SideBurn – Festival Dates, Tickets, and Attractions to See

DATE	TIME	ADDRESS
May 14 to 18, 2026	From 12 PM on the first day to 12 PM on the final day	Near Stone Mills, Ontario, Canada

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Last Update February 18, 2026

Experience SideBurn, a festival of fire, art, and music in Ontario, Canada. Get to know everything you need to know about the event in this article.

About the Festival

SideBurn is an art and camping gathering in Ontario, Canada, where creative people come together under the open sky to build things, share ideas, and create moments that are completely different from their everyday life.

This festival runs on artistry, sustainability, and a strong sense of community, giving everyone a safe and welcoming space to show up as they are, try something new, and connect with others who are just as curious and open-minded.

As a regional Burning Man event, SideBurn carries that same spirit of radical self-expression and collaboration.

Here are the highlights and features you can experience at this festival:

Burning effigies and art sculptures – Large handcrafted structures rise from the grounds and often end in dramatic burns that bring everyone together in a shared, powerful moment.

Theme camps – Creative camps built by participants become mini communities, each with its own vibe, activities, and welcoming energy.

Live music and performances – DJs, bands, and spontaneous acts keep the atmosphere lively, especially once the sun goes down.

Light art installations – Glowing pieces and illuminated creations transform the night into an immersive playground of color and movement.

When is SideBurn Happening

The festival happens in May, and this 2026, it will take place from May 14 to 18, promising five days of non-stop fun and unlimited creativity.

For this year’s edition, the theme is “The Great Rewilding,” which leans into instinct, imagination, and getting back to something more natural and untamed.

Circle these dates, clear your schedule, and start planning early so you can arrive ready, settled, and fully present for every fire-lit night and creative moment waiting for you at SideBurn.

Where It’s Located and How to Get There

SideBurn takes place near Stone Mills in Ontario, Canada, set out in the quiet countryside where open land, big skies, and creative energy come together for a few unforgettable days.

Since the event happens on private property, the exact festival address stays confidential and is shared directly with ticket holders shortly before SideBurn begins.

For travelers flying in from outside Canada, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the most common major arrival point, and from there the trip continues by car toward the Stone Mills area, since the festival site is only reachable by road.

How to get to SideBurn (by car):

From Ottawa: Plan for about a 2-hour drive southwest through scenic Ontario roads into the Stone Mills area.

From Toronto: Expect roughly a 3-hour drive east along Highway 401 toward Napanee, then north into the countryside.

From Montreal: The trip takes around 3.5 hours heading west before connecting to local roads near Stone Mills.

Arrival tip: Driving is the only practical way into the festival site, so make sure you have your vehicle pass and arrive during gate hours.

Train travel from nearby cities:

Nearest station: Take VIA Rail to Kingston Station, the closest rail hub for travelers coming from Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal.

From Kingston to SideBurn: The final stretch must be done by car, taxi, or carpool with other attendees.

If you liked this festival, you can also check out these other fantastic fire festivals in the US:

Burning Man

Element 11

Festival Hours

The festival officially begins at noon on the first day and closes at noon on the final day.

After that, activities tend to start around 9 in the morning and flow straight through midnight — and often later — so you can spend your daylight hours exploring art and theme camps, then lean into late-night music and light art installations later in the evening.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend SideBurn

Tickets to SideBurn are distributed through a lottery, so if you want to go, you’ll need to register and set up an account on their official ticketing page, then keep an eye on your email since selected participants have a 72-hour window to buy their tickets.

After you’ve secured your spot, the next step is choosing the correct vehicle pass for how you’re arriving. Also, there are equity tickets available for anyone facing barriers to participation.

Ticket Prices:

Adults (18 and over): $160 + fees
Youth (Ages 13–17): $80 + fees
Children (12 and under): Free (ticket still required)

Vehicle Passes:

Private Passenger Vehicles (cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs, or approved box trucks supporting theme camps): $40 + fees

RVs and Living Vehicles (bus conversions, travel trailers, camper vans, motorhomes, pop-ups, hybrid trailers, and non-theme-camp box trucks): $200 + fees

For more information, you can visit the festival’s official website and their social media accounts.

Festival Weather and What to Wear

May in Ontario usually brings a mix of mild afternoons and cooler nights, with daytime temperatures often sitting around 18 °C to 22 °C and evenings dropping closer to 6 °C to 10 °C.

The weather is mostly comfortable, but a bit of rain or a chilly breeze can still show up, especially after sunset, so bringing additional layers will help you stay cozy from early camp mornings to late-night wandering

Here’s what to wear and bring along to comfortably enjoy your festival experience:

Light jacket – A simple jacket makes a huge difference once the sun goes down and the air cools off. It’s also easy to carry around during the day when things warm up.

Long-sleeve shirts – These are great for layering without feeling bulky. They keep you comfortable when the temperature shifts between daytime and night.

Comfortable pants – Pants are a solid choice for outdoor evenings when the grass and air start to feel colder. They also work well for walking around camp and exploring installations.

Water-resistant shoes – May can bring the occasional damp ground or surprise shower, so shoes that handle moisture are a smart move. Your feet will thank you after hours of wandering.

Hat and sunglasses – Sunny afternoons can still feel bright and warm, especially in open spaces. A hat and sunglasses help you stay comfortable while you’re out enjoying the daytime energy.

Where to Stay

For anyone who wants a comfortable place to stay before or after attending SideBurn, here are a few solid hotel options nearby in Napanee for you to consider:

Comfort Inn & Suites – Located on Community Road in Napanee, this 3-star hotel offers an easy stay with free Wi-Fi, a pool, and a hot tub for relaxing after a long day outside. Free breakfast and parking are included too, which always makes mornings simpler.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Napanee – This bright, modern 3-star option has an indoor pool, free breakfast, and all the basics you want when you just need a clean, comfortable place to crash. You’ll find it on McPherson Drive in Napanee, close to shops and quick food stops.

Royal Napanee Inn – A straightforward, budget-friendly 2-star choice with air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and free parking for anyone traveling by car. It’s tucked along County Road 41.

Where to Eat

If you’re craving for a great meal or some quick bites, here are some dining spots that you can try out:

The Blue Door Bakery & Cafe – Located on Concession St S in Tamworth, this charming café is known for its fresh-baked bread, flaky pastries, and great coffee. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down for a minute, refuel, and ease into your morning.

The Waterfront River Pub and Terrace – This welcoming pub serves crowd-pleasers like crispy fish and chips, rich velvet tomato bisque, and a triple-layer chocolate cake that’s hard to resist. You’ll find it on Water St W in Napanee.

Santorini Mediterranean Grill – If you’re craving bold Mediterranean flavors, this restaurant serves favorites like calamari, braised lamb shank, and veal parmesan in a warm, casual setting. It’s located along County Rd 8 in Napanee, making it a convenient dinner stop before or after the festival.

More Things to Do in the Area

For anyone who wants to explore a little more beyond the festival grounds, here are just some of the attractions and places you can drop by:

Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area – Located in Erinsville, this simple but special observation deck is known for its clear, open views of the night sky. On a good evening, the stars feel incredibly close, and it’s a quiet contrast to the festival’s glow.

Lions Beaver Lake Park – This easygoing park is perfect for a picnic, a slow lakeside walk, or just letting your dog roam a bit. You’ll find it in the Stone Mills area, close enough to fit into a relaxed afternoon plan.

Sheffield Conservation Area – Nestled in the Erinsville area, this nature preserve offers shaded trails, picnic tables, and space to unwind in the middle of greenery. It’s a nice reset if you’re craving fresh air and a calmer pace.

A Blazing Conclusion: Final Words on SideBurn

SideBurn leaves you with more than just great moments—it sends you home with new friendships, shared memories, and that special feeling that only comes from being part of something unique and wonderful.

Beyond the festival, nearby areas offer attractions and great places that you can visit, allowing you to add more excitement and fun to your overall festival journey.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try something bold, creative, and a little outside your comfort zone, this is it — pack your bags, grab your tickets, and step into SideBurn.