The Biggest Events Happening in Guelph in August 2023

This August, explore all the sights, tastes, and sounds that make the locals proud to call this picturesque city home. 

From theatre performances and live music to outdoor festivals and art exhibits, there’s an exciting experience for everyone in Guelph. 

Here are just a few of the top events to look out for this August.

Alcohol Ink Painting Workshop 

Join Courdon Art for an enjoyable evening of drinks and ink painting, where you make and take home your alcohol painting — fun for all creative and craftiness levels; no experience necessary. 

When: Wednesday, August 2, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: Miijidaa Café + Bistro, 37 Quebec Street, Guelph, Ontario

Ward Night Market 

Celebrate our community and all the charm of the Ward with over 50 amazing vendors showcasing their unique talents and products. From handmade arts and crafts to vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind finds, there’s something for everyone when supporting local businesses. 

When: Thursday, August 3, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Where: Guelph Little Theatre, 176 Morris St, Guelph, ON

Women In Music Showcase 

A thrilling night of music from four incredible creators in the Guelph community and door prizes donated by various downtown businesses. This is a free show with an option to donate to the Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis Shelter. 

When: Friday, August 4, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Where: Onyx, 12 Wyndham Street North, Guelph, Ontario

Guelph Outdoor Handmade Market SUMMER SERIES

Bringing handmade maker events to Guelph! Join us every Saturday in August & September in Royal City Park for our Guelph Handmade SUMMER SERIES, where you shop locally for unique gifts.

When: Saturdays in August & September between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm

Where: Royal City Park, 139 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON

The Ontario Pirate Festival 

Our village comes alive when The Ontario Pirate Festival comes to town, bringing the most incredible musicians, performers, and valuable treasures from merchant traders and craftspeople across the shores. Don’t forget to bring yer wee sea rats, where there be lots of activities for the youngest and oldest pirates!

When: Saturday, August 5, Sunday, August 6, & Monday, August 7, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm daily

Where: Marden Park, 7391 Marden Rd, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2

Taylor Swift Trivia at the Round Table in Guelph 

Test your Taylor Swift knowledge to win a $100.00 Doll Haus Events gift card and a copy of Midnights: Til The Dawn Edition CD. There’s also a prize for BEST costume, and in between trivia, watch Ultraviolet and Anne Tique Doll perform all your favourite Swiftie songs. 

When: Sunday, August 6 @ 6:30 pm

Where: The Round Table Board Game Cafe, 32 Essex Street, Guelph, Ontario

Barrie Baycats @ Guelph Royals 

PLAY BALL! Watch the Guelph Royals host the Barrie Baycats, where every game is an event. All seating is general admission with first come, first serve seating. At David E. Hastings Stadium, you can sit anywhere you like (except behind home plate).

When: Tuesday, August 8 @ 7:30 pm

Where: David E. Hastings Stadium, Exhibition Park, 70 Division ST. Guelph, Ontario

Sunday Brews & Brunch: Live Music from NEFE with Sweet & Savoury Waffles 

We're hosting a unique Sunday event to keep your ears, eyes, and tastebuds happy! Enjoy a specialty brunch and drink menu, plus we have NEFE in the house — a local homegrown singer/songwriter from the lovely City of Guelph.

When: Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Where: Wellington Brewery, 950 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, ON

One Direction Drag Night Live at Royal City Studios in Guelph! Hosted by Anne Tique and Violet! 

Join us for an evening of fierce lewks and exhilarating performances that celebrate our favourite boy band of the 2010s — One Direction! Enjoy some of their solo hits and mixed songs from the group’s five studio albums. 

When: Friday, August 18 @ 8:00 pm

Where: Royal City Studios, 930 Woodlawn Road West Unit 1, Guelph, Ontario

Days of Ukrainian Culture in Guelph 

Art Cluster is a worldwide collective of artists who promote free cultural events fostering artistic values. They’ve hosted virtual and in-person events for several years, giving artists an inclusive platform to collaborate in dance, writing, visual arts, music, and drama. 

When: Sunday, August 20 @ 4:00 pm

Where: Guelph, ON

Felt Wreath Workshop

Does the sound of a good drink, friends, creativity, and a hot glue gun excite you? Us too! Join Silver Lining Felt for an unforgettable evening of felt flowers, drinks, and imagination as you make and take home your own felt wreath. 

When: Wednesday, August 23, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: Miijidaa Café + Bistro, 37 Quebec Street, Guelph, ON

Essential Brewing Microbiology 

Become your brewery's quality control expert with this hands-on brewery microbiology course. Learn different aseptic techniques, how to use a haemocytometer and microscope for cell counts, plating beer samples for QC analysis on various agar media, and so much more. Lunch and take-home items included.

When: Fri Aug 25, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Where: Escarpment Laboratories, 18-225 Hanlon Creek Blvd, Guelph, ON

Guelph Rotary Ribfest - 25th Anniversary 

With the help of your generosity, this event has raised over $1,000,000 for international Rotary projects and local non-profit groups. Enjoy musical entertainment, classic cars, a marketplace, beverage tent, midway, kids area, and yes, delicious, mouth-watering RIBS.

When: Friday, August 25, from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Saturday, August 26, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm

Sunday, August 27, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

Where: Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St, Guelph, Ontario

Thinking of Making Guelph Home? Andra Arnold Can Help

Guelph has a unique personality. From its extensive array of independent eateries to its hopping craft beer scene and breathtaking views that complement its historic landmarks, buildings, and cultural facilities, Guelph is a vibrant community home to over 120,000 people in the heart of Southern Ontario. 

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