Artists, performers, and vendors invited to join Brantford Beats & Eats

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford’s second annual Brantford Beats & Eats festival returns to downtown Brantford on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The event brings together food trucks, a vibrant artisan market, a live painting competition, and a diverse lineup of live music and entertainment. Performers, vendors, and artisans who are interested in taking part in Brantford Beats & Eats are invited to complete the online application form at Brantford.ca/BeatsAndEats by Friday, March 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Once again this year, Brantford Beats & Eats will take place in the heart of downtown Brantford in Harmony Square and along Colborne Street East, between Queen Street and Bain Street. Legendary local entertainer, Q-Mack, from Six Nations of the Grand River, will emcee the downtown event. Brantford Beats & Eats was nominated for the 2025 Innovative Tourism Award within the Hamilton Halton Brant Region and was featured at the Southern Ontario Tourism Conference in London, Ontario, on March 3, 2026.

Call for Artists, Performers, and Vendors
Singers, bands, magicians, dancers, buskers, interactive artists, performance artists, plein air artists, muralists, chalk artists, and more are invited to apply online under the Artists and Performers category. Approved participants will be placed at the Harmony Square Stage, Parkette Stage, or Art Alley. Vendors or artisans looking to sell their products can also apply online to be included in the Artisan Marketplace.

Call for Battle of the Brushes Participants
The City is seeking 12 visual artists to compete in Battle of the Brushes, a new, live painting competition that will take place during the event. Artists will have 40 minutes to paint a secret subject that will be revealed only at the start of the round. All materials will be provided. A live audience will cast their votes to crown the champion. First place will be awarded $500, second place will be awarded $250, and third place will be awarded $100. All participating artists will be paid $50 for their time. Interested artists can apply online and submit examples of their previous work.

Call for Food Vendors
Food trucks and food vendors will be stationed on Colborne St. W., between Queen St. and Bain St. All applications will be reviewed, and only selected vendors will receive an approval notice. Applicable fees will be invoiced after approval is granted, and selected vendors will be required to submit a Certificate of Insurance to the City of Brantford.

Sponsorship opportunities
Those interested in having their business or organization highlighted at Brantford Beats & Eats can learn more about sponsorship opportunities by emailing tourism@brantford.ca.

Volunteer opportunities
The City of Brantford is currently seeking volunteers to assist with various activities during Brantford Beats & Eats. High school community hours will be available. Accepted volunteers will be required to take mandatory virtual training. Those interested are encouraged to email tourism@brantford.ca for more information.