Located on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay, Barrie and Simcoe County is a must-visit in summer!
Credit: Alaeddin Hallak on Unsplash
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
Lawnchair Luminata/Credit: Meridian Place
Troubadour Festival
Enjoy free concerts by The 99s, Hawksley Workman, and Brett Kissel this summer.
When: Saturday, July 26 – The 99s
Saturday, August 16 – Hawksley Workman
Saturday, September 6 – Brett Kissel @ Meridian Place, Barrie
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 16 years, unites the community for outdoor movies at Meridian Place every Wednesday evening until August 28th.
When:
Wed, July 2 (RD Jul 3) – Beetlejuice (1988, PG-13)
Wed, July 9 (RD Jul 10) – Paddington in Peru (2024, G)
Wed, July 16 (RD Jul 17) – School of Rock (2003, PG)
Wed, July 23 (RD Jul 24) – Moana (2016, G)
Wed, July 30 (RD July 31) – Free Solo (2018, PG)
Wed, August 6 (RD Aug 7) – Flow (2024, G)
Wed, August 13 (RD Aug 14) – Jaws (1975, PG-13)
Wed, August 20 (RD Aug 21) – The Wild Robot (2024, G)
Wed, August 27 (RD Aug 28) – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, PG)
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: June 28 – July 6, 2025 @ Across Ontario
Summer Sets Music
Come on down to Beach Area One in Wasaga Beach and enjoy fantastic music on the Summer Sets Stage on Stonebridge Gazebo.
When: Friday nights from 7 pm – 8 pm, July & August @ Stonebridge Gazebo 291 Main St., Wasaga beach.
Escape Room at Discovery Harbour
Gather your friends for an outdoor escape at Discovery Harbour, facing Bo’sun Starkweather’s puzzles and challenges. Beat him to gain freedom, or risk being trapped. His dark humor and tricky games await. Hurry, the clock is ticking!
When: Until September 1, 2024 @ Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene
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 1: Celebrate Canada’s birthday in style with a day filled with patriotic fun, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
- Dunlop Butter Tart Festival – July 12: Indulge your sweet tooth at this first annual delectable festival showcasing the finest butter tarts in the region.
- Classic Car Show – July 26: Rev your engines and admire an impressive display of classic and contemporary automobiles, a treat for car enthusiasts of all ages. In partnership with the Barrie Thunder Classics
- Eats on the Streets – August 16: Embark on a culinary journey through Downtown Barrie, sampling an eclectic array of street food delights from local Downtown businesses.
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 4 to 6, 2025 @ Tudhope Park, 500 Atherley Road, Orillia
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 9 – 18, 2025 @ 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: Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 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.
When: August 7-17, 2025 @ Five Points Theatre in Barrie
Orillia Scottish Festival
Celebrate all things Scottish at the 47th annual Orillia Scottish Festival.
When: July 18, 19, 20, 2025 @ Tudhope Park, Orillia
Collingwood Pride Festival
Celebrate Pride or walk, dance, drive, ride with Pride in the Collingwood Pride Parade!
When: July 11 & 12, 2025 @ Downtown Collingwood
Supernatural Saturdays
Discovery Harbour is introducing Supernatural Saturdays this 2025 season. The attraction has combined three eerie elements into one awesome ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ evening: Ghost Tours, Bo’sun’s Brig Escape Room, and Secrets of Séance.
When: Saturday nights from June 28 to August 30. @ Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene
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 11 to 13, 2025 @ Sunset Speedway, 6918 Yonge Street, Innisfil
Barrie Ribfest
Ontario Festival Group presents top Pitmasters from Florida, Alabama, BC, and Ontario serving award-winning ribs. Enjoy festival foods, live music, kids’ activities, and more all weekend long.
When: July 25 to 27, 2025 @ Georgian Mall, 509 Bayfield St., Barrie
Mardi Gras
Experience Mardi Gras on the shores of Lake Couchiching! The Port of Orillia will be the headquarters for a lively celebration with a New Orleans twist. Inspired by the popularity of the long-running Christmas in June event, Mardi Gras in July features a boat decoration contest that will thrill both participants and spectators!
When: July 26, 2025 @ Port of Orillia
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: August 1 to 4, 2025 @ 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: August 1 to 4, 2025 @ 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 2 to 3, 2025 @ 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: Saturday, August 2, 2025 @ 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 8 to 10, 2025 @ 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.
Rocking the River
When: August 9, 2025, 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 8 to 10, 2025@ Church Street, Fairgrounds, Alliston
Carrot Fest
Celebrate the orange vegetable at one of Canada’s biggest carrot-producing regions. Carrot Fest is a two-day street festival featuring a diverse range of entertainers, events, and activities.
Carrot Fest
When:August 15 & 16, 2025 @ Downtown Bradford
Boots & Hearts Music Festival
Head to Oro-Medonte for Canada’s largest country music festival.
When: August 7 to 10, 2025 @ 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 airplanes and more!
When: August 9, 2025 @ Edenvale Aerodrome, Stayner
Midland Rib & Beer Festival
The Rib & Beer Festival is back for 2025, 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 15 to 17, 2025 @ David Onley Park, 475 Bayshore Dr, Midland
Tall Ships Midland
The majestic Tall Ships visit Midland only every three years! Midland Harbour will be busy with activities that weekend and visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Tall Ships and speak with their crews on Saturday and Sunday. There will be live entertainment, buskers, vendors, and more.
When: August 15 to 17, 2025 @ Midland Harbour, Midland
Barrie Dragon Boat Festival
Participate in the annual Dragon Boat Festival, supporting local charities.
When: Saturday, August 16, 2025 @ 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 16, 2025 @ 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, August23, 2025. @ Creemore
Rama Powwow
Experience Indigenous culture at Rama Powwow, one of the biggest and best powwows in Ontario.
When: August 23 & 24, 2025 @ 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 21 to 24, 2025 @ Essa Agriplex, 7505 10th Line, Thornton
Carnival Barrie
Experience the vibrance of Latin America during Carnival Barrie.
When: August 30 & 31, 2025 @ Will Dwyer Park, 81 Lakeshore Dr, Barrie
Orillia Rib & Beer Festival
Savour the best BBQ ribs at the Orillia leg of the Northern Heat Rib Series! Indulge in perfectly cooked ribs from from the best BBQ Ribbers around, offering a flavour-packed adventure unlike any other.
When: August 22 to 24, 2025 @ Tudhope Park, 450 Atherley Rd, Orillia
Pirate Party
On Labour Day Weekend, the Pirates of the Orillian Sea invade Orillia’s Downtown Waterfront, bringing life-sized pirate ships, historical re-enactors, fencing and artillery demonstrations, a pirate encampment village, live music, and a downtown scavenger hunt for all ages.
When: August 29 to 31, 2025 @ Orillia Downtown Waterfront
Memories of Summer
Say goodbye to summer with fireworks and live entertainment during this annual Labour Day weekend festival!
With delicious food trucks offering tasty bites to fuel the fun, the day is packed with vibrant music, entertainment, and non-stop energy. As the night draws to a close, prepare to be wowed by a spectacular fireworks display at 10 PM that will light up the sky and bring this epic celebration to an unforgettable conclusion.
When: August 30, 2025@ Wasaga Main Beach
Places to Visit
Credit: Landmark Cruises
Explore Nearby cities and towns:
Explore the Waters
Enjoy a boat cruise along Georgian Bay with Landmark Cruises (Speedboat tour from Midland), 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 19th.
Vettä Nordic Spa
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 spot to enjoy the many summer events or simply relax in peace and quiet overlooking 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 kilometres 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
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.
Details
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.
Details
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.
Details
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 foot, 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 offer 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 features self-guided walking trails that wind through caverns and caves carved by Mother Nature over millions of years. Unique features, including a historic village, geological rock formations, and numerous lookouts, can be found 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 tranquil oasis, set apart 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.
Details
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.
Check out 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 curiosity. Their mandate, “Brew Fearlessly”, led them to create radical and creative beers and ales popular around the region.
Details
View Comments (2)
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...