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YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2026 TROUBADOUR FESTIVAL KICK OFF

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Saturday, June 6 | Downtown Barrie & Meridian Place

Presented by Paul Sadlon Motors Inc.

Barrie, ON – Summer officially starts here.

Whether you’re bringing the kids downtown for an afternoon adventure, meeting friends for patio hopping, or settling in for an unforgettable evening of live music, the 2026 Troubadour Festival Kick Off offers a full day of FREE entertainment for all ages.

Here’s your hour-by-hour guide to making the most of the day.

11:15 AM – 11:45 AM – START THE DAY AT THE TROUBADOUR TREEHOUSE:

Location: Dunlop Street / Troubadour Street Stage

– DOWNTOWN BARRIE’S HEY BOOTSY KIDS READING TIME IN MERIDIAN PLACE

Perfect For: Families with young children

The fun begins at 11:15 AM as the brand-new Troubadour Treehouse opens for the day.

Families can enjoy:

– FREE inflatables

– Arts & crafts activities

– Children’s book reading

– Family-friendly entertainment

And of course, the stars of the afternoon…

NOON – 1PM! CAITIE & TOBEE LIVE!

With more than 43 million YouTube subscribers, Caitie & Tobee have become household names for families around the world. Their energetic songs, interactive storytelling, and educational entertainment make this one of the most anticipated family events of the summer.

Want the VIP Experience?:

Meet & Greet tickets are available for $65 per person and include:

– Meet Caitie & Tobee in person

– Individual photo opportunity

– Special interactive experience

Tickets:
https://www.showpass.com/caitietobee/

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM – EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE – DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVOURITE ARTIST!

Location: Troubadour Street Stage

NICOLE BELLMORE

As the afternoon gets rolling, enjoy a performance from emerging artist Nicole Bellmore while the kids continue to enjoy Treehouse activities nearby.

This is the perfect time to grab lunch, explore Downtown Barrie’s shops and patios, and settle into festival mode.

2:00 PM – THE BEER GARDEN OPENS

Location: Meridian Place

Perfect For: Adults and evening concertgoers

The full-service beer garden officially opens.

Grab a cold drink, find a seat, and begin transitioning into the evening concert atmosphere while still enjoying everything happening throughout downtown.

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM – EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE – DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVOURITE ARTIST!

Location: Troubadour Street Stage

LILLY RIDER

Another rising Barrie performer takes the stage as the afternoon momentum continues.

This is an ideal time to wander downtown and experience the vibrant festival atmosphere.

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM – DON’T MISS – PAIGE RUTLEDGE

Location: Troubadour Street Stage

Must-See Performance

One of Canada’s fastest-rising country artists, Paige Rutledge arrives in Downtown Barrie with more than one million streams, SiriusXM chart success, and growing national attention.

Fresh off sold-out shows, major festival appearances, and a string of successful releases, Paige’s dynamic live performance promises to be one of the standout moments of the afternoon.

If you’re arriving later in the day, this is an excellent place to jump into the festival experience.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – A NATURAL BREAK IN THE DAY FOR DJ LIFTID!

The afternoon family programming begins to wind down, making this the perfect opportunity to:

– Grab some food downtown

– Check out the Troubadour Beer Garden in Meridian Place

– Experience some record spinning magic with DJ LiftiD on the Troubadour Main Stage!

Of course, many families will stay and enjoy the evening together—the festival remains welcoming and accessible for all ages.

THE EVENING CONCERT EXPERIENCE

5:00 PM – 7:15 PM – LOCAL OPENER SHOWCASE

Location: Meridian Place Main Stage

Perfect For: Music fans discovering new talent

The Troubadour Festival’s popular Local Opener Showcase returns, featuring emerging artists performing on a major festival stage.

5:00 PM – KENDRA GABRIELLE: A rising voice in Canadian Country music, Kendra Gabrielle blends classical training with modern songwriting to create a sound that resonates across audiences.

5:45 PM – MAKINNA GIVENS: With roots in Northern Ontario, Makinna Givens brings a raw, honest approach to country music that has quickly captured industry attention.

6:30 PM – JAMMERS WAFFLE HOUSE: An award-winning indie rock band known for their high-energy, crowd-driven performances, The Jammers Waffle House have built momentum both locally and internationally.

Between performances, enjoy:

– Local food trucks

– Beer garden

– Downtown restaurants and patios

– Giant LED viewing screen

– Festival bleacher seating

This portion of the day captures everything the Troubadour Festival is about—community, discovery, and incredible local talent.

7:30 PM – OPENER! SAM POLLEY AND THE OLD TOMORROWS

Location: Meridian Place Main Stage

As the crowd grows and anticipation builds, Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows bring their acclaimed blend of roots rock, Americana, and country influences to the Troubadour Main Stage.

Expect soaring musicianship, compelling storytelling, and the perfect soundtrack to a summer evening in Downtown Barrie.

8:30 PM – HEADLINING PERFORMANCE! THE ROAD HAMMERS TAKE OVER MERIDIAN PLACE

Location: Meridian Place Main Stage

The wait is over.

One of Canada’s most celebrated country-rock bands closes out the 2026 Troubadour Festival Kick Off with a high-energy headline performance packed with fan favourites, singalongs, and festival-sized excitement.

This is the moment the entire day has been building toward.

Gather your friends, find your spot, and get ready for an unforgettable night under the lights in Downtown Barrie.

AFTER THE SHOW – NEW! TROUBADOUR AFTER HOURS

Keep the celebration going

When the Main Stage wraps up, the music doesn’t have to end.

Many of Downtown Barrie’s favourite entertainment venues will host live local music performances as part of the inaugural Troubadour After Hours program.

Check local venue listings and continue your night supporting local artists and businesses throughout the downtown core.

SEE YOU DOWNTOWN!

From Caitie & Tobee and family fun on Dunlop Street to a packed evening of live music in Meridian Place, the 2026 Troubadour Festival Kick Off is designed to bring our community together for one incredible day.

Bring your lawn chair.
Bring your family.
Bring your friends.

And celebrate the official start of summer in Downtown Barrie.

SUPPORTING PARTNERS