The 120th annual Vermilion Fair is underway, having kicked off on July 23, 2026, bringing three days of agricultural traditions, midway rides and live entertainment to Vermilion, Alberta. Organized by the volunteer-run Vermilion Agricultural Society, the event is expected to draw about 25,000 people, making it one of the biggest rural gatherings in Western Canada.
This year’s theme is “Born in a Barn,” a salute to the region’s farming roots. The fair began with a parade on Thursday, July 23 at 11:00 a.m. and runs through Saturday, July 25. Daily admission is $15, a three-day pass costs $30, and kids under six get in free. All-day ride bracelets are available for $55.
The fairgrounds will host a full lineup of activities, including livestock shows, chuckwagon and chariot races, a trade show, exhibit hall competitions, tractor pulls, lawnmower racing and fireworks. The midway is provided by West Coast Amusements, and a showcase stage will feature performances by local entertainers.
The Vermilion Agricultural Society has been running the fair since its founding on August 14, 1906, when the first fair was held on October 16 of that year. The society is powered almost entirely by volunteers, with only an office manager and a couple of summer students in paid roles. Its efforts have earned the Fairboard of the Year Award from the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon & Chariot Association three times, in 2013, 2015 and 2024.
“Born in a Barn” celebrates the grit and community pride that have kept the fair going for well over a century. For residents and visitors alike, the 120th edition is a chance to connect with local heritage while enjoying a wide range of family-friendly attractions.
