Home Sweet Home Festival

Thank you for coming, see you next year!

The Home Sweet Home Festival is an epic all-day festival in July that showcases what truly makes Whitby our home. Whitby’s entire Downtown core will be pedestrian focused and walkable!

Celebrate our home by exploring the vibrant BIA businesses, outdoor patios, the Whitby’s Farmers’ Market, Station Gallery’s Artisan Marketplace, Lynde House Museum activities, walking tours, Youth Entrepreneurs, cultural dances, performances, and exciting family activities!

Child in wheel chair holding balloon animal

Family sitting and eating on side of the road

Indian dancers performing tradition dance

Steel pan drummer playing on street level

Blue vintage jacked up coffee truck with people ordering food

Close up of Canadian Made Cutting Boards

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🐶 Dogs: Is the festival dog-friendly?

Yes! The Home Sweet Home Festival is a dog-friendly event. Water bowls will be available throughout the site. Some restaurants allow dogs on their patios — we recommend contacting individual establishments for details.

🚗 Parking and Transportation: Where should I park?

Parking Meters (No parking):

All parking meters in the Downtown Whitby within the event area will be unavailable.

Municipal Parking Lots:

There will be no parking in Municipal Lot 1 (next to the Whitby Legion) however, several municipal parking lots are available near the festival site. We encourage guests to park at the Henry Street Lot by Go Transit and take the free shuttle to the event.

Accessible Parking is available at all Downtown lots. Additional accessible parking spaces will be added to Municipal Lots 6 and 7 (Colborne Street and Perry Street Lots).

🚌 Shuttle Services: Are shuttles available?

Yes! A free shuttle will run between the Henry Street Parking Lot and the festival, with drop-off at the Whitby Public Library (west side of the event site). Shuttles run every 10 minutes from 9:50 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.

♿ Accessibility: Is the venue accessible?

Absolutely. The event takes place on flat, paved ground suitable for all mobility devices.

Accessible parking is available and expanded at:

Municipal Lot 7 (by the library)
Municipal Lot 6 (Perry Street)

Accessible washrooms include:

Portable toilets on-site
Indoor washrooms at the Whitby Public Library

🤫 Where do I go if I need a quiet space?

Whitby's Accessibility Advisory Committee is excited to offer a Sensory Space at Home Sweet Home Festival! Located within the Whitby Public Library - Central Branch (405 Dundas Street West), this quiet, low-stimulation area provides a calming retreat and sensory tools to help individuals who may feel overwhelmed by crowds, noise, or busy environments to regulate and feel comfortable. This initiative promotes greater inclusion and accessibility, ensuring everyone can participate fully in the event.

🏨 Accommodation: Are there hotel options nearby?

Yes. Visit whitby.ca/tourism for local hotel and accommodation information.

👶 Age Restrictions: Is this an all-ages event?

Yes! The Home Sweet Home Festival is open to all ages — bring the whole family.

☔ Weather: What happens if it rains?

The festival is a rain or shine event. Bring your umbrella for rain and sunscreen for sunny weather.

💵 Cost: Is there an entry fee?

Entry to the festival is free.
Restaurants, vendors and businesses $$
Fundraising activities may have costs if you wish to participate.
Zipline rides are $5.00 each (cash only).

📱 Lost & Found: What if I lose something?

Visit the Information Tent located at the four corners Brock and Dundas Streets to report or check for lost items.
After the event, unclaimed items are turned into Service Whitby at 575 Rossland Road East.