The City of Brantford's second annual Brantford Beats & Eats festival returns to downtown Brantford on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This free festival brings together food trucks, a vibrant artisan market, a live painting competition, and a diverse lineup of live music and entertainment.
The City is looking for a wide variety of artists, performers and vendors, including magicians, dancers, buskers, interactive artists, performance artists, plein air artists, muralists, chalk artists, and more, for this event. Approved participants will be placed at the Harmony Square Stage, Parkette Stage, or Art Alley, in downtown Brantford. Vendors or artisans looking to sell their products can also apply online to be included in the Artisan Marketplace.
The City is also seeking 12 visual artists to compete in Battle of the Brushes, a new, live painting competition that will take place during the event. Artists will have 40 minutes to paint a secret subject that will be revealed only at the start of the round. All materials will be provided. A live audience will cast their votes to crown the champion. First place will be awarded $500, second place will be awarded $250, and third place will be awarded $100. All participating artists will be paid $50 for their time. Interested artists can apply online and submit examples of their previous work.