Royal Winter Fair 2026: What to Expect in Toronto

The 104th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair officially opened Friday at Exhibition Place. Here’s what to expect, from tiny racing ponies to a mechanical bull, plus hours, parking and how to get there.

TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2026 – Most of the fall colour has faded but there is no need to succumb to the November blahs in Toronto, as the barn doors are officially open at the Ex. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair kicked off its 104th year on Friday at Exhibition Place, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon in the Enercare Centre’s Heritage Court.

The Royal runs through Sunday, Nov. 15, at Exhibition Place, and it’s packed with horse shows, a rodeo, a new Holiday Market and plenty for kids.

The opening ceremony was set to bring together Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and the Royal’s CEO, Cyrus Cooper, along with board President and Chair Joe Parker and Chief Margaret Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Also on the guest list were this year’s Royal Ambassadors: twin angora goats named Sugar & Spice.

The Royal bills itself as the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show, and it has been bringing the country to the city for 104 years.

Meet Sugar & Spice

So who are the goats? Sugar & Spice are twin Angora goats owned by longtime Royal exhibitor and agricultural advocate Becky Vissers. The two-year-old twins made their Royal debut last year in the Youth Goat Show and Goat Education Centre, and while they may look identical, their personalities are anything but. Spice is calm and easygoing, while Sugar brings plenty of spirited energy to the ring.

This fall, the pair made special appearances around Toronto, and they’ll welcome guests throughout all 10 days of the Fair.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Sugar & Spice as The Royal’s 2026 Ambassadors and welcome them, and thousands of visitors, to Exhibition Place this November,” said Cooper. “From the best in Canadian food and agriculture to world-class equestrian sport and unforgettable family experiences, there’s nothing quite like The Royal.”

The Horse Show

Royal Horse Show Entertainment is billed as North America’s number-one indoor horse show, and it returns with an action-packed lineup. Highlights include:

World-class international equestrian competitions
K9 Equine Pole Bending
A Chinese Lion Dancing performance celebrating the Year of the Horse
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto, presented by Ecclestone Horse Transport, where top international riders and horses compete under the lights in an Olympic-level competition

Giddy Up: The Royal Rodeo

Grab your hat and your boots. Western Day & The Royal Rodeo, presented by Ontario Ford Dealers, takes over on Sunday, Nov. 15. Amber Marshall, star of CBC’s Heartland, is the guest emcee for Toronto’s only rodeo of the year, which features The Royal Rodeo Qualifier and The Royal Rodeo Finals. The fair’s website lists rodeo performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Dinner and Cooking Classes With Top Chefs

Food fans have plenty to look forward to, too. The Chef’s Table Dining Series, presented by ThinkBeef.ca, showcases premier Canadian culinary talent, with celebrated chefs including:

Jason Bangerter (Langdon Hall)
David Schwartz (Linny’s)
Nuit Regular (PAI)
Coulson Armstrong (Prime Seafood Palace)
Zach Smith (Fat Rabbit & Les Incompetents)
Ben Lim (The Lunch Lady)

Each event spotlights sustainability, seasonality and local producers, with a curated three- to four-course dinner paired with fine beverages and exclusive interaction with the head culinary teams. New for 2026, all Dining Series tickets include admission to the Royal Horse Show.

The Chef’s Table Cooking Classes, presented by Milk, return with daily hands-on sessions led by top culinary stars, including Michelin-starred chefs Jeremy Austin (The Pine) and Rafael Covarrubias (20 Victoria), alongside Lim and Smith.

Holiday Market and St. Nick

The Royal’s newly expanded Holiday Market brings handmade artisan goods, gourmet seasonal treats and plenty of festive finds. St. Nick will also stop by for photos from Nov. 12 to 15.

Fun for the Whole Family

Mini Chuckwagon Racing: Tiny ponies, big speed. Miniature ponies race around the Coliseum, pulling mini chuckwagons.
Farmers vs. First Responders: The fan-favourite showdown returns as farmers and first responders go head-to-head in a series of physical obstacle courses.
The Family Zone: Interactive games, hands-on activities, live entertainment, animal encounters and the mechanical bull challenge. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall, and riders under 18 need a signed consent form.
Petting Farm and Animal Features: Feed animals at the Royal Petting Farm, watch daily sheep shearing demonstrations, cheer on the SuperDogs and catch the Spirit of the Horse performance at the Animal Theatre.
School of Moo: Presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario, this interactive Dairy Education Centre gives kids a hands-on look at modern agriculture, nutrition and dairy farming innovation.
University of Guelph Showcase: Explore the future of Canadian food and agriculture through research, innovative ideas and hands-on learning.

Hours and Getting There

Fair hours: Sunday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd., Exhibition Place, Toronto

By GO Transit: Take the Lakeshore West line to Exhibition GO Station. A GO + Royal Combo Ticket includes Fair admission and a round trip on GO from any GO station to Exhibition Place: $47.48 for adults (18 to 64) and $103.02 for a family of two adults and two youth aged 4 to 17, taxes and fees included. Check your schedule before you go, since construction affects some GO lines during the Fair.

By TTC: Take the 29 Dufferin bus or the 511 Bathurst streetcar from Bloor subway, or the 509 Harbourfront streetcar from Union Station.

By car: Exhibition Place parking is $21 for the day in surface lots and $24 in the Enercare Centre indoor garage, with rates dropping to $15 after 6 p.m. Rates rise $3 on peak days, and parking isn’t guaranteed. The Royal recommends arriving early or taking transit, especially on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Horse Show deal: Get 20% off regular-priced Royal Horse Show tickets with PRESTO Perks promo code “26PRESTO.” The offer ends Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. and excludes the Nov. 7 and 14 evening performances and the Nov. 15 Royal Rodeo.

Tickets are on sale now. For tickets and the full schedule, visit royalfair.org.