By Natalie Thursday, August 29, 2024

Labour Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, but it’s also a time for celebrating with festivals across Ontario. From food and music to culture and art, here are some of the best festivals to enjoy over the long weekend.

Toronto International BuskerFest

Location: Woodbine Park, Toronto

Dates: August 30 – September 2, 2024

One of Toronto’s most vibrant and entertaining festivals, the International BuskerFest brings street performers from around the world to the city. From acrobats and magicians to musicians and circus acts, the performances are as diverse as they are captivating. Located in the Beaches, BuskerFest is a family-friendly event with plenty of food vendors, crafts, and activities for kids.

Paris Fair

Location: Paris Fairgrounds

Dates: August 30 – September 2, 2024

The Paris Fair is a classic Ontario event that has been running for over 160 years. Perfect for families, this fair includes a midway, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, demolition derbies, and tractor pulls. The fair also features live entertainment, craft vendors, and food stalls offering local treats. It’s a great way to embrace the rural charm of Ontario while enjoying Labour Day weekend.

Port Perry Fair

Location: Port Perry Fairgrounds

Dates: August 31 – September 2, 2024

The Port Perry Fair is a classic country fair that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with lively livestock competitions, horse shows, and tractor pulls. The fair also offers a thrilling midway, delicious local food vendors, and a variety of entertainment, including live music, FMX Bike Show, the Extreme Rodeo and a demolition derby. With its blend of rural traditions and fun activities for all ages, the Port Perry Fair is a perfect way to experience the warm community spirit and charm of small-town Ontario.

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

Location: La Baie Park 988 Saint-Louis Street Gatineau

Date: August 29 – September 2, 2024

While just across the Ontario border in Gatineau, Quebec, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival is a popular Labour Day weekend event that attracts many visitors from Ontario. This vibrant festival fills the sky with a stunning display of colorful hot air balloons, creating a magical atmosphere. In addition to the breathtaking balloon flights, the festival features live concerts, buskers, fireworks, family activities and an exciting amusement park. Visitors can enjoy tethered balloon rides and after dark, some of the balloons are lit up during night flights! It’s an unforgettable way to celebrate the end of summer and less than a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa.

Perth Fair

Location: Perth Fair Grounds

Dates: August 30 – September 2, 2024

The Perth Fair offers visitors a quintessential rural fair experience. This long-standing tradition showcases the best of local agriculture, with livestock shows, horse pulls, and vibrant agricultural displays. Visitors can enjoy the thrills of midway rides, live entertainment, craft exhibits, and delicious fair food.

Canada’s Largest Ribfest

Location: Spencer Smith Park, Burlington

Dates: August 30 – September 2, 2024

Canada’s Largest Ribfest, held annually in Burlington, is a mouthwatering celebration of BBQ and summer fun. This four-day festival draws thousands of visitors eager to sample the best ribs, chicken, and pulled pork from top pitmasters across North America. Alongside the irresistible food, Ribfest features live music, family-friendly activities, and a bustling marketplace, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario. With its lively atmosphere and delicious BBQ, Canada’s Largest Ribfest is a must-visit for food lovers.

Canadian International Air Show

Location: Toronto

Dates: August 31 – September 2, 2024

The Canadian International Air Show is a thrilling highlight of Labour Day weekend in Toronto. Held over three days at the scenic waterfront of Exhibition Place, this iconic event features breathtaking aerial displays from military and civilian aircraft, including the legendary Canadian Forces Snowbirds and CF-18 Hornet. As one of the oldest and most prestigious air shows in North America, spectators can enjoy stunning stunts, formation flying, and aerobatic performances.

Have a great long weekend!

Natalie