Welcome to the 2026 Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival! Now in its 29^th year, this well-loved event attracts visitors from Toronto, Durham Region and the rest of the Greater Toronto Area – and even beyond! The festival offers a great opportunity to discover the many things that make Sunderland special, while celebrating the time-honoured Canadian tradition of making maple syrup.

Our maple syrup farmers are proud to carry on producing the “liquid gold” that has been enjoyed since the 17th and 18th centuries. Back then, sap from maple trees was boiled down in iron and copper kettles. What a difference a century or two makes! Nowadays, modern processing makes the job much more efficient. You can find out just how much processing has changed by taking a tour of Harlaine Maple Products.

So Close You Can Taste It

Hop on a bus and travel to their sugar shack, where you will see a native and pioneer display, as well as the current production methods Paul Harder and his family use for their sweet creations. Oh, and those buses can also take visitors to the Salem Alpacas farm. Bus tickets will be available at Sunderland Public School.

By the arena see a Petting Zoo & Pony Rides, Draft Horse display, Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue and Fallen Willow Forge demonstrations.

Live stage entertainment including Lexy the Rap Dad as well as NEW for 2026 Blades of Glory (Medieval armoured combat).

On Saturday, you can attend a Stoker Biomass Heating demonstration at Northern Metalworks, just up the road from the school. Did you know that the new furnaces allow the use of grains, corn, pellets and other wood products for heating? Find out how. Also on Saturday, the festival offers bathtub races.

On Sunday, the 4-H Ontario’s lawn tractor pull demonstration will take place. If you have never seen one of these tractor pulls, you’re in for a real treat! On both Saturday and Sunday, the Legion will be the site of pancake breakfasts from morning to early afternoon.

And shoppers, take note! On both days, River and Church Streets, Townhall, Arena and the Sunderland Public School will also be lined with vendors selling everything from syrup to toys, hand-crafted items, clothing and other great finds. Plus, Sunderland’s local shops are taking part in sponsoring many of the events.

So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendar to bring the kids, the grandparents, and even the dog! The people of Sunderland are excited to greet you and create sweet new memories.

Radio Ads

2023 Festival: April 1-2, 2023

April 11-12 2026 105.5 Radio Ads

April 11-12 2026 KX96 Radio Ads (Apr 8-10)

Testimonials

Tim Blankenship Sr.
The SMSF is a truly special experience, set in one of Ontario’s most charming small towns. The care, passion, and attention to detail shown by the individuals who organize it each year are evident in every aspect of the event. I have been so impressed over the years that I make the drive from Ohio annually, even though I am not from Canada.

Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival
Tim Blankenship Sr. Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support of our festival. We sincerely appreciate it.

Saturday March 14, 2026

First Tapping 2026

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Event Details:
What: First Tapping Ceremony – 2026 Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 1-3pm
Where: Harlaine Farms, 1015 Brock Conc Rd 1, Sunderland, Ontario

Saturday April 11, 2026

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday April 12, 2026

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

All times are approximate. Events are subject to change without notice.

Please email updates to Rich Helms rich@richhelms.ca