Brantford Beats & Eats returns to downtown Brantford on Saturday, July 18

BRANTFORD, ON – The second annual Brantford Beats & Eats festival will return to downtown Brantford on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a full day of live music and entertainment, a vendor market, art demonstrations, a live painting competition, food trucks, and more. Legendary NBA entertainer and the host of NBA All-Star Weekend, Q-Mack, will host and MC the event.

"We are thrilled to be hosting the second annual Brantford Beats & Eats festival on Saturday, July 18," says Kara Davey, Manager of Tourism, Culture and Sport for the City of Brantford. "Our team has curated an exciting lineup, and we can’t wait for residents and visitors to join in the fun. This event is a fantastic way to activate the downtown, elevate businesses in the core, and provide a fun and free experience for the community.”

The day kicks off with live music on the Harmony Square Stage, which will feature an exciting lineup of talented local and touring artists including Backburner from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Garnetta Cromwell from 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m., Wreckless Harbour from 1:40 p.m. to 2:40 p.m., Hayley Verrall from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Jammer's Waffle House from 4:20 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. and Ty Wilson from 5:40 p.m. to 6:40 p.m.

Live music will also take place at the Parkette Stage, located beside the Brantford Public Library at 173 Colborne Street, and will feature Mary Simon/Mississippi Bends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wandering x Canopy from 12:10 p.m. to 1:10 p.m., Gracie Jet from 1:20 p.m. to 2:20 p.m., Quinn Sutherland from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Matt Campbell from 3:40 p.m. to 4:40 p.m., Piper & Carson from 4:50 p.m. to 5:50 p.m., and The Grace San Andres Quartet from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Attendees can wander along Colborne Street to take in live art demonstrations as part of Art Alley, enjoy free magic shows from Awesome Mike Magic, try axe throwing with Smash ‘N Axes (for a fee), and browse the artisan and vendor marketplace, which will include over 13 retail booths. Five food trucks will be on-site with food and beverages for purchase, and a licensed patio area sponsored by Shack Bar will be stationed in Harmony Square and open to those 19 years of age and older. Valid government-issued photo identification will be required for entry to the licensed patio.

New this year will be the Battle of the Brushes live painting competition. Eight participating artists will have 40 minutes to paint their artwork, and the audience will vote to crown the champion. Round one will take place on Colborne Street from 12 p.m. to 12:40 p.m., and the paintings will be the artists' choice, with a voting period following. Round two will take place from 1 p.m. to 1:40 p.m., and the paintings will be Brantford-themed, with a voting period to follow before the winners are announced.

Free parking is available at the Market Centre Parkade located at 59 Icomm Drive. Downtown road closures will be in effect for the community to enjoy the event. A section of Colborne Street, between Queen Street and Bain Street, will be closed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

The full schedule of events is available online at Brantford.ca/BeatsAndEats.

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Media Contact:

City of Brantford, Communications and Community Engagement
519-759-4150 | communications@brantford.ca