For more than 50 years, Kempenfest has been a summer tradition on Barrie's waterfront and one of Ontario's premier outdoor festivals. Welcoming more than 100,000 visitors each year, the four-day event features nearly 300 arts and crafts exhibitors, live music and entertainment, a midway, family-friendly activities, a diverse selection of food vendors, and stunning views of Kempenfelt Bay.

Whether you're browsing unique handcrafted goods, enjoying live entertainment, sampling delicious food, or soaking up the waterfront atmosphere, Kempenfest offers something for everyone. Set along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, it's the perfect place to explore, shop, dine, and experience one of Ontario's most celebrated summer festivals.

📅 Friday July 31st to Monday August 3rd

📍 Barrie Waterfront

In partnership with Kreative Dance Co.

Celebrating 13 seasons as a women-run dance studio, KDC is proud to be a community where every dancer is welcomed, supported, and celebrated.

💜 With programs for dancers 18 months to adult, we offer classes for every stage of the dance journey—from first-time dancers discovering movement to experienced dancers reaching new goals.

🩰 Kreative Tots
💃 Recreational Dance
⭐ Competitive Teams
✨ Teen & Adult Programs

Find your dancer’s place at KDC and experience the confidence, creativity, and friendships that make our studio so special.

📩 Book your FREE trial class in August today!

Join Chris Paul Rainbows at Indigo Georgian Mall for a meet & greet celebrating Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants, a whimsically joyful and empowering children’s book that celebrates individuality across the rainbow-hued spectrum. With playful rhymes and exuberant illustrations, the book celebrates the freedom to express yourself and the beauty of being exactly who you are.

Readers are invited to imagine a world where animals are hilariously limited in what they can do while humans are gloriously free to saunter, flaunt, and wear just what you want. From lipsticked llamas to tumbling giraffes, each page bursts with colorful chaos and loving affirmation. At its heart, this is the book Chris wished they’d had as a kid growing up in a small town—one that gently opens the door to conversations about self-expression, gender, and being true to yourself. The book will resonate with families, educators, librarians, and readers for its warmth, joy, and affirming reminder that who you are is beautiful and worthy of love.

📆 Saturday August 1st - 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

📍 Indigo Georgian Mall, Barrie

A one-pot summer casserole that’s just like something you might have grown up with – only made a little fresher and just as comforting. Chicken with rotini noodles, zucchini, and lots of sharp cheddar cheese all cooked together, then baked until bubbling and golden.

🩺 Barrie Shark teammates head to world stage with life-saving health app. Read more.

🥇 ‘Over the moon’: Argos equipment manager inducted into hall of fame. Read more.

🎨 ‘Time to shine’: Students celebrate season of art with exhibit. Read more.

🏀 Local squad filled with ‘go-getters’ ready to shine at Ontario Summer Games. Read more.

📘 Student encourages girls to break ‘stereotypes’ by engaging in math, sciences. Read more.

🔵 Township secures ‘incredible’ inflatable structures for emergency use. Read more.

🚴‍♂ Going the distance: Local ultra-cyclist smashes records, mental health stigmas. Read more.

🎤 Jamie Warren headlining show to support Camp Dawn, Easter Seals. Read more.

🗾 Japanese teens arrive in Barrie for crash course in Canadian culture. Read more.

🌷 Georgian Bay Garden Tour returns with 12 inspiring gardens in bloom. Read more.

Friday

🌳 BPL @ the Park - Harvie Park - 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn more.

🛝 BPL @ the Park - Painswick Park - 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn more.

🌊 BPL on the Move - Waterfront & Downtown - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more.

🎥 Friday Flicks @ the Barrie Library - Painswick Branch - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Learn more.

🔬 Science Kids - Summer Reading @ the Barrie Library Holly Branch - 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn more.

🎤 DJ @ CIBC Pier Friday Harbour - 6 p.m. to 11 p.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.

✂ Crafty Kids @ the Barrie Library Holly Branch - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more.

🧸 Rise & Shine Playtime @ the Barrie Library Downtown Branch - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more.

🧸 Rise & Shine Playtime @ the Barrie Library Painswick Branch - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more.

🧺 The Market @ Friday Harbour - 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more.

🐟 Little Naturalist Summer Series: Petal & Pebble Painting @ Friday Harbour Nature Preserve - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more.

🎤 Live Music @ Friday Harbour CIBC Pier - 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Learn more.

Sunday

🧸 Rise & Shine Playtime @ the Barrie Library - Holly Branch - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more.

🧺 The Market @ Friday Harbour - 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more.

📿 Custom Jewelry Creations @ Friday Harbour Beach - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more.

🧩 Board Games & Puzzles @ the Barrie Library - Holly Branch - 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn more.

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