BRANTFORD, Ont. — Downtown Brantford is preparing for the return of Brantford Beats & Eats, with the second annual festival set to bring live music, food vendors, visual arts and family entertainment to the city centre on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The free community event will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., bringing performances and activities to Harmony Square, Colborne Street and a second stage beside the Brantford Public Library. The festival had originally been scheduled for July 18 but was postponed because of an air quality warning in effect at the time.
Legendary NBA entertainer and NBA All-Star Weekend host Q-Mack will serve as host and emcee for this year’s event.
Two Downtown Stages to Feature Live Music
Music will form a major part of the festival, with local and touring performers scheduled across two downtown stages throughout the day.
The Harmony Square Stage will open with Jammer’s Waffle House from 11 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., followed by Backburner from 12:25 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Garnetta Cromwell will perform from 1:50 p.m. to 2:55 p.m., followed by Wreckless Harbour from 3:15 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
Hayley Verrall is scheduled from 4:40 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., while Jace Martin will close the stage’s program with a performance from 6:05 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
Parkette Stage Expands Festival Lineup
A second lineup will perform at the Parkette Stage beside the Brantford Public Library at 173 Colborne Street.
Mary Simon will start the program at 11 a.m., followed by The Getaway Blues Band at 12:25 p.m. Gracie Jet takes the stage at 1:50 p.m., Quinn Sutherland at 3:15 p.m. and Matt Campbell at 4:40 p.m.
Piper & Carson will finish the Parkette Stage schedule with a performance beginning at 6:05 p.m.
Food Trucks, Vendors and Entertainment Planned Along Colborne Street
Beyond the music program, festival organizers are adding several activities along Colborne Street.
Visitors will be able to watch live art demonstrations and free magic shows from Awesome Mike Magic. An aerial hoop performance is scheduled between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., while Smash ‘N Axes will offer axe throwing for a fee.
The artisan and vendor marketplace will feature 12 retail booths. Five food trucks will also be on-site, offering food and beverages for purchase.
A licensed patio sponsored by Shack Bar will operate in Harmony Square for visitors aged 19 and older. Valid government-issued photo identification will be required to enter the licensed area.
Battle of the Brushes Debuts at 2026 Festival
One of the major additions to this year’s Brantford Beats & Eats is Battle of the Brushes, a live painting competition featuring seven participating artists.
Artists will have 40 minutes to complete their work during each round, with festival visitors voting to determine the winners.
Artists to Compete in Two Live Painting Rounds
The first round will run from noon to 12:40 p.m. on Colborne Street. Artists will be free to choose the subject of their paintings, followed by an audience voting period.
The second round will take place from 1 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. and will require participants to create Brantford-themed artwork. Another voting period will follow before the competition winners are announced.
The format adds an interactive visual arts component to a festival already built around live entertainment and downtown activity.
Road Closure and Free Parking Planned for Festival
Free parking will be available at the Market Centre Parkade at 59 Icomm Drive.
Drivers should also expect a temporary downtown road closure connected with the festival. Colborne Street between Queen Street and Bain Street will be closed from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sept. 12, allowing the roadway to be used for festival activities.
With two stages of live music, food trucks, vendors, entertainment and the debut of its live painting competition, the second Brantford Beats & Eats is positioned as a full-day downtown event aimed at residents and visitors.
The complete festival schedule and additional event information are available through the City of Brantford’s Brantford Beats & Eats webpage.