Ancaster, Ontario, is an idyllic community nestled in the Niagara Escarpment, but don’t let the quiet nature fool you we’re overflowing with vibrant community celebrations. Read our guide to plan and enjoy summer 2024 to the fullest.
At The Barracks Inn, we love the quiet winters as much as we love to see the community ramp up in the summer with wedding celebrations and plenty of community happenings. Whether you love live music, want to show off your pets, or simply get out and meet the community, Ancaster has something for you this summer.
Looking for events in Hamilton today?
Read our full guide to Ancaster activities and Ancaster fair events this summer, and start marking up your calendars with interesting events.
Ancaster Events to Enjoy This Summer
Sip, Shop, and Stroll at Sangria Sunset Market
Ancaster Fairgrounds
June 21 @ 6 PM – June 22 @ 10 PM
$10 Admission (cash only at the gate) for adults; free for children 10 & under
What’s better than shopping and enjoying a sunset market? Adding sangria into the mix! Enjoy a summer market with local vendors, makers, and retailers while sipping sangria, tasting food truck fare, and listening to live music. On Saturday, you can even try your hand(s) at axe throwing.
Canada Day Celebration
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Saturday June 29, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Canada Day celebrations will feature an exciting lineup of music, entertainment, and a spectacular drone show!
Learn More
Great Lakes Carriage Classic
Ancaster Fairgrounds
July 25 @ 6 AM – July 28 @ 5 PM
The Great Lakes Carriage Classic is where elegance meets tradition, with equestrian events showcasing carriages, skilled drivers, and plenty of social events in between. Enjoy the Friday night Corn Roast, the Saturday night Carriage Classic Sit Down Dinner, and live entertainment both evenings.
Ancaster’s Summer Holistic Healing Fair™
Ancaster Fairgrounds
August 11 @ 10 AM – 4 PM
Free entry
Discover the world of wellness, natural remedies, and alternative therapies at Ancaster’s Summer Holistic Healing Fair™. Enjoy free entry, free parking, and even a chance to win wellness prizes. The first 50 attendees will receive Wellness Swag Bags stuffed with goodies, so get there early! Exhibitor products and services vary, but they all share a common thread – promoting mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Ancaster Pet Festival
Ancaster Fairgrounds
August 17 @ 10 AM – August 18 @ 4 PM
$10 Cash entry; Free for children 12 & under
If you have or love pets, the Ancaster Pet Festival is a fun two-day event dedicated to our furry pals. Enjoy a lure course, a petting zoo, a large pet-focused vendors market, and plenty of free activities and pet-friendly demonstrations. Watch The Flying Furballs performance team, a Sniffscape experience, free swag bags, and complementary puppuccinos for all.
Hamilton Pyrofest
Ancaster Fairgrounds
August 17 @ 4 PM – August 19 @ 11 PM
$35 Advanced tickets; $15 for children 5-12; Free for children 4 & under
Get ready for the show with one of Canada’s largest fireworks displays. Pyrofest offers a day full of live music, food trucks, face painting, and vendors, with an impressive Supernova Fireworks display lighting up the night sky. Enjoy some Celtic rock at the Mudmen concert, a fully-stocked beer tent, and pick up an LED wristband that syncs with the fireworks display.
Ancaster Wedding Show
Ancaster Fairgrounds
Sunday, August 25 @ 11 AM – 4 PM
Free entry
If you’re planning your big wedding day, the Ancaster Wedding Show is a must-see. This vendor show is a one-stop shop to connect with over 80 wedding professionals, including photographers, DJs, caterers, florists, gown designers and retailers, invitation designers, and more. Meet vendors, learn about their services, and catch the latest wedding trends while enjoying the on-site food trucks, swag bags, and free samples.
Beyond the Events
Beyond these Ancaster Fair events, Ancaster offers plenty of fun hiking the Bruce Trail, paddling the Grand, exploring the Farmers’ Market, and taking in the area’s rich history at our many local historical sites. Enjoy a few bites from the famous Ancaster Mill brunch menu or take in some live music and good eats at our Ancaster pubs.
The Barracks Inn—Summer Fun Near Me
Wondering where to stay in Ancaster?
After you enjoy your fun summer activities in downtown Ancaster or at the Ancaster fairgrounds, retreat to the quiet comfort of one of the best hotels in Ancaster Hamilton, The Barracks Inn. With friendly staff and last-minute bookings available, it’s never too late to take part in some summer fun!
Contact us to learn more about our accommodations, or book a room now to enjoy some local summer fun!