Celebrate youth week in Brantford with free activities

The City of Brantford, in partnership with the Brantford Youth Council (BYC), is hosting a series of events and activities for youth in celebration of National Youth Week May 1 to 7, 2026. National Youth Week provides an opportunity to involve local youth in areas of civic engagement and recreation through events and activities developed by the City and Brantford Youth Council.  

To mark Youth Week 2026, residents of all ages and City staff are invited to attend a flag raising ceremony in Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie St, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. with members of the Brantford Youth Council and City representatives.

The City of Brantford and BYC are pleased to present the fourth annual Brantford Youth Excellence Awards on Monday, May 11 at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts. The event begins at 6 p.m. with youth visual art displays, and a youth makers market in the lobby. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the City of Brantford Youth Leadership Development Program Graduation and the Brantford Youth Excellence Awards will take place on stage, including performances by local youth musicians. Headline performers Superstar Crush will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. to close out the evening. All youth, along with their families, are welcome to attend. Registration is encouraged.

Youth Week Events and Activities

• Board Game Social at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Carnegie Hall Room 100 (73 George Street, basement floor) on Friday, May 1 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ages 13 to 18. Bring your own board game to share and enjoy bubble tea.
• Free Cooking for YOUth Class at Woodman Community Centre on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 11 to 17. Registration is required www.Brantford.ca/ACTIVEnet or by calling 519-759-4150 ext. 5079.
• Drop-in Game Night at Woodman Community Centre on Monday, May 4 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ages 11 to 17.
• Paint Your Own Pottery Workshop at PawTastic Pottery Studio (10 Stanley Street) on Tuesday, May 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ages 11 to 17. Registration is required online at www.Brantford.ca/ACTIVEnet or by calling 519-759-4150 ext. 5079.
• Intergenerational Story Exchange Event at Brantford Public Library St. Paul Branch (491 Grey Street) on Wednesday, May 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Registration is required.

Brantford youth are encouraged to participate in additional drop-in programs at Woodman Community Centre (491 Grey Street) free of charge, with the exception of Woodman After Dark. Throughout the week, youth can participate in open gym, basketball, pickleball, badminton, and W Lounge.

To view schedules, register and to learn more, visit brantford.ca/YouthWeek.

Brantford Youth Week is a project that amplifies the goals of the City’s Empowering Youth Strategy, and the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, which represents the City’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing youth wellness through programs, services and community-based initiatives.