Open Air Dunlop AirShow – June 12 – 14
The summer kicks off with the highly anticipated Air Show Weekend, presented in partnership with the City of Barrie, Base Borden, County of Simcoe, and community partners.
New this year, the celebration kicks off Friday evening at dusk in Meridian Place with a special outdoor screening of Top Gun: Maverick — the perfect high-energy start to the weekend. On Saturday, experience the brand-new Twilight Air Show beginning at 6 PM, featuring breathtaking aerobatic displays against the setting sun, culminating in a fireworks finale at 10 PM. The excitement continues Sunday with a full afternoon Air Show starting at 1 PM. It’s a full weekend of high-flying, family-friendly fun!
Throughout the weekend, Downtown Barrie will come alive with:
– Military displays and interactive experiences
– Expanded downtown patios
– The Downtown Wing Challenge, featuring participating restaurants serving up their best wings
– A pedestrian-friendly streetscape to explore, dine, and connect
– A waterfront viewing along beautiful Kempenfelt Bay
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.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 – MOVIE NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
MERIDIAN PLACE
Bring a lawn chair, grab a snack from a local restaurant, and kick off Air Show Weekend in Downtown Barrie.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13 – OPEN AIR DUNLOP TAKES FLIGHT
ALL DAY ACTIVITIES
Family Activities
Interactive Displays
Aviation Experiences
Open Air Dunlop Programming
@thebrightsideco.ca Vendor Market – Five Points & Dunlop St E
@onthemarkvintage New to You Vintage Market – Dunlop St E & Mulcaster St
FEATURE PERFORMANCES
Featuring spectacular aerial performances over Barrie’s waterfront.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14 – BARRIE AIR SHOW DAY
ALL DAY ACTIVITIES
Dunlop Street
Family Activities & Aviation Displays
@thebrightsideco.ca Vendor Market – Five Points & Dunlop St E
@onthemarkvintage New to You Vintage Market – Dunlop St E & Mulcaster St
MAIN EVENT
2026 Barrie Air Show
Presented by Pratt Homes
Featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds
One of only a handful of Snowbird appearances scheduled in Canada this year.
Heritage Park
Meridian Place
Centennial Beach
Johnson’s Beach
North Shore Trail
Downtown Waterfront
Downtown Patios & Restaurants
EVENT CHECKLIST:
Admission is FREE
Bring sunscreen and water
Bring a lawn chair or blanket
Arrive early for prime waterfront viewing
Support Downtown Barrie businesses
Follow event organizers for weather and schedule updates
Friday
Top Gun: Maverick Outdoor Movie
Saturday
Twilight Air Show & Fireworks featuring the Snowbirds
Sunday
Barrie Air Show featuring the Snowbirds
The stage is set for an unforgettable summer in Downtown Barrie — and this year the festival has an exciting new partner leading the way.
The Downtown Barrie BIA is proud to announce that Paul Sadlon Motors has joined as the Presenting Sponsor of the Troubadour Festival, with the series now officially titled “Troubadour Festival presented by Paul Sadlon Motors.”
Owned by the longtime Barrie entrepreneurial Sadlon family, Paul Sadlon Motors has been a pillar of the local business community for decades. The company has a strong history of supporting major community initiatives, including contributions to the Sadlon Centre for Health & Wellness at Georgian College and the naming partnership of the Sadlon Arena, home of the OHL Barrie Colts.
The partnership represents a powerful example of local business supporting a growing local cultural event.
Following its recognition as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals, the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series has officially unveiled its 2026 headliners — and the lineup delivers.
CTV Barrie News Director, Justin Rydell, added, “CTV News Barrie, Pure Country 106, and Bounce 104.1 are thrilled to be part of bringing the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series back to Downtown Barrie with our presenting sponsor – Paul Sadlon Motors. This event has become a true celebration of music and community. It helps shine a spotlight on Canadian national talent as well as the incredible local artists and singer‑songwriters who bring our culture to life.”
Set against the backdrop of Kempenfelt Bay in Meridian Place, Troubadour Festival continues to transform Downtown Barrie into a premier waterfront music destination.
“This lineup reflects exactly what Troubadour Festival stands for — big energy, iconic Canadian talent, and an unforgettable community experience,” said Steve Ricalis, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “Being named a Top 100 Festival in Ontario adds incredible momentum, and 2026 is set to raise the bar even higher.”
Featuring Headliners @theroadhammers at 8:30pm:
The Road Hammers: The Road Hammers are Canada’s premier country rock band, debuting at #1 on the Canadian sales charts and quickly building a reputation for their electrifying live performances.
Supporting Openers @beingsampolley at 7:30pm:
Drawing its sound from 50’s and 60’s rockabilly licks, old country twang, and Motown swing, Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows blends genres to create an upbeat boogie and groovy hooks, that’s sure to make anyone listening get up and dance.
The Troubadour Festival Local Opener Showcase is back at 5:00pm:
Each festival date will kick off with the Local Opener Showcase, featuring three selected performers — solo artists, duos, or bands — chosen through an independent jury process.
DJ LiftiD tying the day together from 4:00pm to 5:00pm:
Experience some record spinning magic with DJ LiftiD on the Troubadour Main Stage!
The Troubadour Street Stage (Dunlop & Owen St):
Starting at noon, it will feature emerging performers and interactive entertainment throughout the day
The Troubadour Treehouse (Live on the Street Stage):
Family friendly entertainment featuring a free live Super Simple Sing-along performance at 12pm with Caitie & Tobee – @supersimplesongs @supersimplecaitie
Families looking for an even more memorable experience can also purchase tickets to an exclusive Meet & Greet with Caitie & Tobee, taking place shortly after the live performance CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.
Expanded activations, vendor experiences, and immersive programming across Downtown Barrie
From afternoon discovery to late-night performances, festival-goers are invited to spend the entire day exploring, connecting, and celebrating music and community.
The night continues with Troubadour After Hours. Visit your favourite restaurants, pubs and venues to take in more local music talent and performances.
