Guelph Summer Event Round‑Up!

Michelle McLaughlin
Jun 16
2 min read

Although my family is gone most weekends to be up north, there’s something magical about summer in Guelph—the longer days, the fresh market finds, and the way the whole city seems to come alive with all the events! Guelph has no shortage of family-friendly happenings all season long so I thought I'd take one for the team and put together a list of all the things happening here in Guelph!

☀️ June Highlights

Guelph Multicultural Festival Celebrate community and culture with free live performances, global food, kids’ activities at Riverside Park, June 13–15

Guelph Farmers’ Market + Summer Solstice Shindig On June 21, enjoy market stalls, Art on the Street, and a Strawberry Festival at Market Square

Market at the Museum (June 7) & Knights Fest (various dates) Medieval-themed kids’ fun and vendor stalls—check Guelph Civic Museum

🕶️ July Buzz

Noon‑Hour Concert Series

Free lunchtime outdoor shows every Friday in June & July—perfect for families

Wellington County Strawberry Festival (June 21)

Crafts, live music, and the Teddy Bear Caper at the County Museum

Great Lakes Medieval Tournament & Faire (July 11–12)

Family archery, foam-sword battles, animals, artisan booths—it’s a day of medieval action

Ward One Acts (July 3–6)

Four new short plays by local playwrights at this local theatre festival

Hillside Festival (July 18–20)

A beloved 3‑day music fest at Guelph Lake with a kids’ stage and workshops

Party in the Park (July 31)

Enjoy artisan vendors, foodie treats, live shows, bouncy castles, wiener‑dog races, and fireworks

🍉 August Adventures

Ontario Pirate Festival (Aug 2–4)

Three days of pirate-themed shows, crafts, archery, families welcome

Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games (Aug 8–10)

Featuring music, highland sports, kids’ swordplay, archery, clan tents, dancing—free cultural celebration

Riverfest Elora (Aug 15–17)

A 3-day arts, crafts, music, and food fest in Elora, ideal for a family day‑trip

Ribs Rhythm & Rotary Ribfest (Aug 22–24)

Enjoy ribs, live music, midway rides, classic cars, and the kids’ zone—all at Riverside Park

Subaru Triathlon (Guelph Lake) (Aug 30)

A sporty Saturday event with swim, bike, and run segments—fun to watch & inspire

🏘️ Ongoing & Community Favourites

Splash pads & Riverside Park amenities

Free splash pads across the city; Riverside’s carousel, mini‑train, playground, and trails are great any day

University of Guelph Arboretum & River Trails

Free walks, nature exploration, and wildlife spotting all summer long.

Guelph Public Library & Civic Museum

Regular free story‑times, craft programs, evening museum nights, and pop‑up events

Community events & pop‑ups

Keep an eye on Gather in Guelph or the Guelph Arts Council—summer markets, night markets (July 7), and family‑fun street festivals are often added

✅ Tips for Families

Check for free admission days at the Civic Museum and Arboretum.
Pack picnic & water for splash pads and outdoor venues.
Browse market stalls for snacks, crafts, and summer concert experiences.
Plan day‑trips to Fergus and Elora for the medieval, Scottish, and river festivals.
Watch community event calendars (Gather in Guelph, Guelph Arts) for pop‑ups, night markets, and workshops.