Grand River Arts Festival

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About

🎨 The Grand River Arts Festival Returns to Glenhyrst Gardens – September 19–20!

Join us for the must-attend arts celebration of the season at the stunning Glenhyrst Art Gallery grounds in Brantford. Two unforgettable days. One incredible festival.

🌙 EVENING PRELUDE

Friday, September 19 | 5–9 PM (Ticketed Event)

- Kick off the festival under the stars with an exclusive evening of art, music, and celebration.

Headliner: The Sadies – JUNO Award-winning legends of Canadian rock

Opening act: Tomi Swick – fellow JUNO winner with a soulful set to start the night

- First look at 50+ original art vendors

- Surprise performances and your first drink is on us

🌞 MAIN EVENT – FREE & FAMILY FRIENDLY

Saturday, September 20 | 11 AM–6 PM

A full-day outdoor celebration of creativity, community, and culture!

🎨 ART & EXHIBITORS

- Over 50 curated artists showcasing handmade works in ceramics, glass, metal, textiles, painting, mixed media, and more

- Live pottery demos by the Brantford Potters’ Guild in the Gardener’s Cottage, with works by 20+ local ceramic artists

- Hamilton Ontario Plein Artists onsite with live painting demos

- Brant Camera Club - capturing the event

🎭 THEATRE & PERFORMANCE

- 10-Minute Play Competition on the Coach House Stage – 21 plays featuring theatre companies from around the province. Short, powerful theatre with many works premiering at the event

- Interactive, roving performances by Big Cityyy Arts throughout the festival grounds

🎶 LIVE MUSIC ALL DAY

A vibrant mix of regional talent featuring:

Paige Warner · Jess Murphy Trio · ShaaMaa · The Low Down Dirty Mojos · The Ollivanders · Matt Welbanks · Static Safari

🎨 INTERACTIVE + COMMUNITY ART

- Rumple and Friends return with even more fun for families

- Join the creation of a permanent community art installation with legend Dave Hind (aka Thingmaker)

- Live painting demos and our signature Grand Impressionists Competition — where artists respond in real time to surprise pieces from Glenhyrst’s Permanent Collection. Vote for your favourite!

🌱 SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES - We’re keeping it green!

- Free water refill station

- On-site Green Team for waste diversion

- Eco-conscious materials and free shuttle service to help reduce car traffic

- This year we aim to be the FIRST NET ZERO WASTE Event in the region - HELP US DO THAT!

📍 Glenhyrst Art Gallery | 20 Ava Rd, Brantford, ON

🖼️ Learn more: www.grandriverartsfestival.com

Links

• Grand River Arts Festival Site grandriverartsfestival.ca

Organizer

Glenhyrst Art Gallery

Glenhyrst Art Gallery is located at 20 Ava Rd. in Brantford, ON and is a non-profit art gallery serving the region. Exhibiting 6 contemporary exhibits annually and offering a variety of events, arts education programs for students as well as classes and workshops for both children and adults.