Bradford West Gwillimbury’s annual Carrot Fest will return next month, bringing two days of live entertainment, family activities, food and more to the community.
Now presented by Toromont Remanufacturing, the festival will feature more than 150 vendor booths, multiple entertainment stages, an expanded Kids Zone, free transit options and several new attractions.
Among the additions for 2026 is the new Bingham Bandstand, which will showcase acoustic performances throughout the weekend. The Kids Zone has also been expanded, with Reptilia presenting an interactive animal experience on Friday and Squash Ontario hosting activities on Saturday alongside a larger toddler play area.
The festival begins on Friday, August 14th with the vendor market from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the Kids Zone operates from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Entertainment on the York Energy Centre Stage includes performances by Pat James and the Whole Truth, Swift Experience, Chicks Experience and Duvet, with official opening ceremonies scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
The TD Stage will feature a Chris Stapleton tribute performance, while the new Bingham Bandstand will host artists including Genevieve Cyr and Kyle Wauchope. Scarlett Black and Twisted Ones will perform at the Busker Pitch.
Free shuttle buses will operate between the BWG Leisure Centre and the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The vendor market will return on Saturday, August 15th, running from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Kids Zone will operate during the same hours.
Festival organizers have also extended Saturday evening programming, with the Main Stage and Beer Garden remaining open until 10:00 p.m.
For Day Two, the York Energy Centre Stage lineup includes Steve Goodtime, Scarlett Black, Lazo Finn, Soul of Motown, The Heavy Sugar and Green’d Eh.
The TD Stage will feature Marky Monday, Elite Dance Corp, Sonshine & Broccoli and the Flaming Carrot Finale.
Additional entertainment includes performances at the Bingham Bandstand and Busker Pitch, while the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre will host a free wrestling show at 11:00 a.m. followed by a ticketed wrestling event from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Visitors can also take advantage of free ARGO transit service throughout Bradford West Gwillimbury on Saturday, along with complimentary shuttle service between the BWG Leisure Centre and the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre from noon to 6:00 p.m.
Now in its third decade, Carrot Fest celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Holland Marsh and the importance of carrot farming to the local economy while offering a weekend of family entertainment, food and community activities.
The festival takes place along Holland Street, Barrie Street, Simcoe Road, and at the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre. Motorists are advised to plan for road closures and follow posted detour routes during the event.
The full festival schedule and additional information are available here.
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