Ford Fest 2026 is just one month away. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that his annual community event will be held in Scarborough this year.
The premier and his team are heading back to Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough on June 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Along with video from past barbecues, Ford hyped up the festivities, which include free hot dogs and burgers, including halal and veggie options. There will also be free giveaways for the first 500 guests and carnival rides for the children.
"Get ready for an evening of fun and community spirit," Ford said in a video on social media promoting the big day. "There's something for everyone," he added. "I can't wait to see you at Ford Fest in Scarborough!"
Ford Fest is back! Join me and our @OntarioPCParty team one month from today on June 19 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough for an evening of family fun, free food and a great community night with friends. Hope to see you there! pic.twitter.com/We8CaQbLaM
The event is free to attend with no registration required, though attendees can RSVP on the Ford Fest website.
Ford Fest's Origins
The annual barbecue used to be held in the Ford family's backyard in Etobicoke, which began more than 20 years ago by Doug Ford Sr., who once represented the former Etobicoke-Humber riding as an Ontario Conservative member at Queen's Park. Doug and his late brother Rob continued the tradition, which has grown over the years, from hundreds of supporters to thousands of attendees showing up to different communities around the Greater Toronto Area.
The last time Ford Fest was held at Thomson Memorial Park was in 2023. Other past Ford Fest venues include Centennial Park in Etobicoke, the Markham Fairgrounds, the old Sears Building site in Rexdale, the Veneto Centre in Vaughan and Country Heritage Park in Milton.
The event comes as Ontario's Premier has faced weeks of bad headlines and slumping polling numbers, though there may be some respite as the latest poll shows he would still win a majority if an election was held today.
