Finger Eleven to Headline Brantford’s 2026 Canada Day Celebration
Brantford’s Canada Day celebration returns on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with a full day of music, family activities, food, vendors, midway rides, and fireworks at Lions Park Steve Brown Sports Complex.
This year’s headline performer is iconic Canadian rock band Finger Eleven, presented by OLG. The band will take the Main Stage at 8:30 p.m., following a performance by Canadian music legend Tom Wilson at 6:30 p.m. The evening will wrap up with a fireworks display at 10 p.m.
The day begins with the return of the Citizenship Ceremony at 10 a.m. at BGC Brantford, 2 Edge Street, where new Canadians will officially receive their citizenship. The Canada Day event continues at Lions Park beginning at 11 a.m., with activities and entertainment running throughout the day.
Live Music Throughout the Day
The Main Stage will feature live performances starting at noon, with a mix of local and touring talent.
The lineup includes Hell Bent Rockers, a rockabilly quartet; Fresh Water Funk, an eight-piece rock, soul, and funk band; Otis Wonder and The Hustle, an R&B soul group; Back to the 80’s, a tribute band performing pop, rock, and new wave favourites; and Steven Taetz, who brings a mix of roots rock, pop ballads, soul, and jazz.
Later in the evening, Tom Wilson will perform a mix of R&B, funk, blues, and more before Finger Eleven closes out the night with their well-known Canadian rock sound. Fans can expect songs such as Paralyzer, One Thing, Living in a Dream, and more.
Accessible seating will be available near the front of the Main Stage.
Finger Eleven to Headline Brantford’s 2026 Canada Day Celebration
Brantford’s Canada Day celebration returns on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with a full day of music, family activities, food, vendors, midway rides, and fireworks at Lions Park Steve Brown Sports Complex.
This year’s headline performer is iconic Canadian rock band Finger Eleven, presented by OLG. The band will take the Main Stage at 8:30 p.m., following a performance by Canadian music legend Tom Wilson at 6:30 p.m. The evening will wrap up with a fireworks display at 10 p.m.
The day begins with the return of the Citizenship Ceremony at 10 a.m. at BGC Brantford, 2 Edge Street, where new Canadians will officially receive their citizenship. The Canada Day event continues at Lions Park beginning at 11 a.m., with activities and entertainment running throughout the day.
Live Music Throughout the Day
The Main Stage will feature live performances starting at noon, with a mix of local and touring talent.
The lineup includes Hell Bent Rockers, a rockabilly quartet; Fresh Water Funk, an eight-piece rock, soul, and funk band; Otis Wonder and The Hustle, an R&B soul group; Back to the 80’s, a tribute band performing pop, rock, and new wave favourites; and Steven Taetz, who brings a mix of roots rock, pop ballads, soul, and jazz.
Later in the evening, Tom Wilson will perform a mix of R&B, funk, blues, and more before Finger Eleven closes out the night with their well-known Canadian rock sound. Fans can expect songs such as Paralyzer, One Thing, Living in a Dream, and more.
Accessible seating will be available near the front of the Main Stage.
Family Fun in the Young Canadians Area
Families can enjoy a full schedule of children’s entertainment in the Young Canadians Area, presented by Hickory Dickory Decks, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The day will include a musical theatre performance by students from 20 Performing Arts Academy, foam party fun with Team T & J, the interactive Simon Says Show, and the return of the BarryO Kids Show, featuring magic, comedy, and ventriloquism.
Children will also have the chance to enjoy a special storytime with PAW Patrol’s Rubble and Deckster from Hickory Dickory Decks, followed by meet-and-greet opportunities with Rubble.
Midway, Food Vendors, and Marketplace
The KidZone Carnival and Midway, presented by Albion Amusements, will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ride tickets and ride-all-day wristbands will be available on-site, with advance online wristbands available until Tuesday, June 30, 2026, for $35 plus HST.
Food vendors will also be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering fair favourites, international flavours, drinks, and local specialties.
Visitors can also explore the Canada Day Marketplace, presented by Mitsui High-Tec Canada Inc., from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The marketplace will feature handmade goods, fashion, accessories, local products, and unique finds from artisans and crafters.
The City of Brantford and the Canada Day Green Team are aiming to divert 75 per cent of event waste this year. Attendees are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle and use the City’s Quench Buggy for free refills.
Getting to the Event
A free shuttle service will be available through Brantford Transit to help visitors get to and from Lions Park Steve Brown Sports Complex. Shuttle details, including pick-up and drop-off locations, are available at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay.
On-site parking will also be available for $10 per vehicle, with proceeds supporting the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise and its local charitable work.
Accessible transportation through Brantford Lift must be pre-booked by Friday, June 26 at 9:30 p.m. by calling 519-752-4444 or emailing brantfordlift@brantford.ca.
Volunteers and Sponsors Needed
The City is also looking for volunteers to help with event setup and takedown, parking, cleanup, and Green Team duties. Volunteers will receive a keepsake t-shirt, and high school community hours will be available where applicable.
Volunteer applications are open until Monday, June 22, 2026, at Brantford.ca/Volunteer. Volunteers must attend a mandatory training session on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Lions Park Auditorium, located at 20 Edge Street.
Brantford’s Canada Day event welcomes approximately 20,000 visitors each year and is supported by community sponsors, including OLG, Hickory Dickory Decks, Sonoco Canada Corporation, Tim Hortons, Co-operators and McMillian Insurance, and others.
Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities can learn more at Brantford.ca/CanadaDaySponsors.
About the Headliners
Finger Eleven is one of Canada’s most successful alternative rock bands. The Ontario band is known for major hits including Paralyzer and One Thing, along with a long history of successful albums, international radio play, and award recognition.
Tom Wilson is a Canadian musician, author, visual artist, and Companion of the Order of Canada. He has won multiple Juno Awards, released gold and platinum records, and is widely recognized for his contributions to Canadian music, art, storytelling, and Indigenous advocacy.
For the full Canada Day schedule and event details, visit Brantford.ca/CanadaDay.
