2026 Creative Youth Celebration
You’re Invited!
Join us on Saturday, June 27, 2026 for the 6th annual Creative Youth Celebration!
Tickets to this public event are FREE, though there is a suggested donation of $20.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
WHEN:
Saturday, June 27, 2026
12:00pm - 5:00pm (main stage program begins at 3:00pm)
WHY:
The CYC offers a public platform for emerging artists at one of SF’s leading arts institutions
It is a free, family friendly arts experience open to all during SF Pride Weekend
The Celebration connects arts, leadership, and community at a time when original acts of creation and arts education faces increasing pressure and creates a high-visibility cultural moment led by young voices
WHAT:
The Creative Youth Celebration (CYC) is a free, public exhibition and performance event spotlighting 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.
WHERE:
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103
WHO:
All are welcome! We anticipate hundreds of youth artists, their families and supporters, as well as educators, CYA Review Panelists, community partners, civic leaders and invited special guests.
Schedule
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• Explore hundreds of award winning creative works
• Watch film screenings
• Participate in hands-on arts activities
• Catch pop-up performances
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Living Creatively: Practice, Purpose, and Practical Power
Creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s a strength everyone can build. Hear about the creative journeys of our panelists and how they apply creativity to the professional and personal aspects of their lives. 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, this conversation will explore creativity as more than imagination, how it is a practical, powerful life skill.
Coming soon: See below for panelist details!
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Details coming soon!
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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!
Meet our Keynote
Ruby Ibarra
Ruby Ibarra is a Bay Area–based rapper, spoken word artist, and director who has toured across the United States, Canada, and the Philippines. Her work has been featured in major outlets including Rolling Stone, NPR, The New York Times, Vogue Philippines, and The Today Show, and her music appears in video games such as NBA2K23, NBA2K24, and NASCAR25. In 2025, she won NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest with her song “Bakunawa,” later performing a Tiny Desk Concert and embarking on a sold-out national tour.
A longtime supporter of the Creative Youth Awards, Ruby generously served as a review panelist from 2023–2025, mentoring and encouraging the next generation of creatives even as her own career gained national momentum. We’re honored to welcome Ruby as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Creative Youth Celebration, where her journey, artistry, and voice will inspire students to imagine what’s possible for their own creative futures.
Panelists & Performers
Location.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103) is located in downtown San Francisco and easily walkable from multiple transit lines (MUNI & BART).
PARKING: The Fifth & Mission / Yerba Buena Parking Garage is located one block from the venue.
ACCESSIBILITY: Please view YBCA’s Visitors page for accessibility information.
We couldn’t do it alone.
Our community partners come together to share their strengths and resources in various disciplines by offering pop-up activities that our students and visitors can participate in. This year we’re excited to invite a variety of organizations that are experts in their own respected field and also share the value in innovation, creativity, and empowerment.
FAQs.
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Tickets to this public event are FREE, though there is a suggested donation of $20 to help cover event costs. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Please bring your friends, family and creative supporters to this all-ages event. Each registered person may access up to 4 tickets under their name, but multiple people may register.
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The Creative Youth Celebration is free and open to the public, but we strongly encourage registering in advance so we can plan for attendance and ensure the best experience for everyone. If space allows, walk-ins may be accommodated, but advance registration is recommended.
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Yes. You’re welcome to drop in for part of the day or stay for the full program. Exhibitions, performances, discussions, and activities will take place throughout the event, so guests are free to explore and participate at their own pace.
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The event will feature the work of the 2026 Creative Youth Awards awardees, showcasing exceptional creativity from young artists across multiple disciplines, including visual art, film, music, writing, dance, and more.
If you can’t attend in person, you can explore the work anytime through our 2026 Virtual Gallery.
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Not at all. The Creative Youth Celebration is open to everyone — students, families, educators, artists, and members of the public who want to experience and support youth creativity in the Bay Area.
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No. The artwork on display is presented as part of the 2026 Creative Youth Awards exhibition and is not available for purchase.
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Yes! Volunteers play an important role in helping make the Creative Youth Celebration possible. If you're interested in supporting the event, please email cyc@creativeyouthawards.org for more information.
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Yes. We partner with organizations that share our commitment to supporting young creatives and expanding access to the arts. If your organization is interested in sponsoring the event or partnering with us, please visit our Sponsors page to learn more.