Brantford’s Winter Fun Fest packed with activities over the Family Day long weekend

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford is the place to be this Family Day long weekend, offering a variety of family-friendly activities to keep you active and entertained. From exciting downtown festivities to skating parties, museum tours, swimming, and a Pickleball tournament, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“The City is excited to kick off the first event in the new Brantford Fun Fest series, a new initiative that I was very pleased to see Council support,” says Ward 2 Councillor Gino Caputo. “As Brantford continues to grow, we’re proud to offer high quality amenities and experiences for our community to enjoy. We are also working on finalizing and announcing plans for a summer festival. I look forward to welcoming the community to these new events.”

On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Brantford’s Winter Fun Fest takes over the downtown with a full day of activities from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a free DJ skate party proudly presented by Grissin Bon Ltd, carousel rides, s’mores by the fire pits, face painting, and much more at Harmony Square (89 Dalhousie Street). Attendees can warm-up at the Conestoga College Hot Chocolate station, and take a horse-drawn trolley ride through the downtown area for just $2 per person, available from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The outdoor ice rink will be open for skating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event finishes with a spectacular firework display at 7:15 p.m. in Harmony Square.

As part of Brantford’s Winter Fun Fest, Wilfrid Laurier University is celebrating its 25^th anniversary in Brantford with a Purple and Gold Party at One Market. From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., this family-friendly event will feature free, fun activities for all ages, including bouncy castles, face painting, games such as giant Jenga and Connect 4, corn hole, mini-putt, entertainment, and complimentary cupcakes, while supplies last. Guests are asked to enter through the doors at the corner of Dalhousie Street and Market Street.

The fun continues Monday, February 17, 2025, with Family Day activities across the city. The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre will host a public skate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a public swim from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for the public skate is $4.45 for ages 5 to 54 or $4.10 for ages 55 and over, and free for children four and under. Helmets are recommended for skating. Regular swim rates and swim admission requirements will apply for the public swim. Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre facility membership holders can enjoy free access to both the swim and the skate.

Pre-book your family for a guided tour of Alexander Graham Bell’s home at the Bell Homestead National Historic Site for the special admission price of only $2 per person on Monday, February 17, 2025. Children four and under are free. Tours can be booked between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding the lunch hour from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. To reserve a spot, please call 519-756-6220 or email bellhomestead@brantford.ca.

For families looking to stay active, the City, in partnership with Pickleball Brantford, is hosting a pickleball tournament, teaming up parents and grandparents with their child or grandchild, at Doug Snooks Eagle Place Community Centre (333 Erie Avenue) on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is required by filling out the online form available at pickleballbrantford.club before February 12, 2025. A registration fee of $20 per team is due upon registration by e-transfer to pickleballbrantford@gmail.com. Categories and schedules will be based on skill levels. Space for teams is limited. Register early to avoid disappointment. For questions, please email info@pickleballbrantford.club.

Detailed Brantford Winter Fun Fest schedules and information can be found at www.Brantford.ca/WinterFunFest. Updates can also be found on the City’s Facebook, Instagram and X pages.

Road Closures and Parking

On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Colborne Street from Brant Avenue to Bain Street and Water Street/Wharf Street will be closed from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the Brantford Winter Fun Fest event. Parking is free in the municipal parking garage located at 59 Icomm Drive.

Volunteer opportunities

The City of Brantford is currently seeking volunteers to assist with various Winter Fun Fest duties. High school community hours will be available. Accepted volunteers will be required to take mandatory virtual training on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone interested, are encouraged to email harmonysquare@brantford.ca for more information.

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Media Contact:

Sharon Sayles | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext. 5218 | ssayles@brantford.ca