Is there a cost to enter Kempenfest?

General admission to Kempenfest is free. You can enjoy the arts and crafts vendors, antique dealers, artisans, and community stages at no cost. Evening concerts and Monday afternoon MainStage shows are ticketed events. Saturday and Sunday afternoon MainStage performances are free.

Can I bring my dog to Kempenfest?

No. City of Barrie bylaws prohibit dogs on Centennial Beach and in park grass areas, which is where most vendors are located. We recommend leaving your dog at home.

What time does Kempenfest open each day?

Friday July 31 gates open at 4:00 PM for the MainStage concert. Saturday August 1 and Sunday August 2 gates open at 12:00 PM. Monday August 3 gates open at 12:00 PM. Note that arts and crafts vendors are open Saturday through Monday, 10am–6pm.

Is Kempenfest kid-friendly?

Yes. Kempenfest is family-friendly and all-ages. There is a dedicated Community Side Stage with family-oriented programming, a large kids' playground, and interactive activities. Children under 12 are admitted free to MainStage concerts in the General Admission area. The VIP section is 19+ only.

Can children attend the MainStage concerts?

Yes. All ages are welcome in the General Admission area of the OLG MainStage concerts. Kids 12 and under enter free (ticket required, must be accompanied by an adult). The VIP section is 19+ only.

Is parking available at Kempenfest?

Parking is available in the Centennial Park lots on Lakeshore Drive. Parking rates are $15/hour with a daily maximum of $60. Free shuttle buses run throughout the weekend with pick-up locations offering free off-site parking. Accessible parking permits are available for designated waterfront spots.

Are shuttle buses available?

Yes. Free shuttle buses operate all weekend with pick-up at two different locations where free off-site parking is provided. Detailed schedules and maps are available on the Kempenfest website under the Shuttles menu.

Is there food available at Kempenfest?

Yes. Kempenfest features 30+ food vendors, a Poutine Village, and an Oasis Lakeside Patio Bar where alcohol can be purchased by those 19+. No outside food or beverages are permitted in concert venues.

Is the festival wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Accessible parking is available along the waterfront and at the Tiffin Boat Launch lot (valid permits required). The festival grounds are spread across Centennial Park with level walkways and accessible washrooms. Contact the organizers if you have specific accessibility needs.

Kempenfest 2026 - Barrie, ON - Ontario Festivals

Kempenfest 2026: 54 Years Strong

Four days of free festivals, 300+ artisans, and live music along Barrie’s waterfront

Dates

Jul 31–Aug 3

Cost

FREE

Where

Barrie, ON

Family Friendly

All Ages

📍 Get Directions Full Schedule

Kempenfest is back for its 54th edition with nearly 300 jury-selected artisans, 30 antique dealers, a 30-ride midway, live music on multiple stages, and four days of family fun stretched across 1.5 kilometers of Barrie’s beautiful waterfront at Centennial Park.

🎨 Nearly 300 artisans 🎭 Antique Village 🎡 30-ride midway 🎸 Live music stages

💡 Free entry to the festival grounds, including arts vendors, antique dealers, and community performances. MainStage concerts and select attractions have separate ticketing.

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Why Go Attractions Schedule Headliners Essentials FAQ

Why Go to Kempenfest

Born in 1971 from a handful of artists displaying work at the Formosa Springs Brewery, Kempenfest has evolved into one of Ontario’s largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals. What started as a modest art show has grown into a community celebration that draws nearly 100,000 visitors and generates over $9.5 million in tourism economic impact for Barrie. Over five decades, Kempenfest became an incubator for artisan vendors, antique collectors, and live musicians from across the region and beyond.

Four days of free festival entry means unlimited browsing through handcrafted jewelry, pottery, painting, woodwork, clothing, and more. The Antique Village draws dealers from all over Ontario, the midway keeps kids entertained, and live music flows from multiple stages. Whether you’re hunting a one-of-a-kind gift, craving fresh poutine, or simply soaking in the waterfront atmosphere, Kempenfest offers something for every visitor.

Main Attractions

🎨 Arts and Crafts Village

Nearly 300 jury-selected artisans and crafters showcase handmade paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, textiles, woodwork, and more. All original, hand-produced work by skilled makers from across Ontario and beyond.

🎭 Antique Village

One of the festival’s biggest draws, featuring 30+ antique dealers from across Ontario offering vintage treasures, collectibles, and period pieces. A treasure-hunter’s paradise.

🎡 Midway

Over 30 rides and games operated by Robertson Amusements. Purchase tickets in person at the midway (tickets not available in advance).

🎸 OLG MainStage

Four days of headliner concerts featuring Big Wreck, High Valley, Practically Hip, Jamie Fine, and many more. Early-bird and day-of tickets available online.

🎪 Community Side Stage

Family-oriented entertainment and programming throughout the weekend, including local performers and interactive activities.

👶 Kids’ Village and Playground

Large children’s playground with climbing structures, zip line, swings, slides, and interactive games. Face painters and kids’ crafts throughout the festival.

🍟 Poutine Village and Food

Over 30 food vendors serving everything from traditional festival fare to specialty cuisine. Poutine Village features made-to-order poutine. Beer and soft drinks available at the Oasis Lakeside Patio Bar (19+).

🏆 Barrie Wrestling

Live wrestling entertainment featuring local talent.

Four-Day Schedule

Friday, July 31

Gates Open: 4:00 PM

Note: Arts and crafts vendors closed today. Midway and MainStage concerts only.

OLG MainStage (Ticketed): 5:30 PM–8:30 PM

Madison Mueller (5:30) • Sydney Riley (6:25) • Nicole Haber (7:20) • Jamie Fine (8:30)

Saturday, August 1

Gates Open: 12:00 PM

Vendors: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Free MainStage (12:00 PM–4:30 PM):

Sandra Good Band (12:15 & 1:00) • Unlocked (2:15 & 3:15)

Ticketed MainStage (4:30 PM–10:00 PM):

Feura (4:30) • Nick Marinac (5:30) • Mirrage (6:25) • Grant Boyer (7:20) • Big Wreck (8:30)

Sunday, August 2 – Mattamy Homes Presents

Gates Open: 12:00 PM

Vendors: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Free MainStage (12:00 PM–4:30 PM):

Bareback Riders (12:15 & 1:00) • Daybreak Moonshine (2:15 & 3:15)

Ticketed MainStage (4:30 PM–10:00 PM):

Tyler Lorette (4:30) • Graham Trude (5:30) • Bree Taylor (6:25) • Elyse Saunders (7:20) • High Valley (8:30)

Monday, August 3 – Civic Holiday

Gates Open: 12:00 PM

Note: Last day! Vendors extend hours.

OLG MainStage (All Ticketed, 12:30 PM–5:00 PM):

93 North Band (12:30 & 1:30) • Gabe Salem (2:30) • Practically Hip (3:30 & 5:00)

2026 Headliners

Big Wreck High Valley Practically Hip Jamie Fine Nicole Haber Elyse Saunders Grant Boyer Sandra Good Band

Essentials

Concert Tickets

MainStage concerts Friday evening and Monday afternoon require tickets. Saturday and Sunday afternoons are free. Book online at Ticket Pro or purchase day-of at the gate. Kids 12 and under free in GA (ticket required).

Parking and Shuttles

On-site parking at Centennial Park: $15/hour, max $60/day. Free shuttle buses run throughout the weekend from two off-site locations with free parking. See Kempenfest.com for shuttle maps and schedules.

No Dogs

City of Barrie bylaws prohibit dogs on Centennial Beach and in park grass areas (where vendors and activities are). Leave your dog at home.

Licensed Bar

Alcohol (beer) is sold at the Oasis Lakeside Patio Bar and the OLG MainStage area (19+ with valid photo ID). No outside alcohol permitted.

Accessibility

Accessible parking along the waterfront and at Tiffin Boat Launch (valid permits required). Level grounds and accessible washrooms throughout Centennial Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry to Kempenfest free?

Yes. General admission to Kempenfest is completely free. You can browse nearly 300 artisans, visit the antique village, enjoy the kids’ playground, and watch community stage performances at no cost. MainStage concerts and the midway rides are separate ticketed attractions.

What day should I attend if I have limited time?

Saturday or Sunday offer the best mix: vendors and attractions open all day (10am–6pm), free MainStage music in the afternoon, and ticketed evening headliners. Friday is MainStage and midway only (no vendors). Monday is the final day with extended vendor hours.

Is Kempenfest good for families with young kids?

Absolutely. There is a large playground with climbing structures, zip line, and traditional play equipment. Face painters, kids’ crafts, and family-oriented performances on the Community Side Stage run all weekend. Kids 12 and under enter MainStage concerts free. The shallow water access at Centennial Beach is also nearby.

What is there to eat at Kempenfest?

Over 30 food vendors offer everything from classic festival food to specialty cuisine. The Poutine Village is famous for made-to-order poutine. Soft drinks and beer are available at various locations. No outside food or beverages are allowed in concert venues, but food is sold inside.

Can I bring lawn chairs to the MainStage concerts?

No. Lawn chairs are not permitted in the main concert venue for security and safety reasons. Chairs are provided under tented viewing areas. The area directly in front of the stage is standing room only.

Is the midway for any age group?

Yes. The midway has rides and games for all ages, from small children to adults. Tickets are purchased in person at the midway—they are not available in advance. Robertson Amusements operates the midway.

How do I find out about the antique vendors ahead of time?

Specific antique dealer lists are not typically published in advance. The Antique Village features over 30 dealers from across Ontario. Your best bet is to browse in person or contact Kempenfest directly at [email protected] for specific inquiries.

🎟 Ready to Book?

Get MainStage Tickets

Details may change — always confirm on the official Kempenfest website before heading out.