Commemorate 200 Years of Guelph in 2027
In 2027, Guelph will celebrate its bicentennial, mark 200 years since the town was established by John Galt and the Canada Company on land acquired from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation through the Between the Lakes Treaty No. 3 (1792).
Today, Guelph is home to Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island and people from around the world. Guelph 200 is a chance to reflect on our history, celebrate our community, and plan the future we want to build together.
Throughout 2027, residents and visitors will be invited to take part in events, community projects, cultural activities, learning opportunities, and celebrations across the city.
Why Guelph 200 Matters
A bicentennial only happens once.
Guelph 200 is an opportunity to celebrate the people, places, and stories that have shaped our community over the past 200 years. It is also a chance to recognize Indigenous presence on this land since time immemorial, to take action towards reconciliation, and to build a better future for generations to come.
Through events, arts and culture, recreation, heritage, education, and community-led initiatives, Guelph 200 will help bring people together and create lasting memories across the city.
We hope every resident can find a meaningful way to take part!
Save the Dates
Two Signature Events will anchor Guelph 200, with additional activities taking place throughout the year.
Bicentennial Weekend on April 23-25 2027
The bicentennial begins with a weekend of reflection, learning, and celebration.
Activities will include:
- Opening ceremonies
- Reconciliation initiatives
- Community and student art projects
- Theatre and musical performances
- Storytelling events
- Doors Open Guelph
- Tree planting
- Guided hikes and heritage walks
- Community meals and gathering opportunities
This weekend will honour Indigenous presence, past and present, while recognizing the many people and communities who have contributed to Guelph’s growth and success.
Guelph 200 Festival on July 30-August 2, 2027
The second Signature Event will bring the community together for a city-wide celebration over the civic holiday long weekend.
Activities will include:
- Live music and entertainment
- Food and beverage experiences
- Outdoor movies
- Cycling and walking tours
- Dance parties
- Neighbourhood celebrations
- Family-friendly activities
- Cultural programming across the city
Centered in Market Square and extending into parks, neighbourhoods, and public spaces, this festival weekend will showcase the people, creativity, and community spirit that make Guelph unique.
Get Involved
Every resident, business, school, artist, community group, and organization can play a role in Guelph 200.
Community Grant Program
The Guelph 200 Community Grant Program supports initiatives that help celebrate the bicentennial and bring people together.
The next application intake opens November 16, 2026.
Learn more about the Guelph 200 Community Grant Program.
Partner With Guelph 200
Do you have an idea for a project, event, or collaboration?
We welcome opportunities to work with community groups, businesses, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and residents.
To discuss partnership opportunities, contact: [email protected]
Volunteer
Help make Guelph 200 a success.
Volunteers will support the planning and delivery of events and activities across the city throughout 2027. Whether you enjoy welcoming visitors, supporting events, or working behind the scenes, there will be opportunities to get involved.
Sponsor Guelph 200
Support a once-in-a-century community celebration! Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations that want to invest in initiatives that strengthen community connections and create a lasting legacy.
For sponsorship information, email Nicole Neufeld, Supervisor, Guelph 200 Events at [email protected]
Stay Connected
Sign up for the Guelph Culture mailing list to receive:
- Guelph 200 updates
- Event announcements
- Grant information
- Volunteer opportunities
- Community stories and highlights
Guelph 200 Logo and Brand
About the Guelph 200 Logo
The Guelph 200 design is inspired by the Speed and Eramosa rivers, which have flowed through this area for thousands of years. The upward movement of the rivers represents growth, optimism, and forward thinking. Together, the shapes form a heart that reflects the pride and connection many people feel for Guelph.
The colours reflect elements of the community and natural environment:
- Blue represents water, innovation, tranquility, and clear skies.
- Light green represents health, growth, prosperity, and environmental leadership.
- Orange represents friendship, youth, energy, and warmth.
- Dark green represents land, forests, agriculture, and resilience.
Together, these colours reflect the natural beauty and community spirit that define Guelph.
Request Permission to Use the Logo
Community groups, organizations, and businesses may request permission to use the Guelph 200 logo for events, projects, promotions, and materials that support the goals of the bicentennial.
Questions about logo use can be directed to: [email protected]
Planning Resources
Planning a Guelph 200 event, project, or community initiative? The following resources can help.
Special Event Planning
Visit the City’s Special Events Planning page for information about:
- Booking City spaces
- Permits and approvals
- Accessibility requirements
- Event planning guidelines
- Safety considerations
2027 Events Calendar
The Draft 2027 Events Calendar provides an overview of major community events and key dates to support planning.
A public Guelph 200 events calendar will be launched later this year.
Additional planning resources will be added as they become available.
Contact the Guelph 200 Team
For general questions about Guelph 200 please email [email protected].
For specific information about Guelph 200 events, please reach out to Nicole Neufeld, Supervisor, Guelph 200 Events at [email protected]. You can also reach her by calling 519-822-1260 ext. 2773.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guelph 200?
Guelph 200 is the name of the City’s bicentennial celebration. It’s an opportunity to recognize the people, places, and stories that have shaped our community over the past 200 years, while also recognizing Indigenous presence, histories and ongoing contributions.
Why is Guelph celebrating in 2027?
In 2027, Guelph will mark 200 years since the town was established by John Galt and the Canada Company on land acquired from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation through the Between the Lakes Treaty No. 3 (1792). Through events, arts and culture, recreation, heritage, education, and community-led initiatives, Guelph 200 will help bring people together and create lasting memories.
Will there be events throughout the year?
Two Signature Events, the Bicentennial Weekend and Guelph 200 Festival, will anchor Guelph 200. There will be additional events throughout the year, such as community projects, cultural activities, learning opportunities, and celebrations across the city.
How can I get involved?
Every resident, business, school, artist, community group, and organization can play a role in Guelph 200. We are offering a community grant program and opportunities for partnership, volunteering and sponsorship.
Can I apply for funding?
We have created the Guelph 200 Community Grant Program to support initiatives that help celebrate the bicentennial and bring people together. The next application intake opens November 14, 2026. Learn more on the Guelph 200 Community Grant Program page.
How do I volunteer?
We have a variety of volunteering positions available, whether you enjoy welcoming visitors, supporting events, or working behind the scenes. Register to volunteer by completing the Guelph 200 Volunteer Application form.
Who can use the Guelph 200 logo?
Community groups, organizations, and businesses may request permission to use the Guelph 200 logo for events, projects, promotions, and materials that support the goals of the bicentennial. To request permission, please complete the Guelph 200 logo permission form.