Just 47 days after his last appearance in Barrie, Canadian rock legend Kim Mitchell and his band will play again in the city, but this time to ring in the beginning of 2026.
The Sarnia native will play Meridian Place in downtown Barrie, headlining what Mayor Alex Nuttall is describing as "an exciting line-up of entertainment" on December 31 for the city's New Year's Eve celebration.
Meridian Place will be the new site of the festivities after 2024's event took place at City Hall and featured fellow rock legends Big Wreck.
Mitchell most recently played the Rock95 Birthday Bash on November 14 at Sadlon Arena, where he played chart-topping hits like "Patio Lanterns" from the Juno award-winning album Shakin' Like a Human Being, as well as "Paradise Skies" from his time with Max Webster.
In 2017, the platinum-selling guitarist was slated to perform downtown before a late cancellation left many expecting his performance disappointed. That cancellation extended his stretch without a performance in Barrie that began in 2014 and ended in November.
Among the live musical entertainment, the free-to-attend event will also feature other busker performances, inflatables, interactive games, and food trucks. A promising fireworks display will also take place from Heritage Park at 9 p.m.
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.
The City is looking to continue the legacy of its downtown countdown, which has drawn thousands of attendees since 1998 and been recognized on Festivals and Events Ontario's top 100 list.
