Local Opener Showcase accepting submissions for Troubadour Festival

Dayna Reid performs at Meridian Place in Barrie, Ont. on Sat. Sept. 6, 2025, for the finale concert for the Troubadour Festival.

Are you a musician or in a band? How about the chance to perform in front of thousands in a true festival atmosphere?

The Local Opener Showcase for The Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series is now accepting submissions.

The Downtown Barrie BIA is inviting artists to sign up either as a youth under 18 or an adult over 18.

There are three categories to choose from: solo, duo or band.

Performers that are selected will get to take the stage at Meridian Place in downtown Barrie and be the opening acts for major artists at the festival.

“Last year it was full of folks from all around Barrie and Simcoe County and I think it was the most people who have ever been congregating downtown for the shows that we had last summer,” says Chas Hay, programming partner at Hey Bear Productions.

Hay goes on to say the opportunity is a good trial run for young for up-and-coming artists.

“I think for any artist that really wants to do this as a career, getting on a larger stage in front of a larger audience gives you a feeling you’ve probably not had before in smaller clubs, in smaller venues,” says Hay. “It also gives the opportunity to see what that world is like, I think. And maybe the best part of it: it instills confidence in a young artist.”

Submissions close May 1 and a jury will make the selections on May 15.

The headliners for this summer are The Road Hammers, The Watchmen and Bahamas with the final act yet to be announced.

The Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series, presented by CTV News Barrie, Pure Country 106, Bounce 104.1 and the Downtown Barrie BIA, will take place along Barrie’s waterfront across four Saturdays throughout the summer – June 6, July 25, Aug. 15 and Sept. 12.