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
The Barrie Airshow Takes Over Open Air Dunlop!
Three Days. Three Spectacular Shows. One Historic Weekend on 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
- 6:00 PM – Family Activities & Inflatables
- 9:30 PM – Outdoor Screening of Top Gun: Maverick
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
- 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Downtown Barrie
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
- 12:00 PM
Meridian Place
Performer Meet & Greet - 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Heritage Park & Meridian Place
Canadian Armed Forces & CFB Borden Military Displays - 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Heritage Park
Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery Licensed Area
FEATURE PERFORMANCES
- 5:00 PM
Kempenfelt Bay (Heritage Park Waterfront)
Muskoka Extreme Water Ski Show - 6:00 PM
Kempenfelt Bay
NEW! Twilight Air Show
Featuring spectacular aerial performances over Barrie’s waterfront.
- 10:00 PM
Kempenfelt Bay
Fireworks Finale
SUNDAY, JUNE 14 – BARRIE AIR SHOW DAY
ALL DAY ACTIVITIES
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Heritage Park & Meridian Place
Canadian Armed Forces & CFB Borden Military Displays
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
- 12:00 PM
Kempenfelt Bay
Muskoka Extreme Water Ski Show - 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Heritage Park
Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery Licensed Area
MAIN EVENT
- 1:00 PM
Kempenfelt Bay
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.
BEST VIEWING LOCATIONS:
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
WEEKEND AT A GLANCE:
Friday
Top Gun: Maverick Outdoor Movie
Saturday
Twilight Air Show & Fireworks featuring the Snowbirds
Sunday
Barrie Air Show featuring the Snowbirds
Don’t forget to follow @barrieairshow – the Official Instagram account of the Barrie Air Show!
Open Air Dunlop Canada Day – July 1
Celebrate Canada’s birthday in the heart of Downtown Barrie with a full day of community pride, entertainment, and waterfront experiences.
Enjoy:
– Live entertainment and activations throughout the downtown
– Patio dining and local shopping
– The annual Canada Day Cupcake Ceremony
– A spectacular fireworks display over Kempenfelt Bay to close out the evening
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.
