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Who we are! Good friends for over 50 years!
Celebrating 51 Years of Kempenfest
Kempenfest is Barrie’s signature festival, celebrating 51 years August 4 to 7, 2023, located across two kilometers of beautiful waterfront.
This annual event is one of Ontario’s largest festivals, featuring over 300 arts and crafts vendors, a midway, kid’s village, antiques, face painters, buskers, great food, and two stages of live music.
In 2022, Kempenfest was recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario.
Days of Music
Days of Art
KMs of Waterfront
Kids Village
HISTORY
Celebrating 51 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.
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.
Since its inception over 51 years ago, Kempenfest has given back over $10 million to our community!
Located along 2km of Barrie’s beautiful waterfront, Kempenfest is for all people of all ages. 2023 is our 51st edition and it is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of reconnecting with our community of art and music lovers. Make Kempenfest a part of your summer tradition.
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 Turkey Farmers Kids Village. Fun for all ages. Enjoy live music, interactive games, face painting, create art, and have fun!
