Barrie, ON – Music lovers, get ready! The Troubadour Festival – Outdoor Music Series returns to Meridian Place on Saturday, July 26, capping off a full day of celebration in Downtown Barrie with an evening of unforgettable live performances under the stars.

Taking place after the second annual Classics In The Park Car Show, Troubadour Festival transforms the lakeside stage into a powerhouse of local and national talent. From indie and rock to nostalgic sing-alongs, this year’s lineup will move your feet and lift your spirit.

Event Schedule – Saturday, July 26

6:00 PM – Local Opener Showcase
Downtown Barrie is proud to present three incredible local acts, selected through an open call for soloists, duos, and bands. This showcase highlights the region’s rising stars and sets the tone for an electric night of music.

Local performers include:

•  – Goofus: Toronto’s Eclectic Alternative Rock Powerhouse – Hailing from the vibrant streets of Toronto, Goofus is an alternative rock band that soars with creativity.  Composed of four distinct musical souls – Matt, James, Dave, and Nigel – Goofus delivers a sonic experience as diverse as the city they call home. Drawing inspiration from North American Lumberjack Folklore, the band takes its name from the mythical Goofus Bird, a creature known for its wild, unpredictable nature – a perfect reflection of the band’s unique and dynamic sound.
  
  
•  – Sydney Riley + Band – Heart, soul, and rock & roll: Josie-nominated singer-songwriter Sydney Riley is embracing the darker side of life. Hailing from Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Sydney’s thundering vocals have been described as a balance between Stevie Nicks and Joan Jett. Coupled with heartfelt and emotionally-charged lyrics, Sydney’s songwriting pulls from Folk, Rock, and Alternative music. After releasing a 6-song EP as well as four singles, Sydney and their band The Bog Bodies have jumped into the Ontario music scene, opening for acts like Tokyo Police Club and Serena Ryder for Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival
  
  
•  – Dorene –  is a two piece rock duo from Tottenham, Ontario. Composed of Vincent Eagan and Gray Laine, two childhood friends who have been jamming together since high school, Dorene has been recording and performing since 2019. Vincent is a lifelong songwriter and writes the bulk of the tunes, while Gray takes care of all the production in his basement studio. In 2023 we released our debut album “Grandeur to Ghosts”, with the lead single “Can We Just Forget It?” being featured on Rock95 Barrie, and embarked on a run of Ontario shows to promote it with a full 5 piece band of close friends and collaborators. In 2025 we are thrilled to be reunited, getting back onstage as a duo for the first time in years and returning to Gray’s basement to meticulously craft our next album

8:30 PM – Headliner: The 99s

Downtown Barrie welcomes back one of the country’s most exciting new bands. The 99s are an electrifying 8-piece ensemble that delivers an epic show packed with sing-along classics and genre-spanning anthems. Musically directed by Canadian party band icons Dwayne Gretzky, and fronted by Barrie-native Carleigh Aikins, their setlist travels from Tina Turner to The Killers, ABBA to Avril Lavigne — with high-octane energy and powerhouse vocals guaranteed.

Whether you’re coming for the cars, staying for the music, or both — July 26 will be an unmissable Saturday in Downtown Barrie.

“Troubadour Festival is about discovering something new and dancing to something familiar,” says Steve Ricalis, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “We’re thrilled to showcase incredible local talent and celebrate Barrie’s music community alongside The 99s, who always deliver an unforgettable performance.”

Admission is free. Come for the cars, stay for the music — and bring your dancing shoes.

LOCAL PARTNERS 

The Downtown Barrie BIA thanks its sponsors, volunteers, local partners, and participating businesses for helping make these events possible. Including 

•  – Bell Media’s CTV Barrie, BOUNCE Radio 104.1 and PURE COUNTRY 106 
•  – Meridian Credit Union 
•  – City of Barrie 
•  – Tourism Barrie 
•  – Inside The Music 

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