Don’t Miss the
Festival of the Summer!
Celebrating 52 Years of Kempenfest
Kempenfest is Barrie Ontario’s signature festival event, celebrating 53 years Aug 1-4, 2025, located across two-kilometers of Barrie’s beautiful waterfront.
Days of Music
Days of Art
KMs of Waterfront
Kids Village
HISTORY
Celebrating 53 years of Kempenfest
That first “original art only” event was juried and open to both members and non-members alike, and its success was due entirely to the efforts of Raymond Marshall and a handful of Barrie Art Club members.
As both a Barrie Art Club member and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Barrie, Marshall was eager to produce a quality art show. With an entourage, Marshall attended events across the country, collecting information from show organizers. He then coordinated all aspects of the event, and art club volunteers assisted with advertising, promotion, and creation of an application form.
Today, Kempenfest is one of the largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals in North America.
By 1975, the show had outgrown its original home. The City of Barrie invited the event to move to Centennial Beach, and the entire waterfront became its present location. The Kiwanis Club joined as co-sponsor of the event, adding food to the venue. The two clubs then invited crafters to show and sell their wares. Recognizing the fundraising opportunities, other community service clubs were quick to join. Food booths, entertainment, midway, beverage gardens, and other facilities were added, and soon the show was bursting at the seams.
While each sub-group was responsible for their separate venue, they shared a common goal – to ensure the event’s success! A board was then formed to include a hands-on representative from each club. They named this governing body, Kempenfest.
Today, Kempenfest is one of the largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals in North America. Featuring over 300 juried artisans and crafters, 4 days of live music on two stages, a midway, over 15 different food vendors, juried artisans, antiques, and so much fun you will want to attend every day.
Arts
One of the main attractions to Kempenfest are the arts & crafts exhibitors. Featuring nearly 300 jury-selected artisans.
Antiques
One of the biggest draws to Kempenfest – the annual antique show – attracting exhibitors from all over Ontario.
Bring your Kids!
Make sure you spend time in the Kids Village. Fun for all ages. Enjoy live music, interactive games, face painting, create art, and have fun!
