Open Air Dunlop Returns for 2026! A Summer of Signature Downtown Events Awaits!
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
– A pedestrian-friendly streetscape to explore, dine, and connect
– A waterfront viewing along beautiful Kempenfelt Bay
Open Air Dunlop Canada Day – July 1st
Starting at 10am, families can enjoy a full day of activities, including the Kiwanis Club Kids Zone, theBrightside Collective Vendor Market, the Barrie Wrestling Canada Day Challenge, and a new interactive experience, Canada Celebrates World Cup Soccer, recognizing Canada’s role as a host nation for the world’s biggest sporting event.
Live entertainment will fill Meridian Place throughout the day, and thousands will gather to share in one of Downtown Barrie’s most cherished traditions, including performances by the beloved Baytowne Big Band. Our traditional Canada Day Cupcake Ceremony will kick off at 5:00 PM and showcase scrumptious cupcakes from Janine’s Bakery.
Headlining the evening at 8:30 pm is Terra Lightfoot, one of Canada’s most acclaimed rock artists, earning JUNO and Polaris Music Prize nominations for her powerhouse blend of rock, soul, and blues. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, her latest album Healing Power has been hailed as a career-best. Described by CBC Music as “one of Canada’s best all-around musicians,” Terra’s electrifying guitar work, commanding voice, and unforgettable live performances promise an incredible Canada Day concert.
The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over Kempenfelt Bay at 10:00 PM, followed by the energetic Canada Day Salsa After Party from 10:15 PM to 11:00 PM.
All Canada Day programming is made possible through the support of Celebrate Canada.
Your Canada Day Schedule:
10:00 AM
Canada Day Kids Zone Opens (until 8pm)
Bounce into the day with inflatables, roaming stilt walkers, hands-on art activities, and family fun all day long.
Barrie Skate Association
Watch incredible skateboarding demonstrations, open skating, and competitions on Dunlop Street West. (Runs until 5pm)
New To You Vintage Market – Dunlop Street East
10 vintage vendors anchored by Downtown Barrie’s On The Mark Vintage Store showcasing the very best vintage clothing around. (Runs until 5pm)
Brightside Collective Market – Dunlop Street East
15 vendors showcasing area food, artisan crafts and art along Dunlop Street (Runs until 5pm)
Barrie Wrestling Canada Day Challenge Cup – Match #1
The action begins as local wrestling stars battle for Canada Day bragging rights.
11:00 AM
Kiwanis Kids Entertainment – Dan the Music Man
Sing, dance, laugh, and join one of Ontario’s favourite children’s entertainers.
12:00 PM
Barrie Wrestling Canada Day Challenge Cup – Match #2
Round two of the Canada Day Challenge continues with even more family-friendly excitement.
1:30 PM
Kiwanis Kids Entertainment – Zoo To You
Meet fascinating animals up close in this interactive wildlife experience the whole family will love.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
NEW! Canada Celebrates World Cup Soccer
In celebration of Canada hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, join the Barrie Rovers on an interactive street soccer pitch featuring mini-games, 2-on-3 kick-arounds, skills challenges, and the chance to take on a Rover!
3:00 PM
Barrie Wrestling Canada Day Challenge Cup – Match #3
The championship showdown wraps up an action-packed afternoon.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Canada Day Cupcake Ceremony & Meridian Place Public Piano Unveiling
Join Deputy Mayor Robert Thompson, local Members of Parliament and Provincial Parliament, and the community as everyone comes together to sing O Canada before enjoying thousands of complimentary Canada Day cupcakes—one of Downtown Barrie’s most cherished annual traditions.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Baytowne Big Band
Swing into the evening with timeless classics and crowd favourites performed by one of Barrie’s favourite big bands.
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
LIFTiD
The energy builds as LIFTiD takes over the stage with an upbeat DJ set to get everyone ready for the night’s headline performance.
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
HEADLINER: Terra Lightfoot
Prepare for an unforgettable live performance from one of Canada’s most acclaimed musicians. With soaring vocals, blistering guitar solos, and songs that blend rock, blues, and soul, Terra Lightfoot promises to deliver an electrifying Canada Day concert on Barrie’s waterfront.
10:00 PM – 10:15 PM
Canada Day Fireworks
Look to the skies above Downtown Barrie, as a spectacular fireworks display from Heritage Park lights up the waterfront in a breathtaking celebration of Canada Day.
10:15 PM – 11:00 PM
Canada Day Salsa After Party
Keep the celebration going after the fireworks with music, dancing, and Latin rhythms under the stars.
“Canada Day has become one of Downtown Barrie’s signature celebrations because it truly brings everyone together,” said Steve Ricalis, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “From families enjoying the Kids Zone and community traditions like the Cupcake Ceremony to incredible Canadian talent like Terra Lightfoot performing on our waterfront stage, the day showcases everything that makes Downtown Barrie such a vibrant place to gather. We invite everyone to spend the day with us, support our local businesses, and celebrate Canada’s birthday in the heart of our community.”
Presented as part of Open Air Dunlop, the Canada Day Celebration is made possible through the generous support of Celebrate Canada, alongside the Downtown Barrie BIA and its many community partners.
Open Air Dunlop Butter Tart Festival – Saturday, July 11
Back for its third year, the Downtown Barrie Butter Tart Festival continues to grow as one of the sweetest days of the summer.
Featuring 100+ vendors, this delicious event brings together:
– Butter tarts of all varieties
– Artisan sweets and treats
– Local vendors and makers
Did you know? The original butter tart recipe dates back to 1903, first created as part of a Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) Auxiliary fundraiser — a tradition that continues to inspire this beloved Canadian classic.
Catch Kim Mitchell live at Meridian Place!
Open Air Dunlop Classics In The Park (Cars, Boats & More) – Saturday, July 25
Step back in time and experience one of the largest showcases of its kind as 500+ classic cars take over Downtown Barrie’s main street.
New for 2026:
– Expanded displays including boats and RVs
– Recreational and outdoor lifestyle vehicles
– An extended footprint into Heritage Park, making this year’s event bigger than ever
It’s a must-see event for car enthusiasts, families, and visitors alike.
