Sooke Fall Fair invites everyone to help “Grow a Better Future”
One of Sooke’s longest-running community traditions returns to Fred Milne Park on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Now in its 113th year, the Sooke Fall Fair will bring together prize-winning produce, baking, flowers, livestock, arts, crafts and youth exhibits alongside live music, demonstrations, competitions and activities for all ages.
This year’s theme, “Grow a Better Future,” celebrates the skills, creativity and community connections that have sustained the fair for generations.
“The Fall Fair is built by people who grow, bake, create, raise animals, perform, volunteer and come out to cheer each other on,” said Lisa Nilsson, President of the Sooke Fall Fair Association. “We encourage everyone to take part in whatever way feels right—enter something in the fair, join one of the activities, volunteer for a shift or simply bring your family and enjoy the weekend. Every entry and every visitor helps keep this wonderful Sooke tradition growing.”
Community members are encouraged to enter their homegrown produce, flowers, preserves, baking, artwork, photography, crafts, Lego creations and other exhibits. Entries will be received at the "fairgrounds" from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 21. Participants should review the Fall Fair entry guide in advance for applicable categories and requirements.
The weekend will also feature a car show, animal exhibits, the Great Sooke-ini Race, bakery decorating and pie-eating contests, a pet parade, live entertainment and an all-ages Saturday evening dance.
Schedule
Saturday, August 22
|
Time |
Activity |
|
8:30–11 a.m. |
Sooke Harbourside Lions pancake breakfast |
|
9–10 a.m. |
Quiet opening, with limited amplified sound for sensory and neurodivergent inclusion |
|
10 a.m. |
Fall Fair opens to general public; car show, exhibits, vendors and activities open |
|
10:30 a.m. |
Storytime with Farmer Frankie |
|
10:30–11:15 a.m. |
Community Zumba lesson on the main stage |
|
11 a.m. |
Car show judging |
|
12:15 p.m. |
Official opening ceremonies |
|
1 p.m. |
Beer garden and Sooke Harbourside Lions concession open |
|
1–1:30 p.m. |
Car show awards |
|
1–5:15 p.m. |
Live music and main-stage entertainment |
|
Approximately 1:30 p.m. |
Katrina Kadowski Tree-O and Friends |
|
2–4 p.m. |
Great Sooke-ini Race |
|
2:45–3:45 p.m. |
San Juan Pagoda on the main stage |
|
4:15–5:15 p.m. |
Shawn Gall on the main stage |
|
6:30–10 p.m. |
Sooke Radio All-Ages Dance, including country line dancing |
|
9:30 p.m. |
Beer garden closes |
|
10 p.m. |
Fair closes for the evening |
Sunday, August 23
|
Time |
Activity |
|
9 a.m. |
Fall Fair opens to the public |
|
9:30 a.m. |
Registration opens for the Fall Fair Fighters Challenge |
|
10 a.m. |
Storytime with Farmer Frankie |
|
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
Bears Bakery Decorating Showdown |
|
11 a.m. |
Main-stage entertainment begins with Opal Dar |
|
11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
Sooke Harbourside Lions concession |
|
12:15–2 p.m. |
Kelz Bakery Pie-Eating Contest |
|
2:30 p.m. |
Pet Parade registration and parade |
|
4–5 p.m. |
Raffle draws, awards presentations and closing ceremonies |
|
Following the ceremony |
Exhibitors may collect their entries and prize winnings |
The closing ceremonies will recognize adult and youth exhibitors, special-event winners, the Sooke Fall Fair Family Award recipients and the fair’s Grand Aggregate winners.
Residents interested in supporting the event are also encouraged to volunteer. Help is needed throughout the weekend with welcoming visitors, activities, exhibits and event setup and takedown.
The schedule is subject to change. Some contests and activities may require advance or on-site registration. Follow the Sooke Fall Fair Association for final program information, entry requirements and volunteer opportunities.
Learn more at sookefallfair.ca
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