To guide you through Brant Region’s Culture Days 2026 season, Grand Culture has curated this three-weekend Culture Days itinerary to explore the hidden gems, the celebrated traditions, and the creative voices that make our region incredible.
Brant Region is defined by the winding waters of the Grand River, a watershed system that has served as a natural meeting place, drawing together diverse peoples, cultures, and traditions. That spirit of connection is what defines the heart of our community.
We would like to extend this personal invitation to join us from September 18 to October 4 when Brant Region will be bustling with creative energy, brilliant experiences and inspiring performances, rich cultural expression and connection, and reminders of our what makes us proud to live, create, and play here.
Weekend 1: The Artistic Current
Celebrating the artistic spirit that flows through the region, inspired by the natural beauty of the Grand River.
The Grand River connects us, inspires us, and sets the feeling of life here. This weekend is all about celebrating that local spark, from the artists who capture our landscapes to the artisans, makers, and growers who share the season's best.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
10AM–6PM: County of Brant Culture Days Kick-Off at the St. George Apple Fest — Main Street, St. George, ON. There is no better way to start the 2026 Culture Days season than in St. George, where the whole community comes out to celebrate the orchards that have defined our landscape for generations. Enjoy live music on one of two stages, grab a bite from the on-site food partners, especially the highly desired and must try fried apple dumplings, and traverse the local artisans vendors market. This treasured event has been operating since 1984 and has become part of our regional identity. Be sure to say hello to the Brant Hub Culture Days team who will be on site greeting visitors and sharing all there is to do in Brant Region during Culture Days 2026!
10AM–1PM: Brantford Culture Days on the Trails — SC Johnson Trail (Access via 260 Hardy Road, Brantford, ON). This is one of our best-kept secrets. You are walking the beautiful and beloved trail system in Brant, considered among the best in the province, but today it is alive with local musicians and creators.
Lunch: Food Trucks at the Grand River Arts Festival — Glenhyrst Art Gallery, 20 Ava Road, Brantford, ON. Grab a bite on the lawn at Glenhyrst. It feels like a big, welcoming backyard party where everyone is invited and you’re surrounded by the region’s best art nestled among the trees.
11AM–6PM: Grand River Arts Festival — Glenhyrst Art Gallery, 20 Ava Road, Brantford, ON. This is the premier regional celebration of the arts, featuring the top creators in Brant Region and beyond. Shop the fine arts market (65+ vendors), enjoy music all weekend, and be sure to watch some 10-minute plays (17 productions over 3 blocks). Do not miss the Big Cityyy Plinths, a striking performance art installation that perfectly captures the bold, creative energy of our community.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
10AM–5PM: Return to the St. George Apple Fest — Main Street, St. George, ON. Come back for the second day to catch the local vendors you missed and really soak in that small-town hospitality. The old brick buildings in Downtown St. George are full of character and tell the story of how this village grew up around the harvest.
Weekend 2: The Maker's Tradition
A tribute to the craftspeople, artisans, and innovators of the past and present.
Brant Region has always been a place where things are made. Whether it is the written word, a hand-hooked rug, or traditional crafts, this weekend is all about the joy of creation. We explore the tangible skills that have been passed down through generations and continue to fill our many local markets and studios.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
11AM–3PM: Books of Brant County Book Fair — The Paris Wincey Mills Co., 31 Mechanic Street, Paris, ON. Wincey Mills is a local hub, and today it will feature the stories of our region. This book fair highlights local reads by local voices, which is the perfect place to experience Brant Region’s rich literary heritage.
Lunch: The Library Table & Bar — The Arlington Hotel, 106 Grand River Street N, Paris, ON. The Arlington is a piece of our history, having opened in 1851 it is celebrating 175 years in 2026. Having lunch here feels like stepping back into the golden age of Paris, but with a modern menu devised by Executive Chef Ray Turner.
12–7PM: Le Petit Renaissance Faire — Le Petit Marche, 26 Mechanic Street, Paris, ON. See traditional crafts in action and appreciate the hands-on skills of our local artisans. Be sure to take the Renaissance home with you. Cosplay encouraged!
9AM–7PM: Fall Fest 2026 – Geocaching Festival — Burford Fairgrounds, 6 Park Avenue, Burford, ON. Join the hunt and engage in the global geocaching phenomenon!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
10AM–5PM: A Day in the Life - Brant County, 1850 — Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, 359 Blue Lake Road, St. George, ON. This is a fascinating look at how our ancestors actually lived. It is quiet, reflective, and deeply connected to the land at the former homestead of domestic science innovator Adelaide Hoodless.
Lunch: The St. George Arms — 24 Main Street, St. George, ON. This is where the locals go. It is cozy, welcoming, and exactly what you want after a morning of exploring. The onion rings are legendary!
11AM–5PM: Art: a Community Treasure Show and Sale — TF Warren Group Cainsville Community Centre, 15 Ewart Avenue, Cainsville, ON. Featuring a gallery style exhibit of over 30 local visual artists, with a silent auction. Be sure to check out ART: What does it mean to you?, a latch-hooked community art piece in the shape of the Grand Culture logo that you can contribute to.
Taken at the Other Paris Fashion Week 2025; Headpeice by Belleflorals; Model: Aaron Deketelaere
Weekend 3: The Cultural Crossroads
A celebration of the diverse, interconnected threads that make up the modern community of Brant.
Our community is a beautiful mix of Indigenous, settler, and new migrant voices. This weekend is about understanding where we come from, where we are heading, and celebrating how together our many cultures ford the Grand River to create something uniquely ours.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
10AM–3PM: School Days in St. George - Heritage Tour — 39 Beverly Street W, St. George, ON. Start your day with a step back in time to learn about the history of education in the County of Brant, guided by the Brant Historical Society.
10AM–2PM: Meet the Maker with Kindred Spirits Artisans — St. James Parish Hall, 8 Burwell Street, Paris, ON. Head over to Paris to celebrate the incredible work of our local artisans.
10AM–3PM: Brant Railway Heritage Day — Mt Pleasant United Church, 669 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant, ON. Discover how the railway changed everything for us by bringing new people and new innovations.
1–3PM: Nature Tales and Trails — Mt. Pleasant Nature Park, 755 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant, ON. A peaceful walk through the woods along our trail system that is considered among the best in the province and reminds us why we love living here.
1–4:30PM: Salt Springs Church & Cemetery: The Grand Tour — Salt Springs Church, 61 Salt Springs Church Road, Brantford, ON. This is a quiet, powerful place. It is a reminder of the many different people who traveled here to build a life and planted deep generational roots.
6–10:00PM: The Other Paris Fashion Week: Evening Gala 2026 — For Paris Centre, 164 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON. Meet the local creators who are re-interpreting our textile history with a new local fashion identity, featuring the most talented fashion designers from Brant and beyond.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Morning: Royal Chapel & Six Nations Trail — Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, 301 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON. This is a deeply significant place. It is a chance to walk the land and reflect on the enduring history of the Haudenosaunee people. The highlight is the stained-glass window series.
Mid-Day: Mohawk Institute Residential School and the Woodland Cultural Centre — 184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON. If you want to understand this region and the people who were here first, this site is dedicated to preserving the art, language, and history of the Indigenous people. Be sure to visit the recently opened Mohawk Institute interpretive site, and view the 51st Annual Juried Indigenous Art Exhibition.
Lunch: Yawékon by Tawnya Brant — 1037 Highway 54, Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON. You are in for a treat. Chef Tawnya Brant is doing amazing things with traditional Indigenous ingredients. It is a true taste of this place.
Afternoon: Chiefswood National Historic Site — 1037 Highway 54, Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON. This was the home of E. Pauline Johnson. Standing here, you can really feel the connection between the two worlds she bridged in her poetry, much like how the people living in Brant Region have bridged the Grand River.
We hope to see you at all of the Culture Days events this year on offer over the course of three weeks. You can see the full listing of events part of the Brant Festival Hub on the Culture Days website at: https://onculturedays.ca/festival-hubs/brant-2026/
