Hillside expects approximately 4000-5000 patrons per day in addition to over 1300 volunteers, performers, presenters and guests. Hillside 2026 will be held on July 17-19, 2026 at Guelph Lake Island.
Please keep an eye on this page for updates on application timelines.
Children’s Performer Application (CLOSED)
We invite performers from any region to apply to perform on the Rainbow Stage with performances for children and families.
Please note that general music performer applications submitted through this from will not be considered.
Applications open January 6 – February 14, 2026.
Craft Vendor Application (CLOSED)
We invite applications from local and regional craftspeople who are the designers, creators and producers of crafts to be sold at the festival. We are unable to review applications from vendors who sell imported products. Applications are juried by our Craft Vending Committee to ensure the quality and originality of items for sale, and to provide a balance of different craft categories that appeal to our diverse Hillside community. We are particularly interested in businesses and products that uphold Hillside’s Vision and Mission (which can be found on our website).
The Hillside Festival is an industry leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship. In keeping with this, we encourage applications from environmentally-friendly businesses who offer sustainable products. We expect applicants to elaborate on the environmentally friendly aspects of their products and business practices, as this is one of the major factors in the selection process. Approximately 29 booths are available.
Applications open Jan 7 – Mar 1, 2026
Drum and Dance Application (CLOSED)
Applications to present a workshop in the Drum and Dance tent should be directed through the Workshop Presenters Application below.
Food Vendor Application (CLOSED)
We invite applications from local and regional chefs/artisans who create locally-sourced, organic, sustainable, and/or healthy menus that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, kid-friendly, etc.). Applications are reviewed by our Food Vending Committee for menu quality, diversity, and to provide a balance of the types of offerings and price points in our Food Bazaar. We try to offer a range of unique menus and cuisines, and we are interested in vendors who offer meals and beverages. We especially welcome vendors who uphold Hillside’s Vision and Mission.
Applications open Jan 7 – Mar 1, 2026
Local Artist Application (CLOSED)
Local performing artists from Guelph and surrounding locations within 30 KM are invited to apply to perform at Hillside for performances of music, dance, spoken word, comedy, theatre, and multidisciplinary arts.
Please note that submissions from artists outside 30 KM of Guelph will not be considered. The Hillside lineup is curated by our team and we only accept artist applications from local performers.
Applications open January 6 – February 14, 2026.
Media Accreditation Application (CLOSED)
Media representatives are welcome to apply for media accreditation.
Applications open June 2027 (applications for the 2026 festival are now closed).
Neighbourhood Tent Application (CLOSED)
The Neighbourhood Tent welcomes local not-for-profit organizations and groups to showcase the amazing work that they do in our community. Organizations with a focus on green living, alternative energy sources, positive community development, and the promotion of equality and sustainable development are encouraged to apply.
Applications open Jan 7 – Mar 31, 2026.
Spoken Words Application (CLOSED)
Applications to perform spoken word, theatre, comedy, improv, and other similar art forms are now accepted from local artists, and should be directed through the Local Artist Application above.
Volunteer Application (WAITLIST)
New and returning volunteers must apply through the link below. More information and FAQs about volunteering can be found here.
We have now reached our maximum amount of volunteers, but please consider applying to the waitlist. Life happens, and so we are always needing folks to jump in and help last minute. You will be contacted if a position becomes available.
Workshop Presenter Application—General, Children’s Area and Drum & Dance (WAITLIST)
All workshop presenters (General, Children’s Area and Drum & Dance) are invited to apply to host workshops at Hillside. Please refer to past festival schedules for some examples of past workshops hosted in the General Workshop Tents, Children’s Area and Drum & Dance Tent. All Workshop presenters in the General Workshops, Children’s Area, and Drum & Dance areas are thanked with access to the festival, free camping on the island, volunteer hospitality and 1 discounted companion pass.
Please refer to these workshop definitions to determine the category your workshop best represents. However, workshop presenter applicants are welcome to submit their workshop to fit in multiple categories.
General workshops: Workshops appropriate for a general audience and that may fall under the following categories: active living, body & mind, creative expression, do it yourself and interplay.
Children’s Area workshops: Workshops that fall under the same categories as general workshops but are specifically appropriate for children and families.
Drum & Dance workshops: Workshops run by individuals with experience in dancing, drumming, movement, mindfulness, rhythms and body work. This area is NOT a performance area but rather a space to learn, teach, and experience within the context of drum and dance.
Please note that general music performer applications submitted through this form will not be considered.
Applications open in Jan 15 – Mar 1, 2026. Workshops submitted after March 1 will be placed on a waitlist.