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‘For the Love of Butter Tarts’ Festival to feature over 80 vendors at Alder Arena

April 9, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Joshua Drakes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The sweet scent of butter tarts will once again fill the Alder Street Arena as the annual Orangeville Butter Tart Festival returns on April 25.

Back for another year in Orangeville, “For the Love of Butter Tarts” Festival will feature locally made desserts, hot sauces and more. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-friendly event is shaping up to be bigger and better than last year, with organizers expecting strong community turnout and brisk business for local vendors.

Organizer Jackie Psutka said that this year’s festival will feature dozens of vendors, anchored by a wide range of butter tart bakers offering everything from traditional flavours to highly creative twists on the classic Canadian treat.

“We’re going to have over 80 vendors with a mix of the butter tart vendors and other marketplace vendors with their spring decor, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, those kinds of gift ideas, and more,” she said. “We’re gonna have some hot sauce vendors again this year, as they were pretty popular alongside the tarts.”

Psutka continued by emphasizing that, despite the large number of vendors, guests can expect a wide variety of tarts, as vendors are looking to step up their game.

“It’s no longer just raisin or pecan… people [at] these bakeries are getting really creative with what they put on them, and people love the variety,” she said.

Psutka said the festival will keep last year’s layout, making only minor adjustments to accommodate the increase in vendors. The festival will again emphasize a local focus, with bakers and makers travelling from communities across the region, including Orangeville, Shelburne, Wasaga Beach, and the Greater Toronto Area.

The event is designed as a full afternoon outing for families and friends. In addition to shopping and snacking, visitors can enjoy live music from Elmira-based musician Jesse Webber, as well as children’s games, balloon art, and craft-style table activities that encourage people to sit, relax, and socialize.

Admission is $6, but Psutka said that a $1 discount is offered to attendees who bring a non-perishable food donation for the Orangeville Food Bank. Last year’s festival generated food donations for local families in need, and she hopes to build on that success again this year.

With vendors expected to sell out as they did last year, residents are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection and to experience one of Orangeville’s most popular community events.

“’The For the Love of Butter Tarts Festival’ is one of the sweetest days of the year — bringing together amazing vendors, delicious treats, and our community,” Psutka said. “We’re so excited to see everyone there!”

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