2026 Creative Youth Celebration

Join us on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts for the Bay Area Creative Foundation's sixth annual Creative Youth Celebration! Enjoy a full day of creativity, inspiration, and connection.

This free, public exhibition and performance event spotlights the next generation of Bay Area creatives. For one day, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts will feature award-winning student art installations, live performances, as well as youth and professional speakers. Open to the public, the event invites the broader community to experience the work, ideas, and creative voices shaping the future of the Bay Area.

Whether your passion is visual art, creative writing, dance, film, music, photography, or another form of creative expression, there’s something here for you.

This free, public event is open to everyone - register today!

• MasterClass
• Photomatica
• Oscar's Photo Lab
• plus more activations by community partners to be annouced!

Info: • Explore hundreds of award-winning creative works
• Watch film screenings
• Participate in hands-on arts activities
• Catch pop-up performances
• Enjoy food + free photo booth

Info: Join City Studio SF outside on the Plaza for live screenprinting! Pick up a tote or poster with a special one-of-a-kind artwork designed specifically to celebrate this special occasion.

Info: Creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s a strength everyone can build. Hear about the creative journeys of CYA review panelists and CYA alum. The discussion will explore how creative practice and thinking can fuel not only the creation of remarkable artwork but also drive problem-solving and innovation. From turning mistakes into breakthroughs to speaking up with original ideas, the conversation will explore creativity as more than imagination, how it is a practical, powerful life skill. Moderator: Trisha Lagaso Goldberg, Speakers: Nataan Hong, Antonio Lopez, Andrew Lyndon, and Raissa Simpson.

Info: In our final main stage session, you'll hear from keynote speaker Ruby Ibarra, enjoy incredible student performances, and - of course - celebrate the 2026 Creative Youth Awardees!

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Host or Publisher Bay Area Creative Foundation