Kempenfest transforms Barrie’s waterfront into a sprawling celebration of art, music, food, and summer life on Lake Simcoe. Held over the Civic Holiday weekend, the festival stretches along the shoreline of Kempenfelt Bay, where visitors can move between beaches, green spaces, performance areas, vendor displays, and sweeping views of the water. What began in 1971 as a small gathering of artists has grown into one of Ontario’s largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals.
The juried arts and crafts market is at the heart of Kempenfest. Nearly 300 exhibitors present original work ranging from pottery, jewellery, paintings, and photography to textiles, woodworking, glass, metalwork, and distinctive home décor. Visitors can speak directly with the artists, learn how individual pieces were created, and take home something that cannot be found in an ordinary store.
Kempenfest’s popular antique show adds another kind of treasure hunting to the experience. Dealers from across Ontario bring vintage furniture, collectibles, records, signs, household objects, memorabilia, and unusual finds. The combination of contemporary handmade work and carefully collected pieces from the past gives the festival a shopping experience with remarkable variety.
Live music and entertainment fill the waterfront throughout the weekend, with performances ranging from local talent to nationally recognized artists. A busy midway, family activities, buskers, community displays, and food vendors ensure there is always something happening beyond the stages and market stalls.
Despite its size, Kempenfest retains a strong community character. Local service clubs and organizations help operate many areas of the festival, using the event to support programs throughout Barrie. Whether visitors come to shop, hear live music, enjoy the midway, search for antiques, or simply walk beside Kempenfelt Bay, Kempenfest captures Barrie at its most energetic and welcoming.