The City of Barrie and Orillia continues to be one of Canada’s fastest-growing and dynamic cities. Its location in proximity to the great outdoors and recreational activities promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. Culture can be thought of as the beliefs attitudes, customs, and practices of a people and place. For Barrie, culture is a celebration of its people’s experience, heritage, human creativity, imagination, and originality.
The following festivals and events are presented at various locations in Barrie, Orillia, and the surrounding area.
March 9=10, 2024
Barrie Spring Garden & Home Show
Bradford Greenhouses, 4346 Highway 90, Springwater
barriespringshow.com
Bradford Greenhouses is pleased to present the annual Barrie Spring Garden & Home Show. A show that is dedicated to re-imagining your living space! From home renovation to landscaping, and interior design; whether you are an exhibitor looking to showcase your product, or a consumer looking for inspiration and ideas to improve your home and garden; this is the show for you!
March 23-24, 2024
Annual Sweetwater Harvest Festival
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, 16160 Highway 12 East, Midland, ON
www.wyemarsh.com/sweetwater
Escape to a time when maple syrup was made over an open fire, experience our history, and explore nature at its best. The festival celebrates the history of maple syrup and the role it plays in our cultural and natural heritage. Sweetwater is not your average maple syrup festival. Beyond the sugar shack tours, pancakes, and taffy tasting, there is so much more to the weekend-long festival including birds of prey demonstrations, live music from local artists, kids games & activities, woodcarving demos; and of course chickadee feeding!
March 23-24, 2024
Maple Festival
Drysdale’s Tree Farm, 6635 Simcoe County Road 56, Egbert
www.drysdales.ca/seasonal-event.php?id=20
Visitors will be able to see traditional sugaring demonstrations, tour a sugar bush, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, and experience maple taffy making. There will even be a pancake breakfast to taste Camphill’s delicious maple syrup. Shop in the Evergreen Store and browse our unique selection of seasonal gifts and décor.
March 23 – April 7, 2024
Chappel Farms Spring Festival
Chappell Farms, 617 Penetanguishene Road, Barrie
chappellfarms.ca
Spring Festival at Chappell Farms is an amazing place for kids and adults alike! We have all kinds of activities, and there is also plenty of room to just run and play in the fresh air!
April 6-7, 2024
Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival
Tiffin Conservation Area, 8195 8th Line, Utopia
www.nvca.on.ca/spring-tonic-festival
See historic re-enactments of Canada’s early history, tap maple trees and watch the sap transformed into syrup. Sample this natural sweetness on pancakes with sausage, as well as shop for maple candy, syrup and souvenirs. Kids’ can have their faces painted, make some crafts, build a birdhouse, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride and so much more.
April 2024
Annual Orillia Perch Festival
Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching, Orillia
www.orillia.com/perchfestival
One of the largest fishing derbies in North America, the Orillia Perch Festival Presented by Leadbetters, kicks off the beginning of the open water fishing season in Canada. The concept is that fishing is a sport that anyone can do at any age with anybody. Fishing creates memories that can last a lifetime, and the sport bridges generations like few other activities. Great event for the whole family, with adult and kids prize categories. Thousands of dollars in cash and product prizes. Any angler can win!
April 18-21, 2024 | 6:00 pm
Roots North Music Festival – 10th Anniversary
Downtown Orillia
www.rootsnorthmusic.ca
Roots North Music Festival brings together amazing performers for a weekend of great live music in Downtown Orillia. Roots music can refer to several styles or genres in music, but to us it’s music that is firmly rooted in a place of honest expression and emotion. It’s music that travels, shares and connects, while honouring the past and bravely moving forward. It’s our mission to bring together a wide range of artists and people who share this vision for a weekend of great live music.
May 24-26, 2024
ANNUAL BARRIE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
Dunlop St., Memorial Square & Heritage Park, Barrie
barriewaterfront.ca
The Annual Barrie Waterfront Festival spring line-up will present live bands from a variety of genres. For your added enjoyment, free outdoor entertainment will be brought to the table: street buskers, a midway with rides, face painting, street vendors, fresh food, treats, and contests. Don’t miss this weekend with your family; eat, drink, and have fun while sharing in Barrie’s terrific community spirit.
June 6-9, 2024
Barrie Automotive Flea Market
Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, Oro-Medonte
www.thebafm.com
Canada’s Finest Automotive Flea Market offers over 2500 vending spaces and 1000 camping sites. There is everything from collectibles & classic cars to those hard-to-find car parts. If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere. It’s a Car Lover’s Dream – Car Sales Corral, Sunday Auto Auction, Show & Shine, and thousands of vendors. You won’t believe your eyes. Bring your friends & family and stay at our convenient Campground.
June 7-9, 2024
Sunshine Festival
Port of Orillia
www.orillia.com/sunshine-festival
Celebrate the arrival of summer in the Sunshine City! A revival of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce’s long-running Spring Boat Show, this event showcases Orillia’s unique character as boater’s paradise where a vibrant arts and cultural scene meets boundless opportunities to experience nature!
June TBA
CELEBRATE BARRIE
Centennial Park, 65 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie, ON
Join in the fun and celebration at Celebrate Barrie! The annual celebration of our community will be held along the beautiful shores of Kempenfelt Bay from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This free festival features fun for the whole family including inflatables and rides, animal shows, local entertainment on two stages, historical reenactments, and over 50 community groups providing hands-on activities.
June 22, 2024
Christmas in June
Port of Orillia, 50 Centennial Drive, Orillia
Christmas in June is an annual event where boaters gather at the Port of Orillia and celebrate Christmas 6 months early (or late depending on how you look at it). Boats will be decked out in Christmas lights and the holiday spirit will engulf the Port.
June 6-17, 2024
BARRIE JAZZ BLUES FESTIVAL
Various Venues throughout Barrie & Simcoe County
www.barriejazzbluesfest.com
Shake off cabin fever at the annual February Blues Festival featuring Blues and Jazz music performed by some of Canada’s most brilliant artists.
Each Saturday from 8 am – 12:30 pm, year-round!
Orillia Farmers’ Market
Downtown Orillia
The Orillia Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in the province, with its roots going back to 1842 when it first operated at the waterfront. The Farmers’ Market proudly boasts its range of locally produced foods, handmade crafts from around the county, and special events for the family. Our growers look forward to Saturdays on the Market, where they offer fresh-picked produce in season, naturally raised meats, as well as a variety of yummy baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Bring your family, meet your friends, get to know the vendors, and enjoy the local musicians in the Market Café.
July 7-9, 2024
Mariposa Folk Festival Downtown Stage
J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park, Orillia
www.mariposafolk.com
Orillia’s largest festival is once again featuring Mariposa Folk Festival’s showcase winners on the FREE Downtown Stage! Come check out the Showcase Winning Acts, bring the kids, and enjoy Mariposa-inspired crafts and activities to get into the Mariposa Folk spirit in Downtown Orillia.
July 19 – 21, 2024
ANNUAL ORILLIA SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
Couchiching Beach Park
www.scottishfestival.ca
A celebration of Scottish culture & heritage! Ceilidh at Legion Friday & Sunday; parade through downtown to waterfront, pipe & drum competitions, entertainment & vendors at Couchiching Beach Park Saturday.
July 27, 2024
Mardi Gras
Port of Orillia
www.orillia.com/mardi-gras
Join us for a spectacular celebration the Port of Orillia transforms into a vibrant and colourful Mardi Gras extravaganza! Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, where the spirit of New Orleans comes alive on the shores of Lake Couchiching. This event features fun, shenanigans and celebrations.
Each Saturday from 8 am – 12:30 pm, year-round!
Orillia Farmers’ Market
Downtown Orillia
www.downtownorillia.ca/directory/the-orillia-farmers-market
The Orillia Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in the province, with its roots going back to 1842 when it first operated at the waterfront. The Farmers’ Market proudly boasts its range of locally produced foods, handmade crafts from around the county, and special events for the family. Our growers look forward to Saturdays on the Market, where they offer fresh-picked produce in season, naturally raised meats, as well as a variety of yummy baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Bring your family, meet your friends, get to know the vendors, and enjoy the local musicians in the Market Café.
August 2-5, 2024
ANNUAL KEMPENFEST
Barrie’s Waterfront Parks
www.kempenfest.com
One of the largest outdoor arts and crafts festivals featuring over 300 artisans, antique shows, food, children’s activities, and amazing live entertainment on three stages.
August 8-11, 2024
BOOTS & HEARTS COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Burl’s Creek Event Grounds
bootsandhearts.com
Canada’s largest country music & camping festival! Over 30 performers, from global superstars to emerging artists, including Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, Thomas Rhett & Dallas Smith! Great food, merchants & craft vendors!
August 9-11, 2024
ORILLIA WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
Port of Orillia & waterfront parks, Centennial Drive, Lake Couchiching
www.orillia.com/waterfront-festival
A weekend of fun activities and entertainment at the beautiful Port of Orillia and waterfront parks, Lake Couchiching, Orillia, Ontario, Canada! The Orillia Waterfront Festival in-water boat show features new, dealer trade, select brokerage, and private owner boats, and includes everything from kayaks to cruisers! Over 100 land vendors and exhibitors offer boating accessories, water sports equipment, cottage, and outdoor products, great summer fashions, good food & more! Art exhibits, dog agility trials, Dock Dogs Diving Contest, exciting water ski shows throughout the weekend, and a hilarious Cardboard Boat Race on Sunday at Noon! An average of 20,000 people attend the festival each year!
August 17, 2024
Annual BARRIE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Barrie’s Heritage Park, Downtown Barrie
barriedragonboatfestival.ca
Enjoy dragon boat racing, cultural and commercial exhibits, participate in children’s activities, and much more.
August 31 – September 2, 2024
Port of Orillia Pirate Party
Port of Orillia
www.orillia.com/pirateparty
On Labour Day Weekend, the Pirates of Lake Couchiching storm the Port of Orillia. This amazing family fun-filled weekend features in-water Pirate displays, a Pirate Village with live re-enactors and demonstrations and a “plank walk” where the pirates send local politicians and business leaders into the water.
Each Saturday from 8 am – 12:30 pm, year-round!
Orillia Farmers’ Market
Downtown Orillia
The Orillia Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in the province, with its roots going back to 1842 when it first operated at the waterfront. The Farmers’ Market proudly boasts its range of locally produced foods, handmade crafts from around the county, and special events for the family. Our growers look forward to Saturdays on the Market, where they offer fresh-picked produce in season, naturally raised meats, as well as a variety of yummy baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Bring your family, meet your friends, get to know the vendors, and enjoy the local musicians in the Market Cafe.
September 5-8, 2024
Barrie Automotive Flea Market
Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, Oro-Medonte
www.thebafm.com
Canada’s Finest Automotive Flea Market offers over 2500 vending spaces and 1000 camping sites. There is everything from collectibles & classic cars to those hard-to-find car parts. If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere. It’s a Car Lover’s Dream – Car Sales Corral, Sunday Auto Auction, Show & Shine, and thousands of vendors. You won’t believe your eyes. Bring your friends & family and stay in our convenient Campground.
September 13-14, 2024
ORO WORLD’S FAIR
84 15th/16th Sideroad
oroworldsfair.com
Presented by: The Oro Agricultural Society (celebrating 172 years).
September 15, 2024 | 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
TERRY FOX RUN – ORILLIA
Tudhope Park, Orillia
www.facebook.com/TerryFoxRunOrillia
The Terry Fox Run is non-competitive, volunteer-led, with no entry fee, and no minimum pledge required, all welcome! Walk, run, cycle or wheel. We have a 1km course and a 2.5 km loop available. Make your way to Tudhope Park’s Celebration Plaza to check in before the start time. Check-in opens at 11:30 am Opening Ceremonies: 12:40 pm Run/Walk start: 1:00 pm NEW LOCATION: Tudhope Park Contact us at 705-326-1404, terryfoxrunorillia@gmail.com or on social media.
September 27-29, 2024
COLDWATER FALL FAIR
Coldwater Coldwater, Ontario L0K 1E0
coldwaterfallfair.com
The Coldwater Fair is a local agricultural celebration held the last full weekend each September. Bring the family to enjoy the Magical Midway, agricultural exhibitions, vendors, entertainment and more! The Demolition Derby will be held Friday, September 27 at 7pm. The Coldwater Fall Fair is an Alcohol Free Event No Dogs will be allowed on the property except for service animals, those exhibiting in the fair.
September 2024 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION AT SAINTE-MARIE
Sainte Marie Among the Hurons, Midland
Every child matters. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Sainte-Marie will begin with a ceremony honouring survivors of residential schools. On this day of reflection and commemoration, the site’s historical interpreters will not be in costume. This is an opportunity to listen and learn as we all continue the journey of truth and reconciliation. Indigenous speakers and knowledge keepers will help educate guests and build cultural understanding.
Each Saturday from 8 am – 12:30 pm, year-round!
Orillia Farmers’ Market
Downtown Orillia
The Orillia Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in the province, with its roots going back to 1842 when it first operated at the waterfront. The Farmers’ Market proudly boasts its range of locally produced foods, handmade crafts from around the county, and special events for the family. Our growers look forward to Saturdays on the Market, where they offer fresh-picked produce in season, naturally raised meats, as well as a variety of yummy baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Bring your family, meet your friends, get to know the vendors, and enjoy the local musicians in the Market Cafe.
October 2024 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Free
2024 IMAGES THANKSGIVING STUDIO TOUR
Simcoe County, Orillia, Oro-Medonte area
www.images-studio-tour.com
This artist-run, juried event is one of Ontario’s finest and longest-running studio tours celebrating 41 years. Over thirty outstanding artists and craftspeople will exhibit their work over 4 days at 18 different studios. Discover exceptional art and enjoy the beautiful fall colours of Simcoe County. This self-guided tour roams from Moonstone through the scenic Horseshoe Valley and along the Lake Simcoe shores to Orillia. Come for the day, come for the weekend.
October 12-13, 2024 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
HOMETOWN HARVEST FESTIVAL
Sainte Marie Among the Hurons, Midland
saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/events/hometown-harvest-festival
The Hometown Harvest Festival is back at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Thanksgiving Weekend. Come celebrate the abundance of the fall season! Put on a cozy sweater and shop our artisan market with more than 40 local vendors. Grab a coffee in our gift shop, then explore the site to take part in take-home crafts, try hands-on activities, meet our heritage breed animals, learn about the three sisters’ harvest, and enjoy historical presentations.
October 2024
ORILLIA JAZZ FESTIVAL
Orillia Opera House
The Orillia Jazz Festival occurs in various host locations in the downtown area and all over Orillia! Come discover a newfound love or reignite a passion for all things jazz! Arts Orillia presents a three-day celebration of music, dance, & storytelling at the Orillia Opera House.
October 2024
BARRIE FILM FESTIVAL
barriefilmfestival.ca/festivals/annual-barrie-film-festival
The 26th edition of this ten-day multi-faceted festival provides a curated selection of films from all over the world with a particular emphasis on Canadian creators and their work.
October 2024 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
AN AUTUMN MARIPOSA III
ODAS Park, Oro-Medonte
The Mariposa Folk Foundation has slated Saturday, October 14 for Autumn Mariposa III, an open-air afternoon concert featuring four popular musical acts by Aysanabee, My Son the Hurricane, Aleksi Campagne, and Angelique Francis.
Performers and audience members will have seating under a large tent and have the option of bringing their own camp chairs. Free on-site parking is available. This is a licensed event and two food vendors will be on-site (Provenance Wine Bar serving delicious tacos and Sunshine BBQ serving their famous sausages and other wares).
Each Saturday from 8 am – 12:30 pm, year-round!
Orillia Farmers’ Market
Downtown Orillia
The Orillia Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in the province, with its roots going back to 1842 when it first operated at the waterfront. The Farmers’ Market proudly boasts its range of locally produced foods, handmade crafts from around the county, and special events for the family. Our growers look forward to Saturdays on the Market, where they offer fresh-picked produce in season, naturally raised meats, as well as a variety of yummy baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Bring your family, meet your friends, get to know the vendors, and enjoy the local musicians in the Market Café.
November 22, 2024
Orillia Santa Claus Parade
Downtown Orillia
One of the largest Christmas parades North of Toronto! Over 100 floats, bands & Santa himself “Celebrating Christmas”.
- Non-perishable food collection for The Sharing Place Food Bank
- Bucket Brigade collection by Orillia Kiwanis Club in support of a great parade
- Free parking in downtown lots!
Parade Route: Centennial Drive to Front to Colborne to Dunlop Street to Mississaga & return to Centennial
November 2024
NOELLA FESTIVAL
Downtown Barrie
downtownbarrie.ca/events/noella-festival
Christmas in Downtown Barrie is a feeling you just have to experience. The Noella Festival gives you six weeks of family fun to check out! We would like to thank our event partners who collectively bring the community a fantastic kick-off to the festive season. This includes the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, the Barrie Rotary Club, the City of Barrie and most importantly our Downtown Barrie businesses! Together, they all make this event a very special time of the year! FREE EVENT!
November 2024
CHRISTMAS TOUR & STORY
Leacock Museum, Orillia
Join an experienced tour guide for the Leacock Museum Christmas Tour & Story. The tour will begin with an outdoor stroll on the grounds. See the twinkling lights along the trail, enjoy a special stop at the Boathouse, and end off your tour with a story in Leacock’s living room!
Each Saturday from 8 am – 12:30 pm, year-round!
Orillia Farmers’ Market
Downtown Orillia
The Orillia Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in the province, with its roots going back to 1842 when it first operated at the waterfront. The Farmers’ Market proudly boasts its range of locally produced foods, handmade crafts from around the county, and special events for the family. Our growers look forward to Saturdays on the Market, where they offer fresh-picked produce in season, naturally raised meats, as well as a variety of yummy baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Bring your family, meet your friends, get to know the vendors, and enjoy the local musicians in the Market Café.
December 2024 | 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
ORILLIA FARMERS’ MARKETS: HOLIDAY MARKETS
Orillia Public Library, Orillia
The Orillia Farmers’ Market has been a Sunshine City shopping staple since the early 1840’s. During the holidays, there’s no better way to shop for unique gifts and freshly-made sweet treats when you visit the historic market’s holiday vendors. Swing by for live entertainment, seasonal items, and more!
Each Saturday from 8 am – 12:30 pm, year-round!
Orillia Farmers’ Market
Downtown Orillia
The Orillia Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in the province, with its roots going back to 1842 when it first operated at the waterfront. The Farmers’ Market proudly boasts its range of locally produced foods, handmade crafts from around the county, and special events for the family. Our growers look forward to Saturdays on the Market, where they offer fresh-picked produce in season, naturally raised meats, as well as a variety of yummy baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Bring your family, meet your friends, get to know the vendors, and enjoy the local musicians in the Market Café.
Each Saturday from 8 am – 12:30 pm, year-round!
Orillia Farmers’ Market
Downtown Orillia
The Orillia Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running farmers’ markets in the province, with its roots going back to 1842 when it first operated at the waterfront. The Farmers’ Market proudly boasts its range of locally produced foods, handmade crafts from around the county, and special events for the family. Our growers look forward to Saturdays on the Market, where they offer fresh-picked produce in season, naturally raised meats, as well as a variety of yummy baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Bring your family, meet your friends, get to know the vendors, and enjoy the local musicians in the Market Café.
February 2024
WINTERFEST 2024
Barrie Waterfront, Heritage Park & Memorial Square
Named one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario, the City of Barrie’s Winterfest is a great way to celebrate the winter season with adventures that the whole family will enjoy. Check out the polar bear swim, horse-drawn wagon rides, dog sled rides, lumberjack show, giant snow slide, ice maze, and much more. The Festival of Ice features 300-pound blocks of ice carved into spectacular, themed sculptures. Join in the festivities at one of the many indoor venues too, including the February Blues Festival, Reel Stories mini film festival, tours and family fun at the MacLarenArtCentre, skating at Barrie’s arenas during select times, and storytime and crafts at the Barrie Public Library. The community comes alive with winter fun and celebration. Don’t miss these fun activities and so much more throughout the Winterfest weekend!
