horse events and shows that include barrel racers, jumpers, and horse pulls

You may also like to see Seth’s Amazing Pets, where you’ll be enraptured by magic tricks, comedy skits, and a meet and greet with the animals and trainer.

Market Produce and Artists

It is also interesting to peruse the display areas that showcase all the amazing entries and winners of the current year’s competition.

You’ll find entries from fruits and vegetables, baked goods and preserves, needlecraft, flowers and plants, and collectibles and antiques. After you have taken a moment to admire all the wonderful local entries, why not take a walk around the Fairgrounds and see some other entertainment?

Irish Dancers & Cheerleaders

While they may change activities from year to year, this year, there is the Finnegan School of Irish Dance. They are a school that offers recreation and competitive Irish dance opportunities for children three and older.

As you make your way throughout the fair, you’re also sure to see the Cheer Sport Sharks putting on a great display of athletics.

Face Painting

And speaking of younger children, many love to get their faces painted by Marvellous Moments Face Painting, from unicorns to tigers, rainbows to pirates. Kids and parents also love to check out the Agricultural Education Tent to learn about bee pollination, milking cows, and different grains we grow in Ontario.

Music

What’s more, tons of music gets played throughout the day. There are talented musical artists from solo singers to the Milton Concert Band. You’ll always have entertainment, especially considering there are still the main events left to describe.

Classic Car Show

For those who love to check out the classics, this show is for you. It includes cars 25 years or older and typically takes place Sunday morning. If you plan to register your car, you must register ahead of time. Prizes and awards are given to those who enter.

Demolition Derby

One of the highlight attractions for years, the demolition derby is an obnoxiously loud and powerfully good time. Who doesn’t love watching cars ram into one another until we are left with one surviving victor? But if smashing and crashing isn’t your thing? You could check out the next event.

Truck and Tractor Pull

Also known as power pulling and another event that will have little ones covering their ears, the truck and tractor pull draws in crowds for its excitement. If you have little ones who love to see big vehicles pulling other big vehicles, then this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Milton Fall Fair Rides

What kind of Ontario fair would this be if it didn’t include rides for the kids and adults? There are Ferris wheels, carousels, roller coasters, and games. But before you hop on to see if your stomach can handle the ride and the delicious beaver tail you just wolfed down, here are the details you need to know.

Each ride requires you to have a coupon, or several, to ride. The coupons may be purchased on-site by a vendor and, as noted above, are cash only. The prices and rules are as follows:

1 Coupon = $2.00
16 Coupons = $30.00
36 Coupons – $50.00

Kiddie rides require two or three coupons, per person, per ride. Major rides require three coupons, per person, per ride. Also, make sure that you check the height requirements beside each ride, as there are no refunds on purchased coupons. That said, if you buy them in error, a friendly visitor at the fair is sure to buy them from you.

Food at the Fair

We have arrived at one of my favourite parts of the fair, the food. At the Milton Fairgrounds, you will find a wide variety of food for every kind of palate, from pizza to hotdogs, French fries to ice cream. Want something that doesn’t cater to the tastebuds of little kids? Don’t worry. There is plenty of other options available:

Beaver Tails
Blackstone Food Truck
Brava Pizza
CC Concessions
Curbside Dogs
D & D Soul Food
Ice Cream 4U
Meltdown Cheesery
Olympic Softee
Original Chicken Devine
Tiny Tom’s Donuts
Troy’s Diner
What’s Cooking

And for those adults looking to cleanse their palates with something cool and refreshing, yes, there is a beer tent.

Of all the years I have attended the Fall Fair in Milton, my family and I have always had a fabulous time. Sometimes, we focus on the rides. Other times, my kids are fixated on the animals, but no matter what we do, we always have a great time.

History of the Fall Fair in Milton

Milton Fall Fair Admission