Come out of your shell and join family, friends, and neighbours at Tillsonburg's biggest community festival: The Tillsonburg Turtlefest, June 14th, 15th, and 16th!

A Part of Tillsonburg History

George Tillson, founder of Tillsonburg, once said he'd return as a turtle to see how his town was developing. A few years after his death, a large turtle showed up on the banks of Otter Creek near the Tillson homestead. The townspeople lovingly named the turtle George and took it for a tour of Downtown.

Since then, Tillsonburg has celebrated it's slow and steady rise in a three day festival every June. The Turtlefest is a way to encourage people from all over Ontario to experience small town living at its best.

Turtlefest Details

The event kicks off with the Downtown Block Party at 5pm on June 14th where Broadway and Concession are transformed into a massive neighbourhood party. This block party has something for everyone including live music, amazing food vendors, merchant booths, axe throwing, and so much more! The party lasts well into the night with The Abrams taking the stage at 9pm.

Over the weekend, head to Memorial Park for two full days of family fun. From 11am to 4:30pm, families can enjoy live entertainment, Canine Watersports, The Carver Kings, inflatables, a petting zoo and rock-climbing wall. There will be plenty of sports and activities to participate in including axe throwing, jousting, mini golf, and more! Admission is only $5 per person, per day. Residents of our Tillsonburg apartment buildings live so close they can walk to all the fun at the park!

On Saturday June 15th the Annandale National Historic Site is open with free programs and activities for all ages. Go on a scavenger hunt to count all the missing turtles, enjoy crafts, story time, face painting, and more. Or, head to the Station Arts Centre Saturday morning for the baking contest at the market from 8am to noon.

Living in Tillsonburg

Come to Tillsonburg for the festival and stay for the small town living. Our rental buildings are centrally located and perfect for families and professionals alike. Contact us today to view our suites.