Special Events and Programs
Special Events
First Long-Distance Call Celebration-Saturday, August 8, 2026
Join us on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bell Homestead NHS for a special event celebrating the first long-distance telephone call between Paris, Ontario, and Brantford, Ontario. Enjoy historic displays, self-guided tours of the Homestead, live music, crafts, and themed refreshments for purchase in the Exchange Café. Learn about this important moment in history and how it helped shape the way we communicate today. This event is free, however donations are welcome towards future Bell Homestead NHS programs and events.
Hoy Hoy! Brantford to Paris: A 150th Anniversary Tea-Monday, August 10, 2026
Join us on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for an evening tea celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first long-distance call between Paris and Brantford. Enjoy a themed high tea menu, test your knowledge with lively trivia, tour the Homestead, and hear fascinating stories and facts about this historic moment in history. Tickets are $25 per person, and can purchased online at www.Brantford.ca/ACTIVEnet.
Symphony at Sunset-Thursday, August 20, 2026
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, enjoy an evening outdoor performance by the Brantford Community Symphony Orchestra featuring classical music enjoyed by the Bell family and modern favourites. The outdoor concert is weather permitting and begins at 7:00 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the music in front of the Bell family’s 1870s home. This event is free, however donations are welcome towards future Bell Homestead NHS programs and events.
In the event of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled to Friday, August 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Coffee House in the Carriage House-Saturday, September 26, 2026
On Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., join us for an evening of live acoustic music with the talented Andrew Muller. Cool fact: Andrew is Dr. Alexander Graham Bell’s great-great-great grandson! Included in the cost of your ticket, enjoy delicious finger foods and refreshments served in the carriage house. You can purchase tickets for $40 per person, including tax, online at www.Brantford.ca/ACTIVEnet or at front door.
Back in the Day: A Musical Trip Through the 1960s-Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 2026
Local band, Pleasant Ridge, will take you on a musical journey through the 60s featuring ballads to bluesy, pop to folk, rock to Motown and more. This free event will take place in the Bell Homestead Carriage House on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase. This event is free, however donations are welcome towards future Bell Homestead NHS programs and events.
An Evening of Local Spooky Ghost Stories-Friday, October 23, 2026
Purchase a ticket and gather after dark for a calm and engaging evening on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Explore the region’s mysterious past with eerie tales, historic legends, and experience a few chills. Live performers will share local ghost stories from Brantford and nearby communities through dramatic readings and short scenes. Refreshments will be available for purchase. You an purchase tickets for $20 per person, including tax, online at www.Brantford.ca/ACTIVEnet.
Halloween Fun Fair-Sunday, October 25, 2026
On Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., create a craft to take home and play fun old-fashioned Halloween-themed games. Home-baked goods and refreshments will be available for purchase at The Exchange Cafe. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes. This event is free, however donations are welcome towards future Bell Homestead NHS programs and events.
Programs
Fall 2026 and winter 2027 program registration dates:
- City of Brantford and Six Nations of the Grand River residents can register for Winter 2027 Programs (excluding swim lessons) on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
- Registration opens to all on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
Parent and Child S.T.E.A.M Fun (ages 2 to 5 with a caregiver)
Your child will explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through story time and fun hands-on activities. Kids should wear comfortable clothing that can get messy. The program is led by an instructor and supported by parents or care providers helping their child with activities.
| Day | Dates | Sessions | Time | Cost | Activity number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | September 15 to October 27, 2026 | 6 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | $50.00 | 27974 |
| Tuesday | January 5 to February 9, 2027 | 6 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | $50.00 | 27975 |
Cooking in Mrs. Bell's Kitchen (ages 6 to 12)
Do you want to learn baking skills from the last 150 years? Do you want to try historical recipes from all over the world? Then this fun cooking program is perfect for your kids! They can have a blast cooking in our 1870s kitchen on a real wood stove and learn basic culinary skills. Caregivers are invited to attend on the final evening for a pop-up restaurant at The Exchange Café. Please note that the same recipes will be used for the Tuesday and Thursday classes.
| Day | Dates | Sessions | Time | Cost | Activity number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | October 13 to November 17, 2026 | 6 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | $70.00 | 27965 |
| Thursday | October 15 to November 19, 2026 | 6 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | $70.00 | 27966 |
Mr. Bell's Creativity Lab (ages 10 to 14)
If you are a homeschooled student who loves to make, create and invent things, this exciting program is for you! Experienced staff will explore art, science, and invention with participants through fun, hands-on activities.
| Day | Dates | Sessions | Time | Cost | Activity number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | October 16 to November 13, 2026 | 5 | 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | $65.00 | 27976 |
| Friday | October 16 to November 13, 2026 | 5 | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | $65.00 | 27977 |
| Thursday | January 14 to February 11, 2027 | 5 | 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | $65.00 | 27978 |
| Thursday | January 14 to February 11, 2027 | 5 | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | $65.00 | 27979 |
Paint Night at The Exchange Café (ages 18+)
Spend an evening painting and enjoying a warm tea or coffee and yummy treat in our cozy café. An experienced painter will guide you step-by-step, in creating your own masterpiece. No experience is necessary. All supplies, tea, coffee and treats are included in the cost. White and red wine will be available for purchase. Attendees who would like to purchase wine must present a valid Driver's License.
| Day | Dates | Sessions | Time | Cost | Activity number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | September 30, 2026 | 1 | 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | $40.00 | 28533 |
| Wednesday | October 28, 2026 | 1 | 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | $40.00 | 28534 |
| Wednesday | November 25, 2026 | 1 | 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | $40.00 | 28535 |
| Wednesday | December 16, 2026 | 1 | 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | $40.00 | 28536 |
| Wednesday | January 27, 2027 | 1 | 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | $40.00 | 28537 |
| Wednesday | February 24, 2027 | 1 | 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | $40.00 | 28538 |
| Wednesday | March 31, 2027 | 1 | 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | $40.00 | 28539 |
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