Festivals and Events

Upcoming 2023 Festivals and Events 

From music and food festivals to car shows and fall fairs, we have something for everyone. Discover our 'must see' events below.

For a detailed list of events in Wellington County, visit the Festivals and Events Calendar or subscribe to our e-Newsletter.

Spring Rural Romp

Saturday, May 27, Across Northern Wellington County

The Spring Rural Romp is a free, self-guided farm and food tour that allows you to experience local agriculture up close and learn about how your food is grown and prepared. Rompers have the opportunity to meet local farmers, visit farm animals, participate in tours and activities, and purchase seedlings, flowers, plants, spring produce, and other local foods. Be sure check out each location’s ‘Must Taste’ item!

www.tastereal.ca

The Elora Festival

 Friday, July 7 - Tuesday, July 18, Elora 

For three weekends in July, the village of Elora will resound with live music once again, with performances by The Elora Singers, international guest artists, and celebrated Canadian musicians. Our line-up of over 30 concerts is second-to-none and showcases a variety of musical styles, ranging from solo artists to world music and small ensembles to mainstage attractions.

www.elorafestival.com

Mount Forest Fireworks Festival

Thursday, July 13 - Sunday, July 16, Mount Forest

The Mount Forest Fireworks Festival is back for four fun-filled days! While fireworks are front and centre at the festival, it is much more than that, with multiple days of events leading up to and during the fireworks festival including ribfest, retro roller skating, demolition derby, midway, food, drinks and entertainment among other things!

www.mountforestfireworks.ca

Hillside Music Festival

Friday, July 28 - Sunday, July 30, Guelph/Eramosa

The Hillside Festival is an annual three-day, five-stage summer festival occurring in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, hosting musicians, spoken word artists, workshops and more. The Hillside Festival occurs in late July on Guelph Lake Island.

www.hillsidefestival.ca

Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games

Friday, August 11 - Sunday, August 13, Fergus

The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is an annual three-day event that celebrates local Scottish heritage and features world-renowned talent and entertainment in the beautiful town of Fergus, Ontario. This year’s festival features heavy events competitions, pipe band competitions, highland dancers, over 50 clans and a heritage village, whisky tasting, McKiddie’s Centre, Celtic musicians and international vendors featuring Scottish wares and fares! 

www.fergusscottishfestival.com

Riverfest Elora

Friday, August 18 - Sunday, August 20, Elora

Riverfest Elora is the town’s annual celebration of community and music. The festival is held along the beautiful banks of the Grand River in downtown Elora. Get ready for three days of art, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, community - and of course, music! 

www.riverfestelora.com

Eden Mills Writers' Festival

Sunday, September 10, Eden Mills

Every September since 1989, the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival has been offering readers a showcase of established and emerging Canadian writing in the village in Eden Mills. The festival presents more than 60 established and emerging Canadian writers every year including fiction writers, poets, nonfiction writers, playwrights, spoken word poets, young adult and children’s authors.

www.edenmillswritersfestival.ca

Wellington County Multicultural Festival

Saturday, September 23, Fergus

The County of Wellington is gearing up for its first multicultural festival – a celebration of the many cultures and communities of Wellington County. It is a one-day free, family friendly festival. The event will feature live cultural performances, food, music and children's activities. Hosted on the historic Wellington County Museum and Archives grounds, the event aims to increase cross-cultural engagement, create space to rejoice and celebrate the charm of cultures and customs of the past, present and new communities moving into the region.

www.wellington.ca

Fall Rural Romp

Saturday, September 30, Across Southern Wellington County

The Fall Rural Romp takes place in Southern Wellington County and is a free, self-guided food and farm tour, and your chance to get up close to your food. Experience a day in the countryside, meet local farmers, eat, learn about food and experience the local bounty. At each location, you will find farmers and business owners who are passionate about bringing real taste and local food to you. Stops include farms, markets, distillery, brewery, cidery and more!

www.tastereal.ca

Upcoming Fall Fairs

Fall fairs are a great tradition here in Wellington County where many different towns host fair events including rides, games, car shows, petting zoos, music, and much more!


Drayton Fall Fair - August 11 - 13

Palmerston Agricultural Fair - August 25 - 27

Arthur Fall Fair - September 8 - 10

Aberfoyle Fall Fair - September 8 - 9

Harriston-Minto Fall Fair - September 15 - 17

Fergus Fall Fair - September 15 - 17

Erin Fall Fair - October 5 - 9 (Thanksgiving Weekend)


Stay up to date with everything that is happening in Wellington County.

Visit the Festivals and Events Calendar for upcoming events or subscribe to our e-Newsletter

© 2023 County of Wellington, 74 Woolwich St. Guelph, Ontario N1H 3T9, T 519.837.2600, TF 1.800.663.0750, F 519.837.1909