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Can you taste it? 4 Days away Canada’s sweetest celebration hits Downtown Barrie this Saturday!
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Barrie, ON – The tart countdown is getting serious. We are just FOUR DAYS away from the return of one of Ontario’s most delicious festivals – the Open Air Dunlop Butter Tart Festival returns to Downtown Barrie this Saturday, July 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM!
After a record-breaking debut in 2024, this year is baking up to be even bigger. More butter tart vendors, more street programming, more tart lovers from across the province – and of course, more sugar-powered fun.
Festival Must-Knows:
- – 100+ vendors serving up classic and creative butter tarts, food, handmade goods, and unique retail finds
- – Fan favourites returning: Doo Doo’s, Carla’s Cookie Box, Ten of Tarts, Grandma’s Beach Treats & more
- – Meridian Place & Dunlop Street are pedestrian-only and are fully activated for the sweetest shopping and strolling experience
- – Free Admission – come early and stay all day!
Tart Talk: The Butter Tart Contest (11 AM – 1 PM)
- – Watch a panel of local ‘sweet teeth’ judge vendors for Best Crust, Best Filling, Best Presentation, Best Tart Bliss and Best Overall Butter Tart Champion
- – Winners announced at approximately 1:30 PM at Meridian Place!
Stick Around for Sweet Sounds:
- – 4:00 PM: Live music begins at Meridian Place featuring Second Hand Rumours – a Fleetwood Mac tribute band comprised of music teachers from Music Lessons Barrie
- – 8:00 PM: Headliner Shania Twink takes the stage!
- An all-star queer country tribute band from Toronto featuring members of July Talk, Bahamas & Dwayne Gretzky
- Expect a high-energy set of Shania Twain hits + 90s/00s female country/pop bangers
“This festival is all about bringing joy, flavour, and community together,” says Helen Prucha, owner of Gotta Luv ButterTarts and the force behind the festival. “You can feel the excitement building — it’s not just about butter tarts, it’s about making sweet memories downtown.”
With a full day of shopping, music, contests, and treats, July 12 is your excuse to indulge. Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and celebrate summer sweetness in Downtown Barrie!
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About Gotta Luv ButterTarts: www.gottaluvbuttertarts.ca
About RVH Foundation Live Life Wild Campaign: www.rvhkeeplifewild.ca
