Setting the stage for 2026: Troubadour Festival recognized as one of Ontario’s top festivals

The Troubadour Festival, a music, arts and culture festival along Barrie's waterfront, is in the Top 100 festivals awarded by Festivals and Events Ontario.

It’s official – you helped make the Troubadour Festival one of the province’s top festivals.

The free concert series that lit up Barrie’s downtown across four weekends last summer has been named one of the Top 100 Festivals by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO).

The recognition came from an independent jury in fall 2025 but was officially announced this week at FEO’s annual conference, Sustain, in Kitchener.

The festival features live music from a wide range of genres, offering something for everybody’s tastes.

With a mix of national headliners combined with last year’s debut of the Local Opener Showcase, the festival encompasses a diverse range of musical acts.

In true festival fashion, the local spotlight helps to expose homegrown talent to big crowds, reaching mass audiences, and for rising artists like rock stars.

The Downtown Barrie BIA says the festival’s success has been driven by strong programming, strategic partnerships and an energized downtown atmosphere, bringing music lovers together all in one spot.

• Explore CTV’s coverage from last year | Summer Concert Series

“This recognition from Festivals and Events Ontario is an incredible honour and a powerful validation of what our community achieved together in just one season,” says Steve Ricalis, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “To be named among Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals speaks to the vision, collaboration, and momentum behind Troubadour Festival. It reinforces Downtown Barrie’s role as a premier destination for arts and culture and sets the stage for an even bigger 2026.”

New for 2026 is an expanded lineup with more performers set to take the stage.

There will also be programming throughout each of the Saturdays with a medley of music, arts and rich, cultural experiences throughout the downtown core.

“The Troubadour Festival is about celebrating storytelling and community through music. As proud media presenters, being named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events is a tremendous honour,” says Justin Rydell, News Director for CTV News Barrie. “This recognition reflects the passion of everyone involved – from the performers, to the organizers, partners and our entire community who celebrates culture and music with us in downtown Barrie.”

Last year’s festival brought in 15,000 attendees with headliners Dean Brody, The 99s, Hawksley Workman and Brett Kissel, transforming Meridian Place into a bright and lively atmosphere all against the backdrop of a sparkling Kempenfelt Bay.

“Being recognized by FEO affirms the quality of programming and production that went into relaunching Troubadour Festival,” says Chas Hay, Programming Partner, Hey Bear Productions. “Our goal from day one was to deliver a festival-calibre experience; artistically, technically, and experientially. This acknowledgment shows that Barrie is ready for major cultural moments, and we’re excited to elevate the experience even further in 2026.”

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.

Music enthusiasts can expect the Troubadour Festival’s headliner announcement on March 9. CTV News will be broadcasting the announcement live at 6:00 p.m. on CTV News Barrie and Crave.