FAQ’s

You will only be able to enter the festival from the west side of the park, off of Melville Street. This is the side of the park that is closest to downtown Elora. You will not be able to enter the grounds from the east side of the park/the Bissell Park parking lot.

Indeed it is. We’ll be going whether it rains or whether it shines. Make sure you dress accordingly. Bring some slickers if rain is in the forecast or sunscreen if it’s going to be sunny!

Personal umbrellas are allowed. Those big sun umbrellas are not allowed.

You can bring snacks to the festival – Yay for trail mix!

Keep in mind, there will also be plenty of food vendors at the festival providing a wide variety of delcious options, including offerings for those with dietary restrictions and requirements.

No. Riverfest Elora is a bottled water free and waste conscious event. 

In an effort to keep the festival “green”, there will be free water stations courtesy of Wellington Water Watchers, who will be providing potable water free of charge. You can fill a reusable bottle you bring from home!

Yes, the wristband allows you to come and go as you please! Festival attendees may enjoy in-and-out privileges all weekend long.

Unfortunately, no pets are allowed at the festival.

Service dogs are permitted into the festival grounds with proper credentials.

Shade tents are allowed but we ask they are no higher than someone sitting in a chair. That’s about 3 1/2 feet (or 38 inches if you prefer talking about measurements that kind of way). We encourage you to set up at the back of the crowd so you don’t obstruct anyone’s view.

There is absolutely no parking on site.

An on-site drop off option at the Bissell Park Melville St parking area will be available for those with disabilities on a first come, first served basis. Accessible parking (with a permit) is available across the street at the Elora Centre for the Arts.

We encourage you to walk, bike or take a shuttle bus to the festival. Parking is available on the side streets surrounding Bissell Park and in downtown Elora. Riverfest Elora’s main parking lot is at the Grand River Raceway. You can park here and take a shuttle over to the festival!

For more places to park, please visit our shuttles and parking page.

We will be offering shuttle buses to the festival site from Elora, Fergus and downtown Guelph as well as from the Guelph Lake and Grand River (Elora) campground all weekend long. Some shuttle buses stops are located right next to large parking lots, where you can park and ride to the festival in style.

All festival shuttle buses will run in continuous loops.

More 2024 shuttle details can be found HERE.

Yes! We will have fences for you to lock your bicycle to, located just past the festival gate. However, it is a first come, first served basis. You are also welcome to lock your bike to our massive perimeter fence during the festival. Don’t forget your bike lock, helmet and light (if you are biking home at night)!

Please be respectful of foot traffic when biking in and out of the festival grounds.

Children 12 and under are free with a paid guardian. However, in order to get their wristband, they will need to be with their paid guardian at the festival gate (who must present their ticket).

Children 10 and under will not be given a wristband if they are not accompanied by a paid guardian.

No, there is no reserved seating — the festival is general admission. The entire festival grounds will have excellent vantage points of the stage but we suggest you come early if you want to stake a spot.

Yes, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome!

There is no flash photography permitted. You are welcome to take photos but please be mindful of the other festival-goers and performers.

There is accessible parking adjacent to the festival grounds at the Elora Centre for the Arts, across the street. You must have proper documentation and space is limited, first come first serve.

More information here in the parking section.

More on accessibility here.

Tough call. Tickets always sell quickly, so it’d be in your best interest to buy your tickets beforehand like maybe even right now.

No. Tickets do not need to be printed as they can be scanned from phones. Please increase the brightness on your phone (and ensure that your phone is not in Dark Mode) when coming up to redeem your ticket to keep any line moving swiftly.

Sorry, but we are unable to do exchanges.

We suggest you privately sell your original ticket then purchase a weekend pass or purchase a Friday/Saturday/Sunday ticket in addition to your previously purchased ticket.

Unfortunately, weekend passes are not transferable. The recipient of the weekend pass will be wristbanded and will need to remain so to gain access to the festival the entire weekend.

No, as we are now a cashless festival, there will be no ATM on site in 2024.

Yes, Riverfest Elora is a licensed event.

Please drink responsibly.

No. This year, drinks will be served in cans. You are still welcome (and encouraged!) to bring your Riverfest mug for water and other beverages!

Patrons are allowed to bring in a small amount. You won’t be let in if you are trying to bring in large quantities. A reasonable amount of cannabis, for personal consumption, will be acceptable.

We ask that all patrons please be considerate of your surroundings as this is a family festival. Please smoke only in the designated area.

Unfortunately no. In 2022, the bars at Riverfest Elora moved to card only and as such, that was the final year drink tokens were accepted.