Fall for Guelph Food Fests

When I meet someone new for the first time and they find out that I work for Guelph Tourism, they usually ask me, “so what is there to do in Guelph?” I typically say something like, ‘Guelph is really awesome…there’s always something going on. But we really love our festivals and local food!”

Guelphites have a passion for local festivals and food, and we get really excited when those two things merge together to create something extra special - food festivals!

Here’s a rundown of the food festivals happening in Guelph in August and September.

Ribfest – August 25-28

A Guelph favourite, this festival, put on by the Rotary Club of Guelph, features eight ribbers saucing it up to be voted the best ribs in town. But the fun doesn’t stop with the ribs. The festival also features some awesome entertainment, and this year they’ve extended the festival to include Thursday for a special fundraising concert featuring Canadian classic rock favourite April Wine!

Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium

Food Truck Fest – September 7

Guelph has developed a true love for food trucksand the Food Truck Festival is where it all began. Now in its second year, the food truck fest banked off of its incredible first event and is back again with 10 local food trucks featuring something for every taste bud. This year’s event will also have live entertainment to enjoy while shoving your face with insanely amazing food.

Photo courtesy of Lynn Vanschaik

Grate Cheese Fest – September 24

I'm glad the cheese stands alone because it makes it easier to find.
Sorry for the cheesy joke – but you won’t have to look too hard to find the cheese at the Grate Cheese Fest! The food fest features amazing comfort foods for all to enjoy. This second annual event has a variety of food exhibitors showcasing their cheesy creations.

Photo courtesy of Grand River Shows

Vegfest – September 25

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or curious about a plant-based lifestyle, Vegfest Guelph is back celebrating their third year with even more to offer. Situated in the picturesque Goldie Mill ruins you’ll find delicious vegetarian/vegan options from comfort food, to burgers, to cupcakes for dessert from a large array of food and drink vendors and educational exhibits.

Photo courtesy of Sharp Goat Photography

Honourable mention: Welly Cask Fest – September 10 & 11

If Guelph’s first loves are festivals and food, than beer would have to be a very close second. Locally owned and operated, Wellington Brewery hosts this festival merging the love of beer, food, and entertainment together for one unforgettable weekend. The event features over 25 cask beers and ciders including a selection of Welly One-Off recipes – what a great way to welcome in autumn!

Photo courtesy of Austin Gibson Photography

To find more info about local festivals like these, check out the events calendar at visitguelphwellington.ca

 By: Dana 

A City Girls Guide to Outdoors: 5 patios, 1 day

When summer hits it’s great to be outdoors, am I right? The sun beating down on your face, the wind in your hair, the limited amount of layers you need to wear – pure bliss! Summer is for being outdoors and being outdoors is great until that one friend (and we all have one) inundates your Instagram feed with pictures of themselves mountain biking, white water rafting, camping, running the trails – enjoying the #sweatlife. This is all fine and dandy; I admire these outdoor hobbies and can understand the appeal from afar. But let’s get real here for a minute - summer is all about a great brew and great food on a great patio!

   

So here’s my guide to 5 Guelph patios in 1 day:

1. We start our patio journey in this magical little secret garden at With The Grain. If you were to ask where do the locals go?  This is the spot. Everything is delicious. You can start with brunch or sip a cup of tea here at lunch. The patio is quaint, fresh and pretty perfect right?

My pick: Try a cup of chili with all the toppings, a side of roasted squash salad, with an iced tea and DO NOT leave without having a lemon square – that’s an order!! 

2. It’s halfway through the day now and you need a coffee (or a second or third), let’s get you there. Red Brick Cafe has great coffee and your pick of patios. Out front is the newly built wood haven where you can perch, sip and read the paper. Out back is a cool, alleyway hangin’ spot, more privacy and stronger drinks as the day turns into night.

        My pick: iced coffee by day, sangria by night.  Try the muffin of the day too!

3. In terms of patios, this one will have you in the heart of downtown Guelph. Buon Gusto has a beauty patio right in St. Georges Square; its unique shape makes each table feel private which really enhances the dining experience in such a public spot. Let’s have lunch!

My pick: If they happen to have salmon on special when you are there – GET IT! Otherwise start with the roasted cauliflower and you will never go wrong with the margherita pizza. Don’t forget a glass of bubbly too – the prosecco to be exact. 

4. Dinnertime! Miijidaa café and bistro’s patio has been transformed into quite the oasis, flowing seamlessly from indoors through tall windows that separate the dining room and patio.  This is a patio you can really unwind on, my tip is to reserve the beautiful, hand crafted farmers table for a group patio get together!

       My pick: If you’re feeling like fish and chips then definitely get - the fish and chips! (The chips are double fried, so they’re crispy to perfection!) I also recommend the hay smoked duck breast and a perfect elk scotch egg to start (maybe throw in some PEI mussels too). And don’t forget a great brew, there are lots of great local brews on tap (go with the Wellington seasonal) or try the blueberry port mojito!

5. By now you have visited four great patios in one day, and you’re feeling pretty full, let’s finish off with a solid local pint or two at a Guelph rite of passage: The Woolwich Arrow, locals call it The Wooly.  Now you may be swayed by the charming balcony in front of this beautiful old house, but if you can’t find a spot don’t worry, swing around back to a generous, roofed patio; that’s right, everyone’s ultimate patio dream of chilling in the rain.

My pick: Definitely get a draught sampler; you can try four different beers in adorably small glasses. With a wide range of Guelph beers on tap, you’ll have lots of options. Go with a light and dark beer from Wellington Brew, snag one from Stonehammer and throw in the Sleeman light if they have it. 

Enjoy the great outdoors people!

By: Charlotte

#music #culture #goodeats