The Festival da Juventude 2026, organized by the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), will feature renowned artist Ney Matogrosso as its opening act in Campo Grande. The festival runs from March 26 to 28 and aims to engage both students and the local community with a variety of cultural and educational activities. Matogrosso's participation will include performances alongside discussions led by young guest moderators.

Febraro Oliveira, who is responsible for the festival's production and curation, emphasized the importance of educational programming as a core aspect of the event. Rather than being a mere side activity, educational initiatives are structured to be integral to the festival experience. This reflects a philosophy that views youth engagement not just as cultural consumption but as an opportunity for knowledge production and repertoire building.

The festival will feature workshops in literature, cinema, and technology, among other activities, designed to foster creativity and learning among participants. The emphasis on formative experiences highlights the university's commitment to supporting youth development and engagement through cultural initiatives, making the festival a significant event for both the university and the wider community.