The Academy of Music and Performance

What a Duck-tas-tic weekend it was!!

From building the Catch-A-Ducky event into an even greater success to the inaugural Duckfest Duck Race, this was a great weekend brought to you by the Downtown Brantford BIA.

A weekend, an event, like this does not come without the help and work of many, many people. First, the ideas, the development and the logistics came from Ben Strasser and Bernie Martin at All Day Breakfast: the Creative Agency. Without them working with the BIA then we wouldn’t see events like this.

On our side, at The Academy, we need to thank all of the students who got up there and played and sang their hearts out! Everyone of the knocked it out of the park!! Thanks to our setup crew, Beth Stamer-McAllister, Darren Sippel and Dan Taylor. Special thanks go to the band backing up the students, Sean McAllister, Darren Sippel and Nolan Cross.

On Sunday (Race Day!) thanks go to Hope Guthrie and The Greg Zaluski Band for entertaining the crowd while we watched the ducks make their way down the Grand River!

Finally, these events don’t happen without all of you who came out. Thank you to everyone who showed up, listened to the music, purchased a duck, won a prize, watched the race. Everyone of you helped to make this event the success that it was. Thank you!!!

DUCKFEST STARTS TODAY!!!
Join us today in Harmony Square at 11::00 for the Catch-A-Ducky part of the weekend! Also, The Academy will be featuring student performances all day long! Fill up on duck-tastic fun before you go back out to tour the world at the International Villages! Tomorrow the race starts at noon but we have great music starting at 11:00! See you all there!!

Duckfest is just a week away and The Academy of Music and Performance has been working hard to bring you all a fantastic, duck worthy lineup!! On Saturday we have our very own students performing in Harmony Square and on Sunday we have two great local performers, Hope Guthrie and The Greg Zaluski Band pumping up the Duck Race! See you all there!!! Hope Guthrie Hope Guthrie Greg Zaluski Band Greg Zaluski

Happy Canada Day from The Academy of Music and Performance!!

Www.duckfest.ca

5 days in and our ducks are over 50% adopted!! Go to the website and get your ducks before they are gone! And join The Academy of Music and Performance on July 11th and 12th for DUCKFEST!!!

Home | Duckfest The draw for Duck Fest 2026 "Rubber Duck" Race will take place on July 12, 2026 at Brant's Crossing Park. The winner will be contacted by Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services to claim their prize! Must be at least 18 years of age to purchase. Lottery License # RAF1548989 For the Official Rules...

Can’t wait for the ducks to fly! We will be there with student performances and more great live music!

Get ready, Brantford… DuckFest is here! 🐥💛

We’re excited to introduce DuckFest, a brand-new two-day, family-friendly festival in Downtown Brantford in support of Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services.

What started as our beloved Catch-A-Ducky event has grown into two afternoons of duck-filled fun, community celebration, live music, games, prizes, and family activities.

Hosted by the Downtown Brantford BIA, DuckFest brings people together in the heart of downtown while shining a spotlight on local businesses, community connection, and a great cause.

📍 Saturday July 11 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Harmony Square, Brantford Join us for the third annual Catch-A-Ducky event, where Harmony Square will be packed with rubber duck fun for all ages! Enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, games, live music, and 500 numbered rubber ducks in the fountain, each connected to a prize. Prizes include bubbles, small toys, coupons, treats, gift cards, and more.

📍 Sunday, July 12 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Brants Crossing Park, Brantford The fun continues with our first annual rubber duck race on the Grand River! With 3,000 rubber ducks up for adoption, the first, second, and third ducks to cross the finish line will win monetary prizes. Plus, enjoy more live music, games, and family-friendly festival fun. (Ducks available for adoption starting June 1st, 2026!)

RSVP HERE: DuckFest 2026

Bring your family, invite your friends, adopt a duck, and help us launch DuckFest with a splash!

🦆✨

Thank you to the The Academy of Music and Performance, Old World Marketplace and The Cooperators McNaughton Agency for coming alongside and supporting this event!

Rubber Duck Race Details:
Ducks available for adoption starting June 1st, 2026!

Adoption Options:
1 Duck for: $5
5 Ducks for: $20

Available online only at www.duckfest.ca.

1st place winner will receive $1,800!
2nd place winner will receive $900!
3rd place winner will receive $300!

The draw for Duck Fest 2026 "Rubber Duck" Race will take place on July 12, 2026 at Brant's Crossing Park. The winner will be contacted by Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services to claim their prize!

Must be at least 18 years of age to purchase.
Lottery License # RAF1548989

Applications are NOW OPEN for The Garage: Urban Night Market!

Presented by the Downtown Brantford BIA, The Garage is back and we’re looking for incredible people to help bring it to life!

We are now accepting applications for:
Market Vendors
Food & Drink Vendors
Performers
Volunteers

Whether you’re a returning favourite or brand new to The Garage, everyone must apply through the links below to be considered for this year’s market.

👉 Apply here:

Maker/ Product/ Art Vendor:
https://forms.gle/Ab4dVGtcq5ZLiqLJ6

Food / Drink Vendor:
https://forms.gle/XyDzuyijmX8zHam47

Performer:
https://forms.gle/TACSHMXm21gvwP399

Volunteers:
https://forms.gle/PcUTJXMsyEn9a2rf9

We’re also excited to offer Community Sponsor opportunities for local businesses and organizations looking to be part of the energy and connect with the community in a big way. If you were interested in sponsoring this event please email [email protected]

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Downtown Brantford’s most vibrant and unique events.

Let’s make this year at The Garage unforgettable.

***PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL ONLY BE CONTACTED VIA THE ADBEVENTOPS EMAIL. WHEN IN DOUBT REACH OUT. THERE ARE A LOT OF SCAMS.***

📣 Calling All Downtown Brantford Businesses!

Do you offer a student discount? 🎓✨
We want to feature YOU!

The Downtown Brantford BIA is creating a Student Discount Program to promote local businesses through:
✔️ Window stickers
✔️ Website listing
✔️ Social media features

💬 Let us know your offer!
Example: 10% off everything, Student combo deals, etc.

Once submitted, we’ll:
✅ Add you to our promotion list
✅ Deliver your window sticker
✅ Feature your business online

📩 Send us your discount details today and get noticed!