Canada’s Country Rock Superstar to Close Out Ontario’s Top 100 Festival on Saturday, September 12

Barrie, ON – The secret is finally out.

After months of anticipation and one incredible summer of live music already underway, the Downtown Barrie BIA is thrilled to announce that Tim Hicks will headline the Troubadour Festival presented by Paul Sadlon Motors on Saturday, September 12, closing out what has become one of Ontario’s premier summer concert series.

Following unforgettable performances by The Road Hammers in June, and with The Watchmen (July 25) and Bahamas (August 15) still to come, Tim Hicks will bring the 2026 season to an explosive finish in Meridian Place. Organizers expect the September finale to draw one of the largest crowds in the festival’s history.

“This is the announcement we’ve been waiting to share,” said Steve Ricalis, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “Every great festival deserves an unforgettable finale, and Tim Hicks is exactly that. His music, his energy, and his connection with audiences make him the perfect artist to close what has already been an incredible summer in Downtown Barrie.”

One of Canada’s Biggest Country Stars

Over the past decade, Tim Hicks has become one of Canada’s most successful and recognizable country artists. Since bursting onto the scene with his platinum-selling debut album Throw Down, Hicks has built an impressive catalogue of chart-topping hits including Get By, Stronger Beer, No Truck Song, Loud, She Don’t Drink Whiskey Anymore, Talk to Time, and Wreck This.

A multi-time CCMA Award winner and JUNO Award nominee, Hicks has amassed hundreds of millions of streams, earned numerous Gold and Platinum-certified singles, and established himself as one of Canada’s premier live performers. His signature blend of country storytelling, arena-ready rock energy, and unforgettable sing-along anthems has made him a favourite at festivals across the country.

Known for delivering high-octane performances that keep audiences on their feet from the opening note to the encore, Hicks is set to provide the perfect finale for Troubadour Festival 2026.

A Summer Worth Celebrating

With the final headliner now revealed, the remainder of the Troubadour Festival season is officially set:

Saturday, July 25
The Watchmen

Saturday, August 15
Bahamas

Saturday, September 12
Tim Hicks

Each festival day also features the popular Local Opener Showcase, expanded daytime programming, the Troubadour Street Stage, the Troubadour Treehouse, local food vendors, patios, family activities, and interactive experiences throughout Downtown Barrie.

“This is exactly the kind of artist you hope to land for a season finale,” said Chas Hay of Hey Bear Productions. “Tim Hicks puts on the kind of show people remember for years. You can already feel the excitement building, and September 12 is shaping up to be one of those nights that people will be talking about long after the final song.”

“At its heart, Troubadour Festival is about community,” said Justin Rydell, CTV News Barrie News Director. “It’s where people connect through great Canadian music. Watching the festival grow into one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals has been exciting, and we’re thrilled to have Tim Hicks cap off this year’s incredible season.”

Mayor Alex Nuttall says the festival continues to showcase Barrie as one of Ontario’s premier summer destinations.

“Troubadour Festival has quickly become one of the signature events on our city’s calendar,” said Mayor Nuttall. “Each concert brings thousands of people into our downtown to experience great music, support local businesses, and enjoy our beautiful waterfront. Having an artist of Tim Hicks’ calibre close the season is a tremendous way to celebrate everything this festival has become.”

With the season entering its busiest stretch, organizers encourage music fans to mark their calendars now and experience the remaining concerts as Troubadour Festival continues to build on its recognition as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals.

The countdown to the grand finale has officially begun.

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

LOCAL PARTNERS

PAUL SADLON MOTORS | EXPERIENCE ONTARIO | CTV News Barrie | PURE COUNTRY 106 | BOUNCE 104.1 | Hey Bear Productions | Lemmon Entertainment | City of Barrie | Tourism Barrie