Goose on the Grand

Goose on the Grand is a family-friendly outdoor event held at Mill Race Park along the Grand River. The celebration features local art displays, live music, interactive activities, and family programming, along with a Rubber Duck Race on the river. Event highlights include photo opportunities with an 18-foot inflatable goose and the official unveiling of the Cambridge Geese -12 hand-painted, 4.5-foot fiberglass geese created by local artists. With food vendors, hands-on activities for all ages, and community-led attractions, the event celebrates local culture, creativity, and riverside recreation.

Admission

Free

*Duck Race tickets sold separately

Date

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Time

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Duck Race starts at 1 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance will be available for pick-up beginning at 10 a.m. on event day.

Location

Goose on the Grand Activities

Giant Goose Photo Opportunity

Snap a photo with the 18-foot inflatable goose, the larger-than-life centerpiece of the event and a must-see attraction for all ages.

The Cambridge Geese Unveiling

Be there for the official unveiling of the Cambridge Geese. Twelve hand-painted, 4.5-foot fiberglass geese created by local artists that celebrate creativity, community, and city spirit.

Mother Goose Story Time

Little ones can enjoy interactive Mother Goose story time, perfect for young families looking for a relaxed and engaging experience.

Live Music

Take in live music throughout the day while relaxing riverside or exploring the park.

Food & Treats

Enjoy a variety of delicious food offerings available on site.

Paint Experience

Get creative with a hands-on paint experience, offering interactive fun for artists of all ages. Stay tuned for more information and registration for this free activity!

Rubber Duck Race

Don’t miss the Rubber Duck Race down the Grand River, presented in partnership with the Rotary Club. 1400 rubber ducks will take to the Grand off the Park Hill Bridge and race for the Main Street Bridge.

  • Tickets available for purchase through the Rotary Club (Link to be provided once ticket sales are live)
  • Cash prizes awarded to winning ducks
  • Participants must be 19 years of age or older to purchase a ticket

Call to Artists

The City of Cambridge is seeking emerging and professional artists to participate in Goose on the Grand, a new public art initiative launching in June 2026. Artists will design and paint custom fiberglass goose sculptures inspired by community, history, sport, local agriculture, environmental awareness, and the Grand River. Selected artists will be compensated.

Five custom fabricated fiberglass geese sculptures (approximately 4.5 ft x 2.5 ft each) will be provided to selected artists to paint or otherwise surface treat. Each final artwork should respond to the unique character of the location where it will be installed.

The artwork should engage the public by fostering a sense of identity, community, and place through accessible, inclusive public art. All artwork must be suitable for all audiences and accessibility must be a consideration. Artists must demonstrate the capacity to complete their proposed work within the project timeline.

Artist Fee: $2000 per Artist

The fee is intended to cover:

  • Artist labour
  • Design work
  • Materials not supplied by the City

Materials Provided:

  • One fiberglass goose sculpture

Recommended Materials:

  • Fiberglass-specific primer or high-adhesion primer
  • Exterior grade acrylic, marine grade paint, enamel paint
  • Sealant, either marine-grade varnish or clear coat
  • Lacquer paint can be used

Selected artists may be asked to paint a second goose for an additional $2000. Artists will work with local businesses for this opportunity.

Applicants must submit a single PDF that includes:

  • A statement of intent
  • Artist CV
  • Up to two work samples, including title, year, medium, and location. Video samples must be submitted as online links (e.g., YouTube or Vimeo).
  • Two references

Application deadline: April 27, 2026

If you require assistance in completing your application, please contact ArtCentre@cambridge.ca

  • Application deadline: April 27, 2026
  • Artist selection notification: Late April 2026
  • Painting production period: May–June 2026
  • Installation and launch event: June 12, 2026