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Welcoming Week 2026 Events

 

Welcoming Week 2026 has now concluded. Thanks for everyone’s help in making it another success! Check back in August 2027 for next years events.

Our communities are becoming more diverse, with people of all backgrounds adding their experiences and perspectives. When we welcome newcomers, we welcome new ideas and new opportunities. Supporting newcomers means we are building a society with unique perspectives, voices, and lived experiences, which strengthens the fabric of our communities and helps us foster a diverse and inclusive province. Together, let’s welcome every new neighbour!

Welcoming Week 2026 runs from September 10th to 19th, during which time community partners can host events that either bring new and longtime residents together, celebrate newcomers and share details about newcomer programming/services. In Guelph and Wellington County, Welcoming Week is organized by GWLIP, and funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. You can learn more about Welcoming Week and find resources at welcomingweek.ca. Check out the list of events happening below. We hope to see you there!

Please note that all events listed are free to attend!

A special thanks to all of our partners who together make Welcoming Week possible!

 

Events

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Today
  • Welcoming Week 2026 Breakfast Reception

    Guelph City Hall 1 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Come join us to launch Welcoming Week 2026 for networking and service information, a panel discussion, meet elected officials, and enjoy refreshments! Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that connects […]

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies

    Guelph Public Library - East Side Branch 1 Starwood Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and a love of reading. For babies. No registration required.

    Free
  • Shelldale Block Party

    Shelldale Community Centre 20 Shelldale Crescent, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    A fun community celebration for folks who live, work or play around the Shelldale Centre. Food will be provided. Entertainment and outdoor activities available.

    Free
  • New Resident Welcome Picnic

    Palmerston Railway Museum 168 William Street, Palmerston, Ontario, Canada

    Join the Town of Minto, and various community organizations and businesses, at the Minto Farmers' Market, located at the Palmerston Railway Museum, to welcome new residents to Minto. New residents […]

    Free
  • English Conversation Circle

    Guelph Public Library - Main Branch 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Practice speaking English in a friendly and welcoming place. Join us for this free weekly drop-in program. For adults. Registration is optional. Drop in attendees are welcome.

    Free
  • Welcoming Week: Gwelf Early Days Walking Tour with Jay Wilson

    Guelph Public Library - Main Branch 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us at the Main Library before heading out on a walking tour with storyteller, Jay Wilson. A moving theatrical journey. A 60 minute storytelling walking tour featuring amusing diary […]

    Free
  • Welcoming Week: Gwelf Early Days Walking Tour with Jay Wilson

    Guelph Public Library - Main Branch 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us at the Main Library before heading out on a walking tour with storyteller, Jay Wilson. A moving theatrical journey. A 60 minute storytelling walking tour featuring amusing diary […]

    Free
  • Child and Family Drop in Playtime (Multiple Dates)

    Guelph CHC EarlyON 435 Stone Road West, Unit R7, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    The program provides opportunities for a fun-filled time of play, exploring art, songs and interactive group time. A warm and supportive environment is created for you and your child to […]

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies

    Guelph Public Library - Main Branch 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and a love of reading. For babies. No registration required.

    Free
  • Shake, Rattle, Read

    Guelph Public Library - West End Branch 21 Imperial Road South, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us for 20 minutes of songs, stories and fingerplays. A simple craft will follow this storytime. Suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. No registration required.

    Free
  • After-School Adventures

    Guelph Public Library - East Side Branch 1 Starwood Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Meet new friends, create a craft, play some games and have fun at this weekly after-school event. Suitable for primary and junior grades. No registration required.

    Free
  • Shake, Rattle, and Read

    Guelph Public Library - Scottsdale Branch 650 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us for 20 minutes of songs, stories and fingerplays. A simple craft will follow this storytime. Suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. No registration required.

    Free
  • Shake, Rattle, and Read

    Guelph Public Library - East Side Branch 1 Starwood Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us for 20 minutes of songs, stories and fingerplays. A simple craft will follow this storytime. Suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. No registration required.

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies

    Guelph Public Library - Main Branch 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and a love of reading. For babies. No registration required.

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies

    Guelph Public Library - Scottsdale Branch 650 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    If you are a newcomer to Guelph, please join us for Bouncing Babies. Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and […]

    Free
  • MANU Connect

    Guelph Estate Convention Centre & Banquet Hall 340 Woodlawn Rd W #26, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    A networking session that connects immigrant professionals in the manufacturing sector with employers and professional already thriving in the sector.

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies

    Guelph Public Library - Bullfrog Mall Branch 380 Eramosa Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    If you are a newcomer to Guelph, please join us for Bouncing Babies. Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and […]

    Free
  • S.T.E.A.M. Stories

    Guelph Public Library - Westminster Branch 31 Farley Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    If you are a newcomer to Guelph, please join us for S.T.E.A.M. Stories. Join us at the Westminster Square Branch to explore a variety of scientific concepts and learn how […]

    Free
  • Empowering Newcomers Through Employment and Settlement Services

    2nd Chance Stone Road Mall Office 435 Stone Rd W, Suite 213, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join 2nd Chance Employment Counselling and Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington for an informative drop-in session designed to help newcomers successfully settle into the community and navigate the local job market. Participants […]

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies

    Guelph Public Library - Westminster Branch 31 Farley Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    If you are a newcomer to Guelph, please join us for Bouncing Babies. Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and […]

    Free
  • Community Services and Volunteer Fair

    Guelph Public Library - Main Branch 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us on September 16 from 2:30-4:30pm to learn more about local community services and volunteer opportunities at this special event at Guelph Public Library (100 Norfolk St), hosted in […]

    Free
  • Evening Art

    Guelph Public Library - East Side Branch 1 Starwood Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    If you are a newcomer to Guelph, please join us for Evening Art. Create some awesome art at this drop-in event. For primary, junior and intermediate grades.

    Free
  • Mapleton’s Welcome & Awards Ceremony

    PMD Community Hall 68 Main Street West, Drayton, Ontario, Canada

    This special evening is an opportunity to connect with our newest residents, showcase the resources and opportunities available in our community, and celebrate the people who help make Mapleton such […]

    Free
  • Super Sensory Baby

    Guelph Public Library - Main Branch 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    If you are a newcomer to Guelph, please join us for Super Sensory Baby. Join us at the Main Library for sensory play! This play session is for your babies […]

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies

    Guelph Public Library - East Side Branch 1 Starwood Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    If you are a newcomer to Guelph, please join us for Bouncing Babies. Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and […]

    Free
  • Volunteer Celebration and New Resident Welcome Event

    Mount Forest & District Sports Complex 850 Princess Street, Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada

    Join us in honouring the contributions of volunteers and welcoming new residents to Wellington North on Thursday, Sept. 17 in Mount Forest! Please register at this link: https://WNNewResidentWelcome2026.eventbrite.com

    Free
  • Share a Meal, Build Community

    Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario YMCA Site 130 Woodlawn Glen Drive, Guelph, Canada

    Share a Meal and Build Community brings newcomers together with local community organizations for an evening of connection, conversation, and resource sharing. Through a shared meal, individuals will have the […]

    Free
  • Voice of Community

    Voice of Community is FCSGW's signature community engagement initiative, bringing together leaders from diverse communities to build relationships, listen to lived experiences, identify systemic barriers, and collaboratively shape more equitable, […]

    Free
  • English Conversation Circle

    Guelph Public Library - Main Branch 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    If you are a newcomer to Guelph, please join us for English Conversation Circle. Practice speaking English in a friendly and welcoming place. Join us for this free weekly drop-in […]

    Free
  • Village Fall Fair

    Margaret Greene Park (Soccer Field) 80 Westwood Road, Guelph, Ontario

    Free family event to connect with community agencies, with a BBQ, food, bouncy castles, face painting and more.

    Free
  • Guelph’s 1st Connection Expo

    Guelph Farmers' Market 2 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    For the first time ever, Guelph is getting a Connection Expo!! One room for every local club, org and community under one roof. This event is free, open to all […]

    Free
  • Stories of Hope

    Immigrant Services - 104 Dawson Road

    Client stories, art or poems about hope for their future in Canada.

    Free

Part of what makes Guelph and Wellington a welcoming community is the services available to support immigrants. For example, settlement services like Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington provide programs and services to help new Canadians integrate into the social, economic and organizational life of the community, while EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer safe and welcoming environments open to all families with young children where they can make connections, find support, resources, and advice about parenting and child development. These are just a few examples of the many resources available to immigrants in Guelph and Wellington County, as evidenced by the wide variety of event organizers participating in Welcoming Week 2025!

Welcome to Guelph Video

Welcome to Wellington County Video

Welcoming Week in our region is part of a national and global campaign to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including newcomers. 

The Welcoming America logo, with a picture of the USA.

Guelph-Wellington Local Immigration Partnership

Guelph-Wellington Local Immigration Partnership