Barrie, ON – The countdown is nearly complete – Downtown Barrie is about to reach a new sugar high (in the best way possible)! The second annual Open Air Dunlop Butter Tart Festival takes over the city this Saturday, July 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated days of the summer.

After last year’s smash hit debut, the 2025 edition brings more vendors, more entertainment, and more tart-fuelled fun than ever before. Whether you’re a returning tart fan or a first-time visitor, you’re in for a truly sweet experience.

Festival Overview:

• – Admission: FREE!  Saturday, July 12, 2025
• – Time: 10 AM to 4 PM (Live Music until 10 PM)
• – Location: Meridian Place & Pedestrian-only Dunlop Street
•  
• What’s Happening:

• – 100+ Canadian vendors serving butter tarts (classic to wild flavours), handmade goods, retail, food & more
• – Fan favourites returning: Doo Doo’s, Carla’s Cookie Box, Ten of Tarts, Maids Cottage, &  Bruno’s!
• – RVH Keep Life Wild Campaign activation on-site
•  
• Tart Showdown – 11 AM to 1 PM:

• – Butter Tart Contest with categories for Best Crust, Best Filling, Most Unique & People’s Choice
• – Judged by a panel of local VIPs and sweet-toothed foodies
• – Winners announced at 1:30 PM at Meridian Place

Entertainment Itinerary:

• – 4:00 PM: Live music begins at Meridian Place
• – 8:00 PM: Shania Twink hits the stage for a full-on country-pop tribute concert. Featuring members of July Talk, Dwayne Gretzky, and Bahamas. Expect Shania Twain hits, 90s bangers, glitter, and a dancefloor under the stars!
•  
• Plan Your Day:

• – Arrive early to beat the tart-loving crowd
• – Bring cash and reusable shopping bags for vendor stalls
• – Grab a bite from on-street patios and takeout stations
• – Snap a photo at sweet selfie spots and tag #ButterTartFestBarrie
• – Stay for the music, stay for the vibes — downtown is where summer lives!
•  
• Getting Here:

• – Dunlop Street is closed to vehicles from Mulcaster to Maple
• – Walking and cycling are encouraged
• – Municipal parking is available throughout the downtown

 “This festival is pure joy,” says Heather Kennedy, BIA Director and owner of Blueberry Moon and Hey Bootsie. “It’s everything sweet, local, and proudly Canadian all in one place. We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to celebrate together again.”

Find full details, parking info, and vendor listings at downtownbarrie.ca. See you Saturday — and don’t forget to bring your sweet tooth!

Stay Connected! Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to stay in the loop on all the exciting happenings in Downtown Barrie!  Sign up here!

About Gotta Luv ButterTarts: www.gottaluvbuttertarts.ca 

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