One of Barrie’s most anticipated festivals continues throughout the August long weekend. The 54th annual Kempenfest is officially underway with Canadian singer-songwriter Jamie Fine kicking off the festivities on Friday night. Fine got her start on CTV’s The Launch in 2018 when she won the second episode. Headlining Saturday is Canadian rock group Big Wreck. While the evening shows are ticketed events, there is also plenty of free live music. Sounds from the OLG main stage will echo across the shores of Kempenfelt Bay throughout the afternoon as Grant Boyer, Mirrage, Nick Marinac, Feura, Unlocked and The Sandra Good Band take the stage. The stage is set up by Southshore Centre. In between live shows, you can stroll the shores of Kempenfelt Bay and check out the more than 300 arts and crafts vendors living the waterfront, spanning from Centennial Beach all the way down to Southshore. The vendors are broken up into categories of art, antiques, Artisan Alley, Taste of Kempenfest and Market Square, offering something for everyone’s tastes. Vendors are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For family-friendly activities, the Midway is full of rides and games, plus the Kids Village will keep your little ones entertained.
