Canadian rock band Finger Eleven to headline Brantford’s Canada Day event

BRANTFORD, ON – Brantford’s Canada Day returns Wednesday, July 1, 2026 with iconic Canadian rock band Finger Eleven, presented by OLG, headlining a full day of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, children’s programming, food vendors, a midway, marketplace and fireworks at Lions Park Steve Brown Sports Complex. The community is invited to start their day at the Citizenship Ceremony returning this year at 10 a.m. at BGC Brantford (2 Edge St.) and witness successful applicants officially become Canadian citizens. The event continues at 11 a.m. with activities and entertainment for all ages taking place throughout the day. Canadian music legend, Tom Wilson, will take the Main Stage at 6:30 p.m. followed by Finger Eleven at 8:30 p.m. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Live music on the Main Stage

Main Stage musical entertainment begins at 12 p.m., with a diverse lineup of talented local and touring artists including Hell Bent Rockers, a rockabilly quartet, at 12:10 p.m., Fresh Water Funk, an 8-piece rock, soul and funk band, at 1:25 p.m., Otis Wonder and The Hustle, an R&B soul group, at 2:20 p.m. Back to the 80’s, a tribute band specializing in pop, rock and new wave hits, at 3:25 p.m., and Steven Taetz, performing roots rock, gentle pop ballads, soul and jazz at 4:35 p.m.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Canadian music legend Tom Wilson will play R&B, funk, blues and more. This year’s headliner, iconic rock and Juno Award-winning band, Finger Eleven, will play a blend of 90s alt and funk-rock including their top hits “Paralyzer”, “One Thing”, “Living in a Dream” and more, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Accessible seating will be available at the front of the Main Stage.

Children’s activities in the Young Canadians Area

Families can enjoy an exciting lineup of interactive entertainment, activities and family-friendly fun in the Young Canadians Area, presented by Hickory Dickory Decks, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Talented students from the 20 Performing Arts Academy will open the day’s entertainment with a musical theatre performance starting at 12 p.m. Plan to join in the foam party fun with Team T & J at 12:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. and interact with the amazing Simon Says Show at 1:20 p.m., 3:05 p.m., and 5:05 p.m. The beloved BarryO Kids Show returns with mesmerizing magic, comedy and ventriloquism at 3:40 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Children can enjoy a special Storytime with PAW Patrol’s Rubble and Deckster from Hickory Dickory Decks, followed by meet and greets with PAW Patrol’s Rubble at 4:40 p.m.

Midway, Food and Marketplace

Albion Amusements presents the KidZone Carnival and Midway with thrilling rides to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ride tickets and ride-all-day wristbands can be purchased on-site or in advance online. Purchase Ride-All-Day Bracelets online until Tuesday, June 30, 2026, for a special rate of $35 plus HST, each. Find details at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay under the ‘Activities’ tab.                 

Popular food vendors will be selling delicious bites and refreshing beverages from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bring your appetite and choose from a variety of options including classic fair favourites, international flavours, and unique local specialties.

Take a stroll through the Canada Day Marketplace proudly presented by Mitsui High-Tec (Canada) Inc, open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Discover a wide array of handmade goods, fashion, accessories, unique treasures and more. Local artisans and crafters will showcase their one-of-a-kind creations, offering something for every interest.

The Canada Day Green Team and the City of Brantford are committed to diverting 75 per cent of the waste generated at this year's event. Attendees are asked to bring a reusable water bottle with them to the event to use the City of Brantford Quench Buggy for free water refills.

Review the full schedules and details at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay.

Transportation

A complimentary shuttle service will be available to help attendees get to and from Lions Parks Steve Brown Sports Complex on Wednesday, July 1. Attendees are encouraged to ride the free shuttle offered by Brantford Transit. Find a list of pick-up and drop-off locations including times at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay. On-site parking is also available for $10 per vehicle in support of the non-profit charity Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise who support local charitable organizations. Brantford Lift is also available for anyone requiring accessible transportation and must be pre-booked by Friday, June 26 at 9:30 p.m. by calling 519-752-4444 or emailing brantfordlift@brantford.ca.

Volunteer opportunities

There are several ways to get involved in this year’s Canada Day event. The City is currently seeking volunteers to assist with set-up and take-down, parking services (must be 18 or older), clean-up, and Brantford Green Team duties. Volunteers will receive a keepsake t-shirt and high school community hours will apply where applicable.

Volunteer applications are available at Brantford.ca/Volunteer and will be accepted until Monday, June 22, 2026. Volunteers must be available to attend a mandatory in-person training on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Lions Park Auditorium (20 Edge St.).

The City of Brantford thanks the Brantford’s Canada Day community sponsors and volunteers including Strodes BBQ & Deli, and Domino’s Pizza who generously provide food and beverages for the Canada Day volunteers.

Sponsorship opportunities

Brantford’s Canada Day event attracts an estimated 20,000 visitors each year. This free event is possible through the support of our sponsors, including OLG, Hickory Dickory Decks, Sonoco Canada Corporation, Tim Hortons, and Co-operators and McMillian Insurance, and more. Businesses or organizations can be associated with a variety of memorable activities and events from live music, Young Canadians attractions, fireworks and more. Applications are available at Brantford.ca/CanadaDaySponsors.

Quotes

“Brantford’s Canada Day continues to be one of the community’s most anticipated summer events, bringing residents and visitors together for a day filled with live music, family-friendly activities and community spirit. On behalf of Brantford Council and myself, I would like to thank the many sponsors, volunteers and community partners whose support helps make this free community event possible and ensures the day runs smoothly for everyone attending.”

- Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis

“Canada Day in Brantford is one of my favourite days of the year. Beyond the event itself, it’s about seeing neighbours, families and friends come together to create lasting memories and proudly reflect on what it is to be Canadian. I am proud to be a part of the Brantford Canada Day Committee who is working hard behind the scenes to ensure this year’s event is something the entire community will enjoy, and recognize what makes Brantford such a special place to call home.”

- Dave Carrol, Brantford’s Canada Day Committee Chair

About Finger Eleven

Finger Eleven, formed in Burlington, Ontario, has earned their place as one of Canada’s best-selling rock bands and one of its most powerful live acts. Their self-titled breakthrough album went Platinum in Canada and Gold in the US, driven by the hit “One Thing.” Their 2007 album, Them vs. You vs. Me, launched the single “Paralyzer,” setting radio records in the US, peaking at #1 internationally across multiple formats and going 5x Platinum, also earning them a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year. After celebrating their legacy with a Greatest Hits collection in 2023, the band entered a new chapter with their brand-new studio Last Night On Earth album, featuring the Canadian #1 rock hits “Adrenaline” and "The Mountain." 

About Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson Tom Wilson is a Canadian musician, author and visual artist. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada in June 2023 for his multifaceted contributions to the arts and his advocacy for Indigenous communities. He was officially invested with the honor at Rideau Hall in 2025. Wilson’s memoir, “Beautiful Scars” is a national bestseller and The National Art Centre in Ottawa is preparing for a September run of “Beautiful Scars”, a musical adaptation. Tom Wilson has won five Juno Awards and has certified gold and platinum records. His songwriting has seen his works recorded by and with artists such as Sarah McLachlan, City and Colour, Jason Isbell, Colin James, Lucinda Williams, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mavis Staples, The Rankin Family, as well as his own bands. Tom established the Tom Wilson Indigenous Bursary in Honour of Bunny Wilson at McMaster University, supporting year one indigenous students from Ontario secondary schools. Wilson was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2023, with this citation: For his multifaceted contributions to the arts in Canada, notably as an iconic musician, as well as for his advocacy of Indigenous communities in Canada. Through his melodies, paintings, and words, Wilson invokes ancestral wisdom while addressing pressing issues of our time. His artistry serves as a bridge between past and present, inviting reflection and dialogue on the complexities of Indigenous identity and resilience. Tom was officially added to the KAHNAWÀ:KE KANIEN'KEHÁ:KA REGISTRY as per KANIEN'KEHÁ:KA OF KAHNAWÀ:KE LAW.

Read Tom Wilson’s full bio online at www.tomwilsononline.com/about.

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Media Contact:

Sharon Sayles | Communications Advisor, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext.5218 | communications@brantford.ca