Downtown Barrie is gearing up for an electrifying summer season packed with an array of events guaranteed to ignite excitement and foster community spirit. From captivating air shows to mouthwatering food festivals, dynamic outdoor movie nights to tantalising culinary trails, there’s something for everyone to savour and enjoy.
Kicking off the summer festivities is the highly anticipated Open Air Dunlop Event Series, turning downtown Barrie’s main street into a pedestrian fun zone. This year presents some exciting new themes:
- Open Air Dunlop Air Show (June 14 – 16): In partnership with the City of Barrie, prepare to be amazed as the skies above downtown Barrie transform into a spectacle of aerial acrobatics with the Snowbirds and the CF-18 Demonstration Team as well as the breathtaking parachute manoeuvres with the SkyHawks. Stay tuned for more performance announcements!
- Open Air Dunlop Canada Day (July 1): Celebrate Canada’s birthday in style with a day filled with patriotic fun, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
- Open Air Dunlop Butter Tart Festival (July 13): Indulge your sweet tooth at this first annual delectable festival showcasing the finest butter tarts in the region. We are proud to announce that this event will be supporting the RVH Keep Life Wild Campaign.
- Open Air Dunlop Car Show (July 27): Rev your engines and admire an impressive display of classic and contemporary automobiles, a treat for car enthusiasts of all ages. In partnership with the Barrie Thunder Classics
- Open Air Dunlop Eats on the Streets (August 24): Embark on a culinary journey through Downtown Barrie, sampling an eclectic array of street food delights from local downtown businesses.
Adding to the summer magic is the enchanting Lawnchair Luminata Outdoor Movies Series, presented in collaboration with the Barrie Film Festival. Beginning Wednesday, June 26, and continuing every Wednesday until the end of August, audiences can enjoy a cinematic experience under the stars, surrounded by the beauty of downtown Barrie.
New to this year’s lineup is the Iced Cocoa Trail, a refreshing summer counterpart to the beloved winter Hot Cocoa Trail. Throughout the month of August, visitors can embark on a delicious adventure exploring downtown Barrie’s finest establishments offering icy cocoa concoctions to beat the summer heat.
Returning by popular demand is the cherished Patio Appy Hour, in partnership with KoolFM. Held on Thursdays starting in June, this beloved event invites patrons to unwind and indulge in an alfresco patio dining experience, sampling culinary delights and refreshing beverages while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Barrie.
And that’s not all – downtown Barrie is thrilled to announce a major addition to this summer’s lineup: a brand new event set to bring sensational music performances to Meridian Place! Stay tuned for the exciting announcement and details coming soon.
“We’re excited to unveil this dynamic lineup of summer events that promise to showcase the best of downtown Barrie and provide unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike,” said Heather Kennedy, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “As we look forward to the warmer months ahead, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating community, culture, and the joy of summer.”
Banner image - file photo - Barrie 360
