Charlottetown will once again transform its downtown core into a celebration of Prince Edward Island’s agricultural heritage and local culture when Farm Day in the City returns on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
The event, presented by the PEI Potato Growers, has grown into the province’s largest annual outdoor market and street festival, drawing more than 15,000 attendees each year. Organizers say this year marks a milestone as Farm Day celebrates its 16th anniversary.
Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Queen Street and surrounding areas, the festival coincides with the Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival and the Fall Flavours Festival. Both events boost fall tourism and highlight PEI’s “buy local” movement, positioning Charlottetown as a hub for community engagement and regional economic activity.
A Record Sell-Out and Expanded Lineup
Farm Day in the City, an initiative of Discover Charlottetown, will feature more than 150 vendors and exhibitors this year, the largest lineup to date. Booths will showcase farm-fresh produce, Island-made crafts, and specialty food products. Organizers report that exhibitor spots sold out in record time, reflecting growing demand from both vendors and attendees.
“Farm Day in the City is a free rain-or-shine event, and everyone is invited to come celebrate the Island’s bountiful harvest and vibrant ‘buy local’ culture,” organizers stated.
Alongside the vendor market, entertainment remains a cornerstone of the festival. The Dairy Farmers of PEI are presenting the Queen Street Main Stage, where Island musicians including John Connolly, Lawrence Maxwell, and Brooke & Brad will perform throughout the day.
Family Attractions and New Features
This year, the Cavendish Farms Kids Zone will move to Victoria Row, a shift that organizers say will accommodate more activities and create better flow for families. Attractions include a dunk tank, mechanical bull rides, a live performance stage, face painting, temporary tattoos, and a family photobooth.
A returning favourite, the Farm Day Beer Garden, will be set up on Sydney Street and remain open until 6 p.m. Local restaurants will serve food and drinks, complementing the festival’s emphasis on regional products. Additional draws include a petting zoo and agricultural showcases that connect visitors with PEI’s farming roots.
As an added incentive, the first 500 visitors to arrive at 10 a.m. will receive a $5 gift card redeemable at participating downtown businesses on the day of the event. The gift cards expire at 11:59 p.m. that evening, underscoring efforts to support brick-and-mortar retailers in the city’s core.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The scale of Farm Day in the City underscores its importance to Charlottetown’s fall economy. By drawing thousands of residents and tourists to downtown streets, the festival provides exposure and direct sales opportunities for small businesses, farmers, and artisans across the Island.
The event also reflects a broader cultural commitment to supporting PEI’s agriculture and food industries. “Don’t miss your chance to mingle with friends, farmers, neighbours, visitors, and talented makers and producers from across the Island during one of the happiest days of the year,” the release notes.
Backed by Local and National Support
Farm Day in the City is made possible through a network of sponsors and public-sector partners. In addition to the presenting sponsor PEI Potato Growers, support comes from Food Island Partnership through the Government of Canada, Cavendish Farms, the PEI Department of Agriculture, the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism & Culture, the Charlottetown Special Events Reserve Fund, and the Dairy Farmers of PEI.
Organizers also credited the City of Charlottetown for its continued in-kind support, particularly in managing the logistics of closing streets and accommodating large crowds.
Event Details
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Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
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Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Location: Queen Street from Grafton to Water Street, Confederation Centre Plaza, Victoria Row, and Sydney Street
For more information, the public is directed to www.discovercharlottetown.com/farmday.
As Farm Day in the City enters its 16th year, its growth underscores the resilience of PEI’s agricultural community and the strong consumer appetite for local products. What began as a seasonal gathering has evolved into one of the Island’s most anticipated fall traditions—one that continues to balance community spirit with tangible economic benefit.
