A Community Celebration of Guelph’s Grooviest Neighbourhood

‘The Ward’: the unique and historic part of Guelph bordered by Elizabeth, Victoria, and the Eramosa River has become a vibrant and creative centre for artists and innovators.

A remarkable group of those Ward creatives have gathered to share the wonders of their ‘hood in a one-day festival Saturday Sept. 23rd, making use of 20 different venues, all easily walkable or bikeable.

Music, visual art, theatre, workshops, food, a craft market, walking, cycling and paddling tours, kid’s activities and more will make this a day to remember. With the ‘hub’ for the fest centred around the Double Rainbow Café at Arthur and Ontario Streets, the many performances and activities culminate in a performance at the Guelph Little Theatre featuring artists who have appeared during the day along with headliners ‘The Kramdens’ and the aptly named ‘The Ward’, (featuring Jeff Bird, Sue Smith, Harri Palm and Randall Coryell). All the artists live or work in the ward!

With the map and schedule provided you’ll see other musical performances by

Shannon Kingsbury, Harri Palm, Ben Finley and annais Linares, Adam Lindsay Honsinger, The Carey West Trio, Guh, Time Flies, David & Rowan, Sledd, the student bands from Jam School and more. See the artists page on this site for more info, pics, bios and links.

Two Art Galleries will feature community artists, and two venues will feature multi-media video installations. A puppet show, kid’s hands-on art fun, ‘Slinky Swellness’, storytelling, jamming, yoga and information booths. Free bike repair, song making, workshops, you name it.

A special Praise the Ward meal can be found at Laza Foods, and at the Huron Community Garden Pizza oven.

We expect 50 vendors at the Craft Market at Tytler School!

There’s a walking tour, a cycling tour, and a special canoeing opportunity along the Eramosa. Read on for more info!

All this for a 40 dollar ticket (or Pay What You Can if that’s a challenge for you), which gets you in to the concert in the evening and access to all events. Kids under 12 are free. A number of the day’s outdoor events are free too, with a requested donation.