Welcome to the fourth PRAISE THE WARD Festival on September 19th, 2026! 

  • Love Praise the Ward? 
    • Show your support by bidding in our silent auction until September 20th!
    • Want to let the world know? Rock our new Praise the Ward stickers ($5) and mugs ($40), now available at Double Rainbow Cafe!
  • Get your tickets now! A whole day of music, art, theatre, spoken word, family fun and more for just $45!
  • We are looking for volunteers to help on the day of! Apply here!
  • Our lineup is complete! Check out our 2026 program including acts on stage, buskers, and other activities!
  • Want to be a vendor at the market or participate in the garage sale? Complete this form!

Praise The Ward is an annual celebration of Guelph's most unique neighbourhood. We're entirely volunteer-driven by keen Wardians who invite everyone to this compelling day of music, art, theatre, spoken word, kid's activities, and much more!

This festival is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization, and the proceeds from the tickets go towards expenses like compensating artists, equipment rentals, printing costs, etc. Children under the age of 12 years can attend for free. Thank you for your support!

Tickets

View previous events

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 will gather to share the wonders of  their ‘hood in a colourful festival, making use of different venues, all easily walkable or bikeable.  

Music, activities, meeting neighbours and visitors from near and far and more will make this a day to remember.     

New since 2024:

Two Rivers Neighbourhood Group

We're working closely together with The Two Rivers Neighbourhood Group, The Ward's own community branch of the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition. With their support you'll be able to get a tax receipt if you donate to this volunteer-driven festival, and they'll help animate the great Ward spaces at Tytler School and the Huron Community Garden. We're grateful!