Community No matter the season, Events Celebrate in ! We welcome you to participate in the many exciting arts and culture opportunities, including a variety of festivals and events, happening in Barrie throughout the year. Whether you are viewing visual art masterpieces at a gallery, enjoying a concert in the park, getting caught up in the emotion of the theatre, or spending the day at one of our signature festivals, you will find that Barrie is one of Canada’s most dynamic communities. We encourage you to explore our community and take part in the excitement! Visit us at www.barrie.ca/events for more information. ONGOING 3RD THURSDAY PROGRAM The Campus Gallery, open daily MACLAREN ART CENTRE Uptown Theater, 55 Dunlop St. W. from September through May, 37 Mulcaster Street www.barriefilmfestival.ca features student achievements, a www.maclarenart.com On the third Thursday of the monthly speaker series, and exhibitions The regional public art gallery month, the that reflect regional, national, and offering a wide range of exhibitions, offers an international cinematic international art, craft, and design. special events, family programs, art selection featuring lighthearted to camps, and workshops throughout thought-provoking features and FIVE POINTS THEATRE the year. documentaries. 1 Dunlop St. W. barrie.ca/theatres SCREEN ONE MONTHLY BARRIE FARMERS’ MARKET The Five Points Theatre, located FILM SERIES City Hall, 70 Collier St. in the heart of downtown Barrie, www.barriefarmersmarket.ca is host to a variety of theatre Uptown Theater, 55 Dunlop St. W. Open Saturday from 8:00am to productions, film screenings, www.barriefilmfestival.ca noon year-round, the market concerts, comedy, and so much This popular monthly film series features fresh produce, creative more. showcases an international line-up artisan works, a delicious variety of of current cinematic gems on the prepared foods, and special events. GEORGIAN THEATRE first Wednesday and Thursday of , the month year-round. BARRIE FOLK SOCIETY 1 Georgian Dr., Building C www.barriefolk.com barrie.ca/theatres WORD UP BARRIE The Barrie Folk Society presents a This 680 seat facility is host to a Unity Market and Café, 25 Toronto St. number of events throughout the variety of professional and amateur www.wordupbarrie.com year including a concert series, theatre productions, concerts, On the 2nd Thursday each month youth songwriting showcase, dance recitals, seminars, and more (except August), enjoy readings, house concerts and more. throughout the year. writers, poets and spoken word CAMPUS GALLERY AT INSIDE THE MUSIC artists. From pros to amateurs, all GEORGIAN COLLEGE insidethemusic.ca are welcome. Helen & Arch Brown Centre for the World-class musicians and artists Visual Arts, 1 Georgian Dr. performing live in concert across www.georgiancollege.ca .

1 | barrie.ca/events 2019 EVENTS April 25 – May 4 May 8 – 12 NEWFIE ELECTRA & MUSIC FOR THE WEDDING SINGER THE CHANGING VOICE Ferndale Banquet Hall, Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W. 24 Ferndale Industrial Dr. www.tift.ca www.kempenfeltplayers.com Talk is Free Theatre presents a Based on the hit Adam Sandler double bill featuring an adaptation movie, The Wedding Singer takes of the Sophocles classic Electra set us back to a time when hair was in Newfoundland, as well as Alyssa big, shoulders were padded, and Wright performing her original a wedding singer was the coolest songs, music she was raised with, guy in the room. and even some tunes by the late Don Wright himself. May 13 STARS COME OUT May 3 – 4 Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr. CIRQUE MUSICALE www.theatrebythebay.com Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr. Stars Come Out is a show packed www.bravadoshowchoir.com with song, music, and dance Bravado! Show Choir, the Bravado performed by the biggest stars Band and the A2D2 Aerial Dance from the most popular shows in Cirque Company mix music, Toronto and incredible local acts. dance, theatre and circus arts to celebrate the peculiar genius, May 24 – 26 culture, and characters of the BARRIE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL greatest show on earth. Centennial Park www.barriewaterfront.ca May 4 – 5 A festival featuring live music and BARRIE SPRING ART TOUR family entertainment, as well as Studios throughout Barrie a midway and food for everyone www.barriespringarttour.ca to enjoy. Discover the artistic heart and soul of Barrie, and immerse May 31 – June 2 yourself in unique fine art and GEORGIAN COLLEGE AUTO SHOW contemporary works created by Georgian College, 1 Georgian Dr. 30 local artists and artisans. www.georgianautoshow.ca Visit Canada’s largest outdoor May 4 new car show to explore the MESSIAH PLUS most recent models of over Collier Street United Church, 20 automotive brands in a 112 Collier St. no-pressure environment. www.kingedwardchoir.ca The King Edward Choir sings June – August the rich and moving choruses LAWN CHAIR LUMINATA from Parts 2 & 3 of Handel’s & Heritage Park Messiah plus works by Puccini, www.lawnchairluminata.com Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Dvorak, A free summer series offering a and a Gershwin melody. diverse range of entertainment every Wednesday evening (weather permitting). The Barrie Thunder Classics showcase their classic and custom cars and trucks, and the Barrie Film Festival presents an awesome line-up of outdoor film screenings. Bring your lawn chair and blankets for an evening under the stars!

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June – September June 1 – 2 June 23 EMERGING MUSICIANS PROGRAM BARRIE NATIVE FRIENDSHIP KIDS FISHING DAY Various Downtown Locations CENTRE POW WOW Heritage Park, 5 Simcoe St. www.barrie.ca/StreetPerformers www.barrienfc.ca www.teachakidtofish.com During the summer months, Celebrate Indigenous culture at The opportunity for kids to catch Barrie’s Emerging Musicians the BNFC’s 30th annual Pow Wow. experience fishing, learn about busking in a variety of downtown This year’s theme is “Let’s Honour conservation, and have lots of fun and waterfront locations, as well the Strawberry”. courtesy of the Kempenfelt Rotary as at festivals and events. Club. June 6 - 17 June 28 June 1 THE KOOL FM BARRIE JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL MERIDIAN PLACE CELEBRATE BARRIE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Centennial Park, 65 Lakeshore Dr. www.barriejazzbluesfest.com Featuring some of the best Meridian Place, 65 Dunlop St. E. www.barrie.ca/CelebrateBarrie www.downtownbarrie.ca Barrie’s kick-off to summer Canadian and international Jazz and Blues artists performing Let’s celebrate the first anniversary featuring live entertainment, of this beautiful public space in heritage village, family activities, indoor and outdoor concerts throughout Barrie and area. the heart of downtown Barrie! community displays, vendor Enjoy live music, a cake cutting, market, and more! June 15 greetings from dignitaries, and an MEC PADDLEFEST evening full of fun. June 1 Centennial Park, 65 Lakeshore Dr. 150 YEARS – LET’S CELEBRATE! www.mec.ca/paddlefest June 28 – 29 Collier Street United Church, Enthusiasts of all skill levels can BARRIE AIR SHOW 112 Collier St. dive into the world of kayaking, Waterfront Parks www.barrieconcertband.org canoeing, and stand-up paddle www.barrie.ca/CanadaDay This exciting 150th birthday boarding with test paddles, The Barrie Air Show returns concert will include several past skills clinics, exhibitors, and a for two thrilling shows over conductors, including Rick Pauze gear swap. Kempenfelt Bay featuring the who will premier his composition Canadian Forces Snowbirds and commissioned for this special June 16 the CF-18 Demo Team, as well as occasion, as well as Mark Tetrault BARRIE CONCERT BAND aviation-themed activities and the renowned tuba player. Meridian Place, 65 Dunlop St. E. military displays. www.barrieconcertband.org An exciting free afternoon concert as part of the Barrie Concert Band’s 150th birthday celebrations.

3 | barrie.ca/events 2019 EVENTS June 29 – July 1 July 19 – August 24 August 3 – 5 PROMENADE DAYS LAWN CHAIR LUMINATA – Dunlop St., Downtown Barrie OUTDOOR MUSIC SERIES Waterfront Parks www.downtownbarrie.ca Meridian Place, 65 Dunlop St. E. www.kempenfest.com Barrie’s largest street festival www.downtownbarrie.ca One of the largest outdoor arts featuring live entertainment, Head down to Meridian Place Friday festivals featuring over 300 artisans, midway, street performers, vendor evenings and Sunday afternoons to an antique show, midway, family market, patios, food, and fun. enjoy free live music! Past guests activities, and an amazing line-up include Juno nominee Donovan of live music. July 1 Woods and other ultra-talented CANADA DAY FESTIVITIES Canadian musicians. August 8 – 11 & FIREWORKS BOOTS & HEARTS Waterfront Parks July 20 Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, www.barrie.ca/CanadaDay BIG SKY MUSIC FESTIVAL 8th Line (Oro-Medonte) Celebrate Canada Day with family Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, 8th Line www.bootsandhearts.com activities in Heritage Park and (Oro-Medonte) Camp out under the stars and revel entertainment on the Promenade www.bigskymusicfestival.ca in summer with over 30 country Days Stage. Gather around Barrie’s Take it back to the good ol’ days with music artists. waterfront for the grand finale, a Alabama, Travis Tritt, Diamond Rio, August 15 – 18 spectacular fireworks display over and more as well as a classic DUSK DANCES BARRIE Kempenfelt Bay at 10pm. car show and craft market. Lampman Lane Park, 59 Lampman Ln. www.simcoecontemporarydancers.com July 5 – July 7 July 20 Enjoy a guided tour leading to CRAFT BEER & BBQ FESTIVAL CLASSICS IN THE PARK eclectic, site-specific dance works Heritage Park, 5 Simcoe St. Heritage Park, 5 Simcoe St. from acclaimed national and local www.downtownbarrie.ca www.barriethunderclassics.ca dance artists. A tasty weekend to tempt your taste Barrie Thunder Classics hosts their buds with a variety of food vendors, annual show featuring over 300 August 22 – 25 craft beer, live entertainment, classic and collector cars and trucks THE BARRIE FAIR Celebrity Sauce Cook-off, and ‘Best along the beautiful backdrop of Essa Agriplex, 7505 10th Line (Thornton) of’ Awards. Kempenfelt Bay. www.essaagriplex.ca The annual fair celebrates local July 17 – 28 August 3 – 4 agricultural heritage with livestock and THE BOYS FROM BARRIE PROJECT ESSA NATIONAL DRAFT homecraft shows, vendors, truck & Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W. HORSE SHOW tractor pulls, a demolition derby, www.theatrebythebay.com Essa Agriplex, 7505 10th Line midway, and live entertainment. Continuing Theatre by the Bay’s (Thornton) tradition of new plays about our www.essaagriplex.ca August 24 community, this project focuses on Bring your family out for a show BARRIE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL how Barrie was impacted by the Sec- featuring the three main draft horse Heritage Park, 5 Simcoe St. ond World War as seen through the breeds in Canada. Let these gentle www.barriedragonboatfestival.ca perspective of high school students giants amaze you with their talent, Bring the whole community together in 2018. power, and teamwork. for exciting races, kids’ activities, local vendors, beer garden, and live music. July 17 – 28 CARIBOU CAVE Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W. www.theatrebythebay.com Travel back to the Stone Age this summer with Theatre by the Bay’s new shadow puppetry show about the extraordinary cave paintings of Lascaux and Chauvet Cave. Young audience members and their parents can open their imagination to the mysteries of our prehistoric past.

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September 21 September 28 October 18 – 27 GAME ON! THE CHORDSMEN IN CONCERT BARRIE FILM FESTIVAL Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W. Hi-Way Church, 50 Anne St. N. Uptown Theater, 55 Dunlop St. W. and City Hall, 70 Collier St. www.barriecountychordsmen.com www.barriefilmfestival.ca www.barrie.ca/Events The Chordsmen have been thrilling A film lover’s delight. Experience Re-live the nostalgia of retro video audiences in Simcoe County for extraordinary films from Canada games from your childhood, try over 40 years with 4-part harmony and around the world. Includes exciting new VR experiences, meet singing in the Barbershop style. With guest speakers, parties, and local game developers, compete special guests “Young Guns” from international short film competition. head-to-head, and browse through Toronto this will be a must-see show! BFF - your best friend for film! vendors. Game on! October November 1 – 3 September 21 DOWNTOWN BARRIE CHRISTMAS ARTS & COMIC CON TASTING TRAIL CRAFTS SHOW , 60 Worsley St. www.downtownbarrie.ca Barrie Molson Centre, www.barrielibrary.ca Purchase a passport, follow the 555 Bayview Dr. Dust off your superhero cape! trail, and sample some of the www.areaproductions.com BPL Comic Con showcases pop incredible food and drink options Kick-off your holiday shopping culture in Barrie, featuring local in downtown Barrie’s restaurants, with over 140 arts and crafts vendors, cosplayers, fan meetups, cafes, and shops on Saturdays. vendors. workshops, face painting, games, artist alley, and more. October 11 – 14 November 8 – 10 IMAGES STUDIO TOUR MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL September 26 – 29 Studios throughout Simcoe County ADVENTURE JR CARNEGIE DAYS www.images-studio-tour.com Georgian College, 1 Georgian Dr. Maclaren Art Centre, 37 Mulcaster St. Enjoy the fall colour on a self-guided www.kempenfeltplayers.com www.maclarenart.com tour that takes you to the studios Based on the smash DreamWorks Explore the role language plays of some of the finest artisans and animated film, follow your favourite in contemporary art with special craftspeople in the area. Meet over friends from New York’s Central exhibitions, public art projects, 30 artists and enjoy one-of-a-kind Park Zoo on an unexpected journey performances, readings and artist shopping. to the madcap world of King Julien’s talks, screenings, guided tours, and Madagascar. hands-on workshops for families. October 15 November 11 September 27 – 29 VETERANS’ SALUTE Barrie Legion 147, 410 St. Vincent St. REMEMBRANCE DAY CULTURE DAYS Memorial Square, 65 Dunlop St. E. Multiple Venues www.barrieconcertband.org Join the Barrie Concert Band for a Annual parade and ceremony at www.barrie.ca/culturedays Barrie’s Cenotaph to honour the A nation-wide celebration featuring musical tribute to the veterans of the Canadian Forces and to those sacrifices made by those in military activities and performances that service, past and present. inspire and celebrate the artistry, currently serving abroad or at creativity, and expression that home. Followed by the Skyliners’ reflects the mosaic of Canadian Big Band. culture.

5 | barrie.ca/events 2019 EVENTS 2020 EVENTS November 29 - 30 January 30 – February 2, 2020 COMFORT & JOY THE FEBRUARY BLUES FESTIVAL Collier Street United Church, www.barriejazzbluesfest.com 112 Collier St. Shake off cabin fever with Jazz and www.bravadoshowchoir.com Blues music performed by some of Inspired by comfy jammies and Canada’s most brilliant artists in fireside singalongs, Bravado! venues throughout Barrie and area. Show Choir takes you on a peaceful musical journey February 2020 celebrating the warmth, #HOTCOCOATRAIL memories and relaxing side www.downtownbarrie.ca of Christmas. Warm up on a chilly day with a variety of unique hot chocolates featured at November 16 November & December participating downtown cafes, eateries, TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION CHRISTMAS MARKET & TREE LOT and shops on weekends. Meridian Place, 65 Dunlop St. E. Meridian Place, 65 Dunlop St. E. www.downtownbarrie.ca www.downtownbarrie.ca February 1 – 2, 2020 Kick-off the holiday season with Get ready for the holiday season BARRIE WINTERFEST this annual community tradition on Saturdays in Downtown Heritage Park, 5 Simcoe St. & venues featuring live music, face painting, Barrie! Featuring Christmas throughout Barrie hot chocolate, a visit from Santa, trees and wreaths available for www.barrie.ca/winterfest and a fantastic fireworks show. purchase with a portion of the Grab your mittens and celebrate winter! proceeds supporting community Outdoor and indoor fun including November 16 organizations. spectacular ice and snow sculptures, SANTA CLAUS PARADE December 7 lumberjack shows, polar bear dip, pancake Downtown Streets BARRIE CONCERT breakfast, family entertainment, and www.barriechamber.com BAND CHRISTMAS much more Welcome Santa at Barrie’s Collier Street United Church, February 6 – 16, 2020 annual night parade! Enjoy 112 Collier St. music and illuminated floats as www.barrieconcertband.org MAMMA MIA! they make their way through Join the Barrie Concert Band Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr. downtown Barrie. for holiday songs new and old, www.kempenfeltplayers.com as well as a Christmas carol A mother, a daughter, three possible November 16 – December 31 sing-a-long. dads, and a trip down the aisle you’ll NOËLLA FESTIVAL never forget! The story-telling magic www.downtownbarrie.ca December 14 of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this The holiday season comes alive KING EDWARD CHOIR enchanting tale of love, laughter, and in Downtown Barrie! Grab a CHRISTMAS friendship. hot cocoa, take in the festive Collier Street United Church, window displays and the lights, 112 Collier St. February 15, 2020 or go skating at the City Hall Ice www.kingedwardchoir.ca ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT Rink. Shop downtown during Enjoy songs of the season and Southshore Centre, 205 Lakeshore Dr. #HollyDays and earn entries to a traditional sing-a-long. www.icefishingbarrie.ca win a special prize package. End A fun-filled tournament hosted by the season with a big bang at December 31 the Simcoe County Home Builders the Downtown Countdown at DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN Association with proceeds going to City Hall. City Hall, 70 Collier St. local charities. www.barrie.ca/Downtown November 16 – February 2020 Countdown February 20 – 23, 2020 WINTER LIGHTS DISPLAY Barrie’s annual New Year’s Eve REEL STORIES Heritage Park, 5 Simcoe St. celebration featuring live music, Uptown Theater, 55 Dunlop St. W. A spectacular display of lights fireworks, and activities for kids. www.barriefilmfestival.ca to celebrate the winter season Come ring in 2020 in downtown A thought-provoking weekend festival presented by the Rotary Club Barrie! of documentary and feature films from of Barrie. Canada and around the world that are inspired by real people and true events.

Barrie Events & Culture Guide 2019-2020 | Community Events 6 MAYOR’S MESSAGE Barrie is home to a variety of exciting community events, festivals, and cultural activities throughout the year.

These cultural opportunities continue to grow each year with new concerts, theatre performances, sporting events, artisan markets, art exhibits, gaming events and many other family-friendly activities. Residents and visitors can look forward to expanded programming at the newly renovated Meridian Place and Memorial Square. Located in the heart of downtown Barrie, this multi-use public square connects with our beautiful waterfront and will host unique outdoor performances and events that are sure to inspire and entertain.

The diverse range of special events and activities adds tremendously to the wonderful quality of life that is enjoyed in Barrie; enhancing and celebrating our culture, showcasing our beautiful waterfront and downtown, encouraging recreation and tourism, and providing economic benefits to local businesses and community organizations.

Enjoy all that our city has to offer, and join the celebration! CONNECT Sincerely, WITH US!

City of Barrie Special Events Office - (705) 739-4285 Jeff Lehman, Mayor Email [email protected] @cityofbarrie | @creativebarrie Web barrie.ca/events @citybarrie | @creativebarrie @cityofbarrie | @creativebarrie

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