Kempenfest named one of province’s Top 100 Festivals and Events
Event’s recognition ‘is a testament to its incredible impact on our community,’ says board chair
Festival and Events Ontario (FEO) has again recognized Kempenfest within their provincial Top 100 Festivals and Events, during FEO’s Synergy Conference Awards Gala held on Feb. 26, 2025, in Kitchener.
Kempenfest board of directors chair Paul Markle is proud of this provincial recognition for the long-running festival, stating, “Kempenfest being recognized as one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals for the 10th year in a row is a testament to its incredible impact on our community. It’s more than just a festival — it’s a celebration of arts, culture, and local spirit that brings people together, attracts visitors, and supports vital community organizations. This recognition reinforces the dedication of our volunteers, management team, sponsors, supporters, and incredible guests who enable Kempenfest, Barrie’s signature event, to continue to grow and thrive each year.”
Kempenfest is Barrie’s signature festival event, celebrating 53 years Aug. 1 to 4, 2025, located across two kilometres of Barrie’s beautiful waterfront. The annual event is one of Ontario’s largest waterfront festivals, featuring 300 arts and crafts vendors, a midway, youth village, antiques, face painters, buskers, great food, a poutine village, and two stages of live music. Kempenfest is Barrie’s largest summer event, attracting over 100,000 patrons per year, and generates over $7,500,000 in tourism-induced economic impact for the City of Barrie.
Live performances
Headling artists and festival programming announcements for 2025 will be made in the coming weeks. Follow Kempenfest’s social media accounts to be the first to know.
Local performing artists seeking to be considered for live performance opportunities at Kempenfest may submit via the festival website: kempenfest.com/perform-at-kempenfest.
Performing artist submission deadline is March 30, 2025.
Arts and crafts vendors
The deadline for arts and crafts vendor application has now passed.
However, the Emerging Talent tent at Kempenfest is a fantastic opportunity for new and up-and-coming artists, creators, and makers to showcase their work at Barrie’s largest summer festival. The space is specifically designed for those who have never been a vendor at Kempenfest before, giving them a chance to gain exposure, connect with the community, and experience a high-traffic event.
If you’re a new arts or crafts vendor looking to get your start at Kempenfest, we encourage you to apply for the Emerging Talent showcase, and be part of this exciting annual event. The application deadline has been extended to April 1, 2025.
Brand partnerships
Limited premium brand activation spaces are available on site at the festival grounds. To get your brand featured at Barrie’s largest summer festival, visit kempenfest.com/become-a-sponsor.
Food vendor applications are now closed.
Donate to Kempenfest
Kempenfest is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to cultivating a resilient festive spirit in the community, through arts and music presentation. Donations of all amounts will go directly towards the sustainability of arts development, community programming, and festival services.
All festival details and information available at kempenfest.com.
By BarrieToday Staff
