Fall in New Brunswick means one thing for generations of families across the province: the New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition is back. Held at the Capital Exhibit Centre in Fredericton, the fair (long known to locals as FREX) traces its roots all the way back to 1827, making it one of the oldest continuously running traditions in the province. This year’s edition marks an impressive 199 years of community, agriculture, and old-fashioned fun.
When and Where
FREX 2026 runs Monday, September 7 through Sunday, September 13, at the Capital Exhibit Centre, 355 Smythe Street in Fredericton. Hours vary through the week: the fairgrounds are open from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with a shorter Sunday closing at 5 p.m.
The midway keeps its own schedule and is weather-dependent, so it’s worth double-checking hours before you head out — especially since it’s closed entirely on the Tuesday.
What’s New This Year
A few things set the 2026 fair apart from years past:
- A milestone anniversary. At 199 years running, this year’s fair is essentially a countdown to the bicentennial, and organizers are leaning into the milestone as a celebration of just how long this tradition has held on.
- Updated competition categories. This year’s exhibit list and competition guides have been refreshed, with new entry forms available online for anyone hoping to show off their canning, baking, crafts, or livestock.
- A scarecrow scavenger hunt. A new family-friendly activity has been added to the lineup this year, giving kids and adults alike a reason to wander the grounds and take in every corner of the fair.
- Draft horse showcase. The draft horse competitions remain a highlight, with an expanded schedule promoting this classic agricultural event to a bigger audience.
The Classics Are Still Here
Even with the new additions, FREX hasn’t strayed from what’s made it a fixture of the New Brunswick fall calendar for two centuries. Expect the full agricultural show, stage entertainment, commercial exhibits, and of course the East Coast Amusements midway with its rides and games. Kids can look forward to the petting zoo, pony rides, and aerial shows that have become fair-week staples.
Getting In
Admission is $10 per day per person at the gate ($8 if purchased in advance at the office), or $30 for a full week’s pass ($25 pre-sale). Kids five and under get in free. The gates take cash, debit, and major credit cards, but note that the midway itself is cash-only.
Plan Your Visit
Because entertainment and scheduling details are still being finalized, it’s worth keeping an eye on the fair’s Facebook event page in the days leading up to opening for the latest updates on performers and daily programming.
Whether you’re going for the animals, the rides, the fair food, or just the nostalgia of a tradition nearly two centuries deep, FREX 2026 is shaping up to be a fitting tribute to New Brunswick’s oldest fall fair.
