Barrie will ring in 2026 with multi-platinum, JUNO award winning, Canadian rock iconKim Mitchell! Mitchell will headline Barrie’s New Year’s Eve Celebration along with an evening packed with free, family fun from 5 to 9 p.m. at this year’s new location, Meridian Place, in the heart of downtown Barrie.
"Downtown Barrie is the place to be for our community to come together and celebrate the New Year,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “Welcome 2026 with Kim Mitchell, along with an exciting line-up of entertainment, a variety of family activities and of course, the grand finale, a spectacular fireworks display! With the new location, join us to be part of this tradition in our amazing city and make great memories.”
Festivities include:
- Live music on the Meridian Place stage
- Busker Performances
- Inflatables
- Interactive Games
- Face Painting
- Button Making
- Bonfire warming zone
- Food Trucks ($)
- Fireworks Finale at 9 p.m. (from Heritage Park)
Kim Mitchell has won three JUNO Awards and achieved gold and multi-platinum status over his career, from his time as lead of Canadian rock band Max Webster in the 70s to a long and successful solo career. Mitchell was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2021.
Since 1998, Barrie’s New Year’s Eve festivities have drawn thousands from near and far to welcome the new year. The much-anticipated free event has been recognized as a Top 100 Festival and Event in Ontario!
Barrie Transit bus service will be free on New Year’s Eve starting at 5 p.m. with hourly service extended to 3 a.m. Extended schedules will be available at myridebarrie.ca, closer to December 31.
