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CommunityEvents

No matter the season, Celebrate in Barrie!

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.

2Barrie Events & Culture Guide 2018-2019 | Community Events

3RD THURSDAY PROGRAMUptown Theatre, 55 Dunlop St. W.www.barriefilmfestival.caOn the third Thursday of the month, the Barrie Film Festival offers an international cinematic selection featuring lighthearted to thought-provoking features and documentaries.

BARRIE FARMERS’ MARKET City Hall, 70 Collier St.www.barriefarmersmarket.caOpen Saturday from 8:00am to noon year-round, the market features fresh produce, creative artisan works, a delicious variety of prepared foods and special events.

BARRIE FOLK SOCIETYwww.barriefolk.comThe Barrie Folk Society presents a number of events throughout the year including a concert series, youth songwriting showcase, house concerts and more.

CAMPUS GALLERY AT GEORGIAN COLLEGEHelen & Arch Brown Centre for the Visual Arts, 1 Georgian Dr.www.georgiancollege.caThe Campus Gallery, open daily from September through May, features student achievements, a monthly speaker series, and exhibitions that reflect regional, national, and international art, craft, and design.

FIVE POINTS THEATRE1 Dunlop St. W. barrie.ca/TheatreTickets The Five Points Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Barrie, is host to a variety of theatre productions, film screenings, concerts, comedy, and so much more. Available for a variety of events and private bookings.

GEORGIAN THEATREGeorgian College, 1 Georgian Dr.barrie.ca/TheatreTickets 705-739-4228This 680 seat facility is host to a variety of professional and amateur theatre productions, concerts, dance recitals, seminars, and more throughout the year.

INSIDE THE MUSICinsidethemusic.caInside the Music presents Live Music artists in concert across Central Ontario.

MACLAREN ART CENTRE37 Mulcaster Streetwww.maclarenart.comThe regional public art gallery offering a wide range of exhibitions, special events, family programs, art camps, and workshops throughout the year.

SCREEN ONE MONTHLY FILM SERIESUptown Theatre, 55 Dunlop St. W.www.barriefilmfestival.caThis popular monthly film series showcases an international line-up of current cinematic gems on the first Wednesday and Thursday of the month year-round.

WORD UP BARRIEUnity Market and Café, 25 Toronto St.www.wordupbarrie.comEvery month Word Up hosts readings by writers, poets, and spoken word artists. From pros to amateurs, all are welcome to the open mic. YOUTH ARTS DROP-INFive Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W.www.barrie.ca/workshopsYouth aged 19 and younger are invited to drop-in for an evening of free activities – from music to art – on the first Wednesday of the month. No experience or registration required and all supplies or instruments are supplied!

ONGOING

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April 12 – 21 FOR BOTH RESTING AND BREEDINGFive Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W.www.tift.ca In the year 2150, humans have become gender neutral. While historians transform an old residence into a living museum, members of the group become enamored with their gendered counterparts and start to re-enact the dangerous behaviours of their ancestors.

April 14 A FOOL’S ERRAND Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr. barrie.ca/TheatreTickets World renowned clown, juggler, and comic acrobat, Jamie Adkins, uses his unique blend of skills to explore the what-ifs along the path of life while accompanied by a charismatic tuba player.

April 14BARRIE CHORALFEST: A MUSICAL ODYSSEY Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St.www.huroniasymphony.ca Enjoy the richness of choral music performed by the Choralfest Choir with the opulent sound of a full symphony orchestra under the direction of Oliver Balaburski – from Renaissance to Les Miserables.

April 24BARRIE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL: ED ASNER IN ‘A MAN AND HIS PROSTATE’Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr.www.tift.ca Ed Asner in “A Man and His Prostate”, is based on a true-life experience in which a man discovers his inner self in more ways than one. A near tragedy is masterfully transformed into comedy, when he visits the hospital in preparation for surgery he doesn’t want.

April 28 – 29BARRIE SPRING ART TOURStudios throughout Barriewww.barriespringarttour.ca Discover the art and soul of Barrie, and immerse yourself in unique fine art and sophisticated crafts created by local artists and artisans.

May 3 – 12TALES OF AN URBAN INDIANFive Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W.www.tift.ca Back by popular demand and staged on a moving bus, Tales of an Urban Indian is the story of a young Indigenous man’s journey from the reservation to downtown Vancouver. Starring Craig Lauzon from Royal Canadian Air Farce.

May 5TIME TRAVEL!Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St.www.kingedwardchoir.caJoin the King Edward Choir on a delightful musical journey from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

May 8BARRIE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL: RICK MERCERGeorgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr.www.tift.ca Known as “Canada’s Unofficial Opposition”, Mercer is our most popular comic, a political satirist who knows exactly what matters to regular Canadians and what makes them laugh.

May 11 – 12 FOR ALL SEASONSGeorgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr.www.bravadoshowchoir.com(705) 737-2646Bravado brings the Vegas vibe to Barrie! From the Rat Pack to Cirque du Soleil, the Beatles to Elvis, the show features iconic songs of the Vegas strip.

2018 EVENTS

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May 13 PULL OUT THE STOPSCollier Street United Church, 112 Collier St.huroniasymphony.caBarrie’s best kept secret, Sarah Svendsen, Music Director and acclaimed Organist at Collier St. United Church, pulls out the stops to perform the Poulenc Organ Concerto. The Huronia Symphony Orchestra completes the program with spectacular works by Bruch and Gabrieli.

May 14STARS COME OUTGeorgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr. www.theatrebythebay.comLive theatre in Barrie has never seen so many stars in one place! This is the entertainment event of the year that nobody wants to miss. Stars Come Out is a show packed with song, music and dance performed by the biggest stars from the most popular shows in Toronto.

May 25 – 27BARRIE WATERFRONT FESTIVALHeritage Park, 5 Simcoe St.www.barriewaterfront.caA festival featuring live music and family entertainment, as well as a midway, classic car show and food trucks for everyone to enjoy.

May 25 – June 10MARY OF SHANTY BAYSt Thomas Anglican Church, 28 Church St. (Shanty Bay)www.theatrebythebay.comA new play based on the real life diaries of Mary O’Brien tells the tale of her journey from England in 1928, her difficult decision to stay in Canada, and her help in founding the community of Shanty Bay and the 180 year old St. Thomas Church.

June – AugustLAWN CHAIR LUMINATAMeridian Place & Heritage Parkwww.lawnchairluminata.comA free summer series offering a diverse range of entertainment every Wednesday evening (weath-er 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 films. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair or blanket for an evening under the stars!

June – August DOWNTOWN STREET PERFORMERSVarious Downtown Locationswww.barrie.ca/streetperformersDuring the summer months, enjoy talented street performers bringing the downtown to life with a variety of art forms.

June 2CELEBRATE BARRIECentennial Park, 65 Lakeshore Dr.www.barrie.ca/CelebrateBarrieBarrie’s kick-off to summer featuring live entertainment, heritage village, family activities, vendor market, and more!

June 2THE CLASSICSHi-Way Church, 50 Anne St. N.www.barrieconcertband.org Discover a wide range of concert band repertoire at its best – from diverse classical transcriptions to original modern-day and classic styles.

June 2 – 3 BARRIE NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE POW WOWRed Storey Field, Eccles St. at Dunlop St.Honour our founders and celebrate Indigenous culture at the BNFC’s 29th annual Pow Wow.

June 2 – 3BASE BORDEN CANADIAN ARMED FORCES DAY & AIR SHOWCFB Borden (Angus)www.bordenairshow.caCelebrate our military past, present, and future at CFB Borden featuring military ground displays, army vehicles, kiddie commando course, and other interactive events. The spectacular Air Show will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, CF-18 Demo Team, Canadian Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team, and several other aviation performers.

June 7 – 18THE KOOL FM BARRIE JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL www.barriejazzbluesfest.comFeaturing some of the best Canadian and international Jazz and Blues artists performing in over 25 venues throughout the Barrie area.

June 8 – 10BARRIE PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADEHeritage Park, 5 Simcoe St.www.barriepride.comBarrie Pride’s 5th annual LGBTQ2S+ celebration featuring a family zone, vendors, live music and entertainment, licensed area, parade, and more! Barrie Pride: Because It Matters. June 15 – 17BARRIE BOAT SHOWHeritage Park & Transient Boat Slips, 5 Simcoe St.www.barrieboatshow.comCheck out the new and vintage watercraft on display at Downtown Barrie’s Boat Show, free to the public. June 16 – 17MEC PADDLEFESTCentennial Park, 65 Lakeshore Dr. www.mec.ca/paddlefestEnthusiasts of all skill levels can dive into the world of kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddle boarding with test paddles, skills clinics, exhibitors, and a gear swap.

2018 EVENTS

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June 24KIDS FISHING DAYHeritage Park, 5 Simcoe St.www.teachakidtofish.comThe opportunity for kids to experience fishing, learn about conservation, and have lots of fun courtesy of the Kempenfelt Rotary Club. June 30 – July 2PROMENADE DAYSDunlop Street, Downtown Barriewww.downtownbarrie.caBarrie’s largest street festival featuring live entertainment, children’s activities, street performers, patios, and a vendor market. July 1CANADA DAY FESTIVITIES & FIREWORKSWaterfront Parkswww.barrie.ca/CanadaDayCelebrate Canada with family activities and entertainment. Gather around Barrie’s waterfront for the grand finale, a spectacular fireworks display over Kempenfelt Bay at 10pm. July 6 – 8CRAFT BEER & BBQ FESTIVALHeritage Park, 5 Simcoe St.www.downtownbarrie.caA tasty weekend to tempt your taste buds with a variety of food vendors, craft beer, live entertainment, Celebrity Sauce Cook-off, and ‘Best of’ Award. July 18 – 28LOST AND FOUNDFive Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W.www.theatrebythebay.comA fun, exciting adventure musical for young audiences by local playwright and composers, Mike Holland and Isaac Haig who brought the massive hits The Land of Make Believe and Adventure Island.

July 18 – 28NORTHERN LIGHTSFive Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop St. W.www.theatrebythebay.comA new heist-comedy by local playwright Alex Dault drawn from the infamous story of Barrie’s Molson Brewery cannabis grow-op and the operation to take it down. A story of hijinks that is certain to make you laugh! July 20 – 22 MEDLEY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVALAllandale Station Park, 205 Lakeshore Dr.www.medleywf.comEnjoy the best in food and beverage along with music, workshops, giveaways, celebrity chefs, kids zone, and much more!

July 21CLASSICS IN THE PARKHeritage Park, 5 Simcoe St.www.barriethunderclassics.ca Barrie Thunder Classics hosts their annual show featuring over 300 classic and collector cars and trucks along the beautiful backdrop of Kempenfelt Bay. August 3 – 6 KEMPENFESTWaterfront Parkswww.kempenfest.comOne of the largest outdoor arts festivals featuring over 300 artisans, an antique show, midway, family activities, and an amazing line-up of live music.

August 9 – 12 BOOTS & HEARTSBurls Creek Event Grounds, Oro-Medontewww.bootsandhearts.comCamp out under the stars and revel in summer with over 30 country music artists.

August 23 – 26 BARRIE FAIREssa Agriplex, 7505 10th Line (Thornton) www.essaagriplex.caThe 165th annual fair celebrates local agricultural heritage with livestock and homecraft shows, vendors, truck & tractor pulls, a demolition derby, midway, and live entertainment.

August 25BARRIE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVALHeritage Park, 5 Simcoe St.www.barriedragonboatfestival.ca Brings the whole community together for exciting races, family activities, local vendors, and live entertainment.

September 22BPL COMIC CONBarrie Public Library, 60 Worsley St.www.barrielibrary.ca Dust off your superhero cape! A free, family-friendly event that showcases pop culture in Barrie with local vendors, cosplayers, fan meetups, workshops, face painting, games, and artist alley.

September 27 – 30 CARNEGIE DAYSMaclaren Art Centre, 37 Mulcaster St.www.maclarenart.comExplore the role language plays in contemporary art with special exhibitions, public art projects, performances, readings and artist talks, screenings, guided tours, and hands-on workshops for families.

September 28 – 30 CULTURE DAYSMultiple Venues www.barrie.ca/culturedaysA nation-wide celebration featuring activities and performances that inspire and celebrate the artistry, creativity, and expression that reflects the mosaic of Canadian culture.

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November 17SANTA CLAUS PARADEDowntown Streetswww.barriechamber.comWelcome Santa at Barrie’s annual night parade! Enjoy bands and illuminated floats as they make their way through downtown Barrie.

November 17 – December 31NOËLLA FESTIVALwww.downtownbarrie.caThe holiday season comes alive in Downtown Barrie! Grab a hot cocoa and take in the festive window displays and lights or take the family skating at the City Hall Ice Rink. The season caps off on New Year’s Eve with the Downtown Countdown at City Hall.

November 17 – February 2019 WINTER LIGHTS DISPLAYHeritage Park, 5 Simcoe St.A spectacular display of lights to celebrate the winter season presented by the Rotary Club of Barrie.

December 8BCB’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St.www.barrieconcertband.org Join the Barrie Concert Band as they celebrate the eve of their 150th anniversary with sing-a-longs and a wide variety of festive favourites.

December 15KING EDWARD CHOIR CHRISTMASCollier Street United Church, 112 Collier St.www.kingedwardchoir.caEnjoy songs of the season, both old and new, with special guests and a traditional sing-a-long.

December 31DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWNCity Hall, 70 Collier St.www.barrie.ca/DowntownCountdownBarrie’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music, fireworks, and activities for kids. Come ring in 2019 in downtown Barrie!

2018 EVENTS 2019 EVENTSOctober 5 – 8 IMAGES STUDIO TOUR Studios throughout Simcoe Countywww.images-studio-tour.comA self-guided tour takes you to the studios of some of the finest artisans and craftspeople, featuring original artwork by over 30 artists. Meet the artists, explore their studio settings, and enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping.

October 12 – 21BARRIE FILM FESTIVALUptown Theatre, 55 Dunlop St. W.www.barriefilmfestival.caA ten-day film lover’s delight bringing people together to experience extraordinary films from Canada and around the world, including guest speakers, parties, and international short film competition.

November 2 – 4 CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWBarrie Molson Centre, 555 Bayview Ave.www.areaproductions.com The 24th annual exhibition of arts and crafts for your holiday season shopping, featuring 140 exhibits.

November 11REMEMBRANCE DAYMemorial Square, 65 Dunlop St. E.Annual parade and ceremony at Barrie’s Cenotaph to honour the sacrifices made by those in military service, past and present.

November 17TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATIONMeridian Place, Downtown Barriewww.downtownbarrie.caKick-off the holiday season with this annual tradition featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa, and a fantastic fireworks show.

January 31 – February 3, 2019 THE FEBRUARY BLUES FESTIVALwww.barriejazzbluesfest.comShake off cabin fever with Jazz and Blues music performed by some of Canada’s most brilliant artists in venues throughout Barrie and area.

Weekends in February 2019 #HOTCOCOATRAIL www.downtownbarrie.caWarm up on a chilly day with a variety of unique hot chocolates featured at participating downtown cafes and eateries.

February 1 – 3, 2019REEL STORIESUptown Theatre, 55 Dunlop St. W.www.barriefilmfestival.caA thought-provoking weekend festival of documentary and feature films from Canada and around the world that are inspired by real people and true events.

February 2 – 3, 2019BARRIE WINTERFESTHeritage Park, 5 Simcoe Street, & venues throughout Barriewww.barrie.ca/WinterfestGrab your mittens and celebrate winter! Outdoor and indoor fun including spectacular ice and snow sculptures, lumberjack shows, polar bear dip, pancake breakfast, family entertainment, and much more.

February 16, 2019CHARITY ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT Southshore Centre, 205 Lakeshore Dr. www.icefishingbarrie.caA fun-filled charity tournament hosted by the Simcoe County Home Builders Association with proceeds going to local charities.

March 2, 2019 LAST NIGHT AT THE POPSCollier Street United Church, 112 Collier St.www.barrieconcertband.org/ www.kingedwardchoir.caEnjoy the first collaborative adventure between King Edward Choir and the Concert Band featuring music that is sure to have you on your feet!

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There is something for everyone to enjoy, from concerts, theatre performances, sporting events, parades and festivals, to other family-friendly activities. 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!

Sincerely,

Jeff Lehman, Mayor

Barrie is home to a variety of exciting community events, festivals, and cultural activities throughout the year.

City of Barrie Special Events Office - (705) 739-4285Email events@barrie.caWeb barrie.ca/events

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