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Classic Cars by Day. Legendary Canadian Rock by Night.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Troubadour Festival & Open Air Dunlop Combine for One Unforgettable Saturday in Downtown Barrie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday July 16 2026

Barrie, ON – Downtown Barrie is set to deliver one of its biggest celebrations of the summer as Troubadour Festival presented by Paul Sadlon Motors joins forces with Open Air Dunlop: Classics In The Park for an action-packed day of classic vehicles, live music, local food, and community celebration on Saturday, July 25.

From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Downtown Barrie’s waterfront, Dunlop Street, Heritage Park, and Meridian Place will come alive with two signature events that together create a full-day experience unlike anywhere else in Ontario.

Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast, a live music fan, or simply looking for a great summer day with family and friends, Downtown Barrie is the place to be.

Open Air Dunlop: Classics In The Park – 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Presented in partnership with Barrie Thunder Classics, Classics In The Park returns bigger than ever with more than 500 classic vehicles lining Downtown Barrie’s historic main street.

From vintage muscle cars and timeless classics to custom builds and collector favourites, the event has become one of Central Ontario’s premier automotive showcases.

Adding again to the experience this year, Maple Leaf Marina will bring an impressive collection of boats to Heritage Park, while Hitch House RV will showcase recreational vehicles, celebrating every kind of summer adventure.

Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, local vendors including On The Mark Vintage Market in Meridian Place, patios, shopping, and Downtown Barrie’s restaurants and cafés as the downtown core transforms into a pedestrian-friendly celebration of horsepower, craftsmanship, and community.

Troubadour Festival Takes the Stage – 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

As the sun begins to set, Meridian Place transforms into one of Ontario’s premier outdoor concert venues as the Troubadour Festival continues its award-winning 2026 season.

Recognized as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals, Troubadour Festival returns with another incredible lineup of Canadian talent.

5:00 PM – Local Opener Showcase

The evening begins by celebrating the next generation of Canadian musicians through the popular Local Opener Showcase, featuring three outstanding emerging artists selected through a juried process.

Noise Hotel

Ottawa’s Noise Hotel opens the evening with its energetic blend of indie rock, nostalgic hooks, and modern swagger. Since forming in 2022, the four-piece has built momentum through standout performances at NXNE, Toronto’s legendary Horseshoe Tavern, and festivals across Canada. Their acclaimed debut album Poolside Fantasy has positioned them as one of Ontario’s exciting rising indie acts.

Siobhan Bodrug

Toronto singer-songwriter Siobhan Bodrug brings an intimate yet powerful indie-pop sound shaped by soulful vocals and thoughtful songwriting. A graduate of the renowned Honey Jam artist development program, Bodrug continues to build national attention through performances alongside acclaimed Canadian artists and the success of her breakout single The End Lies Ahead.

Nix Ironstone

Formerly known as award-winning country artist Nicole Rayy, Nix Ironstone represents an exciting new chapter. Blending alternative rock with goth-pop influences, her bold new sound has already made waves following the release of Dead To Me, introducing audiences to an artist unafraid to reinvent herself.

7:30 PM – Stuck On Planet Earth

Opening for the evening’s headliner is one of Canada’s most exciting modern rock bands.

Stuck On Planet Earth has earned international recognition through more than 10 million global streams, chart success in Canada and Europe, and memorable appearances on Netflix and Sportsnet’s Hockey Night in Canada. Their soaring melodies, arena-ready sound, and electrifying live performances have seen them share stages with Weezer, Finger Eleven, Big Wreck, and Death From Above 1979. Their newest album, All But Nothing, continues to showcase the band’s evolution as one of Canada’s premier alternative rock acts.

8:30 PM – Headliner: The Watchmen

The evening culminates with one of Canada’s most celebrated rock bands.

For more than three decades, The Watchmen have remained a defining force in Canadian rock, earning platinum and gold albums, three JUNO Award nominations, and induction into the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Gold-certified album Silent Radar, fans can expect an unforgettable night featuring classics including Stereo, Any Day Now, Brighter Hell, Say Something, Run and Hide, Boneyard Tree, Zoom, and many more.

Known for their powerful live performances and loyal fan base, The Watchmen continue to sell out venues across Canada, proving their music remains as relevant and energetic as ever.

“One of the things that makes Troubadour Festival unique is the journey through the evening,” said Chas Hay, Programming Partner at Hey Bear Productions. “You discover incredible emerging artists, experience one of Canada’s most exciting modern rock bands, and finish the night with a legendary Canadian headliner. It’s exactly what a great festival should feel like.”

A Day Built Around Downtown

Between the cars, the concerts, the patios, local shopping, restaurants, food trucks, and waterfront views, Saturday, July 25 offers visitors countless reasons to spend the day exploring Downtown Barrie.

With free admission, family-friendly programming, and something happening from morning until night, organizers encourage visitors to arrive early, stay late, and experience everything Downtown Barrie has to offer.

For festival information and updates, visit www.downtownbarrie.ca and follow @downtownbarrie on social media.

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