If summer has to end, it may as well go out with roaring guitars, glowing midway lights, plenty of fair food and some very small horses with very big personalities.
The 158th annual Saanich Fair returns to the Saanich Fairgrounds from Saturday, September 5th to Monday, September 7th, bringing one of the region’s biggest Labour Day weekend traditions back for three packed days.
This year’s theme is “Small but Mighty,” placing miniature horses in the spotlight while celebrating the volunteers, exhibitors, farmers and families who have kept the Fair going since 1868.
In her message in the 2026 Saanich Fair catalogue, fair president Diana McMurtry said the theme also recognizes the many smaller contributions that come together to create something much bigger.
“It is about our community, connection, and the people who make it all possible.”
From agriculture and animal displays to two major evening concerts, a growing midway, family activities and a huge selection of food, there is a lot happening inside the gates this year.
Two massive concerts are included with admission
The entertainment lineup alone may be enough to make this year’s fair one of the biggest yet.
Canadian rock favourites Big Sugar will take over the main stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 5th.
Fronted by Gordie Johnson, the platinum-selling band has spent decades blending blues, rock, reggae and heavy guitar into a sound that is instantly recognizable. Fans can expect to hear favourites such as “Diggin’ a Hole,” “If I Had My Way,” “The Scene” and “Turn the Lights On.”
Then, at 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 6th, the fair will welcome Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic, a full-scale touring tribute to Queen and Freddie Mercury.
The production features vocalist Warren Vernon-Driscoll performing live on vocals, guitar and piano, backed by massive sound, lighting, costumes and a setlist filled with Queen anthems.
The best part is that both evening concerts are included with regular fair admission. Parking is also free.
Those are only two of the 21 bands and entertainers scheduled to perform across two stages during the weekend.
The full entertainment schedule includes Kris Anders and the Flatlanders, Lateshift, Boneyard Babes, Freeze Frame, Men in Black, Tight Hair Disco, Reign Down, Black Angus, JoHannah Knight, Vanilla Riot and the Victoria Fiddle Society.
There will also be Highland and Irish dancing, family performances, Quirk the Magician, Flowen Owen and plenty of opportunities for fair visitors to get involved, including a pie-eating contest on Sunday and an ice cream-eating contest on Monday.
The miniature horses are ready for their big weekend
The stars of the “Small but Mighty” theme will compete in the Miniature Horse Show beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday in the Saanich Ring.
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Despite their size, these horses will be showing off some serious skill in halter and showmanship classes, obstacle courses, hunter and jumper competitions, in-hand barrel racing, driving classes and even barrel racing with carts.
The Light Horse Show also begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, featuring English and Western classes, horsemanship, barrel racing, pole bending, ranch riding and more.
The animal experiences extend throughout the fairgrounds.
Visitors can watch llamas and alpacas navigate obstacles, and learn more about dairy farming during daily milking demonstrations.
There will also be sheep, cattle, rabbits, poultry, 4-H animals and agricultural displays throughout the weekend.
Agriculture remains at the heart of the Saanich Fair, and organizers say exhibit entries are up from last year in several departments.
Fairgoers will be able to wander through displays of flowers, produce, field crops, baking, preserves, honey, fibre arts, needlework, photography, fine art and handmade creations from exhibitors across the region.
Tiny Town is packed with activities for kids
Families with younger children will want to make time for Tiny Town and the Kids Zone in the West Field.
The area will feature inflatables, farm games, balloon animals, the Candy Toss and a meet-and-greet with Taco, the “little unicorn” from Ponies and Pipsqueaks.
Flowen Owen, Quirk the Magician and Island Princess Parties will also be bringing family-friendly entertainment to the West Field throughout the weekend.
Most of the Tiny Town activities are included with admission, although some of the smaller rides require tickets.
New this year, families will find a second Infant Maintenance Tent where parents and caregivers can feed babies, change diapers or take a quiet break.
The Saanich Fair has also added a Low Sensory Tent for children or adults who need some time away from the noise, crowds and activity.
More than 30 midway attractions
The midway is getting an early start this year, opening from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, September 4th, before operating throughout the weekend.
West Coast Amusements will bring more than 30 rides and attractions to the grounds, along with classic midway games and carnival treats.
The midway runs from 10 a.m. to approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
Midway rides are not included with fair admission
An advance one-day unlimited ride pass is $45 when purchased before 11 p.m. the day before the event. The regular unlimited ride pass is $55. Individual ride credits are also available, with rides requiring between four and 10 credits each.
Come hungry
Fair food is a big part of the experience, and this year’s lineup includes more than 30 food vendors and community-run concessions.
Visitors will find everything from pizza, mini doughnuts, cotton candy, ice cream and crepes to bannock, empanadas, Indian, Mexican, Brazilian, Lebanese, Greek and Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Some of the vendors include The Bannock Room, Kattia’s Kitchen Authentic Mexican, Icca Indian Food, Just Jerkin Around, the Lebanese Society, Brazilian Delicacies, Artisan Empanadas, Country Crepes, Greek N’ Go, Noel’s Mini Doughnuts & Fries and Sweet & Dandy Cotton Candy.
The fair’s traditional pancake breakfast will also return on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
What to know before heading to the fair
The Saanich Fair takes place at 1528 Stelly’s Cross Road in Saanichton.
Fair hours are:
- Saturday, September 5th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, September 6th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Monday, September 7th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for youth and seniors. Children six years old and under are free.
Admission includes the agricultural exhibitions, animal displays, Tiny Town activities and entertainment, including the Big Sugar and Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic concerts. Midway rides and food are separate.
Parking is free, and organizers have divided the parking area into three themed zones this year. A free bike valet is also available throughout the weekend.
There are no ATMs on the Saanich Fairgrounds, although admission gates accept cash, debit and credit cards. Individual vendors may have their own payment policies.
The Saanich Fair happens rain or shine, and visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Dogs are not permitted on the fairgrounds or to be left in parked vehicles, although service animals are allowed.
Admission tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate.
Whether you come for the miniature horses, midway rides and farm displays or plan to stay late for Big Sugar and a night of Queen anthems, the 158th Saanich Fair is shaping up to be one mighty way to close out the summer!
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