FILE – Visitors walk past the fenced-off concert grounds during Kempenfest in Barrie, Ont., Aug. 4, 2025. BARRIE360/Julius Hern
Kempenfest is back for its 54th year this Civic Holiday weekend, running from July 31 to Aug. 3.
As one of Ontario’s largest waterfront festivals, it draws over 100,000 attendees to Barrie to enjoy Canadian music, local artists, handmade crafts, delicious food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
The festival started on the August long weekend in 1971 as an “original art only” event at the Formosa Springs Brewery (which later became Molson Park). About 20 local artists showcased their work using snow fencing.
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By 1975, the festival had grown beyond its original site and relocated to the shores of Kempenfelt Bay at Centennial Beach. The Kiwanis Club joined forces with the Barrie Art Club as a co-sponsor. They added food vendors and artisans; that’s when it officially became known as Kempenfest.
Spanning 1.5 kilometres along Barrie’s waterfront, entry to the event is free except for ticketed evening concerts on the OLG Mainstage at the Rotary Beer Gardens.
All things Kempenfest 2026
300 arts, crafts and antique vendors brought you by the Huronia Festival Arts and Crafts and the Optimist Club of Barrie Robertson Amusement Midways presented by The Rec Room features cotton candy, a ferris wheel, a carousel, and over 30 rides and games Barrie Wrestling presents Bash by the Bay 5 at Centennial Beach on Friday, Saturday and Sunday Poutine Village located in Centennial Park offers a wide variety of poutine options including bacon, beef, jerk chicken, halal pork tater tot Texas chili traditional vegetarian and more The Oasis Lakeside Patio Bar is a licensed area serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages food and live entertainment![]()
Kempenfest – file photo
Musical Acts on the OLG Mainstage
Friday July 31 – Jamie Fine and guests presented by KOOL FM
Saturday Aug. 1 – Big Wreck and guests presented by Rock 95
Sunday Aug. 2 – High Valley and guests
Monday Aug. 3 – Practically Hip and guests presented by Rock 95
Pratt Homes Community Stage – Free concerts
Friday July 31 – Bollywood Performances
Saturday Aug. 1 – country night featuring Brian Harwood and guests
Sunday Aug. 2 – rock concert lineup with Falset and guests
Monday Aug. 3 features the Barrie Music School Showcase with over 30 youth performing artists
Free Shuttle Buses
Routes and schedules: kempenfest. com/shuttle-buses
Parking
Parking near the waterfront is also available but please note that some downtown lots are closed during Kempenfest.
Parking details: kempenfest. com/parking
" At a time when supporting our economy matters more than ever Kempenfest gives residents and visitors a meaningful opportunity to buy local support Canadian businesses and keep their dollars working here in the community" said Paul Markle Chair of Kempenfest. " We invite everyone to join us this August long weekend embrace all things Canadian help celebrate people organizations that make Kempenfest possible"
" It’s estimated that Kempenfest generates $9.5 million in tourism-induced economic impact for the City of Barrie"
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