Hello! On this page you'll find a list of various festivals taking place within the Woolwich community. This is by no means a comprehensive list and if you hear about anything interesting that you think we should add, please let us know!
Spring (March-June)
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival
When: changes by year but always sometime around spring when maple syrup production begins
Since its conception in 1965, the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival (known to locals simply as Sap Fest) is THE festival of Woolwich. In 2000, Sap Fest claimed the title of the world’s largest single day maple syrup festival, drawing in around 66,500 people. And its popularity only continues to grow with around 70,000 people attending in recent years. For one day only, the entire town shuts down to celebrate maple syrup. Traffic is closed to the downtown area to welcome hundreds of local vendors selling anything from pancakes, apple fritters, maple toffee, clothing, mennonite art and craftwork, and so much more. The same goes for the local sports complex so wherever you go, there is maple syrup being sold. Tours are also available to the sugar bush to see how the maple syrup is made. An incredible experience for all ages!
For more information on dates, vendors, and tickets, check out their website
(Photo from The Observer newspaper)
Elora Plein Air Festival
When: 5 days in mid-May
Throughout the week, explore the local area and discover artists capturing the beauty of the region. Throughout the festival, you’ll find them painting everything from heritage buildings to picturesque landscapes. Alongside this, take part in other festival activities such as walking tours, films, music, and food.
The culmination of the festival ends with an art show where you have an opportunity to chat with all the artists and even buy their paintings!
For more information, check out their website
(Photo from Elora Centre for the Arts)
Summer (June-September)
Elmira Robin in the Hood Festival
When: one weekend in early June
From their website:
“The Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival is an annual family-friendly event [in June] which transforms Gibson Park in Elmira, Ontario, into 12th century Nottingham, England. Audiences of all ages are dazzled by knights in battle, jesters, musicians, and, of course, archery. Numerous merchants line vendor’s row selling jewelry, leather goods, armour, toys and other period novelties, while actors portraying the people of Nottingham entice visitors to play games, watch shows or keep an eye out for Robin Hood and the Sheriff.”
For more information on tickets and dates, check out their website
(Photo from The Observer newspaper)
Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival
When: three days in mid-July
From Explore Waterloo Region:
“The Sun Life Financial UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival is an annual three day music festival featuring many different genres of jazz music. Join the more than 35,000 enthusiastic festival goers who attend this free annual event. Take in various jazz artists on two stages right in the heart of Uptown Waterloo!
For more than 25 years the UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival has featured international, national and local jazz artists. The festival receives over 200 submissions annually from performers to be part of the festival. With dozens of performers on two stages, visitors enjoy a wide range of jazz and a lot of fun!”
For more information, check out their website.
(Photo from their website)
Elora River Festival
When: mid-August
For one weekend in August, Blissel Park, Elora, transforms into a beautiful concert venue along the Grand River. With many big artists previously playing RiverFest such as Walk off the Earth, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessie Reyez, and Alessia Cara, it’s easy to forget you’re still in a small town. Truly an event not to be missed.
For more information on tickets and dates, check out their website
(Photo from The Wellington Advisor newspaper)
Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games
When: weekend in mid-August
From their website:
“The Fergus Scottish Festival & 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.
Whether you’re coming by yourself or with the entire clan there’s something for everyone, Scottish or nae! Celtic Music, crafts for the kids, heavy events championships, bagpipes, drums, tug of war, bands, Highland dancing, storytelling, singing, genealogy and heritage, beer tents, and vendors galore!”
For more information on tickets, check out their website
(Photo from EloraFergusToday)
Autumn (September-December)
Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival
When: Always the last Saturday in September
From their website:
“The Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival offers events and entertainment for all ages. They day starts at 7:00 am with our Pancake Breakfast. Our craft and food market opens at 8:00 am and the festival runs all day until 4:00 pm. We offer free parking and admission and we have free tractor wagons running all day to transport people throughout the festival.”
For more information on the festival, check out their website
(Photo from their website)
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
When: end of September to mid-October
From Explore Waterloo Region:
“Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival was founded in 1969 after observing the successes of the Bavarian tradition previously celebrated at the Concordia Club. The community-owned festival takes pride in maintaining its traditions, while welcoming and representing the interests of the newest generations of “festers”. Celebrate Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and take in the spirit of Gemuetlichkeit! Between events at the various German clubs and Festhallen partners, the Willkommen Platz and KIDtoberfest in Downtown Kitchener, and the Thanksgiving Day Parade – there is truly something for everyone at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest!”
For more information, check out their website.
(Photo from their website)
St. Jacobs Pumpkinpalooza
When: one day on the weekend before Halloween
Enjoy the fall weather and halloween spirit at the St. Jacobs Pumpkinpalooza. Get into the spirit with pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating downtown, and a costume contest with winners for both best costume and best pumpkin design. As well, some shops remain open longer to enjoy during the festivities.
For more details on the contest and dates, check out their website
(Photo from their website)
St. Jacobs Sparkles
When: two weekends in November
Usually occurring in November just before the harsh winter settles itself in, the St. Jacobs Sparkles is truly Christmas come early. For two weekends, St. Jacobs’ unique shops and eateries stay open longer amid thousands of twinkling lights. A true small-town holiday experience.
For more information on dates, check out their website
(Photo from Explore Waterloo Region)
