Barrie, ON – Barrie’s largest summer festival, Kempenfest presented by TD, returns for its 53rd annual celebration of art, community, and music, taking place August 1-4, 2025, along two kilometres of Barrie, Ontario’s beautiful Waterfront.
The event features 300 arts & crafts vendors, over 30 food vendors, a Midway with 30 rides and games, 30 antique vendors, face painters, a Poutine Village, Oasis Lakeside Patio Bar, Barrie Wrestling, and two stages of live music!
Admission to attend the event is free, apart from the ticketed evening headliner concerts on the OLG MainStage at the Rotary Beer Gardens.
“Kempenfest continues to be a shining example of what makes our community so vibrant and unique. Kempenfest is more than just a festival—it’s a major driver of tourism and economic activity for our city. Each year, it draws tens of thousands of visitors to Barrie’s beautiful waterfront, delivering a boost to local businesses and showcasing the best our community has to offer. The 2025 event promises to build on that legacy with new attractions, enhanced accessibility, diversity and an even greater focus on local talent and sustainability. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the shores of Kempenfelt Bay this summer.”
— Paul Markle, Chair, Kempenfest
Kempenfest is Barrie, Ontario’s largest summer event, attracting over 100,000 patrons per year, and generates over $7,500,000 in Tourism Induced Economic Impact for the City of Barrie.
Kempenfest is also recognized in Ontario’s Top-100 Festivals (as per FEO 2025).
ALL THINGS KEMPENFEST 2025!
300 Arts, Crafts, and Antique vendors brought to you by Huronia Festival of Arts and Crafts and the Optimist Club of Barrie, with many unique vendors to explore.
Robertson Amusements Midway features cotton candy, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and over 30 more rides and games!
Barrie Wrestling presents Bash by the Bay 4 at Centennial Beach, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
The OLG MainStage has 4 days of great music. Kicking off the weekend is headliner Shawn Desman and guests, Friday August 1, presented by RESCON and Kool FM. Saturday August 2 features headliner, Colin James and guests, presented by Rock 95. Sunday August 3, is country night with The Washboard Union and guests, presented by Mattamy Homes and Pure Country. Monday August 4 features a matinee show with The Practically Hip and guests.
OLG MainStage Concerts are all ages, ticketed events.
The Pratt Homes Community Stage has four days packed full of free concerts for all ages! Friday August 1 features popular Bollywood DJs! Saturday August 2 is country night with an all-female lineup, featuring Dayna Reid and guests. Sunday August 3 is an all-female rock concert lineup, with Jules Is Dead and guests! Monday August 4 features the Barrie Music School Showcase with over 30 youth performing artists!
Poutine Village, located in Centennial Park, offers a wide variety of poutine options, including bacon, beef, jerk chicken, halal, pork, tater tot, Texas chilli, traditional, vegetarian, and more!
The Oasis Lakeside Patio Bar is a licensed area serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, food, and live entertainment.
For more festival information, visit: kempenfest.com
Funded by the Government of Ontario.
TOP 100 – FESTIVALS & EVENTS ONTARIO (FEO)
Kempenfest is recognized within FEO’s (Festivals & Events Ontario) Top 100.
For the full list of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals & Events, visit festivalsandeventsontario.com
BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Limited, premium brand activation spaces are available on-site festival grounds. To have your brand featured at Barrie, Ontario’s largest summer festival, visit: kempenfest.com/become-a-sponsor/
DONATE TO KEMPENFEST
Kempenfest is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to cultivating a resilient, festive spirit in the community, through arts and music presentations. Donations of all amounts will go directly towards the sustainability of arts development, community programming, and festival services.
All festival details and information available at kempenfest.com
