Farmfair International is back at the Edmonton EXPO Centre November 5 to 8, and general admission is free for the whole family. Aside from being able to get up close and personal with the championship cattle, there's a petting zoo, calf cuddles, wiener dog races, hands-on farm learning and Santa.
Things to Do at Farmfair International with Kids, November 2026
1. Cuddle a Calf and Visit the Petting Zoo
Finnegan Farms sets up a pen full of gentle farm critters in Hall F for the whole show. The petting zoo is open 9 am to 5 pm Thursday and Friday, 10 am to 6 pm Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday.
The real draw is next door: miniature Highland calves from Ranch by the Beech, an Alberta family ranch. Calf cuddles run Friday to Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm, so plan your arrival around those windows.
2. Cheer On the Wiener Dog Races
Alberta Dachshund Rescue's wiener dog races draw some of the biggest crowds of the weekend, with heats Saturday at 3:30 and 5:30 pm and Sunday at 3:30 pm in Hall E.
The same stage hosts scent hurdling and agility on Friday at 1:30 and 3:30 pm, plus Ned's Wish, where kids can meet retired police and military dogs (Friday at 5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 pm). Visiting Thursday or Friday? Watch for Dogs With Wings assistance dog teams around the building.
3. Get Hands-On at the Ag Education Zone
The Ag Education Zone in Hall F covers seeds, soil, harvesting and the calf life cycle through interactive exhibits. There's no extra charge, and there's room to roll a stroller through.
School groups fill it until 2:30 pm on Thursday and Friday, so families are encouraged to come from 3 to 5 pm those days or any time on the weekend. Homeschool families and learning pods can also book the Farmfair Field Trip Program, which pairs the zone with a guided barn tour.
4. Take Santa Photos at the Country Christmas Marketplace
Santa sets up inside the Country Christmas Marketplace, which runs November 6 and 7 from noon to 8 pm and November 8 from noon to 6 pm. Packages start at $45 for two kids and crosses this one off of your holiday to do list nice and early.
You can browse and shop 100+ vendors selling handmade gifts, western wear, holiday décor and treats - finding everything you need from delicious snacks to cute stocking stuffers.
5. Watch a Championship Cattle Show
With 50+ livestock shows over four days, Farmfair puts kids ringside for some of the best-bred cattle in Western Canada. Pull up the Cattle 101 page before you go so kids have an idea of what becoming an award winning cow actually takes.
Show times vary by breed and day, so check the cattle show schedule to catch one between your other stops.
Plan Your Visit to Farmfair International
When: November 5–8, 2026, 9 am to 6 pm daily
Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: Free general admission for all ages; Santa photos and a few special events are extra
Getting there: Pay-by-plate parking on site, or take the LRT, which connects right to the EXPO Centre
Check the daily schedule and build your day around calf cuddle times and the wiener dog races. Mix in learning, animal viewing and a bit of a shop - and you’ve got a packed day!
