Celebrating our 55th Edition
Don’t Miss the Festival of the Summer!
Kempenfest 2027 | July 30 – August 2, 2027 | Barrie, Ontario
Celebrating 55 Editions of Kempenfest!
Presented by TD, Kempenfest returns to Barrie’s beautiful waterfront from July 30 to August 2, 2027, celebrating its 55th edition!
Stretching across 1.5 kilometres of Barrie’s waterfront, Kempenfest is one of Ontario’s largest waterfront festivals and a summer tradition for families, music lovers, art enthusiasts and visitors from across the region.
Discover over 300 arts and crafts vendors, a vibrant antique market, delicious food, a poutine village, a midway featuring rides and games, family-friendly activities, buskers and four days of live entertainment across multiple stages.
With something for everyone, Kempenfest brings the community together for four unforgettable days of art, music, food and summer fun.
Free Festival Admission | All Ages | Family Friendly | Licensed Areas
Days of Music
Days of Art
KMs of Waterfront
Kids Village
HISTORY
Celebrating 55 years of Kempenfest
On the Civic Holiday weekend in August 1971, a handful of artists gathered in Barrie at the Formosa Springs Brewery to display their artwork on snow fencing, hoping to sell a few pieces. This small gathering marked the beginning of what would become Kempenfest.
The original art-only event was juried and open to both members and non-members. Its early success was driven by Raymond Marshall and a dedicated group of Barrie Art Club members.
As a member of both the Barrie Art Club and the Kiwanis Club of Barrie, Marshall was passionate about creating a quality art show. Along with a group of volunteers, he visited events across the country to learn from other organizers. He then coordinated the event, while Art Club volunteers supported advertising, promotion and the creation of artist application forms.
Today, Kempenfest is one of the largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals in North America.
Growing Along the Waterfront
By 1975, the show had outgrown its original location. The City of Barrie invited the event to move to Centennial Beach, establishing the waterfront as its home.
The Kiwanis Club joined as a co-sponsor, introducing food to the event. Together, the clubs welcomed additional crafters and community organizations. Food booths, entertainment, a midway, beverage gardens and other attractions soon became part of the growing festival.
As the event expanded, participating organizations formed a governing board with representatives from each group. They named this collective organization Kempenfest.
A Community Tradition
Today, Kempenfest brings together artists, artisans, musicians, community organizations, local businesses and visitors for four days of celebration along Barrie’s waterfront.
What began as a small art show has grown into a major annual event, welcoming visitors from across Ontario and beyond.
For 55 editions, Kempenfest has continued to celebrate creativity, community spirit and the people who make Barrie such a special place.
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 exploring the family-friendly activities at Kempenfest. Enjoy live entertainment, interactive games, face painting, creative activities, and fun for all ages!
Community That Connects You!
Kempenfest is comprised of a number of local not-for-profit organizations and service clubs who join forces to create the amazing weekend you enjoy each year. The weekend represents thousands of hours of volunteer planning and execution of the event.
The Kiwanis Club of Barrie joined forces with the Barrie Art Club to create Kempenfest 50 years ago, and their work continues today.
Presently, both clubs continue to work as a joint collective to bring you the “Huronia Festival of Arts & Crafts”, a juried selection of artisans and crafters from across the region and beyond.
The Kiwanis Club also operates two food booths at Kempenfest, and funds raised at the festival allows the club to continue their work and support of charitable causes. The Barrie Art Club also operates a volunteer-based gallery, which is open to the public for viewing, and a list of programs to help support local artists.
The Rotary Club of Barrie is a long-time member of Kempenfest. They host the OLG Main Stage and beer gardens on the South Shore. Profit from Kempenfest is used by the club to continue their work with Royal Victoria Hospital, YMCA, Food Bank, Christmas Cheer, and the South Shore Centre.
The Optimist Club of Barrie organizes the Optimist Antique Show featuring over 30 antique dealers. Funds raised through Kempenfest are used to support the club’s ongoing work with youth.
The Knights of Columbus host The Oasis – in the heart of the event and right up against the water’s-edge. Profits from Kempenfest are used to continue the organization’s support of those less fortunate in our community.
The Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce is one of the original Kempenfest members. They connect the power of the Barrie business community to ensure this vital economic driver is a success.
Tourism Barrie also plays a vital role in assisting with festival tourism initiatives not only throughout the weekend, but throughout the year as a beacon in tourism support.
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