Hillside Festival has announced its 2026 lineup, with more than 50 artists set to perform July 17 to 19 at Guelph Lake Conservation Area in Guelph, Ontario.
Located roughly two hours north of Buffalo and about an hour west of Toronto, the festival is an easy road trip destination for Western New York music fans looking to cross the border this summer.
Now in its 43rd year, Hillside brings together Canadian and international talent across a range of genres. Headlining the Canadian contingent are Cowboy Junkies, Matt Mays, Stars and comedian and musician Mae Martin. International performers travel from Cape Verde, Colombia, Australia, Côte d’Ivoire, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, among other countries.
JUNO Award-winning artist Celeigh Cardinal returns to Hillside in 2026 as guest curator after performing at the festival in 2025. She has assembled a group of Indigenous artists spanning rock, singer-songwriter, Métis fiddle and throat singing traditions, including Darla Daniels, Electric Religious, Mimi O’Bonsawin, The North Sound and Piqsiq.
“After performing at Hillside in 2025, it feels really special to return as the guest curator in 2026,” Cardinal said. “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.”
Artistic Director Samir Baijal described the festival as a necessary gathering space in the current moment.
“Hillside is proud and honoured to present a diverse selection of artists from Canada and well beyond,” Baijal said. “There is something literally for everyone and, as always, new artists to discover.”
Tier 1 weekend passes are on sale now at $209, including all taxes and fees. Tier 1 pricing ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. Tickets and the full lineup are available at hillsidefestival.ca.
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