Fairgrounds Festival
The Norfolk County Fairgrounds Festival, presented by Edward Jones, taking place in Simcoe, Ontario, has been a vibrant celebration of music, food, and local culture in both 2023 and 2024. The event was recognized as Best New Festival by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) in 2025.
Warm up to summer bliss at Norfolk County Fairgrounds Festival – Beer & Beach Edition! Enjoy beach volleyball, cornhole, frisbee, and all afternoon live music featuring a must-see national headliner. Sip and sample local drinks in our beverage garden and relax in true summer style. Experience it on June 14th, 2025. See you there!
Dwayne Gretzky will headline the 2025 Norfolk County Fairgrounds Festival – Beer & Beach Edition, presented by Edward Jones! Canada’s ultimate party band is bringing their high-energy, 10-piece live show to the DANCE Party on the Track on Saturday, June 14th. Known for electrifying covers of iconic hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s, Dwayne Gretzky delivers an unforgettable experience packed with nostalgia, crowd sing-alongs, and non-stop dancing. Get ready to vibe, groove, and make memories at Norfolk County’s biggest summer party!
- Festival Date: Saturday June 14, 2025
- Festival Time: 1PM to 11PM
- Festival Location: Norfolk County Fairgrounds, 172 South Drive, Simcoe ON
Host: Norfolk County Agricultural Society. This event is a fundraiser for the Norfolk County Agricultural Society.
The Treeline is opening the show, and they’re bringing the soul of Southern Ontario with them. You will not want to miss a single note.
This six-piece roots rock band blends folk, rock, and storytelling into a sound that feels both nostalgic and electric. With rich harmonies and infectious energy, they’re the perfect way to kick off your festival experience.
First band on stage. First to give you chills. Let’s go.
1:00PM
Benjamin Dakota Rogers takes the stage Saturday at Fairgrounds Festival
Raw, haunting, and unlike anything you’ve heard—Benjamin Dakota Rogers brings old-time string-band tradition crashing into the present with fiery vocals, driving rhythms, and gripping stories set to strings.
From murder ballads to Appalachian foot-stompers, this isn’t just a performance—it’s a storm rolling in. You’ll feel every note.
2:30PM
Born in the Eighties is bringing the retro party to Fairgrounds Festival!
Throw on your shades and get ready to dance—this band is all in on the decade of synth, swagger, and neon.
From Prince to The Cure, Born in the Eighties delivers high-energy, live renditions of the songs that defined a generation. It’s not just a throwback—it’s a full-on celebration of everything totally awesome. Let’s go back to a time when mixtapes ruled, and hair was big.
3:30PM
Juno Award-winning artist Conor Gains brings a genre-bending blend of soul, blues, and rock that’s made for live stages and open skies. With grooves that move and lyrics that land deep, his sound is both timeless and fresh—like Stevie Wonder jamming with Gary Clark Jr.
Whether he’s behind the mic or ripping through guitar solos, Conor pours everything he’s got into every note. This set will be pure fire!
5:00PM
Bucking Broncos know how to throw a party!
They’re bringing the energy, the anthems, and a whole lot of talent to Fairgrounds Festival— think packed dance floor vibes with a little country edge.
Whether you’re here to move, sing along, or just take it all in, this set’s built to bring the fun
6:30PM
Get ready, Norfolk—Canada’s greatest party band is closing out the night, and they’re bringing the house down with them.
Headlining Bud Stage later this summer, Dwayne Gretzky is a 10-piece powerhouse delivering the classic hits of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s (and yes, even the 2000s) with the kind of explosive energy that’ll have you singing every word. From Queen to The Cranberries, they serve up nostalgia with a full band punch—and it’s pure joy start to finish.
This isn’t just a concert. It’s the live music experience you didn’t know you needed.
8:10PM
GATES OPEN AT 1PMLIVE MUSIC STARTS AT 1PM | |
|---|---|
| $30 |
| $50 |
| $100 |
| $25 |
| $15 |
FOOD VENDORS
- Dolly’s
- Brew’s and Bites
- Berry Bir & Beans
- Forkin’ Perogy
- Tropical Food
- PJ EPIC EATS
- Chungchun Rice Dog
BEVERAGE GARDEN
- NCAS Hard Lemonade Stand
- Sassy Britches Brewing Co.
- Hounds of Erie Winery
- Burning Kiln Winery
- Concession Road Brewing Company
- Meuse Brewing Company
- Wishbone Brewing Company
2025 Fairgrounds Festival
The Norfolk County Fairgrounds Festival – Beer & Beach Edition 2025 is a one-day-only event inspired by the award winning Norfolk County Fairgrounds Festival but scaled down for a carefree and relaxed vibe this year. The ‘Beer & Beach’ edition captures the essence of summer fun, cold beverages, and sandy toes. This lively event brings a celebration of craft beverages, great food, live music, and beach-inspired activities together for a memorable experience.
Get ready for a reimagined Dance Party on the Track experience!
This year, we’re condensing all the energy and excitement into one unforgettable day. Join us for an intimate, vibrant celebration featuring incredible smaller-scale acts that bring a fresh, local flavour to the stage. It’s your chance to connect with the music, the community, and the moment in a uniquely personal way. The same uplifting festival atmosphere you love, packed into a single day of nonstop fun. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind summer experience!
HISTORY
2023 Fairgrounds Festival
The inaugural event in 2023, featured a stellar lineup of Canadian musicians, including The Beaches, Dizzy, Bif Naked, Sloan, and Finger Eleven. The festival also included a night market with artisan vendors, local craft beer, and wine gardens. The “Party on the Track” concerts were a highlight, aiming to promote Norfolk County as a tourist destination in partnership with Amplify Norfolk Initiative. The event showcased Norfolk’s unique offerings through “Find Your Folk” tourism zones.
2024 Fairgrounds Festival REEL
The 2024 event built on the success of the previous year. It featured an all-Canadian lineup, including By Divine Right, 54-40, Sam Roberts Band, The Wild High, Saint Asonia, and Theory of a Deadman. The event also included a ‘tailgate party’ atmosphere featuring vendors, interactive games, food trucks, and a Local Beverage Garden. The festival was supported again by the Amplify Norfolk initiative, which aimed to establish Norfolk County as a premier entertainment destination. Both years highlighted Norfolk County’s charm, with its vibrant craft beer and wine scene, beautiful natural attractions, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
What is a Tasting Passport?
Unlock the full flavor of your local breweries and wineries with a Tasting Passport – the perfect way to explore, sip, and savor! Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or someone simply seeking a delightful adventure, a Tasting Passport offers an unforgettable tasting experience.
What is a Tasting Passport?
A Tasting Passport is a special program that invites you to visit participating breweries and winery booths at the event and SAMPLE for a chance to discover innovative creations and hidden gems. With each visit, your passport can be stamped, creating a unique memento of your tasting adventure.
What’s Included in the Tasting Passport?
Your Tasting Passport is more than just a ticket; it’s an invitation to celebrate local craft and artistry. Each passport will includes 10 SAMPLES, to be redeemed at the beverage booths on-site.
Why Choose a Tasting Passport?
The Tasting Passport offers a gateway to unforgettable experiences while celebrating local creativity and craftsmanship. Benefits include:
- Exploration: Discover new favorites and support local breweries and wineries you might not have visited otherwise.
- Savings: Enjoy valuable discounts and exclusive offers that make your tasting voyage budget-friendly.
- Community: Connect with fellow enthusiasts and meet the makers who bring their passion to every sip.
- Memories: Build a collection of stamps, stories, and unforgettable moments as you explore.
Raise your glass to exploration, flavor, and community!
This event is a fundraiser for the Norfolk County Agricultural Society.
NORFOLK COUNTY:
Norfolk County is a rural municipality in South western Ontario, approx 45 minutes from Hamilton. Nicknamed ‘Ontario’s Garden’ Norfolk County is nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, including the beaches of Port Dover, Turkey Point and Long Point on its long list of attractions. Boasting a vibrant and rapidly growing craft beer, wine and cider scene, and blossoming with arts and culture, Norfolk also offer numerous agri-tourism destinations – and so many unique offerings ONLY found in Norfolk County.
Close to home. Far from ordinary.
Where else can you explore a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve? Or discover the diverse beauty of Canada’s only Carolinian Forest? Where can you climb the sand hills that tower over Lake Erie, wander through a 22-acre botanical garden, or visit a raptor conservancy? Sure, Norfolk is known for its award-winning wineries and breweries. Not to mention eco-adventures, farmers’ markets, festivals, and beaches. It’s all here. In fact, the only thing Norfolk doesn’t have is crowds.
And the best part? We’re just a couple hours away from the GTA.
Norfolk County’s most popular tourist attractions are the beaches, ports, towns, and villages along Lake Erie, known as Ontario’s South Coast. These towns include Port Dover, Turkey Point, Long Point, Simcoe, Delhi, Waterford, and Port Rowan.
Fishing is another key attraction for tourists, as well as birding, hiking, camping, and cycling.
Planning YOUR uniquely Norfolk adventure? Visit Norfolk can help. Plan your excursions, book a golf trip, beach day, locate hiking trails, or find the closest brewery for drinks once the day is done, all with a few taps of your phone
To plan your trip – and for more information about things to do, places to eat and where to stay while you are here, download the visit Norfolk App.
