In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the MacLaren Art Centre and New Path Youth and Family Services invite families to special art workshops at Barrie Public Library.

Guided by MacLaren art instructor Marjorie Dale, participants will explore shapes and symbols—and incorporate the colour green— to create a vibrant painting that visually represents themes of growth, hope and transformation.

The artwork created will be part of a group exhibition at the MacLaren’s PIE Education Centre in May. All are welcome to celebrate at the opening reception for this exhibition on Saturday, May 2 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the MacLaren Art Centre.

These workshops are ideal for families with children ages 6 and up. 

This is a registered event with limited spots available. Please register everyone individually and click 'REGISTER' at the top of the web page to get started

📍 The Barrie Library - Downtown & Painswick Branches

For the second year running, UPlift Black invites you to immerse yourself in the Afro Fusion YOUR Community Fashion Show — Step into a realm where culture intertwines with creativity, where every stitch tells a story, and every silhouette whispers secrets of the past.

Join us for this captivating evening that promises to transcend boundaries and redefine style. This year's show will be bursting with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Experience the stunning fusion of traditional craftsmanship and innovative designs as both award-winning and emerging designers come together to take art and creativity lovers on a journey through the timelines of fashion.

🎟 Adult tickets - $45.50, Student/Senior/Child tickets - $29.50

📆 Saturday April 11th - 5 p.m.

📍 The Five Points Theatre, Barrie.

Hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of Barrie, the Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival at the Tiffin Conservation Area is a tradition spanning more than three decades.

Visitors will journey back in time to discover how maple syrup was made in the past, then return to the present to see how it’s crafted today. Complete your tour with a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast topped with fresh maple syrup from 9 am – 2 pm.

Most activities are included with admission, and Tiffin maple syrup will be available for purchase on-site. All proceeds support Rotary’s community initiatives and the maintenance of NVCA’s conservation areas.

📆 April 11th and 12th - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

📍 Tiffin Conservation Area - 8195 8th Line of Essa, Utopia.

Vendors selling comic books, toys, video games, sports cards, jewelry and pretty much anything geeky cool. With Special Guest: Fred Stinson, Scott Yaphe & Danny Smith.

Please bring unexpired non-perishable food items for your local community food bank and receive a FREE comic book when you donate 5 or more items.

📆 Saturday April 11th - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

🎟 Admission Costs: $5/person online, $10 at the door. Children 12 and under are free with paid admission.

📍 Eastview Arena, Barrie.

With crispy edges, fudgy middles, and rich chocolate flavor, these homemade brownies will disappear in no time.

❤‍🩹 Demystifying public health food safety inspections. Read more.

🪀 Barrie’s BeyondPlay offering themed weeks of summer camp for kids. Read more.

🏆 Local engineering firm earns fourth-straight national employer recognition. Read more.

🎢 DareDeviler roller-coaster set to debut at Canada’s Wonderland. Read more.

👩‍🍳 ‘Culinary icon’ to host exclusive brunch at Barrie pub. Read more.

🛥 Boat club says anchor location ‘essential’ at Barrie waterfront.

🧱 Man’s Lego Titanic takes shape after weeks of late nights, meticulous work. Read more.

👩‍🎨 Barrie artist being kicked into global spotlight at FIFA World Cup. Read more.

📕 Barrie author hopes to hit home run with new children’s book. Read more.

🚚 Supporting more than 8,500 Barrie students, food bank unveils new refrigerated van. Read more.

🏠 Community Builders approaches 10-Year milestone tackling housing and trades shortages. Read more.

Friday

🧸 Rise & Shine Playtime @ the Barrie Library - Holly Branch - 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more.

🎨 Messy! @ the Barrie Library - Painswick Branch - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more.

🎥 Friday Flicks @ the Barrie Library - Painswick Branch - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Learn more.

Saturday

🧑‍🌾 Barrie Farmer’s Market @ City Hall - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more.

🧸 Rise & Shine Playtime @ the Barrie Library - various branches - 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more.

💥 Comicon @ Eastview Arena - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more.

🎨 commUNITY Family Art Workshop @ the Barrie Library - various branches - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn more.

🥕 Mindful Eating Workshop @ Nook Yoga - 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more.

🖤 Afro Fusion Community Fashion Show @ Five Points Theatre - 5 p.m. Learn more.

Sunday

🧸 Rise & Shine Playtime @ the Barrie Library - Holly Branch - 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more.

🎤 Spelling Bee - Grades 2-3 @ the Barrie Library - Downtown Branch - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more.

🎤 Spelling Bee - Grades 4-6 @ the Barrie Library - Downtown Branch - 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Learn more.

🎤 Spelling Bee - Grades 7-8 @ the Barrie Library - Downtown Branch - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more.

🎨 Family Sundays @ MacLaren Art Centre - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn more.

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