Digital flyer for Next Generation Arts Next Fest 2026, happening on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 1 to 4 PM at L'Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre, 2000 McNicoll Ave, Scarborough, ON M1V 5M2. The flyer features a black background with colorful text, dotted patterns, and decorative yellow squiggles.

NEXT FEST 2026

Next Fest is a youth-powered arts festival celebrating creativity, community, and the next generation of artists. As the first festival of its kind produced by Next Generation Arts, it marked an exciting milestone for the organization.

The inaugural event took place on Monday, February 16 (Family Day) at L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre in Scarborough, bringing together youth, artists, and community members for an afternoon of creativity and connection.

Poster announcing 'Next Fest 2026,' a free youth-powered arts festival on February 16, 2026, at L'Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre, celebrating creativity, community, and the next generation of artists, organized by Next Generation Arts in Toronto, Canada.

Next Fest was a multidisciplinary arts festival that showcased the talent, voices, and ideas of youth. It highlighted emerging creatives across visual art, music, performance, digital media, and more, while creating space for collaboration, leadership, and community building.

Rooted in community, the festival centred youth voices and reflected the creativity happening across Scarborough and beyond.

What Is Next Fest?

what to expect at NGA’S next fest:

At Next Fest, attendees can expect a dynamic, youth-driven experience, including:

  • Live performances by emerging artists, along with special guests and a featured headliner

  • Hands-on art activations led by community partners and youth

  • Interactive workshops designed for all skill levels

  • A youth vendor market showcasing local creators

Who It’s For:

Next Fest welcomed youth, artists, creatives, vendors, and community members who believed in the power of art to bring people together. Whether participants shared their work or came to support others, the space was built with them in mind.

Why Next Fest Matters:

At Next Generation Arts, we believe youth deserve accessible spaces to create, lead, and be heard. Next Fest celebrated youth creativity while supporting the next generation of artists, arts leaders, and cultural changemakers. As a first-time festival, it laid the foundation for future programming and continued investment in youth-led arts initiatives.

2026 FULL NEXT FEST SCHEDULE

  • Experience live performances from local talent including dance, spoken word, solo musicians, bands, and special guests!

    Location: Parkview Room

    Time: 1-4PM

    See Full Schedule Below

  • Shop handmade products and support local youth artists, creatives, and small businesses.

    Location: Parkview Room and Studio Room

    Time: 1-4PM

  • Watch an energetic hip-hop dance performance and join an interactive workshop led by Niyi, Honey, and Ceci from UNITY Charity—open to all skill levels.

    Location: Parkview Room

    Time: 1:40-1:55PM

  • Create your own custom stickers to take home, led and designed by Shoolie and Sun.

    Location: Parkview Room

    Time: 1-4PM

  • Write a short poem or affirmation on wooden blocks and add it to a shared community easel tree, guided by Elle de Lyon.

    Location: Parkview Room

    Time: 1-4PM

  • Contribute to a collaborative banner designed and led by Just J Arts in partnership with VIBE Arts.

    Location: Studio Room

    Time: 1-4PM

  • Decorate mini photo frames inspired by K-Pop culture and take one home to hold your favourite photo.

    Location: Studio Room

    Time: 1-4PM

  • Create a personalized phone charm using colourful beads and materials.

    Location: Studio Room

    Time: 1-4PM

  • Enjoy a bouncy castle, bake sale, games, movie, popcorn, and more family-friendly fun.

    Location: Lower level (Gymnasium)

    Time: 1-4PM

Partner, Youth Activations, and Youth Vendors

  • Event poster for Next Fest 2026, organized by Next Generation Arts, displaying logos of vendors, sponsors, or vendors at the event, including various artistic and craft brands.

    Youth Vendors

  • Poster for Next Fest 2026 featuring Elle De Lyon at RISE affirmation station. Youthful, vibrant design with black background, neon green, orange, and white accents; includes a smiling woman in a red top.

    RISE - Affirmation Station with Elle de Lyon

  • Poster for Next Generation Arts' Next Fest 2026, featuring two young adults, a man and a woman, with event details and a colorful stained glass window illustration, and a tagline about staying golden at the sticker-making station.

    Stay Golden - Sticker Making Station with Shoolie and Sun

  • Event poster for Next Fest 2026, presented by Vibe Arts, featuring a smiling woman with red braids, with vibrant graphic design elements and text.

    VIBE Arts - Community Banner with Just J. Art

  • Promotional poster for Next Fest 2026 featuring artists UNITY, NIYI, CECI, and HONEY, with stage dance workshop, with images of three women, black background, colorful text and design elements.

    UNITY (performance and hip-hop workshop)

  • Flyer for Next Fest 2026 organized by Next Generation Arts, featuring a youth activations charm-making station, with abstract graphic design elements, a globe with a heart inside, and the letters SYC in multicolored text.

    Youth Activations - SLYE Youth Council - Charm Making Station

  • Event poster for Next Fest 2026 by the L'Amoreaux Youth Group, focused on youth activations and photo card decorating, with neon green, orange, black, and white design elements.

    Youth Activations - L'Amoreaux Youth Group - Photo Card Decorating

For All Next Fest Updates!

Meet the artists performing at Next Fest!

  • Event poster for Next Fest 2026 organized by Next Generation Arts, featuring Saraphina Knights, a performer, with a vibrant black background, dotted patterns, neon accents, and an image of a smiling woman with a denim jacket.

    Saraphina Knights

  • Promotional poster for Next Generation Arts' Next Fest 2026 featuring performer Carina with bright pink and orange hair, wearing a pink plaid shirt, with event name and year on a black background with colorful decorative elements.

    Carina

  • Event poster for Next Fest 2026 featuring performer Jaisy, with a woman singing into a microphone on stage, colorful text and graphics in the background.

    Jaisy

  • Promotional poster for Next Fest 2026 featuring performer PressureMademanu, a young man in camouflage hoodie, against a black background with colorful design elements and text.

    PressureMademanu

  • Promotional poster for Next Fest 2026, featuring performer Mobi, produced by Next Generation Arts, with a photo of Mobi, a man with a beard, wearing a sleeveless patterned vest, holding his arms crossed, with vibrant yellow and orange design elements against a black background.

    MOBI

  • Event poster for Next Fest 2026 organized by Next Generation Arts, featuring a smiling person with short hair, wearing a necklace, labeled as Performer, with the date April 33.

    j4yc33

  • Event poster for Next Fest 2026 featuring performer Ilana, with graphic design elements and a photo of Ilana.

    Ilana

  • Promotional poster for Next Generation Arts' Next Fest 2026 featuring performer Tamoya, with a portrait of her smiling and event details in bold text on a black background with abstract design elements.

    Tamoya

  • The Sedges

  • Promotional poster for Next Festival 2026, an event showcasing Nigerian and African performers, featuring images of two women with a black background and colorful text and graphics.

    Victorian and Ace

  • Poster for Next Generation Arts Next Fest 2026 featuring performers and workshop facilitators, with pictures of three women, event name in bold letters, and colorful design elements.

    Unity - Niyi, Ceci and Honey

  • Event poster promoting Next Fest 2026 with an in-house DJ named Introsphat, featuring a young woman making a peace sign, wearing a blue hat and pink sunglasses, against a black background with colorful dotted and wavy design elements.

    Introspkt

  • Event poster for Next Fest Arts 2026 featuring performers DANE & E.O & PATRICK DE BELEN, with images of two male artists on a black background with neon accents, dotted patterns, and colorful text.

    Dan-e-o and Patrick De Belen

  • Event poster for Next Fest 2026, featuring a man playing a keyboard guitar with the text "Next Fest 2026" and "Opening Act" on a black background with neon accents and dotted patterns.

    J3M

  • Event poster for Next Fest 2026 featuring a woman with purple hair wearing a black hat, with text promoting the event and a special guest performer named Wild Black.

    Wild Black

  • Poster for Next Fest 2026 with the theme 'Diverse and Challenging' featuring two women of African descent in traditional and contemporary attire, with vibrant colors and modern graphic design elements.

    Dynesti and Chanl Marshl

For All Next Fest Updates!

main stage performance Schedule

  • 🎤 Emcees at Next Fest
     At 13, Daniel Faraldo, professionally known as Dan-e-o, won a rap-off on Toronto’s “Electric Circus” show. His first single, Dear Hip Hop, launched his career as a Canadian hip-hop legend. His fifth solo album, The Day It All Changed, explores his journey into fatherhood.

    Patrick de Belen is a Filipino-Canadian storyteller, arts educator, spoken word poet, writer, and filmmaker. He has collaborated with the Toronto Raptors, the NFL, and CBC, won national poetry slam titles, and mentors youth across schools, libraries, and community spaces.

    Together, Dan-e-o and Patrick bring decades of experience, storytelling, and stage energy as emcees, guiding Next Fest with charisma and passion.

    Catch @daneo1010 & @patrick_debelen live at Next Fest

    Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    • 🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    • ⏰ 1–4 PM

    • 📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • Welcome to Next Fest 2026! We’re proud to celebrate the creativity, talent, and voices of youth from across Scarborough and beyond. This is your stage to shine.

  • 1:15-1:30PM

    🎹 Performing at Next Fest
    Blending pop, disco, and soul, J3M is a singer-songwriter, producer, and JUNO/Polaris-nominated pianist known for electrifying live performances and bold queer artistry.

    Catch @j3msings live at Next Fest
    Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 1:15-1:30PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 1:30-1:40PM

    🎶 Performing at Next Fest
    Saraphina Knights is an emerging vocalist and bandleader blending neo-soul with jazz improvisation. Her intimate performances focus on storytelling, groove, and expressive arrangements where voice and instruments move together.

    Catch @SaraphinaKnights live at Next Fest
    Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 1:30-1:40PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.


    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 1:40-1:55PM

    🩰 Performers & Workshop Facilitators
    UNITY Charity harnesses the transformative power of hip-hop and community. Through performance and education, Niyi, Honey, and Ceci empower youth to build confidence, connection, and creative expression. Their Next Fest set includes both live performance and an interactive on-stage dance workshop.

    Catch UNITY live at Next Fest. Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 1:40-1:55PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 🎧 In-House DJ | Performing at Next Fest
    Toronto-based DJ and producer INTROSPKT blends R&B, electronic, dancehall, edits, and nostalgic throwbacks, keeping the energy high and the crowd connected.

    Catch @introspkt live at Next Fest
    Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 1–4 PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 2:05-2:15PM

    🎸 Performing at Next Fest
    The Sedges are a Scarborough-based indie-rock group formed in 2023 by longtime friends driven by a shared love of live music. Their sound blends indie foundations with pop and hard rock, topped with soulful vocals. From high school gigs to respected Toronto venues, including a recent appearance at TIFF’s School of Rock showcase, The Sedges continue to build momentum through live performance and promising releases.

    Catch @thesedges live at Next Fest
    Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 2:05-2:15PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 2:15-2:20PM

    🎤 Performing at Next Fest

    Jaisy is a Tamil-Canadian artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer from Scarborough creating dreamy alt-pop and R&B. In just five years, she has completed 15+ live shows, some drawing crowds of over 100 fans. Her sound pairs angelic high notes with a deep, soulful chest voice layered over spacey synths, electric guitars, and heavy-hitting bass and drums — music made for deep feelers and daydreamers.

    Catch @Jaisydaisyy live at Next Fest! Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 2:15-2:20PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.

    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 2:20-2:30PM

    🎤 Performing at Next Fest
    PressureMadeManu is a rising Toronto-based hip-hop artist blending melodic rap with sharp lyricism and emotional depth. Known for raw storytelling and dynamic flows, his work includes the Poetry In Motion EP and singles like Mordecai and Brother’s Keeper. His music bridges traditional rap grit with melodic hooks, carving out a unique voice in the underground scene and connecting deeply with listeners.

    Catch @PressureMadeManu live at Next Fest! Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 2:20-2:30PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 🎧 In-House DJ | Performing at Next Fest
    Toronto-based DJ and producer INTROSPKT blends R&B, electronic, dancehall, edits, and nostalgic throwbacks, keeping the energy high and the crowd connected.

    Catch @introspkt live at Next Fest
    Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 1–4 PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 2:40-2:55PM

    ✨ Performing at Next Fest
    Genre-fluid and unapologetic, Wild Black blends pop, rock, and dance into a dreamy alternative sound. Their performances are immersive, bold, and built to move the room.

    Catch @wildblackmusic live at Next Fest. Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 2:40-2:55PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 2:55-3:00PM

    💃 Performing at Next Fest

    Victorian Hart (@viictoriaan) is an award-winning dancer, choreographer, director, and educator based in Scarborough. With a background in theatre and a BA in Theatre, she brings powerful storytelling, technical excellence, and emotional depth to every project. Through movement and mentorship, Victorian is dedicated to uplifting the next generation of creatives and strengthening Toronto’s artistic community.

    Ace (@acexadrianna) is a Toronto-based dancer, choreographer, and creative with over 20 years of training. She is the director of the award-winning I.E. Crew and has performed on major stages including World of Dance New York. Passionate about joy, empowerment, and representation, Ace uses dance as a platform to inspire young Black creatives. Her credits include Drake, Yung Brudda, Guinness, and more.

    ✨ Catch them live at Next Fest

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 2:55-3:00PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextFest #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 3:00-3:10PM

    🎤 Performing at Next Fest
    Mobi is a boundary-pushing hip-hop artist known for sharp lyricism and raw energy. Drawing from his experience as a Bangladeshi immigrant raised in Toronto, his music delivers powerful, perspective-driven storytelling.

    Catch @MobiMawla live at Next Fest! Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 3:00-3:10PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 3:10-3:20PM

    🎤 Performing at Next Fest
    JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter and dancer Carina brings powerhouse vocals, bold visuals, and high-energy performances to the stage. Known for her iconic pink looks and genre-blending sound, she creates spaces where confidence, self-expression, and joy take centre stage.

    Catch @CarinaMusic live at Next Fest! Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 3:10-3:20PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.

    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 3:20-3:30PM

    ✨ Performing at Next Fest ✨

    Next Fest is proud to spotlight powerful youth performers using poetry, music, and storytelling to share their voices and lived experiences with the community.

    ✍️ J4yc33 (@Jaydc00) — a queer artist whose romantic poetry explores love, vulnerability, and growth. Through NGA poetry workshops, they’ve developed a confident voice rooted in honesty and care.
    📝 Ilana McCullough (@ilanamcculloughpoetry) — a Scarborough-born poet whose work reflects self-discovery, nature, and personal growth, shaped through community programs and open mics across the city.
    🎤 Tamoya (@flavagyal) — a multidisciplinary artist blending music, visual art, and storytelling, with multiple singles out and an EP on the way.

    Catch them live and experience an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 3:20-3:30PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.

    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 🎧 In-House DJ | Performing at Next Fest
    Toronto-based DJ and producer INTROSPKT blends R&B, electronic, dancehall, edits, and nostalgic throwbacks, keeping the energy high and the crowd connected.

    Catch @introspkt live at Next Fest
    Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 1–4 PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • 3:40-3:55PM

    🎶 Performing at Next Fest
    Dynesti brings raw honesty through neo-soul, conscious hip-hop, and fearless storytelling. DJ CHANL MARSHL delivers genre-spanning sets rooted in afro, dancehall, house, and hip-hop. Together they create powerful, inclusive energy.

    Catch @dynesti & @CHANLMARSHL live at Next Fest. Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

    🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

    ⏰ 3:40-3:55PM

    📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

    This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
    #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

  • Thank you for joining us at Next Fest 2026. Today we’ve celebrated community, creativity, and the next generation of artists.

Questions? Contact projects@nextgenerationarts.ca

Logo for Next Fest 2026 with orange and green background elements
Black and white photograph of an egret standing in water with grasses and trees in the background.

thANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS

The image is completely black.
Ontario logo with black circle and white shamrock symbol
A Zorro mask on a dark background