Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival is an annual event, held in the charming town of Midland, Ontario. It is a celebration of Canada‘s favourite dessert – the butter tart.
History of the Midland Butter Tart Festival
The festival is a sweet tradition that began in 2013. It’s grown into a major event, attracting over 60,000 visitors and solidifying Midland’s reputation as the butter tart capital of Canada.
What to Expect at the Best Butter Tart Festival 2024
Get ready for a day filled with sugary fun. The festival transforms Midland’s downtown core and waterfront parks into a sweet wonderland – with 200,000 sold in the day. Over 200 vendors showcase their unique butter tart creations, with flavours ranging from classic raisin to adventurous options like bacon maple and s’mores (chocolate, cinnamon with a marshmallow topping). There’s truly something for everyone.
Live music fills the air with both buskers keep the energy high throughout the day and a stage with a range of acts performing. Don’t miss the exciting judging competitionw, where both professional and home bakers vie for the coveted title of Best Butter Tart in Ontario. It is also a very kid-friendly event.
Best Butter Tart Festival 2024 Schedule
9 am : Official festival opening with Midland Pipes and Drums
10am to 5pm : Live music at the Entertainment Stage.
10am to 3:30pm : Egg Farmers of Ontario Butter Tart Contest
10am to noon : Judging of traditional butter tarts
1pm to 3:00 PM : Judging of Wild Style butter tarts
3:15 pm to 2:30 – Best in Show judged and announced.
What to Eat and Drink
Of course, the star of the show is undoubtedly the butter tart.
You’ll find an incredible variety of flavours and styles, including gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, and sugar-free options. Beyond butter tarts, the festival offers a wide selection of food and drinks from local vendors, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Other Butter Tart Festivals
Midland is not the only place to hold a butter tart festival. The Paris Butter Tart Festival, in Paris Ontario not France will be held on 25 May 2024, while the Butter Tart Festival Burlington will be on 10 August 2024.
Things To Do in Midland Ontario
Midland is a beautiful town located on the shores of Georgian Bay. While visiting the festival, be sure to explore the charming downtown area with its shops and restaurants. Take a stroll along the scenic waterfront or visit Martyrs’ Shrine, a Catholic Church, and local landmark overlooking the bay. For a touch of history, explore the Huronia Museum, a living history site that recreates a 17th-century Huron Ouendat village.
Travel to Midland Ontario
Fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Direct flights connect London to Toronto on Air Canada, American Airlines and Lufthansa. Similar direct flights are available from Miami on Air Canada, American Airlines. From New York, fly with Air Canada or porter, and the same two airlines also operate to and from Los Angeles.
Once in Toronto, the most convenient way to reach Midland is via a hire car, train and bus, or bus. This takes approximately 2 to 4 hours. By train, head north from Union Station to Barrie then take a local bus. It is about 100 miles (160 km).
More Information on Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival
The official website of the Butter Tart Festival Midland website is at: https://www.midland.ca/en/community-tourism-culture/ontarios-best-butter-tart-festival.aspx
The official website for Tourism in Midland: https://www.midland.ca/en/index.aspx.
