Riverfest Elora cites financial struggles, ending a 15-year chapter

The festival that started in 2009 as a backyard fundraiser in Elora is closing its curtains due to some financial restrictions.

Riverfest Elora was originally organized by Marilyn Koop; it grew over the years to several stages, hundreds of fans, big-name bands and helped showcase local artists. It was known for being a festival in a natural setting, providing the area with award-winning talent.

As of Nov. 18, the festival partners, Jason Ashdown, Jon Ralston, and Shawn Watters, wrote heavy goodbyes to fans and the community after citing financial difficulties as the reason in a press release.

“The reality is that Riverfest Elora has turned only modest profits a handful of times in its 15-year history, and none in recent years. Since 2023, expenses have grown and vastly outpaced revenues, leading to losses of more than $1.2 million over three short seasons.”

They added that revenues from ticket sales and attendance aren’t enough to keep the model sustainable, and sponsorship has declined in recent years due to economic setbacks. They chose to close the festival just as people were starting to prep and buy tickets for the 2026 season.

“As we begin the process of winding things down, our staff will remain on board to ensure a thoughtful and respectful transition. For those who purchased their Early Bird tickets for 2026, we will be in touch shortly with details about the refund process. We ask for your patience and compassion as we navigate this difficult and emotional chapter.”

Organizers said they exhausted every pathway before reaching this point, in the release. The festival partners thanked the community and volunteers for their support over the years, adding that it wasn’t the ending they had hoped for.

“Though Riverfest is coming to a close, its spirit will carry on—in every friendship forged, every song that drifted across the river, and every joyful memory that will forever live in our hearts.”