Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series set to return to heart of Barrie this summer

More than 15,000 music lovers attended 2025’s Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series – expect an expanded experience this year.

Downtown Barrie is turning up the volume once again.

After a standout season last summer, the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series is officially returning to the heart of the city, presented by CTV News Barrie, Pure Country 106, Bounce 104.1, and the Downtown Barrie BIA.

The free outdoor concert series will take over Meridian Place, bringing live music, culture, and community on four separate Saturdays throughout the summer.

Mark your calendars for Sat., June 6, July 25, Aug. 15, and Sept. 12.

While the full artist lineup will be revealed later this spring, organizers say they are already promising award-winning, must-see headliners.

“Our goal has always been more than just a concert,” says Craig Stevens, Executive Director of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “Troubadour Festival is about connection—between artists and audiences, neighbours and visitors, and the downtown and the wider region.”

Last year’s echo shapes this year’s notes

The 2025 season brought more than 15,000 music lovers to the downtown waterfront and featured national acts and a local opener showcase, giving 12 emerging local artists the chance to perform for a large crowd.

“Local artists are the pulse of our community. Bounce 104.1 and Pure Country 106 are proud to support a tradition of giving local artists a platform to grow, connect and inspire,” says Josh Duncan, Pure Country 106 & Bounce 104.1. Program Director “We’re honoured to support the Troubadour Summer Concert Series as an event that celebrates the sound and spirit of our community.”

Last summer’s four-part celebration featured Dean Brody, The 99s, and Hawksley Workman, with Brett Kissel closing out the series.

“CTV News Barrie, Pure Country 106, and Bounce 104.1 are thrilled to be part of bringing the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series back to downtown Barrie. This event has become a true celebration of music, culture, and community. We’re proud to support an experience that showcases incredible local and national talent in the heart of our city,” says Justin Rydell, CTV News Barrie News Director.

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

New this year is a larger lineup with regional performers leading into the headliner, plus full-day programming, including music, arts, and cultural experiences.

“The expanded lineup and continued focus on local artists reflect our commitment to building real opportunities for musicians,” says Steve Ricalis, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “At the same time, audiences can expect major headliners that place Troubadour among Ontario’s top summer concert series.”

Event-goers will also see the return of the Local Opener Showcase, continuing to spotlight homegrown talent here in Simcoe County.

“The success of Troubadour Festival in 2025 showed what’s possible when world-class music, public space, and community come together,” shares Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall in a press release. “This festival has quickly become a cornerstone of Barrie’s summer identity.”