+8 Fantastic Festivals in Barrie to Attend in 2026

Barrie is best known for its beaches and festivals. Many of the best festivals in Barrie are listed on the Ontario Top 100 list. And the best part is with festivals and events taking place throughout the year that there’s always something to do in Barrie!

The most popular of Barrie festivals is Kempenfest. This iconic event brings tens of thousands of visitors every summer to Barrie’s waterfront. But the city puts on fun and festival winter festivals too like Noella and Winterfest.

As someone who has lived in the Barrie area for over 30 years, I’m sharing all the best festivals and events in Barrie. My list includes the popular ones like Kempenfest as well as hidden gems, like the Barrie Film Festival, that should be on your list for this year!

Kempenfest

The most well-known and popular festival in Barrie is Kempenfest! For over 50 years, Kempenfest has excited locals and visitors alike.

Kempenfest, first held in 1971, is where art meets community. Every summer for 3 days, the event takes over the Barrie waterfront.

Stretching for over 2 kilometres along the lakeshore, Kempenfest showcases over 350 artisans. Vendors sell a variety of items, from antiques to clothing and everything in between.

The festival also boasts dozens of food vendors that sell things like baked goods, preserves and more. And there are food trucks as well as a beer garden to enjoy a few drinks in!

This waterfront festival is noted as one of the biggest and best in Ontario! And there’s so much more than arts and crafts for sale.

Among the vendors are a long list of other fun activities! There’s a large midway with rides and fun games.

Plus, there’s plenty of things to do to keep the kids entertained. Along with the midway, families will find face painting, art stations, and more.

A big feature of Kempenfest is live music! In addition to free shows from local Barrie area bands and other top Canadian artists, there’s a ticked main stage. Some top performers from previous festivals include Sheepdogs, April Wine, and Tom Cochrane.

There are countless reasons why Kempenfest is one of the top things to do in Barrie in the summer! Food, fun, live music and great shopping are just a few!

Kempenfest Information
When: August long weekend
Where: Barrie Waterfront
Cost: Free

Barrie Waterfront Festival

For many the kick off to summer is the Victoria Day long weekend in May. Its during this weekend that the Barrie Waterfront Festival takes place.

Set across Centennial Park and the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, this free outdoor festival brings a variety of fun attractions for all ages.

The big attraction is the midway that has classic fair foods, carnival games and a Ferris wheel. I highly recommend taking a ride on the Ferris wheel for epic views over the water and city. Both during the day and at night!

All weekend long there’s live music, street buskers and a variety of vendors. Along with a beer garden, the festival features numerous food trucks. So, you’ll want to come hungry!

Barrie Waterfront Festival Information
When: Victoria Day long weekend
Where: Centennial Park
Cost: Free

Noella Festival

One of my favourite events in Barrie is the Noella Festival! The festival kicks off the holiday season with a long list of activities and attractions.

The Noella Festival runs from mid-November through December. And it all starts at Meridian Place in downtown Barrie.

During the first Saturday of the festival visitors will find downtown bustling with fun. There are free wagon rides, family art activities, carolers and street performers.

Tim Horton’s is also serving free hot chocolate for those who bring a toy or non-perishable food donation.

Later in the evening the Santa Clause parade makes its way through downtown. This is followed by the tree lighting at Meridian Place and fireworks.

Beyond the first day of the Noella Festival, there’s more fun to come. The following day is when one of the cutest Ontario Christmas markets takes place.

The Noella Festive Market showcases local artisans with an array of unique handmade gifts and food. There are more activities for the kids as well as lumberjack performances and more. Plus, you can meet the jolly man himself, Santa!

Each business downtown also decks out their window displays with festive décor. I love browsing the windows and support local businesses by buying some holiday gifts downtown.

At Meridian Place you’ll find Christmas trees and wreaths available to purchase in December as part of the festival. Trees are from one of the area’s most beloved Christmas tree farms, Drysdale. And the best part is that all proceeds go to charity.

Another fun attraction of the festival is the Rotary Festival of Trees. Across Meridian Place, Heritage Park and along the waterfront are a number of light displays.

So, if you’re in search of free holiday light in Ontario, this one is perfect!

Local Tip: On-street parking downtown is free for 2 hours during December. However, you’ll still need to grab a ticket from the machine.

Noella Festival Information
When: Mid-November to Mid-December
Where: Downtown Barrie
Cost: Free

Barrie Film Festival

If you’re looking for a great alternative to the Toronto Film Fest then head to Barrie! The Barrie Film Festival takes place every October.

For over 25 years the Barrie Film Fest showcases award-winning independent films from around the world. But my favourite are the films shot locally! One of my favourites was horror movie shot in Simcoe County called Anything for Jackson.

The annual film festival takes place over 10 days. Films were once screens in the downtown theatre but are now shown at the Cineplax in Barrie’s south end.

In addition to the screenings, the festival hosts a number of other events. There are galas, a director’s brunch, Q&As, workshops, and more.

Beyond the main festival programming there are various film fest events that take part throughout the year. One of my favourite to attend is Reel Stories!

Reel Stories showcases films that raise awareness on social causes and current issues. Often referred to as the mini-film fest, it takes place in March.

Barrie Film Festival Information
When: Mid-October
Where: Screenings are at Galaxy Cinemas in the south end
Cost: $10 – $40 depending on event

Barrie Dragon Boat Festival

Another one of the popular summer community events in Barrie is the Dragon Boat Festival. Taking place every August, the festival’s mission is to promote community spirit and unity.

The main focus of the Barrie Dragon Boat Festival is the team races. With 20 paddlers in large canoes called dragon boats, each set out across Kempenfelt Bay.

This adrenaline inducing race brings people out to line the bay and cheer on the participants. Plus, if you’d like to watch the teams practice before the festival, you can see them on the water starting June 1.

Be prepared to wake up early for this festival! It all begins around 7am with the Awakening the Dragon Ceremony. This ceremony ties in the cultural tradition of painting dots in the dragon’s eyes, which wakes them up for the competition.

Throughout the day there are several heats (races). Plus, there’s a local vendor market set up. Each of the vendors reflect the festival’s mission by focusing on health and wellness.

The event began in 2003 and over 20 years has grown to be one of the best festivals in Barrie. Especially because it’s a huge fundraiser, with dragon boat teams raising money to support local charities.

Barrie Dragon Boat Festival Information
When: Mid-August
Where: Heritage Park
Cost: Free to watch

Barrie Winterfest

In early February Barrie hosts one of the best winter festivals in Simcoe County – Winterfest! It’s a great way to break up the grey winter days with a snowplow full of fun.

Barrie’s Winterfest takes place downtown, across Meridian Place and Heritage Park. You’ll find a variety of activities and events taking place.

One of the biggest draws are the professional sculptors carving massive 300-pound blocks of ice. Right before your eyes, these incredible artists craft masterpieces from ice. Previous ice sculptures include sea creatures, classic board games, and famous kids’ characters.

There are a number of fun things to do during Barrie’s Winterfest! Enjoy lumberjack shows, horse-drawn wagon rides and snow tubing.

If you’re daring or just want to watch, there’s a polar bear dip at Centennial Beach. And to warm up, visitors will find a fire pit warming zone as well as marshmallow roasting.

Buskers, family entertainment and various exhibits will excite young and old. Plus, there are a number of food trucks to feed your hunger.

Barrie is one of the best places for a winter getaway in Ontario, especially when Winterfest is on! You’ll find numerous other fun winter activities in Barrie that take place during Winterfest. These include skating at City Hall’s outdoor rink and the Hot Cocoa Trail.

One of my favourite highlights of Winterfest is watching the massive kites over Kempenfelt Bay. Plus, if you’re looking for a unique experience, helicopter rides also run during Winterfest.

Barrie Winterfest Information
When: Early February
Where: Heritage Park & Meridian Place
Cost: Free

Troubadour Festival

On a Saturday near the end of June, Dunlop Street transforms into a destination for music lovers. This is when the Troubadour Festival takes place in downtown Barrie.

The music festival began in 2018 and has quickly evolved into one of the best Barrie festivals! Celebrating Canadian singers and songwriters, music fans will find a wide range of genres.

A few amazing performers at Troubadour Festival include Cowboy Junkies, Dwayne Gretzky, and Natalie MacMaster. In addition to world-renown artists, visitors will hear from local talent as they hit the stage.

The entire festival day boats live music across multiple stages. Plus, festival goers will find a beer garden and music workshops.

Beyond the incredible musical performances, what makes this festival amazing is the price to attend. It’s free! While originally the festival had a ticket price, it’s recently become another free event in Barrie!

Troubadour Festival Information
When: Near the end of June
Where: Meridian Place Amphitheater
Cost: TBA

Barrie’s Diwali Bash

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Barrie in November then consider attending the Diwali Festival! Every November, Barrie hosts a Diwali Bash.

Diwali is a Hindu festival known as the Festival of Lights, that’s similar to Christmas. It’s also celebrated in other Indian religions and symbolizes ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.’

Barrie’s Diwali Festival is held at The Ranch, a downtown bar and event space. This ticketed event boasts a number of fun activities.

With your ticket you’ll enjoy a full Indian dinner. There’s also a vendor showcase with a variety of items for sale that include jewelry and clothing.

Along with a spectacular fashion show of the best of Indian style, there’s fun activities for the kids. These include magic shows and face painting.

Event goers get to dance off the fabulous feast with Bollywood dance party to close out the night.

Barrie’s Diwali Bash Information
When: November
Where: The Ranch (56 Bayfield Street)
Cost: $50/adult

Best Events in Barrie to Check Out

Open Air Dunlop

Originally known as Promenade Days, which took place every Canada Day long weekend, the popular Barrie event is now Open Air Dunlop.

For over 30 years Promenade Days was a beloved kick off of summer. After the pandemic, the event transformed into Open Air Dunlop.

Starting every June, Open Air Dunlop takes over downtown Barrie. Nearly every Saturday through the summer the city closes Dunlop Street, from Maple Avenue to Mulcaster, to vehicle traffic.

Shops and businesses dot the street with tents and sales. There are also fun activities for the whole family like crafts, face painting, and live music.

Other sights you’ll see downtown during Open Air Dunlop include buskers as well as free dance classes and yoga sessions.

Lawnchair Luminata

One of the most beloved Barrie events for families is Lawnchair Luminata. This over 15 year tradition brings local families to downtown Barrie to watch a free movie.

Lawnchair Luminata takes place at Meridian Place on Wednesday evenings during the summer. It starts around the 21st of June and runs until the end of August.

Families gather at Meridan Place, an open-air amphitheatre, to watch family-friendly movies under the stars. They play everything from Disney classics to recent favourite blockbusters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Barrie Festivals & Events

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