Streetfest brought crowds back to a hungry downtown Woodstock

A street view captured the large number of attendees filling Dundas Street for Summer Streetfest. (Ron Yuzark Photo)

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

The streets of Downtown Woodstock came alive once again as the much-anticipated Summer Streetfest returned for a vibrant two-day celebration on July 18 and 19.

The beloved event, hosted by the Downtown Woodstock BIA, drew thousands of residents and visitors to Dundas Street for a weekend packed with entertainment, shopping, and community connection. Kicking off Friday at 11:30 a.m., the festival featured live music across three downtown stages, with the energetic local group Josh Band Called Now What headlining the evening set. Attendees strolled the car-free streets enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavours of Woodstock's charming core. Local businesses offered sidewalk sales while patios and food vendors served up cold drinks and delicious eats under sunny skies.

Families were treated to an array of free entertainment, including buskers, a magic show, circus-style hula hoop performers, rock climbing, games, and a wildly popular foam party. Children laughed and danced in bubbles, while adults relaxed and shopped or tapped their feet to the music echoing through the historic downtown.

Operations Manager Duane Kumala-Thomas emphasized the value of the long-standing tradition:

“From buskers to the foam party and rock-climbing wall—it's all free entertainment. There’s been a lot of change in Woodstock over the years, and this event has been a constant. It’s a great reason for people to come downtown and rediscover all it has to offer.”