There is another component to the Barrie Air Show that should not be overlooked.
On Friday, June 14, beginning at 10 p.m., the public will be treated to a spectacular display in the sky featuring 200 drones over Kempenfelt Bay. This was specifically created for Barrie's air show with the theme being RCAF100, as the Royal Canadian Air Force marks 100 years of service.
"We have such a connection to the Royal Canadian Air Force," noted Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall. "Base Borden being the birthplace, and certainly the relationship that exists between the people of Barrie and those who are serving at CFB Borden. It's going to be a beautiful thing in our sky telling a wonderful story."
The entire weekend of events both on the ground and in the air is an opportunity for the city to showcase the waterfront and the downtown.
"It's about bringing the community together," adds Nuttall.
The mayor says the organizers of the air show brought forward the idea of entertainment involving drones.
"We've heard some of the concerns with regards to fireworks. We thought this was a really great opportunity to see whether folks in our community would like to see more drone shows going forward. It's new technology and a good medium for people to be able to experience our waterfront and see a beautiful story playing at the same time."
The weekend will also include:
- Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Activities and vendors at Heritage Park, Meridian Place, and Dunlop Street, including Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden interactive displays and vehicles, Open Air Dunlop, family programming, food and merchandise vendors, patios, and more
- Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Flying Monkeys licensed area at Heritage Park and Donaleigh's Landshark licensed area and Food Vendor Village at Will Dwyer Park
- Saturday & Sunday, 12 p.m. – Muskoka Extreme water show at Heritage Park
- Saturday, 4 p.m. – CFB Borden Brass & Reed Volunteer Band at Meridian Place
- Saturday, 8:30 p.m. – Meet and greet with pilots and crew of the 2024 Barrie Airshow at Meridian Place
- Saturday, dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.) – free film screening of Memphis Belle at Meridian Place
Viewing & Tuning In
Recommended viewing for the Airshow is at Heritage Park, Centennial Park, Will Dwyer Park, Southshore Park, Allandale Station Park, Minet’s Point Park, or any of the small parks along the north and south shores of Kempenfelt Bay.
Tune in to 87.9 FM from the waterfront to follow along with show commentary.
Getting to the Show
Barrie Transit is offering a free park ‘n ride shuttle from Allandale Rec Centre (190 Bayview Drive), H Block parking lot (50 Worsley Street), and other stops along the route to get you to and from the Airshow festivities on June 14, 15 and 16.
Parking is available within walking distance along the waterfront and throughout the downtown.
The following road closures will be in effect over the weekend.
- Dunlop Street (Maple Avenue to Mulcaster Street) from 6 a.m. Saturday, June 15 to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 16.
- Simcoe Street (Bayfield Street to Dunlop Street East) from 6 a.m. Saturday, June 15 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 16.
Viewing from the Water & Access Restrictions
For the safety of the public and airshow pilots, a safety line will be formed from Brentwood Marine to Johnson’s Beach. Water access and water-based activities will be restricted in the area west of the line (including Centennial Park and Minet’s Point Park) during the following times:
- Friday, June 14 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, June 15 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, June 16 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
*Times are approximate and subject to change on the day of the show
Restricted activities include boating, access in and out of the marina and boat launches, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, etc. The safety line will be enforced by the Barrie Police and their service partners on Lake Simcoe.
The Tiffin Boat Launch will be closed all day June 14-15 and June 16 until 5 p.m. Boaters are encouraged to consider using nearby public launches including Innisfil and Orillia area.
No Drone Zone
The airspace will be restricted June 14-16. For the safety of all involved, flying of drones anywhere in the area is strictly prohibited.
Personal Safety
For the personal safety of all spectators, please consider the below recommendations:
- Wear ear protection, especially for children
- Wear a hat, sunglasses and apply sunscreen
- Stay hydrated
For more information, including the full event schedule and details about how to get around, visit barrie.ca/airshow.
