Event Overview
Hillside Festival 2025 will take place from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20 at Guelph Lake Conservation Area, located at 7743 Conservation Road, Guelph, Ontario. The event features a diverse lineup of artists, immersive cultural experiences, camping opportunities, and a strong focus on community and sustainability.
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Dates: July 18 to July 20, 2025
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Location: Guelph Lake Conservation Area, Guelph, ON
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Festival Hours:
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Friday: Gates open at 4:30 PM, programming begins at 5:30 PM
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Saturday: Gates open at 10:00 AM, programming begins at 11:00 AM
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Sunday: Gates open at 9:30 AM, programming begins at 10:30 AM
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Festival ends at 11:00 PM each night
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Lineup Highlights
The Hillside Festival 2025 artist lineup includes a mix of local, national, and international talent across genres such as folk, indie, global music, electronic, and roots.
Notable performers include:
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Femi Kuti & The Positive Force
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Lucius
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Hurray for the Riff Raff
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Los Bitchos
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Tim Baker
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Son Rompe Pera
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Abigail Lapell
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Adam Baldwin
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Bells Larsen
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DijahSB
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Ghostkeeper
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Lex Leosis
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Vieux Farka Touré
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Mexican Institute of Sound
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Eljuri
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The Devin Cuddy Band
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Shane Cook & The Woodchippers
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Les Mamans du Congo & Rrobin
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Tamar Ilana & Ventanas
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Bria Salmena
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Milk & Bone
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Lilyisthatyou
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Ryan Young
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The Sarandons
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Celeigh Cardinal
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Jon McKiel
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Ruby Waters
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and many more
Full performance schedules will be available on the official Hillside Festival website and program guide.
Festival Experience
Stages and Programming
Hillside Festival will feature multiple stages with programming throughout the day, including live music, spoken word, workshops, and youth showcases. The event is family-friendly and offers a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Workshops and Activities
Attendees can participate in a variety of creative and wellness-focused workshops. These include music and rhythm sessions, environmental awareness programs, arts and crafts, yoga, and community circles.
Food and Artisan Market
The on-site food area includes vendors offering a wide range of cuisine, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and culturally diverse options. The artisan market will feature handcrafted goods from local and regional artists and makers.
Camping Options
Festivalgoers can camp on site with several options available:
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Premium HillSites: Located closest to the main area, available by advance reservation.
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Overflow Field Camping: First-come, first-served camping areas in open fields.
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GRCA Campgrounds: Camping available through the Grand River Conservation Authority booking system.
Note: All camping options offer access to washroom facilities, potable water, and designated quiet hours.
Sustainability and Accessibility
Hillside Festival promotes environmental stewardship through its waste diversion programs, reusable cup system, and low-impact policies. The venue is equipped with accessible paths, reserved seating areas, and mobility support services. ASL interpretation and inclusive programming are also available.
Ticket Information
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General Admission: Available for weekend passes and single-day entry
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Youth Tickets (Ages 13 to 24): Discounted weekend passes available
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Children Under 12: Free with accompanying adult
Tickets can be purchased through the official Hillside Festival website. Hillside Festival operates rain or shine. All ticket sales are final.
Transportation and Parking
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On-Site Parking: Available with passes
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Shuttle Service: Provided from downtown Guelph and designated parking lots
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Cycling and Walking Paths: Available for eco-conscious travel
Plan Your Visit
Visitors are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles, weather-appropriate gear, and reusable dishware. Hillside Festival is a zero-waste event and prioritizes sustainable practices throughout the site.
For updates, stage schedules, performer details, and camping checklists, visit the official Hillside Festival website or download the Hillside app.
Stay Connected
Follow Hillside Festival on social media for live updates, performer announcements, and behind-the-scenes content:
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Instagram: @hillsidefestival
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Facebook: Hillside Festival
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Twitter/X: @hillsidefest
