Abingdon Michaelmas Fair 2026
05 October to 06 October
About Abingdon Michaelmas Fair 2026
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair takes place annually on the Monday and Tuesday falling first before the 11 October from noon to 11.00pm on both days. This will fall on Monday 05 and Tuesday 06 October 2026.
The Michaelmas Fair is the longest street fair in Europe, running from Market Place, through the High Street, The Square and the entire length of Ock Street.
This historic street fair has its origins in the shortage of labour following the Black Death of 1348/9. The Fair was a hiring fair, the equivalent of today’s employment agencies and online job websites.
The Michaelmas Fair starts setting up on Sunday, after which there are road closures and diversions to enable the traditional street fair to take place. There are also closures and diversions the following week for the Runaway Fair.
As with previouse years, to mark the start of the Fairs, we expect the Town Council will be organising the traditional Fairground Service of Blessing and Dedication to take place at 7.00pm on Sunday 05 October 2025 on the Galloping Horses in the Market Place.
All are very welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair 2026 will take place on Monday 05 and Tuesday 06 October 2026. By law, the fair takes place annually on the Monday and Tuesday falling first before the 11 October from noon to 11.00pm on both days.
The Abingdon Michaelmas Fair takes place on Abingdon Market Place and runs through the High Street, The Square and the entire length of Ock Street.
The historic Abingdon Michaelmas fair has its origins in the shortage of labour following the Black Death of 1348/9. The Fair was a hiring fair, the equivalent of today’s employment agencies and online job websites.
