Barrie, ON – The countdown is officially on and the ovens are preheating! Just over one week remains until Downtown Barrie becomes the sweetest destination in the country for the second annual Open Air Dunlop Butter Tart Festival, happening Saturday, July 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM across Meridian Place and pedestrian-only Dunlop Street.

After last year’s overwhelming turnout of more than 40,000 visitors, this year promises even more tarts, more vendors, more activities, and more tart-fueled fun. Come hungry and ready for a full day of sugar, sunshine, and celebration.

Festival Highlights:

• – 100+ Canadian vendors offering butter tarts, gourmet goods, local crafts, and unique retail
• – Butter Tart Contest (11 AM to 1 PM): Local judges will crown the Best Butter Tarts in a variety of categories
• – Returning favourites: Doo Doo’s Bakery, Carla’s Cookie Box, Ten of Tarts, and more.
• – Free admission and family-friendly activities all day
  
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• Supporting the Community:

• – Proudly supporting the RVH Keep Life Wild Campaign and RVH Auxiliary, continuing the tradition from last year’s event
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• “The energy of last year’s festival was contagious,” says Helen Prucha, owner of Gotta Luv ButterTarts and festival coordinator. “We’ve added more vendors, brought back fan favourites, and expanded every corner of the event to make sure 2025 is even more unforgettable. We can’t wait to see everyone downtown again, tarts in hand and smiles on their faces.”

Steve Ricalis, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA and owner of Donaleigh’s and Dunlop Diner, adds: “There’s nothing quite like Downtown Barrie during the Butter Tart Festival. It highlights everything we love about our city — community, creativity, and celebration. We’re excited to welcome back thousands of visitors for another taste of something truly sweet.”

Live Music @ Meridian Place:

• – 4:00 PM: Festival warm-up performance featuring local talent
• – 8:00 PM: Shania Twink – Toronto’s iconic queer country tribute band lighting up the stage with hits by Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, Tracy Chapman, and more. Featuring members from top Canadian acts like Dwayne Gretzky, July Talk, and Bahamas. Expect glitter, glam, and a full Shania experience under the stars!

Don’t forget to bring your appetite, your dancing shoes, and your sweetest summer energy. It all happens Saturday, July 12, from 10 AM to 4 PM, with live music continuing into the night!

Stay tuned for even more tart-fueled details in the days ahead — and visit downtownbarrie.ca for maps, parking info, and full festival programming.

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About Gotta Luv ButterTarts: www.gottaluvbuttertarts.ca 

About RVH Foundation Live Life Wild Campaign: www.rvhkeeplifewild.ca