Riverfest Elora hires executive director

ELORA – David Lander is the new executive director of Riverfest Elora. 

Spencer Shewen remains artistic director. 

The director roles were previously tied together but have been separated to better support the festival as it continues to grow.

“I have attended Riverfest Elora since 2013 and have seen the festival grow and become one of the best live events Ontario has to offer,” Lander states in a press release. 

He joins Riverfest Elora with a wealth of experience within the festival and events industries as an operations, production and events manager, holding leadership positions at various arts festivals and organizations over the course of his career, including with Kazoo! Fest, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Guelph Jazz Festival and the acclaimed Newfoundland festival, Lawnya Vawnya,  which he co-founded in 2011. 

“With a beautiful community surrounding it, programming that has its finger on the pulse and located along the stunning Grand River, Riverfest Elora is truly a special festival and I am very grateful to join the amazing and dedicated team that makes it all happen,” David states. 

“It’s the highlight of the summer for so many and I am excited to build upon the legacy that Riverfest Elora has already created.”

The 2024 edition of the festival takes place in Bissell Park from Aug 16 to 18. Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit riverfestelora.com