The Barrie Theatre Festival

Perfect for: Theatre lovers, curious audiences, cultural explorers, weekday and weekend getaways, and anyone who enjoys discovering something new.
10 Days. 6 Productions. One Great City.
For ten days each June, Barrie becomes a destination for professional live theatre.
The Barrie Theatre Festival, presented by Tourism Barrie, is a carefully curated celebration of storytelling — bringing together acclaimed touring artists, bold new Canadian work, and performances selected for their artistic excellence and audience appeal.
This is not an open-call fringe. Each production is chosen with intention — to surprise, to entertain, and to create conversation.
The 2026 Festival features nationally touring artists, a Broadway performer whose journey began in Barrie, and original works created in Central Ontario. Each show runs under an hour, allowing you to experience multiple productions in a single visit.
Join us for an afternoon, an evening — or a few days.
Plan a midweek cultural escape or a full weekend immersed in theatre.
Downtown Barrie comes alive during the Festival. Restaurants buzz. Conversations spill onto sidewalks. The theatre becomes a gathering place.
Explore the lineup. Choose your favourites.
And make the Festival part of your June.

Your next favourite story starts here.