Located on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay, Barrie and Simcoe County is a must-visit in summer!
With its extensive trails and adventure activities, you will find something to suit the tastes of every member of the family!
Contents:
- Summer events & festivals in Barrie & Simcoe County — In Barrie, Orillia, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Collingwood, Innisfil, Midland, New Tecumseth, Penetanguishene, Wasaga Beach, Adjala-Tosorontio, Clearview, Essa, Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn, Springwater, Tay and Tiny
- Summer activities include waterparks, hikes, cruises, farms (including sunflower and lavender farms) etc.
Summer Events & Festivals in Barrie & Simcoe County
The Porchside Festival
Grab a lawn chair and head to Collingwood to enjoy live music and more!
When: July @ on or around Porches in Collingwood.
Lawnchair Luminata
Lawnchair Luminata, a Downtown Barrie tradition for 15 years, unites the community for outdoor movies at Meridian Place every Wednesday evening until August 30th. Movies include Kinky Boots, The Princess Bride, Shazam!, Mighty Ducks, Soul, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and more.
When: Wednesday evenings at dusk until August 30th.
Fish Ontario Licence Free
OFFE is a province-wide opportunity for Canadian residents to fish Ontario licence-free. Cast a line for free or introduce your friends to fishing at Ontario waterbodies.
When: July 1-9, 2023 @ Across Ontario
Summer Sets Music
Come on down to Beach Area One and enjoy amazing music on the Summer Sets Stage.
When: Friday and Saturday nights from 6m-8pm, July & August @ Wasaga Beach
Vendor Market Series
With something for everyone, the Vendor Market offers a unique range of artisanal products, fashion and accessories, bath and body products, décor, and more. Be sure to also visit the CIBC Pier to enjoy live music and our Friday Harbour retailers located along the Promenade for more exciting finds!
When: Weekends @ Friday Harbour Resort, 3999 Friday Drive. Innisfil
Open Air Dunlop
Head to downtown Barrie and eat, shop and play at Dunlop Street in a pedestrian-, bicycle-, scooter- and skateboard-friendly environment! Between Maple Avenue to Mulcaster intersection, Dunlop Street will be closed to vehicle traffic twice a month and open for the public to support local. Enjoy live music, busking and more!
When: July 1st – Canada Day
July 15th – Between Sets Live Music Festival
August 12th – East Asian Ethnic Mosaic Night
August 26th – OMCI Emerging Artist Showcase
September 9th – Downtown Barrie Yoga Fest
September 23rd – Culture Days
Mariposa Folk Festival
Mariposa Folk Festival is a celebration of music, dance, story and craft, and so much more. Taking place in a beautiful lakeside setting, Mariposa features some of the most renowned folk-roots artists on the North American and international scenes, as well as emerging artists for you to discover.
When: July 7 to 9, 2023 @ Tudhope Park, 500 Atherley Road, Orillia
Wasaga Jeep Festival 2023
As the first of it’s kind, Wasaga Jeep Festival is a family friendly event open for everyone to enjoy and Jeep owners to participate in with numerous activities such as Show & Shine Competition, RTI Ramp, Car Crush, beach games.
When: July 8, 2023 @ 3rd Street North. Wasaga Beach
Collingwood Music Festival
Head to Collingwood to enjoy exceptional performances, featuring award-winning artists in the fields of classical, world, jazz and Indigenous genres.
When: July 8-15, 2023 @ Various Venues
Barrie Butter Tarts and More Markets
Gotta Luv Butter Tarts is joining forces with the Georgina Mall to bring an even bigger shopping experience for you! There will be over 50 local and small business owners from butter tarts, baked goods, and sweet treats, to marketplace vendors excited to share with you.
When: July 8, 2023 @ Georgina Mall, 509 Bayfield St., Barrie
Theatre by The Bay – The Simcoe County Theatre Festival
The Simcoe County Theatre Festival is back with six new productions by local artists. The lineup includes a variety of genres, such as stoner comedy, dramas, and even an opera. “Canoe Lake” explores a wild love story with a tragic end. “Planet of the Apps” delves into the challenges of love and validation in the digital age. “Site #420” follows a group of friends on a camping trip with a mysterious disappearance. “Sophie” is a one-woman opera revealing the crumbling reality behind a successful actress. “Stalling” portrays love and loss in a pub restroom during a funeral wake. Lastly, “Stiff and Sons” depicts a family’s desperate measures to save their failing funeral home.
When: July 12 – 23, 2023 @ Five Points Theatre in Barrie
Orillia Scottish Festival
Celebrate all things Scottish at the 45th annual Orillia Scottish Festival.
When: July 14 to 16, 2023 @ Tudhope Park, Orillia
Collingwood Pride Festival
Celebrate Pride or walk, dance, drive, ride with Pride in the Collingwood Pride Parade!
When: July 14 to 16, 2023 @ Downtown Collingwood
Ghost Tours at Discovery Harbour
Discover the supernatural side of Discovery Harbour on lantern-lit guided tours on Saturday evenings this summer. Tours last 1.5-2 hours and require walking. Dress accordingly, as tours run rain or shine.
When: Saturday evenings, starting July 1 to September 2, 2023. @ Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene
Merchants & Makers
Get to Orillia for a Saturday filled with interactive demos, handmade goods, unique products, and interactive activities for your family.
When: July 22, 2023 @ Downtown Orillia
Innisfil Ribfest
Enjoy mouth-watering BBQ smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket, BBQ chicken, smoked sausage, and beef “Dino” ribs from top North American teams. Plus, festival foods and cold beer at the Great Lakes Beer Garden.
When: July 28 to 30, 2023 @ Sunset Speedway, 6918 Yonge Street, Innisfil
Georgian Bay Steam Show
See what life was like on Ontario Farms years ago. You can find Steam Traction Engines, Gas Tractors, Gas Engines, Antique Autos, Farming Demonstrations, Working Saw Mill, Live Stage Entertainment, Talent Contest, Flea Market, Pancake Breakfast, Food Vendors, Children’s Activities & Mud Bog, plus much, much more!
When: August4-7, 2023 @ 4635 Victoria Street West, Cookstown
Kempenfest
Barrie’s signature festival is back for the August long weekend. Kempenfest is one of Ontario’s largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals.
When: August4-7, 2023 @ Waterfront & Downtown Barrie
Essa National Draft Horse Show
See one of the largest annual Draft Horse Shows in Canada. This year will feature the Equine Mounted Games. Cheer the participants as they race through obstacles to the finish line. Mounted Games is an equestrian sport where riders play relay races on ponies up to 15 hands tall, demonstrating athletic ability, excellent riding skills, determination, perseverance, and a competitive spirit.
When: August 5 & 6, 2023 @ Essa Agriplex, 7505 10th Line, Thornton
Pirates Of The Bay
Set sail for a pirate adventure at Discovery Harbour. Enjoy a day filled with pirate-themed activities, crafts, exploring ships, meeting pirate characters, and more. From making pirate hats to practicing aim with water cannons, there’s fun for pirates of all ages. Visit the Scallywag Tavern for refreshments and souvenirs while enjoying sea shanties on the outdoor stage. Don’t miss this unique experience!
When: August 5, 2023 @ Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene
Orillia Waterfront Festival
Visit Orillia waterfront to see artists and artisans, vendors, water ski shows and much more!
When: August 11, 12, 13, 2023 @ Port of Orillia & Couchiching Beach Park.
Rockin’ the River
Participate in Rockin the River, a pre-registered guided tour where participants will either kayak or canoe down the Nottawasaga River from the Wasaga Beach Sports Park to Schoonertown Park. The paddle should take about 3 hours. Along the way there will be 10 different spots where musicians will be set up and performing.
When: August 12, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m @ Wasaga Beach Sports Park to Schoonertown Park.
Alliston Potato Festival
You don’t have to head to PEI to celebrate potatoes! Enjoy a grand parade, and activities for the whole family including live entertainment, showcasing local talent, a beer garden, vendors, food booths and a midway from Friday night right thru to Sunday afternoon.
When: August 11, 12, 13 2023 @ Church Street, Fairgrounds, Alliston
Carrot Fest
Celebrate the orange vergetable at one of Canada’s biggest carrot-producing regions. Carrot Fest is a two-day street festival featuring a variety of entertainers, events and activities that include BMX Stunt Shows, classic cars and more.
When: Friday, August 18 & Saturday, August 19, 2023 @ Downtown Bradford
Boots & Hearts Music Festival
Head to Oro-Medonte for Canada’s largest country music festival.
When: August 10 to 13, 2023 @ Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, 8 Line South, Oro-Medonte
Gathering of the Classics
Every August, the ECAF hosts Canada’s largest fly-in of classic aircraft and autos. See classic air crafts and more!
When: August 12th, 2023 @ Edenvale Aerodrome, Stayner
Midland Rib & Beer Festival
The Rib & Beer Festival is back for 2023 and Northern Rins Series is bringing some of the best BBQ in Canada. Get Ready For Mouth Waterin’, Finger Lickin’, Belly Rubbin’ Good Bbq!
When: August 18 to 20, 2023 @ David Onley Park, 475 Bayshore Dr, Midland
Tug Boat Festival
Gather at the town docks to see all the unique tugboats from near and far!
When: August 18 to 20, 2023 @ Midland Harbour, Midland
Barrie Dragon Boat Festival
Participate in the annual Dragon Boat Festival, supporting local charities.
When: Saturday, August 19, 2023 @ Heritage Park & Kempenfelt Bay
Classic Car Show
Check out a jaw-dropping collection of over 400 classic cars line the Downtown streets! Enjoy live entertainment, great dining, shopping and the largest car show in the region!
When: August 19, 2023 @ Downtown Orillia
Creemore Springs Copper Kettle Festival
Visit downtown Creemore for live music, great food and drink, brewery tours, local makers market and kids’ activities!
When: Saturday, August 26, 2023 @ Creemore
Rama Powwow
Experience Indigenous culture at Rama Powwow, one of the biggest and best powwows in Ontario.
When: August 26 & 27, 2023 @ John Snake Memorial Community Multi-Purpose Grounds, Chippewas of Rama First Nation territory
Barrie Fair
Celebrate all things agriculture and more through delicious food, bench shows and a fantastic midway!
When: August 24 to 27, 2023 @ Essa Agriplex, 7505 10th Line, Thornton
Memories of Summer
Say goodbye to summer with fireworks and live entertainment during this annual Labour day weekend festival!
When: September 3, 2023 @ Wasaga Main Beach
Places to Visit
Explore the Waters
Enjoy a boat cruise along Georgian Bay with Landmark Cruises (Speedboat tour from Midland) and Georgian Shores Boat Tour from Penetanguishene and Collingwood Charters from Collingwood.
Walk the purple fields!
Visit South Bay Fields in Collingwood or Purple Hill Lavender Farm in Creemore to experience gorgeous views of lavender while enjoying a relaxing stroll amid the purple fields.
Visit Ontario Parks for Free
Borrow a day-use vehicle permit from your local library and visit Ontario Parks for free. Park admission is also free on July 21st.
Vettä Nordic Spa
Visit this Finnish-inspired Nordic day spa that celebrates Finnish lifestyle and culture. — 3210 Line 3 North, Oro-medonte
Relax at the Sunnidale Park Arboretum
The Sunnidale Park Arboretum is a nature photographer’s dream – with an immense variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, this rainbow of flora makes for a serene environment to get away from the city — 227 Sunnidale Rd, Barrie.
Pack a picnic and head to the Barrie Centennial Park and Beach
Summertime calls for picnic baskets, parks, and beaches to really bask in the sun’s rays, and there is no better place in Barrie than the Centennial Park and Beach – a family-friendly site that looks over beautiful Lake Simcoe.
South Simcoe Railway
Take a train ride back in time with South Simcoe Railway. You can enjoy a wonderful trip through the Beeton Creek Valley on this historic train – Ontario’s first steam heritage railway. Details
Check out the Spirit Catcher Sculpture
Sitting on Barrie’s waterfront since 1987, this sculpture was constructed by Ron Baird with the influence of the iconography of Indigenous oral traditions. 21 meters high, this amazing piece beautifully responds to the environment around it. Details
Slip ’n’ Slide, Sun Flowers, Corn Maze and More
The Rounds Ranch in Elmvale offers a fun-filled western experience with many exciting events for the whole family to enjoy this summer. There are 25 thrilling activities including Slip n’ Slide, sunflower fields, a petting zoo, a corn maze, zip lines, pony rides, water activities, a playground and so many other enjoyable activities. Each more exciting than the other, so you’ll never run out of things to do. Details
Go ziplining with Treetop Trekking
Unleash your inner adventurer at the Treetop Trekking aerial course and zip line. Inspired by a treetop adventure park in Grenoble, passionate and energetic staff members ensure that visitors have a fun day out on the course.
Cycle through Heritage Park
This perfectly manicured park is a great area to enjoy the many events held in the summer, or just to chill out in peace and quiet in front of Lake Simcoe. Heritage Park (5 Simcoe St.) has a wealth of flora, fountains, and charm, and a biking and running trail for those looking to get some activity in.
Hike on the Ardagh Bluffs
The Ardagh Bluffs are a lush green forest area with over 17 kilometers of recreational trails. These trails are abundant with species, and are popular for hiking and walking in the summer months.
Walk along Kempenfelt Bay
See how many of Barrie’s Lakefront parks, public art, and beaches you can visit on a 6.7 km paved Waterfront Trail hike along Kempenfelt Bay. Details
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Splash On
Get a workout on the water. Try to cross the giant floating playground, boasting climbing walls, monkey bars, slides, and trampolines at 55 Lakeshore Drivein Barrie and 450 Atherley Rd in Orillia.
Play a round of mini-golf at Putt Mini Golf
When the summer sun is scorching hot, it is always better to have few back up plans, so that you can fun with kids! Putt Mini Golf is a great place for family fun, first dates, or just a cool activity to do with a group of friends. This glow in the dark indoor mini golf course is a visual wonder that can keep you entertained for hours.
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Join for Chappell Farms Summer Festival
Visit farm animals, run on the hay bale run, ride on the track, walk the walking trail and do a scavenger hunt during Chappell Farms’ Summer Festival and Zoo!
Go trampolining at X Play
Take your trampolining experience to the extreme with trampolining laser tag, challenge your friends on the battle beam or in a dodgeball match, and jump into the foam pit, and get your adrenaline pumping at X Play.
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Movies at Sunset Barrie Drive-In
Enjoy a movie under the stars from the comfort of your own car.
Sample some craft cider at the Heritage Estate Winery & Cidery
Using state-of-the-art equipment and tons of passion, owners Peter and Jocelyn McArthur strive to ensure their facility and wines are top quality. The Heritage Estate sells a full range of award-winning artisanal ciders, wines and sangrias, all made on-site with their Ontario-grown apples. They also offers guided tours.
Spend a day on the golf course at the Bear Creek Golf Club
The Bear Creek Golf Club goes by the motto “Of the people, by the people, for the people,” offering a half-links, half-traditional course for no nonsense rounds of golf. After a couple of rounds, stop by the clubhouse for a tasty meal and a glass of wine.
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Go on a sailing excursion with Chances R Sailing Excursions
Sail down the exquisite Kempenfelt Bay on a 2-hour day cruise and explore the waters and scenery. Get hands-on with sailing of the vessel or simply relax and take in the view on a 38-foot Hunter.
Ride in a hot air balloon with the Air Display Hot Air Balloon Team
Go for a once-in-a-lifetime experience this summer with the Air Display Hot Air Balloon Team. A science and adventure all in one, this new way to see the sights below is definitely something to cross off your bucket list.
Downtown Historical Walking Tours
Join the staff of the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives on a historical walking tour of downtown Penetanguishene. Take a step back in time to when oxen roamed the streets and fur traders came to our shores. Learn the history of and view original photographs of, many of the current homes and businesses on Water and Main Streets.
Go on a walking tour around Barrie
Six different official walking tours allow visitors and locals to take a step back into history and learn about the city of Barrie and its prominence in commerce. Within the modern streetscapes – homes, landmarks, and businesses remain and their stories can be uncovered through one of these tours.
Eat Italian with a view
Book a table at Il Buco Ristorante and enjoy fine Italian cuisine taking in lovely views of Kempenfelt Bay. Details
Or at Barrie’s famous waterfront restaurant
Have brunch, lunch or dinner at The Farmhouse Restaurant. Whether you choose Mac and Cheese or simple OJ, this awesome local restaurant by Chef Randy Feltis offering views of the Bay is sure to satisfy your cravings. Details
Lay around on Centennial Beach
Centennial Beach has no lack of amenities for outdoor summer fun – a 400-meter sandy beach, a kid-friendly playground and jungle gym, and a grassy area for picnics. Relax under the sun or chill under the shade at this welcoming and accessible beach.
Pick your own berries at Barrie Hill Farms
Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and apples, this summer at the Barrie Hill Farms, as well as other vegetables in season. The fresh country air and scenic surroundings, along with a wagon ride to the field make for a great family activity.
See races at the Sunset International Speedway
Mark your calendars this summer for NASCAR events running from June to September, and enjoy an exciting night at the races at the Sunset Speedway.
Go scuba diving with Simcoe Diving
Start your journey in becoming a certified PADI diver, or simply explore the local dive sites in the area, including Centennial Beach’s famous J.C. Morrison Shipwreck, Johnsons Beach’s diversity of fish, and the visibility of Big Bay Point.
Go Trail Riding
Experience the beauty of Oro-Medonte from the saddle, with a boutique trail riding experience at Glen Oro Farm.
Take your tennis rackets to Queen’s Park
The Barrie Community Tennis Club is a volunteer organization at Queen’s Park, providing tennis courts for friendly rallies or some hard competition.
Wonder. Explore. Create.
Take kids to Curio, Barrie’s Exploration Hub. Curio is a 4000 square feet, boutique Children’s Museum with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M). Details
View the majestic animals at the Elmvale Jungle Zoo
Protection and the conservation of wildlife is the aim of Elmvale Jungle Zoo. Over 30 acres with winding shaded trails offers an up close and personal experience with animals from around the world.
Tour the caves with the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
One of Canada’s great natural wonders, the Scenic Caves consists of self-guided walking trails through caverns and caves that were carved by mother nature millions of years ago. Unique features such as a historic village, geological rock features, and many lookouts can be seen around the caves.
Go paddling on Lake Simcoe
Barrie is blessed with the most incredible waterways in the county – rent a kayak or canoe, and head out onto one of the amazing paddle routes that range in length and difficulty.
Wye Marsh
Walk the boardwalk of The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre which protects 3,000 acres of Provincially Significant Wetlands and woodlands. — 16160 Highway 12 East, Midland.
Sun and Sands!
Is Wasaga Beach too crowded? Then, check your town’s website and head to the nearest Lake Simcoe or Georgian Bay beaches. Check the water advisory here.
Some of the famous beaches include Centennial Beach, 65 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie; Innisfil Beach Park, 676 Innisfil Beach Rd, Innisfil; and Couchiching Beach Park, 140 Canice St, Orillia. The Township of Tiny has 70 km of shoreline and five large beach parks at Woodland Beach, Bluewater Beach, Jackson Park, Balm Beach and Lafontaine Beach Park.
Stock up at the Barrie Farmers’ Market
No produce is better than that grown and harvested in the region. Support the local community by shopping for your meals this summer at the Barrie Farmers’ Market.
Check out the wildlife at the Bear Creek Eco Park
Teeming with wildlife and vegetation is the Bear Creek Eco Park. Walk along the wooded trails and admire this little oasis away from the bustling city.
Read a book in the outdoor roof garden at the Barrie Public Library
Summertime calls for a little outdoor reading. Whether you’re diving headfirst into a mystery novel or swooning over a romantic storyline, the Barrie Public Library roof garden will envelop you in its atmosphere.
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Go windsurfing at Minet’s Point Park
Minet’s Point is considered Barrie’s cottage country in the city – this year-round resort destination is an outdoor playground for swimming, windsurfing, and boating in the summer months. After a day out on the water, pick up a cone at Canning’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour and watch the sunset.
Checkout Summer Fun at Horseshoe Resort
Start off your summer with a splash at the big inflatable obstacle course at the Horseshoe Resort, then, partake in the other activities offered on-site like the climbing wall, ATV rides, chairlift rides, and other watersports.
Sip on a cold beer at the Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery
The Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery started from one man’s curiosities. Their mandate, “Brew Fearlessly”, led them to create radical and creative beers and ales popular around the region.
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Lots of awesome info! Just an FYI that Canvas and Cabernet in downtown Barrie is gone. The link in your article is for a place in California!
Great compilation of info! Thank you for sharing!
I think you need to fix the article title…