Barrie’s Kempenfest unveils 2026 Main Stage lineup ahead of summer festival

One of Barrie’s premiere festivals, Kempenfest, has announced its OLG Main Stage Lineup for this summer, including Jamie Fine and Big Wreck.

One of Ontario’s largest waterfront festivals is ready to mark another milestone year. Kempenfest, Barrie’s highly-anticipated summer event that draws more than 100,000 annual attendees, is celebrating its 54th year with a stacked OLG Main Stage concert lineup.

Kempenfest, presented by TD, will return to Barrie’s waterfront from July 31 to Aug. 3, bringing four nights of live music. The concert series, powered by the Osborne Goddard Team, features a mix of Canadian talent across pop, rock, country, and classic hits.

“This year’s concert lineup is exactly what Kempenfest should be—big energy, real musicianship, and something for every kind of fan. With headliners Jamie Fine, Big Wreck, High Valley, and Practically Hip, we’re delivering four very different shows that all feel unbelievably Canadian—and undeniably Kempenfest,” says Festival Board Chair Paul Markle.

Friday, July 31: Jamie Fine

The festival kicks off Friday, with four-time JUNO Award nominee Jamie Fine headlining the Kempenfest Kick Off Party. The Ottawa pop singer-songwriter has surpassed 100 million global streams. Her hit single If Anything’s Left reached Platinum status in Canada and Double-Platinum in South Africa.

Fine just released her newest single, Made it to the Moon, in January. She will be joined by Nicole Haber, Sydney Riley, and Madison Mueller.

Saturday, Aug. 1: Big Wreck

Rock fans can look forward to Saturday, as multi-JUNO award-winning rock band Big Wreck takes the stage.

Fronted by Toronto singer-songwriter and guitarist Ian Thornley, the band rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits including That Song, Blown Wide Open, and The Oaf. Supporting acts include Grant Boyer, Mirrage, Nick Marinac, Feura, Unlocked, and The Sandra Good Band.

Sunday, Aug. 2: High Valley

Saturday night is presented by Pure Country 106, with Canadian country stars High Valley headlining the OLG Main Stage. According to the release, the group has accumulated more than half a billion global streams, multiple gold and platinum singles, and several Number One hits in Canada.

High Valley has earned nominations from ACM, CMT, and JUNO Awards, along with multiple CCMA wins. Their latest single, Paradise & Hurricanes, was just released in January. They’ll be joined by Elyse Saunders, Bree Taylor, Graham Trude, Tyler Lorette, Badland, and The Bareback Riders.

Monday, Aug. 3: The Practically Hip

Kempenfest wraps up the long weekend, with the return of Canada’s top Tragically Hip tribute band, The Practically Hip. The fan-favourite act will close out the festival and will be joined by opening acts Gabe Salem and 93 North Band.

Early-bird concert tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. General admission tickets are all-ages, while VIP tickets are available for people 19 and older.

Stretching 1.5 kilometres along Barrie’s waterfront, the jam-packed festival also features hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, antique dealers and a midway with rides and games.

According to the press release, the event generates an estimated $9,500,000 in tourism-induced economic impact for the City of Barrie.