Top Annual Events and Activities in Downtown Guelph

Celebrate the Magic of Hillside Festival

7743 Conservation Road, Guelph, Ontario

Guelph Lake Island becomes an oasis of music, art, and community spirit every summer with the Hillside Festival — a three-day summer event featuring five stages, including a special stage dedicated to kids' performances.

Since 1984, this eco-friendly, non-profit festival has welcomed music lovers, artists, and families of all sizes. Hillside’s 40th anniversary in 2023 marked a milestone, celebrating the festival’s longstanding community and environmental values.

What else makes Hillside special?

• Eco-conscious vibes: Hillside focuses on sustainability. With compostable dishes, reusable cups, and zero-waste initiatives, it’s a festival where you can feel good about having fun while caring for the environment. Festival-goers and organizers keep Guelph Lake Island pristine, making it a model of eco-friendly fun.
• A unique lineup: From folk and indie to world music and rock, the Hillside lineup is always fresh and inspiring. Well-known and emerging artists hit multiple stages each year, appealing to every type of music fan.
• All ages, all interests: Kids can enjoy hands-on activities at the Children’s Tent, while adults might join in a drumming workshop, explore spoken-word performances, or check out craft and artisan vendors.
• Earned many awards: The Hillside Festival has received many awards for its passion for environmental responsibility and community engagement:
• Sustainable Tourism Award (2023): Recognized by the Ontario Tourism Industry for Hillside's eco-friendly practices.
• Accessible Tourism Award (2024): Awarded by Ontario Tourism for Hillside’s accessibility efforts, ensuring a welcoming experience for attendees of all mobility and sensory needs.
• Best Small Festival of the Year in Canada: Named by the Canadian Live Music Industry Awards, celebrating Hillside’s community-driven programming and environmental initiatives​.
• Clearwater Award: International recognition for festivals with a commitment to environmental stewardship. Hillside’s initiatives, like composting and bamboo wristbands, were central to receiving this award.

Not Just a Festival — It’s a Community!

One of the festival’s highlights is the incredible drum circle, where people share rhythms and celebrate Indigenous culture. You can make this experience even better by camping on-site! Pitch your tent, grab some local food and microbrews, try crafting, or browse the artisan market for one-of-a-kind finds.

Mark your calendar for late July and experience the magic of Hillside.

Celebrate Local Talent at Guelph’s Art on the Street Festival

Quebec Street, Downtown Guelph

The Art on the Street Festival turns downtown Guelph into an open-air art gallery every summer. This free festival, typically held in late June or early July, features over 100 artists showcasing their work, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and multimedia. Since its inception in 2003, the juried event has become the largest outdoor exhibition and sale in Guelph.

Attendees can enjoy live demonstrations, meet the artists, and even buy unique pieces to take home. There are also hands-on activities for people of all ages, such as interactive murals and workshops. Local shops and cafes join in, too, with special deals and artist displays.

The festival has a special youth category, where aspiring artists can show off their skills and connect with established creators.

Guelph Jazz Festival — The Ultimate Music Weekend

6 Dublin St S #202, Guelph, Ontario

Since 1994, the Guelph Jazz Festival has been a must-see event every September in downtown Guelph. It’s one of Canada’s biggest and best music festivals, attracting jazz lovers from all over the country. 

Not sure about jazz? This festival has something for everyone, with everything from classic jazz to experimental new sounds.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Live music everywhere: The Jazz Around Town series fills downtown with music. Local musicians play at different spots around the city, turning the whole area into one big concert.
• Learn and explore: Want to know more about jazz? You can join artist talks, workshops, and panel discussions with musicians and experts who explain the history and culture of jazz.
• Food, drinks, and shopping: There are many food vendors and artisan stalls, so you can enjoy delicious treats and shop for local goods while soaking in the music.
  

Experience the Holiday Magic in Downtown Guelph

99 Woolwich St. Downtown Guelph

Downtown Guelph literally shines during the holidays. The Guelph Holiday Market, held in early December, kicks things off with over 50 amazing vendors, where you can find a flurry of handcrafted gifts, creative workshops, festive decorations, live music, and delicious holiday sips and treats.

Here’s why you don’t want to miss it:

• Shop ‘til you drop: The holiday market is your one-stop shop for last-minute gifts. With local artisans and gourmet food vendors, you’ll discover all sorts of hidden treasures to make the season extra special.
• Stunning light displays: The downtown streets come alive with beautiful lights and window displays that add a magical glow to the chilly winter nights.
• Fun for the whole family: The annual Santa Claus Parade features decorated floats, marching bands, and Santa himself! Kids can also visit Santa’s Village at Market Square to share their wishes with Santa, take photos, and enjoy holiday crafts. The Guelph Community Santa Parade is on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
• Skate under the stars: Market Square’s outdoor skating rink is magical under the twinkling lights and holiday music.
  

Find Your Place in the Heart of Guelph

From the traditional Farmers’ Market to the exciting Hillside Festival and festive holiday events, downtown Guelph is full of year-round excitement. Living nearby means you’re always close to local traditions, live music, unique shops, and family-friendly fun.

At Andra Arnold & Associates, we specialize in helping people experience the magic of Guelph — every season, every event, and every day. 

Let’s Chat!