Save the date: 2024 summer festivals coming to Brant County
Summer is here, and with it, a lineup of celebrations in Brant County highlighting the culture, music, food, and agricultural roots of the area.
From poutines and powwows to the Paris Fair, here’s a look at the upcoming festivals in Brant.
July 5 to 6 — Rivers ‘n’ Roots Music Festival
Dallas Smith and Russell Dickerson are set to headline this celebration of the agricultural community taking place at the Paris Fairgrounds. A beer garden pays tribute to local producers, and a portion of profits from the festival go to the Rivers ‘n’ Roots Growth Fund with the aim of advancing agricultural leadership in Brant. Tickets start at $150 plus fees. For more information, visit www.parisfairgrounds.com/events/rivers-n-roots-music-festival.
July 13 to 14 — Paris Poutine & Mac ‘n’ Cheese Fest
In addition to celebrating cheesy delicacies, the weekend promises bounce castles, workshops, a concert and gift bags for the first 50 attendees each day. Admission is $5 cash at the door, with children 12 and under free. Go to www.parisfairgrounds.com/events/paris-poutine-mac-n-cheese-fest to learn more.
July 19 to 20 — Paris Night Market
The night market is back for an eighth round, with a California Dreamin’ theme and tropical dress code. Entertainment includes fire performances, psychics, an adult watermelon eating contest and axe throwing. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday, 4 p.m. on Saturday, with a $10 cash fee for guests over 10. For more details, see allcanadianevents.com/paris-night-market/.
July 26 to 28 — Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow
On the last weekend of July, dancers from across North America will head to the Ohsweken Speedway on Six Nations of the Grand River and compete for the recognition of most agile, astute and exciting performer, according to www.grpowwow.ca. This event has become a major tourist attraction over the past 40 years, garnering local, national and international interest, according to the website.
Aug. 16 to 17 — Paris Drinks Fest
The annual event at Paris Lions Park combines live music, food and drinks for a celebratory weekend, showcasing local companies like Howell Road Cider Co., Meuse Brewing and Blue Gables Acres micro winery. Tickets start at $39.50 and performances this year include Wintersleep and Dwayne Gretzky. Visit www.parisdrinks.ca for tickets.
Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 — Paris Fair
The end-of-summer fair has been going strong for 167 years, packing the Paris Fairgrounds with carnival rides, demonstrations, vendors and concerts. Some of the events this year include the RCMP Musical Ride, demolition derby, and a range of contests to enter, that will judge everything from livestock and babies to pickles and pies. Visit www.parisfairgrounds.com for additional details.
Sept. 7 — Afro-CariBrant Festival
The Afro-CariBrant Festival returns for its second year at Paris Lions Park, celebrating the culture and traditions of the African-Caribbean community in Brant County and beyond. The day will include artisans, food vendors and performers, with a kids zone catered to the youngest attendees. Check www.afrocaribrantfestival.org for festival updates.
Celeste Percy-Beauregard’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories about Brant County. Reach her at cpercybeauregard@torstar.ca.
Celeste Percy-Beauregard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hamilton Spectator
