This Week in Guelph (Mid July 2026)
Guelph has a busy summer weekend ahead, led by the sold-out Hillside Festival, a free Comic Con, local history tours and several quieter ways to enjoy the city. Here is what is happening in Guelph from Friday, July 17 through Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Hillside Festival Takes Over Guelph Lake
Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19
Guelph Lake Conservation Area, 7743 Conservation Road
Hillside Festival returns to Guelph Lake Island for three days of live music, workshops, food vendors, artisan booths and community programming. The 2026 lineup includes Cowboy Junkies, Donovan Woods, Matt Mays, Stars, Hollerado, Mae Martin, Tiken Jah Fakoly and dozens of additional performers.
The festival is officially sold out, so this portion of the weekend is limited to people who already have tickets. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. Programming continues until 11 p.m. each night.
Ticket holders can use the free Hillside shuttle between Guelph Central Station and the festival grounds. Wristbands can be collected at Central Station before boarding. Anyone driving should expect a parking charge, increased traffic around Conservation Road and cashless payment at the parking entrance.
Free Comic Con At Guelph Public Library
Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Main Library, 100 Norfolk Street
The Guelph Public Library Comic Con is a free, all-ages celebration of comics, animation, gaming, art and pop culture. Vendors will be set up across the first and second floors, including comic writers, illustrators, game designers, artists and local makers.
A gaming zone will run from 10 a.m. to noon, with glitter tattoos available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is also holding a cosplay contest from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Participants must sign in at the contest booth by noon, and advance registration remains open until 11:59 p.m. Friday.
No library card or admission ticket is required to attend.
Shop Saturday Morning At The Farmers’ Market
Saturday, July 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Guelph Farmers’ Market, 2 Gordon Street
The weekly Guelph Farmers’ Market brings together local farms, food producers, bakers, artisans and prepared-food vendors. With more than 100 vendors regularly participating, it remains one of the easiest places to pick up Ontario produce while supporting independent businesses.
Arriving earlier usually provides the best selection and leaves enough time to walk through downtown before the library’s Comic Con begins.
Explore The Former Guelph Correctional Centre
Saturday, July 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
785 York Road
A guided Guelph Correctional Centre grounds tour will examine the history of the former Ontario Reformatory, which opened in 1910 and closed in 2002. The outdoor tour covers the remaining buildings, the development of the institution and stories involving former inmates, residents and employees.
Reservations are recommended, with a suggested donation of $10 to $20 per person. The route includes uneven ground, has no nearby washroom facilities and is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors must remain within the permitted outdoor areas, as the buildings and fenced sections are not open to the public.
Enjoy Tea In The McCrae House Garden
Friday, July 17, Saturday, July 18 and Thursday, July 23 from 2 to 4 p.m.
McCrae House, 108 Water Street
Tea in the Garden offers a slower afternoon beneath the pine trees behind McCrae House National Historic Site. Guests receive tea, scones, berries and other treats while seated in the garden.
Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance, so the Thursday session is the most realistic remaining option for anyone who has not already reserved a place.
Trace Your Family History At The Library
Friday, July 17 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Main Library, 100 Norfolk Street
The Guelph Public Library is hosting a family-history research session in partnership with Wellington County. It is a practical opportunity for people interested in genealogy, local records and learning how to begin tracing earlier generations.
The library also has its summer Guelph Arts Council exhibit, featuring work inspired by oceans, wetlands and aquatic environments. The exhibit can be viewed at the Main Library, East Side Branch and Westminster Square Branch through August 28.
Discover Guelph’s Hidden Burial Grounds
Thursday, July 23 from 7 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Guelph
This guided Hidden Burial Grounds Tour visits several historic burial locations scattered through downtown Guelph. The earliest dates back to 1828, but many people now pass these sites without realizing what once occupied the land.
The tour also discusses significant downtown structures and provides participants with an information booklet containing historic maps and details about each burial site. Advance reservations are required.
Free Summer Activities For Children
Thursday, July 23 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Scottsdale Centre Branch, 650 Scottsdale Drive
The library’s summer programming continues with Origami Aquatic Animals, a hands-on activity connected to the TD Summer Reading Club. Families can also pick up a summer reading challenge at any Guelph Public Library location or download one online.
The reading club runs throughout the summer and includes separate challenges and book suggestions for children, teenagers and adults.
A Few Things To Know This Week
Wildfire smoke has affected air quality across the region. The City has adjusted some outdoor work and recreation services, and conditions may continue to change. Before attending an outdoor event, check the latest City of Guelph air-quality update, especially if anyone in your group has respiratory or heart-related health concerns.
Drivers should also expect downtown construction delays. The Wyndham Street North and Macdonell Street intersection is scheduled to close beginning Sunday, July 19. Several Guelph Transit routes and stops remain affected by construction, including a Route 10 detour beginning July 17.
Event details can change because of weather, air quality or attendance limits. Check directly with each organizer before leaving, especially for outdoor tours and activities requiring reservations.
