KEMPENFEST.
COMMUNITY THAT CONNECTS YOU.

As one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events (chosen by Festivals and Events Ontario) Kempenfest is the signature event for Barrie, drawing hundreds of thousands of tourist the Barrie area every year.
Economically speaking, Kempenfest has an estimated $7 Million impact on the local economy. From sold-out hotels, to jam-packed restaurants, gas station line-ups, to packed highways, it’s easy to just look around Barrie and see the impact Kempenfest has. Based on attendee surveys, it is estimated that upwards of $9 Million is actually spent at the event by visitors.

Community that connects you! Community is one of our three pillars of strength and success of Kempenfest. Aside from three part-time contractors who assist with sponsorship, marketing, entertainment, and administrative roles, Kempenfest relies on a network of volunteers who plan and execute the festival each year. From processing exhibitor applications to site layout and design. From flipping burgers to pouring beers. Over 400 volunteers fill nearly 1,000 shifts. Volunteers come from all walks of life, and primarily through one of six groups, each of which provides a volunteer to sit on the Kempenfest Board of Directors. Those groups are the Barrie Art Club, Kiwanis Club of Barrie, Rotary Club of Barrie, Knights of Columbus, Optimist Club, and Barrie Chamber of Commerce. Barrie Families Unite also provide volunteers for the Kid’s Village but do not sit on the Board.