August is a great month to visit Barrie and Simcoe County. You can enjoy the incredible summer weather while exploring! Here are some of our favourite August attractions and events to add to your summer fun list.
![kempenfestd898638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852 kempenfestd898638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852](/images/default-source/blog/kempenfestd898638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852.jpg?sfvrsn=157d0c13_0)
Photo Credit: Nat Caron Photography
Explore over 350 Arts & Crafts Booths at Kempenfest.
Join Barrie for this Civic holiday tradition! Spend the weekend riding the midway, browsing hundreds of arts & craft vendors, finding antique treasures and enjoying an incredible line-up of live entertainment at the live bands at the 51st Annual Kempenfest.
Check Out The Classics
Every Wednesday in August, head over to Heritage Park in Downtown Barrie, where the Barrie Thunder Classics display vintage, classic and custom cars starting at 5pm. Stay until dusk to enjoy an outdoor film in Meridian Place at Lawn Chair Luminata.
![bootsheart_blog bootsheart_blog](/images/default-source/blog/bootsheart_blog.jpg?sfvrsn=7b7d0c13_0)
Photo Credit: Lily Grigoriadis
Sing & Dance Your Heart Out at Boots & Hearts Music Festival
These boots are made for rockin'! Celebrating the best in live entertainment and the ultimate festival experience, this year's line-up features global superstars Nickelback, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw headlining on the main stage. The festival will also feature 24 first-time artists, including Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, Travis Denning, Tyler Joe Miller, and so many more! For tickets, click here.
Ride the Midway at the Barrie Fair
Celebrate 170 years of tradition at the Barrie Fair and enjoy four fun days from August 24 – 27 at the Essa Agriplex. Families can enjoy a spectacular midway, games, vendors, live entertainment, a tractor pull and more. This event will surely be much fun with the kids and kids at heart. For a full schedule, click here.
![maclarenart maclarenart](/images/default-source/blog/maclarenart1699638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852.jpg?sfvrsn=497d0c13_0)
Photo Credit: Nick Laferriere Photography
See the Current Exhibitions at the MacLaren Art Centre
Soak up some culture while visiting the Maclaren Art Centre's new exhibits. Take part in The Gallery’s Family Sunday program in August and join the Simcoe Contemporary Dancers’ for their biggest community dance piece. Click here to register or for drop-in dates.
Cheer on Your Favourite Dragon Boat.
Bring your family to Kempenfelt Bay to watch the Dragon Boat races on Saturday, August 19th. Along with the races, families can enjoy children's activities, vendors, and more.
![roundsranch roundsranch](/images/default-source/blog/roundsranch3d99638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852.jpg?sfvrsn=5d7d0c13_2)
Photo Credit: Olivia Iaboni
Sunflower Experience at Rounds Ranch
For an outdoor experience that’s fun for all ages, visit Rounds Ranch to see sunflowers up close and personal. Take a scenic wagon ride to the fields and then meander through 10 acres of 60 different varieties of beautiful cut flowers. Find unique props throughout the fields to take pictures to capture the day’s memories. While you’re there, enjoy over 25 Ranchland activities, the 500’ Slip’n’Slide or a horse ride.
Scenic Caves Nature Adventure
Explore the beauty of nature at Scenic Caves Nature Adventure. This outdoor park has hiking trails, caves, and a suspension bridge. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the local wildlife.
![bfm_blog bfm_blog](/images/default-source/blog/bfm_blog.jpg?sfvrsn=a37c0c13_0)
Photo Credit: Nick Laferriere Photography
Shop Local at the Barrie Farmers Market
The Barrie Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9am until 1:00pm in from of Barrie’s City Hall. There will be lots of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more! Come down for some delicious food, or just browse around for some unique finds.
Elmvale Jungle Zoo
Get up close and personal with exotic animals at the Elmvale Jungle Zoo. This zoo has a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, and monkeys. It's a great place to learn about animals and have fun with family and friends.
![kempenfestd898638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852 kempenfestd898638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852](/images/default-source/blog/kempenfestd898638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852.jpg?sfvrsn=157d0c13_0)
Photo Credit: Nat Caron Photography
Explore over 350 Arts & Crafts Booths at Kempenfest.
Join Barrie for this Civic holiday tradition! Spend the weekend riding the midway, browsing hundreds of arts & craft vendors, finding antique treasures and enjoying an incredible line-up of live entertainment at the live bands at the 51st Annual Kempenfest.
Check Out The Classics
Every Wednesday in August, head over to Heritage Park in Downtown Barrie, where the Barrie Thunder Classics display vintage, classic and custom cars starting at 5pm. Stay until dusk to enjoy an outdoor film in Meridian Place at Lawn Chair Luminata.
![bootsheart_blog bootsheart_blog](/images/default-source/blog/bootsheart_blog.jpg?sfvrsn=7b7d0c13_0)
Photo Credit: Lily Grigoriadis
Sing & Dance Your Heart Out at Boots & Hearts Music Festival
These boots are made for rockin'! Celebrating the best in live entertainment and the ultimate festival experience, this year's line-up features global superstars Nickelback, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw headlining on the main stage. The festival will also feature 24 first-time artists, including Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, Travis Denning, Tyler Joe Miller, and so many more! For tickets, click here.
Ride the Midway at the Barrie Fair
Celebrate 170 years of tradition at the Barrie Fair and enjoy four fun days from August 24 – 27 at the Essa Agriplex. Families can enjoy a spectacular midway, games, vendors, live entertainment, a tractor pull and more. This event will surely be much fun with the kids and kids at heart. For a full schedule, click here.
![maclarenart maclarenart](/images/default-source/blog/maclarenart1699638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852.jpg?sfvrsn=497d0c13_0)
Photo Credit: Nick Laferriere Photography
See the Current Exhibitions at the MacLaren Art Centre
Soak up some culture while visiting the Maclaren Art Centre's new exhibits. Take part in The Gallery’s Family Sunday program in August and join the Simcoe Contemporary Dancers’ for their biggest community dance piece. Click here to register or for drop-in dates.
Cheer on Your Favourite Dragon Boat.
Bring your family to Kempenfelt Bay to watch the Dragon Boat races on Saturday, August 19th. Along with the races, families can enjoy children's activities, vendors, and more.
![roundsranch roundsranch](/images/default-source/blog/roundsranch3d99638955dd68c88a9fff0000db7852.jpg?sfvrsn=5d7d0c13_2)
Photo Credit: Olivia Iaboni
Sunflower Experience at Rounds Ranch
For an outdoor experience that’s fun for all ages, visit Rounds Ranch to see sunflowers up close and personal. Take a scenic wagon ride to the fields and then meander through 10 acres of 60 different varieties of beautiful cut flowers. Find unique props throughout the fields to take pictures to capture the day’s memories. While you’re there, enjoy over 25 Ranchland activities, the 500’ Slip’n’Slide or a horse ride.
Scenic Caves Nature Adventure
Explore the beauty of nature at Scenic Caves Nature Adventure. This outdoor park has hiking trails, caves, and a suspension bridge. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the local wildlife.
![bfm_blog bfm_blog](/images/default-source/blog/bfm_blog.jpg?sfvrsn=a37c0c13_0)
Photo Credit: Nick Laferriere Photography
Shop Local at the Barrie Farmers Market
The Barrie Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9am until 1:00pm in from of Barrie’s City Hall. There will be lots of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more! Come down for some delicious food, or just browse around for some unique finds.
Elmvale Jungle Zoo
Get up close and personal with exotic animals at the Elmvale Jungle Zoo. This zoo has a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, and monkeys. It's a great place to learn about animals and have fun with family and friends.
Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region. So, get out there and enjoy all that Barrie and Simcoe County has to offer this summer! To learn more about the adventures listed or for other things to do, explore tourismbarrie.com.