Hillside Festival

05/30/2026

⏰ Last chance to save on your Hillside weekend!

Tier 2 ticket pricing ends tomorrow night, which means this is your final opportunity to secure a full weekend of music, community, workshops, food, art, and unforgettable memories for just $229 all-in.

After tomorrow, prices increase—so don't wait!

🎟️ Grab your tickets now and join us on Guelph Lake Island, July 17–19!!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hillside-festival-2026-tickets-1474307977849?aff=web

05/29/2026

Tiny notes. Big feelings 💚

A little glimpse into the care, kindness, and community that make Hillside what it is.

These sticky notes were written by Hillsiders throughout the festival – reminders, reflections, and small moments shared between strangers who somehow feel like family 🎶

What’s one word you’d use to describe the Hillside community?

05/28/2026

Before there was a board seat, there was a Caribbean food booth!

John Leacock’s Hillside story starts in 1994. Curry chicken, mango juice, and music rooted in Trinidad and Tobago. It grew into nearly a decade on the board, helping steer a young festival through financial uncertainty and shape it into the community it is today.

His kids grew up running through the festival grounds. His son carried a Djembe drum onto a bus alone at nine years old to open the main stage. His son went on to play drums professionally.

Some places shape who you become. Hillside is one of them.

Read John Leacock's full story here: https://hillsidefestival.ca/forty-years-on-the-island-the-john-leacock-family-story/

✨Now it's your turn to share your Hillside Story

For a chance to win 2 weekend passes, all you need to do is:
1. Like this post
2. Follow our account
3. Tag 1 friend in our comments

05/27/2026

✨From handmade jewelry and art to one-of-a-kind keepsakes, the Hillside artisan market is full of locally-crafted treasures 💛

Take a stroll, meet the makers, and support the local craftsmanship by bringing home a little piece of Hillside magic! 🎨✨

Check out the full 2026 Hillside Craft Vendor's list and information through the link: https://hillsidefestival.ca/artisan-market/

05/25/2026

42 years. Three generations. One festival.

Murray Blackman was there on July 14, 1984. The very first Hillside, when admission was free, and the program was a single photocopied sheet. He’s returned every year since.

His daughter Brittney grew up falling asleep to drum circles on the grass. Today, she’s on the Hillside board. Her husband volunteers. Her two kids are along for the ride, the same way she once was.

This is what it looks like when a festival becomes part of a family’s story.
Read the Blackman family’s full Hillside story here: https://hillsidefestival.ca/forty-years-on-the-island-the-blackman-family/

✨ Now it’s your turn to share your Hillside story.

For a chance to win 2 weekend passes, all you need to do is:
• Like this post
• Follow our account
• And share this post with 1 person

05/23/2026

🎶 The long-awaited official Hillside schedule is finally here!! ☀️

Your festival weekend soundtrack has arrived 🌿 From crowd-favourite artists to new discoveries, workshop sessions, and lakeside evenings with community, this summer weekend is one you won’t want to miss ✨

Want to explore the full workshop schedule and start planning your perfect weekend? Head to our website for all the details 🌿🎶

Now comes the hardest part… figuring out how to be in two places at once 👀

Reminder: Tier 2 weekend pass prices will be increasing on June 1st!

Get your tickets now at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hillside-festival-2026-tickets-1474307977849?aff=web 🎟️

05/20/2026

We are in mourning along with so many across our country and beyond on the sudden passing of the beloved musician, Cris Derksen. Cris set the highest standards of excellence in performance, innovation, composing, sharing/collaboration and being one incredibly generous citizen of this planet. Cris performed at Hillside in the summer of 2018 and also appeared our virtual winter festival in 2021. We send our deepest condolences to everyone - Cris Derksen OG 💫

05/20/2026

We are in mourning with so many across this country and beyond on the sudden passing of the beloved, Cris Derksen. Cris set a standard of excellence and creative innovation in composing, performing, sharing and being one incredible human being. Cris performed at Hillside in the summer of 2018 and also took part in our virtual festival in the winter of 2021. We send our deepest condolences to everyone - Cris, you will be missed, on stage and so much more. Cris Derksen OG 💫

Cris Derksen, 45, died in a highway crash in northern Alberta. Reports from friends and family say Derksen was fatally injured Friday driving home after attending the funeral of their father in Tallcree First Nation, near Fort Vermilion, Alta.

05/19/2026

🍴Come hungry, Hillsiders🍴

From sweet treats and refreshing drinks to globally-inspired dishes and festival favourites, we’re so excited to welcome 20 incredible food vendors to the island this summer ☀️✨

Featuring local chefs, small businesses, and community favourites, there’s something delicious waiting for you around every corner at Hillside 🎶

Food Vendors:
-All Smoked Up Travelling BBQ
-Belevedere Bistro
-Bread Heads Wood Fired Pizza
-ChocoSol
-Dee’s Quiet Café
-Diwa Classic Indian Cuisine
-LemonGrass Thai Food
-Mapleton's Organic Dairy
-Monchito's Pupuseria
-Pho Saigon
-Planet Bean
-Retour Bistro
-Rodolfo's Rebel Foods
-Rotiman
-Royal City Soda
-TC Tibetan MoMo
-The Flying Chestnut Kitchen
-Vital-Life Vegan Rastarant
-WOOFDAWG HOTDOG
-Polar Tropical Fruit

What food vendor are you most excited to try? 👀

05/17/2026

☀️ Two months until we’re back on the island 💛🌿

Longer days, warmer weather, and a summer weekend filled with music, community, and art is right around the corner ✨

Whether you’re returning to Hillside or planning your first visit, now’s the time to start making your unforgettable summer plans 👀🎶

Get your tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hillside-festival-2026-tickets-1474307977849?aff=web

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