The City of Stratford is closing a section of McCarthy Road West on April 1 and April 2, 2026, to provide extra parking for the upcoming Canadian Dairy XPO. Drivers should plan for delays or choose alternate routes, although the city notes that local traffic and emergency access will remain open throughout the event.
The Canadian Dairy XPO is returning to the Stratford Rotary Complex for its 12th year. As the largest dairy showcase in the country, the event is expected to draw more than 17,000 visitors and feature over 300 exhibitors from approximately 30 different countries. Organized by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), the gathering serves as a major hub for the dairy industry, which is particularly significant given that the event takes place in the heart of Ontario’s dairy production region in Perth County.
For those planning to attend, tickets are priced at $25 per day or $40 for a two-day pass, with family ticket packages also available for $80. While the event provides free parking on-site, the city has arranged for a complimentary shuttle bus to run from local hotels to the venue to help manage the high volume of traffic.
The event is known for its wide reach within the agricultural community, with recent figures indicating that about half of all attendees are under the age of 35. With over 17,600 people attending the 2025 showcase, the event continues to be a primary networking and educational opportunity for dairy producers from across Canada and around the world.
