The Alliston Potato Festival traces its roots back to 1972, when local journalist and community leader David (Davis) Willis proposed an event to celebrate Alliston’s rich potato-growing heritage and foster collaboration among local groups The inaugural festival was held in 1973 along Victoria Street with parades, food and community-run activities From those humble beginnings, the festival has flourished into a three-day tradition at the Church Street Fairgrounds, anchored by a well-loved Friday parade, agricultural-themed exhibitions, live entertainment, family fun, and food—all organized by the Rotary Club, Alliston Lions, and volunteer groups contributing fundraising benefits to local charities and community projects. McGoey’s is a proud sponsor of the Alliston Potato Festival.

Here’s what’s happening at the Alliston Potato Festival 2025, running Friday August 8 to Sunday August 10 at the fairgrounds on Church Street, Alliston, ON.

*PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AN EXTREME FIRE BAN IN ADJALA/TOSORONTIO AS WELL AS NEW TECUMSETH REGIONS*

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📅 Festival Highlights & Schedule

🗓 Dates & Hours

• Friday, August 8: 5:00 PM – 12:30 AM
• Saturday, August 9: 9:30 AM – midnight
• Sunday, August 10: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Alliston Potato Fest

🎉 Parade Kickoff – Friday at 7 PM

• The festival begins with the Rotary‑organized Parade starting at Banting Memorial High School at 7:00 PM. Assembly begins at 5:45 PM. The parade route goes west on Victoria St to Ontario St, then south to Nelson St. Only 65 entries allowed—register by August 1 .

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🎪 Fairgrounds Fun – Family Attractions

Friday Evening

• Fairgrounds open at 5:00 PM
• Marketplace & midway open at 6:00 PM
• VR Experience & tournament at McGoey Insurance Pavilion (free prize: VR goggles!)
• Live entertainment at TD Stage: beer garden opens 6:00 PM, followed by Sean Bourke, Shooter, then Bootlegged.

Saturday Family Programming

• Potato Pancakes street food on Victoria St starting 7:30 AM
• Classic Car Show (Recycle Teenagers) from 9 AM–3 PM on Victoria St
• Street festival and kid zone open on Victoria St
• Fairgrounds open 9:30 AM–4:00 PM with Midway from 11 AM
• Kid Zone includes pony rides, agility dog show, pirates, face‑painting, balloons & photo booth
• Just Sing competition (ages 9–14) culminating in the finale at 11 AM on the TD Stage
• Live music line‑up: Brave Strangers, Hit Disturbers, Grant Boyer, Tim Ronan (around 9 PM), and more; plus Yuk Yuks comedy show at Circle Theatre (ticketed separately).

Sunday Highlights

• Vintage Firetruck Show: 9 AM–2 PM at fairgrounds in partnership with local firefighters (Thank you to all our local firefighters! And to the community, remember to follow all fire ban regulations at your own Alliston Potato Festival home celebrations.)

Thank you to everyone who has helped organize the Alliston Potato Festival this year! We hope to see you there for some fresh cut fries and fun!