Open Air Dunlop Returns for 2026! A Summer of Signature Downtown Events Awaits!
Open Air Dunlop AirShow – June 12 – 14
The summer kicks off with the highly anticipated Air Show Weekend, presented in partnership with the City of Barrie, Base Borden, County of Simcoe, and community partners.
New this year, the celebration kicks off Friday evening at dusk in Meridian Place with a special outdoor screening of Top Gun: Maverick — the perfect high-energy start to the weekend. On Saturday, experience the brand-new Twilight Air Show beginning at 6 PM, featuring breathtaking aerobatic displays against the setting sun, culminating in a fireworks finale at 10 PM. The excitement continues Sunday with a full afternoon Air Show starting at 1 PM. It’s a full weekend of high-flying, family-friendly fun!
Throughout the weekend, Downtown Barrie will come alive with:
– Military displays and interactive experiences
– Expanded downtown patios
– A pedestrian-friendly streetscape to explore, dine, and connect
– A waterfront viewing along beautiful Kempenfelt Bay
Open Air Dunlop Canada Day – July 1st
Starting at 10am, families can enjoy a full day of activities, including the Kiwanis Club Kids Zone, the Brightside Collective Vendor Market, the Barrie Wrestling Canada Day Challenge, and a new interactive experience, Canada Celebrates World Cup Soccer, recognizing Canada’s role as a host nation for the world’s biggest sporting event.
Live entertainment will fill Meridian Place throughout the day, and thousands will gather to share in one of Downtown Barrie’s most cherished traditions, including performances by the beloved Baytowne Big Band. Our traditional Canada Day Cupcake Ceremony will kick off at 5:00 PM and showcase scrumptious cupcakes from Janine’s Bakery.
Headlining the evening at 8:30 pm is Terra Lightfoot, one of Canada’s most acclaimed rock artists, earning JUNO and Polaris Music Prize nominations for her powerhouse blend of rock, soul, and blues. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, her latest album Healing Power has been hailed as a career-best. Described by CBC Music as “one of Canada’s best all-around musicians,” Terra’s electrifying guitar work, commanding voice, and unforgettable live performances promise an incredible Canada Day concert.
The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over Kempenfelt Bay at 10:00 PM, followed by the energetic Canada Day Salsa After Party from 10:15 PM to 11:00 PM.
All Canada Day programming is made possible through the support of Celebrate Canada.
The 3rd Annual Open Air Dunlop Butter Tart Festival returns to Downtown Barrie on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, transforming the city’s historic main street and Meridian Place into Ontario’s sweetest destination.
This free, family-friendly celebration presented by the Downtown Barrie BIA continues to grow into one of Ontario’s premier summer food festivals. This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, featuring more than 100 vendors, including artisan bakers, makers, specialty food producers, and local retailers, all celebrating one of Canada’s most iconic desserts.
At the heart of the festival will be 20 of Ontario’s finest butter tart creators, serving up everything from timeless family recipes to imaginative new creations. Festival favourites including Maids Cottage, King’s Daughter, Doo Doo’s, and reigning Butter Tart Champion Bruno’s will all be returning, giving visitors the perfect excuse to sample, compare, and discover a new favourite.
From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Meridian Place, a community panel of judges will sample, score, debate, and ultimately crown the 2026 Butter Tart Champions.
Adding even more meaning to the day, the festival proudly honours the believed origins of Canada’s first butter tart recipe, developed by the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Auxiliary in 1903. Continuing that legacy, the festival proudly supports the RVH Keep Life Wild Campaign, helping strengthen healthcare throughout our region.
After a full day of butter tarts, shopping, and family fun, keep the celebration going in Meridian Place.
At 7:30 PM, legendary Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell takes the stage for a special concert presented by the City of Barrie.
Originally scheduled as part of Barrie’s New Year’s Eve Celebration, this highly anticipated performance has found the perfect summer home.
So go ahead… update that New Year’s resolution and come on down!
Open Air Dunlop Classics In The Park (Cars, Boats & More) – Saturday, July 25
Step back in time and experience one of the largest showcases of its kind as 500+ classic cars take over Downtown Barrie’s main street.
New for 2026:
– Expanded displays including boats and RVs
– Recreational and outdoor lifestyle vehicles
– An extended footprint into Heritage Park, making this year’s event bigger than ever
It’s a must-see event for car enthusiasts, families, and visitors alike.
