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.
8:30pm – Meridian Stage:
The Road Hammers are Canada’s premier country rock band, debuting at number 1 on the Canadian sales charts and quickly building a reputation for their electrifying live performances. The band has shared stages with artists ranging from Nickelback and Keith Urban to Hank Williams Jr. and Scorpions. Winners of multiple CCMA Awards and a JUNO Award, The Road Hammers have produced numerous radio hits including I’m A Road Hammer, East Bound and Down, Girl on the Billboard, and the gold-certified single Mud, thrilling audiences around the world with their high-energy shows.
7:30pm – Meridian Stage:
Formed in downtown Toronto in 2017, Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows consists of Tally Ferraro on bass, Gianni Ferraro on drums, Fraser Melvin on electric guitar, and Sam Polley on acoustic guitar and vocals. 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.
5:00pm – Meridian Stage:
The 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. With multiple appearances on Rogers Hometown Hockey and charting singles gaining traction in the UK, the band continues to expand its reach while maintaining a strong presence across Ontario’s live music circuit.
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. Her breakout releases have earned national radio play, hundreds of thousands of streams, and sold-out performances, establishing her as an emerging artist to watch on the Canadian music landscape.
Makinna Givens
With roots in Northern Ontario, Makinna Givens brings a raw, honest approach to country music that has quickly captured industry attention. Her early releases have received recognition from the Country Music Association of Ontario and SiriusXM, while recent national competition success highlights her growing profile as one of Canada’s promising new country artists.
4:00pm – Meridian Stage:
Dawid (David) “LiftiD” Kumidaj (Koo-me-die) is the founder of Hip Hop Northern Promotions and
is an award-winning Hip Hop emcee, event organizer, and community builder from Barrie. Over
the years, he’s worked on numerous community-focused projects in schools, theatres, festivals,
community centres, and even on international tours. Known for bringing energy, genuine
passion and a touch of humour to the stage, LiftiD combines his love of the arts with a natural
ability to connect with people. Alongside the release of his MAKE ME A SANDWICH mixtape,
he continues to create and collaborate on impactful events that celebrate creativity, knowledge,
and community.
Shane L.S. Dennis is a multifaceted artist in music and visual arts. Conscious HipHop, spoken
word, and DJing Soul, Funk, Classic Rock and HipHop are a few of his passions and talents.
Shane is well known in the Community for his curation of Unity Market which was a staple in
Barrie for music, art, healthy food, Community activities and positive activism.
He can be seen performing and DJing throughout southern Ontario with a positive and uplifting
vibe. Shane’s DJing of all vinyl records gives an audience a mix of genres and sounds. With an
energetic feel, Shane’s selection of records is known for getting a crowd feeling lively and
entertained. His words ring a Spirit singing: “The Revolution of Love begins inside Your Mind to
start, but more so with every morsel of Your Soul, we find it shines and thrives inside Your
Heart.”
1:15pm – 4:00pm – Street Stage (Dunlop & Owen St):
Paige Rutledge sparkles on stage – both figuratively, and literally. Her vibrant personality and rhinestone-studded guitar elevate her already commanding presence.
Lilly Rider is a multidisciplinary, Barrie-based artist known for dabbling in all forms of audio art. Whether creating dense sculptures of sound in punk bands or playing soft, acoustic ballads, Lilly is a passionate performer above all.
Nicole Bellmore is an emerging pop singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Ontario. Trained in theatre, vocals, and piano for over a decade, Nicole creates an invigorating, dreamy pop sound infused with R&B rhythms and electronic influences.
Noon – Street Stage (Dunlop & Owen St):
Known and loved by families around the world, Caitie & Tobee will bring an energetic and interactive live performance to Barrie’s waterfront, featuring fan-favourite songs including My Happy Song, Here Comes The Fire Truck, and Skidamarink.
The free Troubadour Treehouse performance at 12pm on the Treehouse stage – Owen St and Dunlop St across from the Cenotaph – invites families, young fans, and visitors of all ages to sing, dance, and celebrate together as Troubadour Festival continues to expand its all-ages programming and live entertainment experiences in Downtown Barrie.
With more than 46 million YouTube subscribers and billions of views worldwide, Super Simple Songs has become one of the most trusted and recognizable names in children’s entertainment, helping millions of children learn and connect through music, movement, and play.
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 on Caitie & Tobee to purchase tickets!
A free shuttle will be available on June 6 for the Troubadour Music Festival, operating from 4:00 PM to midnight. Riders can board at the H-Block Parking Lot (50 Worsley Street), the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal, or any stop along Lakeshore Drive, and travel to Stops 89 and 1016 near the event.
View the Troubadour Shuttle Map and Schedule for more information. On June 6, riders can track their bus in real time by selecting Route 50 Troubadour Shuttle on the MyRide Live Map.
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.
