Tillsonburg TurtleFest
Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Time
- 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Venue
- Downtown Tillsonburg, Tillsonburg, N4G5A8
- Price
- FREE
TurtleFest is our signature community festival celebrating local makers, live music, family fun, vendors, and exciting activities! Come join the shell-ebration!
More Information (OxfordToday is not responsible for external websites)
Held every Father's Day weekend, TurtleFest is Tillsonburg's largest and most anticipated community festival, drawing visitors from across Ontario to experience the charm and warmth of small-town life at its best.
The festival takes its inspiration from the story of Tillsonburg's founder, George Tillson, who once vowed to return as a turtle to witness how his town would thrive. Remarkably, a few years after his passing, a giant turtle was spotted on the banks of Otter Creek. In keeping with George's promise, the townspeople brought "George" downtown to see the town's progress for himself.
Over 130 years later, the spirit of George Tillson lives on through TurtleFest, as the people of Tillsonburg celebrate the town’s steady growth, from its humble beginnings along Otter Creek to the vibrant community it is today.
OPENING CEREMONIES - FRIDAY JUNE 19
3PM Tillson Family Parkette dedication @ Broadway/Oxford/Bidwell street
4PM-6PM Opening Ceremonies @ The Station Arts Center with "Shell of a Place" Art Exhibit
6PM-11PM - Movie on the Lawn & Food Trucks @ The Annandale National Historic House
BLOCK PARTY - FRIDAY, JUNE 20
9AM-1PM Tillsonburg Farmer's Market on Bridge Street
12PM-6PM Creative Imagination Station - crafts, face painting, activities & more!
11AM-7PM Broadway Block Party with vendors, food trucks, games & more!
7PM-11PM Live Concert on the main stage on Broadway
Join the shell-ebration! Be part of this unique tradition, where we come together to honour Tillsonburg’s past, present, and future.... and, of course, to have fun!
The festival takes its inspiration from the story of Tillsonburg's founder, George Tillson, who once vowed to return as a turtle to witness how his town would thrive. Remarkably, a few years after his passing, a giant turtle was spotted on the banks of Otter Creek. In keeping with George's promise, the townspeople brought "George" downtown to see the town's progress for himself.
Over 130 years later, the spirit of George Tillson lives on through TurtleFest, as the people of Tillsonburg celebrate the town’s steady growth, from its humble beginnings along Otter Creek to the vibrant community it is today.
OPENING CEREMONIES - FRIDAY JUNE 19
3PM Tillson Family Parkette dedication @ Broadway/Oxford/Bidwell street
4PM-6PM Opening Ceremonies @ The Station Arts Center with "Shell of a Place" Art Exhibit
6PM-11PM - Movie on the Lawn & Food Trucks @ The Annandale National Historic House
BLOCK PARTY - FRIDAY, JUNE 20
9AM-1PM Tillsonburg Farmer's Market on Bridge Street
12PM-6PM Creative Imagination Station - crafts, face painting, activities & more!
11AM-7PM Broadway Block Party with vendors, food trucks, games & more!
7PM-11PM Live Concert on the main stage on Broadway
Join the shell-ebration! Be part of this unique tradition, where we come together to honour Tillsonburg’s past, present, and future.... and, of course, to have fun!
Venue
Downtown Tillsonburg
10-164 Broadway
Tillsonburg
N4G5A8
Dates
The event runs from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on the following dates.
Select a date to add this event to your calendar app.
