6 Fantastic Festivals in Simcoe County to Attend
Simcoe County is home to some of the best festivals in Ontario! You’ll find top events like Kempenfest, the Mariposa Folk Festival and so many more. If you’re looking for fun events to attend this year, I’ve rounded up the best festivals in Simcoe County!
As a local, I’ve lived in the Simcoe County area for over 30 years and I love the wide array of events held throughout the year. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Simcoe County there’s an event to suit your style. You’ll find everything from music festivals to ones celebrating a particular food – like the Midland Butter Tart Festival.
Many of the top events in Simcoe County take place in the summer. And with many destinations in Simcoe County at only an hour away from Toronto, many make for the perfect day trip!
Top Simcoe County Festivals at a Glance
- Kempenfest
- Midland Butter Tart Festival
- Mariposa Folk Festival
Best Festivals in Simcoe County
Kempenfest
The most popular festival in the region is Kempenfest. Named as one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals, this epic summer festival takes over Barrie’s waterfront.
Thousands flock to Barrie every August long weekend. Running for over 50 years, Kempenfest ranks at the top of Barrie’s festivals in terms of fun, size and volume of traffic.
Kempenfest is home to a host of fun activities over the 3-day event. My favourite is the artisan village that boasts over 350 stalls. Every year I browse the antiques and unique pieces made by local artisans like jewellery and upcycled clothing.
Along with the endless vendors, a popular attraction is the midway. It features a Ferris wheel, carnival games and rides.
Other attractions at Kempenfest include a children’s village and live entertainment all weekend long at two different stages. One thing to note is that while the Kempenfest is free to attend, the evening concerts on the main stage are ticketed.
I also highly recommend coming hungry to Kempenfest! There are always a variety of fantastic food vendors scattered along the waterfront. Choose from an assortment of items ranging from sweet treats to poutine and more.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Barrie in the summer, this is it! Even with the crowds, on a beautiful day with a comforting breeze drifting in off the water, you can’t help but enjoy yourself.
Local Tip: During Kempenfest, trying to find parking in downtown Barrie is a nightmare. I highly recommend taking advantage of their free shuttle service.
Date: August 1-4, 2025
Midland Butter Tart Festival
The sweetest food festival in Simcoe County is the Midland Butter Tart Festival! Taking over downtown for one day in June, the Butter Tart Festival is one of the top things to do in Midland!
Lining King Street in downtown Midland are around 200 vendors. Many selling a variety of butter tarts and butter tart flavoured goodies. One of my favourite butter tart flavoured items I’ve tried is a popsicle!
Butter tarts are the main star, and you’ll find a long list of different flavours. The festival sells over 10,000 butter tarts that are everything from traditional to coffee and fruit flavoured.
Along with all the butter tart and other food vendors, you’ll find people selling everything from handcrafted items to local souvenirs. If you need to even out the sweets, don’t worry, there’s a number of food trucks too.
Other fun goings on at the Butter Tart Festival include live music, street performers and a contest for the best butter tarts!
Insider Tip: Many of the best butter tarts sell out fast! So, if you want to buy butter tarts, get there in the morning (festival starts at 9am) so you don’t miss out.
Date: June 14, 2025
Mariposa Folk Festival
Set along the shores of Lake Couchiching is Tudhope Park, the location for the Mariposa Folk Festival. Since it started in 1961, the festival is one of the top Orillia attractions every summer.
The Mariposa Folk Festival is a 3-day Canadian music festival that hosts over 50 artists every year. Taking place every July, the festival is a beloved event for the whole family.
Many of Canada’s artists have graced the stages at Mariposa including icons like Gordan Lightfoot and Leonard Cohen. Other stand outs include Tegan and Sara, KT Tunstall and Joni Mitchell.
Along with the multiple stages for music, the festival boasts fantastic artisan and food vendors. Plus, there’s also areas for children’s activities.
Insider Tip: If it’s your first time attending, don’t forget a lawn chair, sun screen and your dancing shoes!
Date: July 4 – 6, 2025
Looking for another fun Orillia festival? Check out Tap into Maple in Orillia for fun stops to visit during the maple syrup season!
Alliston Potato Festival
Best known now for the Honda plant, Alliston grew thanks to the potato-growing farmers in the area. So, it’s no surprise a potato festival sprouted up!
Every August, since 1972, the Alliston Potato Festival takes over town. Starting with the big parade, the 3-Day event takes place at the Alliston Fairgrounds and other locations throughout town.
There’s something for the whole family at the festival! Opening night is the start of the beer garden and midway. Plus, there’s live music taking place at the main stage of the beer garden all weekend long.
The Alliston Potato Festival boasts an assortment of fun shows. These range from a baby contest to a classic car show.
It wouldn’t be one of the best food festivals in Simcoe County without lots of things to eat! Start with a potato pancake breakfast on Saturday morning. Then check out the other vendors and food trucks selling everything from candy to burgers.
Other fun events taking place at the festival include a petting zoo, dog agility show, and face painting.
Date: August 8 – 10, 2025
Boots and Hearts Music Festival
For those looking for the best Simcoe County music festivals, add the Boots and Hearts Music Festival to your summer bucket list!
Since 2012, this multi-day event has grown to become the largest country and camping music festival in Canada! It’s held every August at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds that’s located in Oro-Medonte, just north of Barrie.
Burl’s Creek covers over 600 acres and is the largest outdoor event venue in Canada. Making it the perfect place to hold this lively country music concert of the year.
Boots and Hearts Music Festival always has a stellar line-up of performers. Past iconic artists include Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, and Shania Twain.
Date: August 7 – 10, 2025
Noella Festival
If you love checking out free Christmas light displays, purchasing a local real tree and kicking off the holidays in style, then check out Barrie’s Noella Festival.
The Noella Festival is one of the best Christmas festivals in Simcoe County and takes place in downtown Barrie. Running from mid-November through December annually, the festival is full of fun and free entertainment.
Enjoy free wagon rides and family art activities. Plus, if you bring a toy or non-perishable food donation, you’ll receive a free hot chocolate from Tim Horton’s. Carolers are also on hand to help get you in the holiday spirit.
Santa Clause makes his debut with annual parade on the first night of the Noella Festival. To top off the festivities, take in the tree lighting at Meridian Place followed by fireworks.
On the following day, one of the best Christmas markets in the city takes place. It showcases local artisans and is the perfect place to grab unique gifts. There’s everything from handmade items to food.
In partnership with the holiday festival is another fun addition, the Rotary Festival of Trees. Along the waterfront, in Heritage Park, are a number of light displays.
Plus, if you want to purchase a real tree for the holidays, the festival sells Christmas trees and wreaths. The trees come from one of the best Christmas tree farms in Ontario, Drysdale, with all of the proceeds go to charity.
Date: 2025 dates to be announced
Simcoe County offers a vibrant tapestry of festivals that celebrate its rich cultural heritage and dynamic community spirit. From the thrilling festivities of Kempenfest to the mouthwatering delights of the Butter Tart Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These festivals not only showcase the region’s diverse attractions but also unite locals and visitors in unforgettable experiences. Embrace the spirit of celebration and make sure to mark your calendars for these exceptional events.
Looking for more fun things to do in Simcoe County?
Enjoy Live Theatre in Barrie at Kempenfelt Players Theatre
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