Hold on to your drinks because a more traditional Canada Day celebration is making a comeback!

For the first time since 2019, the City of Barrie will host a full slate of in-person activities on July 1st. The event will kick off at Meridian Place at 2 p.m. in the downtown core. Here are some of the things you can expect to see this weekend.

  • ​Family activities, including Airbrush Tattoos and games from Party Tyme
  • Canadian Wildlife Display from Speaking of Wildlife, be sure to stop by and meet some of their furry friends!
  • Busker performances.
  • Live entertainment​ on the Meridian Stage, featuring local performances by Baytown Big Band, Barrie Persian AssociationOMCI​ and Isabella Hoops ​
  • Fireworks! Enjoy a beautiful fireworks display over Kempenfelt Bay starting at 10 pm. In case of inclement weather, fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 2.

The celebrations will continue all weekend long. Open Air Dunlop will be taking place July 1st and 2nd.

If you are in the Essa Township area there is a celebration for you too. Essa Township is holding Canada Day festivities at the Angus Community Park, located at 6 Huron St. The fun begins with a pancake breakfast from 8:30-10:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Lunch will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and firefighters will also make a visit between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. During the event, there will be free kids’ activities, bouncy castles, snow cones and cotton candy, various vendors, giveaways, a silent auction, a youth bike-decorating contest, and a basketball-can-toss competition for youths and adults. There will also be live music, a beer garden and classic car show, weather permitting.