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Downtown Barrie Celebrates a Record-Setting Summer of Festivals and Music with Brett Kissel Headlining Troubadour Festival
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Barrie, ON – The Downtown Barrie BIA is proud to announce that after a record-breaking summer of live music, community festivals, and family fun, the stage is set for one last unforgettable night in downtown Barrie. The Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series will close with Brett Kissel headlining at Meridian Place on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
This summer, Downtown Barrie welcomed thousands to Meridian Place for the Troubadour Festival’s spectacular lineup: from Dean Brody’s electrifying June kickoff, to the singalong energy of The 99s, and the eclectic artistry of Hawksley Workman in August. Each performance lit up the waterfront and cemented downtown Barrie as one of Ontario’s hottest summer destinations.
Now, to close out this incredible season, Brett Kissel will take the stage for a grand finale. A country music powerhouse, Kissel has earned 23 Canadian Country Music Awards, 3 JUNOs, multiple Gold and Platinum hits, and 19 Top-10 radio singles—including four #1 tracks. Known for his high-energy shows and charismatic stage presence, Kissel promises to deliver a night to remember.
Adding to the celebration, Barrie will showcase one of its own rising stars: Dayna Reid, a dynamic performer from Elmvale whose powerhouse vocals and storytelling lyrics have been captivating audiences nationwide. Reid will open the show alongside two additional local artists to be announced in the coming weeks as part of the Troubadour Festival Local Opener Series.
“This summer has been nothing short of magical for Downtown Barrie,” said Steve Ricalis, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “From Dean Brody to Hawksley Workman, our Troubadour Festival and Open Air Dunlop events brought families, friends, and visitors together to celebrate music, culture, and community. We can’t wait to close the season with Brett Kissel – it’s going to be the perfect finale to a summer we’ll never forget.”
Both the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series and Open Air Dunlop events are free to attend, underscoring Downtown Barrie’s commitment to creating accessible, inclusive cultural experiences for all.
LOCAL PARTNERS
The Downtown Barrie BIA extends sincere thanks to its sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who made this season possible:
– Bell Media’s CTV Barrie, BOUNCE Radio 104.1, and PURE COUNTRY 106
– Meridian Credit Union
– City of Barrie
– Tourism Barrie
– Inside The Music
– Meridian Credit Union
– City of Barrie
– Tourism Barrie
– Inside The Music
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