Turtlefest honours George Tillson, the town’s founder.
One of Ontario’s quirkiest and most beloved summer events is back — Turtlefest 2025 is officially underway in Tillsonburg.
The Turtlefest opening ceremonies are happening tonight from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Station Arts Centre, featuring the popular Slow and Steady art exhibit.
From there, the fun continues at the historic Annandale National Historic House, where families can enjoy rock painting, dinner, sweet treats, and a free outdoor movie screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Held every Father’s Day weekend, Turtlefest honours George Tillson, the town’s founder. Legend has it that Tillson believed he would be reincarnated as a turtle, so he could return to watch his town grow and flourish.
Today, that whimsical origin fuels a festival that brings the entire community together in celebration.
