Three Days. Three Spectacular Shows. One Historic Weekend on Kempenfelt Bay.

Presented by Pratt Homes

BARRIE, ON – Some moments become memories the instant they happen.

The unmistakable roar of jet engines over Kempenfelt Bay. Families gathered along Barrie’s waterfront looking skyward. The red-and-white trails of Canada’s iconic Snowbirds painting the summer sky.

This summer, one of Barrie’s most beloved traditions returns with an exciting new chapter as the Barrie Airshow takes over Open Air Dunlop, transforming the city’s waterfront and downtown core into a three-day celebration of aviation, community, and Canadian pride.

Presented by Pratt Homes in partnership with Base Borden, the City of Barrie, the County of Simcoe, and the Downtown Barrie BIA, the weekend delivers three distinct experiences across three unforgettable days—all completely free for residents and visitors to enjoy.

And for many, this year carries special significance.

As the Canadian Forces Snowbirds continue their national demonstration program, opportunities to witness these legendary pilots perform have become increasingly rare. Barrie is one of only a handful of communities across Canada selected to host the Snowbirds this season, making this one of the final opportunities for many Ontario residents to experience the team live.

Adding to the occasion is the setting itself.

Few airshows in North America can rival the natural amphitheater created by Kempenfelt Bay. With aircraft soaring above open water against the backdrop of Barrie’s vibrant waterfront and downtown skyline, spectators enjoy unobstructed views from beaches, parks, patios, and boardwalks stretching along the shoreline. It is a setting so remarkable that it has become a favourite among Snowbird pilots themselves.

“This event has always been about bringing people together to share a truly special experience,” said Wayne Hay, Chair of the Barrie Air Show and Honorary Colonel of CFSATE. “What makes Barrie unique is not only the quality of the performances in the sky, but the incredible environment in which they take place. Watching aircraft perform above Kempenfelt Bay is something you simply cannot replicate anywhere else.”

FRIDAY: TOP GUN RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN BARRIE

The weekend begins on Friday evening with one of Downtown Barrie’s favourite summer traditions.

As the sun sets over Meridian Place, aviation fans, movie lovers, and families are invited to gather for a free outdoor screening of Top Gun: Maverick.

The blockbuster film has become synonymous with a renewed appreciation for aviation and flight, making it the perfect way to launch a weekend dedicated to the wonder of the skies.

Bring a lawn chair, grab dinner from a local restaurant, and settle in beneath the stars as Downtown Barrie sets the stage for what is to come.

SATURDAY: THE SKY COMES ALIVE AFTER DARK

For the first time, the Barrie Airshow expands into the evening with an entirely new nighttime aviation experience starting at 6pm.

As daylight fades over Kempenfelt Bay, spectators will witness a dramatic performance featuring a father-and-son aerobatic team whose synchronized routines combine precision flying, pyrotechnics, and specially illuminated aircraft.

Against the backdrop of a summer sunset and the darkening waterfront, aircraft will dance across the sky with bursts of light, colour, and fire unlike anything previously seen at the Barrie Airshow.

The evening will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display over Kempenfelt Bay, creating a breathtaking finale that blends aviation and celebration into one unforgettable experience.

SUNDAY: THE MAIN EVENT

The excitement reaches its peak on Sunday as the full daytime Barrie Airshow takes flight beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Throughout the afternoon, spectators will enjoy an action-packed lineup of military and civilian aviation demonstrations above Kempenfelt Bay, showcasing the skill, precision, and innovation that continue to inspire generations of aviation enthusiasts.

Then comes the moment many will be waiting for.

The arrival of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

For decades, the Snowbirds have represented excellence, teamwork, and national pride. Their signature formations and breathtaking aerobatics have captivated millions of Canadians and become one of the country’s most recognizable symbols.

As they take to the skies above Barrie’s waterfront, spectators will have the opportunity to witness a piece of Canadian aviation history unfolding in real time.

A WEEKEND BUILT FOR COMMUNITY

Beyond the performances themselves, the Barrie Airshow weekend has become a celebration of community.

Families will gather along the shoreline. Friends will fill restaurant patios. Visitors will discover Barrie’s vibrant downtown. Children will experience the wonder of flight for the very first time.

From Friday night’s cinematic kickoff to Saturday’s nighttime spectacle and Sunday’s world-class airshow, every element of the weekend has been designed to create shared experiences and lasting memories.

Most importantly, every event throughout the weekend remains completely free to attend.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: ONE WEEKEND. ONE WATERFRONT. ONE HISTORIC EXPERIENCE.

Here is the link with all the event details: https://www.barrie.ca/community-recreation-environment/community-events/2026-barrie-airshow-presented-pratt-homes

FRIDAY

 – 6pm: Family activities and inflatables in Meridian Place

 – 9:30pm: Outdoor Screening of Top Gun: Maverick

SATURDAY

 – 12pm: Performer Meet & Greet at Meridian Place

 – 12 – 8pm: Military displays by CFB Borden at Heritage Park & Meridian Place

 – 12pm – 10pm: Open Air Dunlop: Family activities and displays at Heritage Park, Meridian Place and Dunlop Street

 – 1pm – 10pm: Licensed area featuring Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery at Heritage Park

 – 5pm: Muskoka Extreme waterski show on Kempenfelt Bay in front of Heritage Park

 – 6pm: Special Twilight AirShow!

 – 10pm: Fireworks Finale

SUNDAY

 – 10am – 5pm: Military Displays by CFB Borden at Heritage Park & Meridian Place, Family activities and aviation displays along Dunlop Street

 – 12pm: Muskoka Extreme water ski show on Kempenfelt Bay in front of Heritage Park

 – 12pm – 5pm: Licensed area featuring Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery at Heritage Park

 – 1pm: 2026 Barrie AirShow presented by Pratt Homes

About the Barrie Airshow

The Barrie Airshow is one of Ontario’s premier waterfront aviation events, attracting tens of thousands of spectators annually to Barrie’s scenic Kempenfelt Bay. Presented in partnership with Base Borden, the City of Barrie, the County of Simcoe, and the Downtown Barrie BIA, the event celebrates aviation, community, and the unique spirit of Barrie through world-class aerial performances and free public programming.