The Downtown Barrie BIA is proud to celebrate an extraordinary summer season filled with music, culture, food, and community spirit. From signature Open Air Dunlop weekends to unforgettable concerts at Meridian Place, Downtown Barrie welcomed tens of thousands of visitors who came together to enjoy family-friendly events in the heart of our city.

This year’s Open Air Dunlop series brought new energy and unforgettable moments to downtown:

– Air Show (June 6–8): Dazzling flyovers and aviation displays filled the skies.

– Canada Day (July 1): A sea of red and white celebrated our nation’s birthday with live music and community pride.

– Butter Tart Festival (July 12): Thousands indulged in Ontario’s sweetest festival.

– Classics In The Park (July 26): Cars, boats, and more transformed downtown into a showcase of nostalgia and style.

– Eats On The Streets (Aug 16): A culinary crawl spotlighted the best of Barrie’s dining scene.

At Meridian Place, the Troubadour Festival delivered a summer of unforgettable performances:

– Dean Brody – Saturday, June 14
One of Canada’s most celebrated country artists, Dean Brody, has earned multiple JUNO and CCMA awards. Known for hits like Canadian Girls and Bounty, Brody continues to connect with fans across the country through his heartfelt lyrics and electrifying live shows.

– The 99s – Saturday, July 26
Rising stars in Canada’s music scene, The 99s are known for their dynamic blend of rock, country, and folk influences. Their energetic performances and fresh sound have quickly built them a loyal following and cemented their place as ones to watch.

– Hawksley Workman – Saturday, August 16
A two-time JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Hawksley Workman is celebrated for his theatrical stage presence and eclectic style. With a career spanning more than 20 years, his music bridges rock, pop, and cabaret influences, making every performance unforgettable.

– Brett Kissel – Saturday, September 6
One of Canada’s leading country music performers, Brett Kissel, has earned numerous JUNO and CCMA awards and is beloved for hits like Make a Life, Not a Living. With his high-energy shows and chart-topping success, Kissel continues to shine as a fan favourite nationwide.

New this year, the Local Opener Showcase provided a career-shaping opportunity for emerging local talent. With over 50 submissions from solo artists, duos, and bands across the region, selected performers were given the chance to take the stage in front of thousands of people at Meridian Place, sharing the spotlight alongside some of Canada’s most notable headliners. This initiative highlighted the incredible depth of homegrown talent while connecting artists with new audiences and creating memorable experiences for the community.

Families and visitors also came together weekly for Lawnchair Luminata, the outdoor movie series that lit up Meridian Place from June through August. Over 10 weeks, audiences enjoyed popular films like Sundance Film Festival Filmmakers and Audience Award winner Smoke Signals, celebrating Indigenous Day, Family Favourite Moana, 2019 Oscar Winner Free Solo as well as 2024 Oscar Winner Flow and many more under the stars, making it a summertime tradition for families, friends, and movie lovers of all ages.

August featured the return of the Iced Cocoa Trail, a deliciously refreshing way to explore Downtown Barrie’s cafés. Visitors were invited to sip their way through unique cocoa-inspired creations, each crafted to showcase the creativity and flair of local café owners. The trail was especially popular during August’s heat wave, offering the community a cool and flavorful way to discover new favourites while supporting downtown businesses.

“Downtown Barrie was alive with energy, pride, and celebration all summer long,” says Craig Stevens, Executive Director of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “These events not only brought our community together but also showcased our downtown as a vibrant destination for visitors across the region.”

The Downtown Barrie BIA thanks its sponsors, partners, volunteers, and community members for making this the biggest and best summer yet.

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