Latest news with #SamirBaijal

Hamilton Spectator

Are you heading to Hillside Festival 2025 in Guelph? Here's what you need to know

Hillside is back and it's time to get ready for the annual celebration of music and community at Guelph Lake Island. The festival runs from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20 and will have five stages for shows, all kinds of body and mind workshops, a food bazaar, artisan market, children's area and more. Artistic director Samir Baijal said there will be performers from across Canada as well as from all over the world. 'I hope you enjoy the weekend on the island, discover some artists who you have never seen or heard before, and make some new friends,' Baijal said in a press release. Here's the Hillside Festival lineup for 2025. And for the first time, guest curator Classic Roots — an Indigenous DJ, producer and performer from Thunder Bay, representing the Long Lake 58 First Nation, selected some artists, too. Those featured are Celeigh Cardinal, Drezus, Joel Wood & Tonia Jo Hall and Sebastian Gaskin. 'Let the festival be a space where cultures collide, spirits soar, and our shared rhythm leads us forward,' Roots said. Festival goers enjoy the beach and lake. Here are a few more things you might need to know. The weather this weekend won't be as steamy — but the Weather Network is calling for some rain. The high of 26 degrees will be a welcome cool-down for folks spending the weekend outdoors. Pack your umbrella for Saturday night and Sunday, because they are calling for some showers. You can still get day passes for all three days of the festival. Organizers said as of July 15, the festival was 85 per cent sold out overall, so you might want to grab your tickets online now. There are youth and senior options, and children under 12 get in for free with an adult. The food pavilion will have local and regional chefs and artisans creating locally sourced, organic, sustainable menus. But don't worry, there will be ice cream from Mapleton's Organic Dairy and your favourite popsicles from Laza Food and Beverages Inc. A full list of vendors is also available online. The complete line up and schedule of performances on all the stages is available now so you can plan ahead. Some main stage shows over the weekend include sets by Ruby Waters, Tim Baker, the Devin Cuddy Band, Son Rompe Pera, Femi Kuti & the Positive Force, Hurray for Riff Raff, and Lucius. You can drive and park, especially if you are camping, but if you're coming from Guelph, there is a shuttle bus to and from downtown. You can even exchange your ticket for a wristband when you board the bus and stay on it the whole way to the island entrance. Otherwise, you will have to stop at the main gate tent to get your wristband or badge. Bring your bike and you can park it in Henry Kock's Bike Lot. Volunteers will show you where to lock it up and can even help with tools if you need them. The Guelph Off Road Bicycling Association conducts rides leaving the festival from the bike area. Don't forget to bring your reusable water bottles to fill at the Water Wagon. At the festival you will also be able to use reusable dishes that are washed by volunteers. Hillside is a green festival leader in the country and around the world, and it's important we leave the conservation area the way we found it (or better!) The Hillside Festival welcome sign shines in the sun by Guelph Lake. Learn more at You can also download the app on your phone to navigate and plan your experience. Happy Hillside, everyone!