Hillside Festival

Hillside Festival has officially unveiled the lineup for its 43rd annual festival, with more than 50 performers set to take the stages at Guelph Lake Conservation Area from July 17 to 19, 2026.

This year’s lineup reflects Hillside’s long-standing reputation for bringing together acclaimed Canadian talent, international voices, and artists audiences may be discovering for the first time.

“We find ourselves presenting a music festival at a time when we need more positive energy and safe spaces to gather than ever before,” says Samir Baijal, Artistic Director of Hillside Festival. “Hillside is proud and honoured to present a diverse selection of artists from Canada and well beyond. There is something literally for everyone and, as always, new artists to discover. We try our best to provide a program that is unique and, at times, can challenge our audience. Hillside Festival is an island retreat, a place to get lost in creativity for a beautiful weekend in a beautiful spot on Guelph Lake.”

Canadian artists from coast to coast are represented in this year’s festival, with performers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories. Highlights include Matt Mays, Cowboy Junkies, Mae Martin, Stars, and Angine de Poitrine.

Hillside also welcomes Celeigh Cardinal as its 2026 guest curator. A JUNO Award-winning artist, Cardinal returns after performing at the festival in 2025 and has selected a group of artists that reflect the depth and diversity of Indigenous music today.

“After performing at Hillside in 2025, it feels really special to return as the guest curator in 2026,” says Cardinal. “What excited me most was bringing together artists who represent the incredible range of Indigenous music right now, from rock and singer-songwriters to Métis fiddle traditions and truly innovative throat singing. It’s a lineup that shows how rooted, creative, and vibrant Indigenous artistry is today, and I’m really honoured to share these voices with the Hillside community.”

Artists curated by Cardinal include Darla Daniels, Electric Religious, Mimi O'Bonsawin, The North Sound, and Piqsiq.

International artists from Australia, Colombia, Mexico, Lithuania, Estonia, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States, and Cape Verde will also take part, continuing Hillside’s tradition of global musical discovery. Featured performers include Elida Almeida, Fulu Miziki, Tiken Jah Fakoly, and Killabeatmaker.

Local talent remains a key part of the festival, with performances by Foundation Steppas, Housewife, and The Eramosa Sessions II.

This year’s festival artwork was created by Central Frontenac-based interdisciplinary artist Abby Nowakowski, whose practice explores belonging, environmental stewardship, and collective futures. Drawing inspiration from the wildlife and native plant species found within Guelph Lake Conservation Area, the artwork features elements visitors may encounter during the festival, including northern watersnakes, dragonflies, butterflies, cattails, goldenrod, and swamp milkweed. The piece celebrates the site's ecological diversity and reflects Hillside’s ongoing commitment to environmental leadership.

“I wanted the artwork to reflect the incredible biodiversity that surrounds the festival and remind people that when we gather at Hillside, we are sharing that space with many other forms of life,” says Nowakowski. “It is a celebration of music, community, and the ecology that makes Guelph Lake so special.”

The full 2026 lineup includes:

Angine De Poitrine
Austra
Boomerang
Bye Parula
Charlotte Cornfield
Cowboy Junkies
The Darcys
Darla Daniels
Donovan Woods
Ebril
Electric Religious
Elida Almeida
The Eramosa Sessions II
The Free Label
Foundation Steppas
Fulu Miziki
Girls & Guitars Showcase
Gizmo
Gord Grdina's Haram
Gwenifer Raymond
Hollerado
Horse Lords
Housewife
James Keelaghan
JamSchool Youth Showcase
JIMI
Kellie Loder
Killabeatmaker
Kutcha Edwards
Logan Richard
Mad Professor
Mae Martin
Magic Tuber Band
Matt Mays
Mimi O'Bonsawin
NASTASIA Y
The North Sound
The Pairs
Par de Dos
Piqsiq
Puuluup
Sarah Jane Scouten
Dr. Shellie Morris
Shishi
Sinkane
Stars
Tell it to Sweeney
Tiken Jah Fakoly
University of Guelph Music Showcase

A full lineup is available on the festival website.

Weekend passes are currently on sale at Tier 1 pricing of $209, including all taxes and fees. Tier 1 pricing ends at 11:59 p.m. on March 31.

About Hilside Festival:

Hillside Festival is a three-day music and arts festival held annually at Guelph Lake Conservation Area, known for its diverse programming, strong community roots, and commitment to environmental leadership. Bringing together established and emerging artists from Canada and around the world, Hillside creates a unique festival experience that blends music, art, workshops, and community in a natural island setting. Recognized as one of Canada’s most progressive and environmentally conscious festivals, Hillside celebrates creativity, inclusion, and cultural connection.

Website - https://hillsidefestival.ca