Arts & Culture

Meet Creative Barrie

At the intersection of creativity and culture, Barrie brings the arts to you. Our arts and culture sector is alive and thriving. Artists and arts organizations can take advantage of professional development opportunities, gigs and networking events. Those who love the arts can enjoy entertainment every night of the week. Barrie provides a holistic experience for artists, creatives, and audiences.

Find Events in Barrie

Did you know?  The 2024 Barrie Arts Awards gala takes place November 12, 2024. Learn about the finalist nominees and event details at barrie.ca/ArtsAwards!

Band performing a concert on a stage.

Music

Barrie’s music scene is home to the one-of-a-kind Emerging Artist Program, a music industry incubator for youth, the region’s own Huronia Symphony Orchestra, as well as choirs, big bands, professional touring artists, recording studios, and even a busking program for casual musicians.

Theatre & Dance

There is no shortage of stage productions to take in or take part in. There are two professional theatre companies in Barrie, Theatre by the Bay, which focuses on telling local stories, and Talk Is Free Theatre, operating from the periphery of the mainstream. An addition, Kempenfelt Community Players offers theatre for kids and family. There are also dozens of dance schools, plus a professional contemporary dance company, Simcoe Contemporary Dancers. 

Actor performing in a stage play.
Artists working in an art workshop.

Visual Art

Our visual arts scene boasts numerous opportunities for professional or aspiring artists including Public Art featuring unique sculptures, colourful traffic cabinet wraps, vibrant murals and more. Take a self-guided tour of the permanent collection

Enjoy year-round inspiration, professional development opportunities, and arts programming at the MacLaren Art Centre and The Campus Gallery. Participate in events and workshops by Spare Room and Barrie Art Club.  

Film

Film buffs unite in Barrie! Enjoy year-round programming including a 10-day festival hosted by the Barrie Film Festival, and film makers can participate in short film competitions for local youth and on an international level. 

Filming a project in Barrie? Capture that hassle-free perfect shot with the necessary film permits.

Film being presented at the Barrie Film Festiva.
Poet reciting their poem. They are reading their poem from their cellphone.

Literature/Writing

There is no shortage of original written works in Barrie. Songwriters, playwrights, poets, and MCs flock to the many open mics, Barrie’s Theatre Lab, and stages in between to share their words. We even have a celebrated Poet Laureate Program.

Events and Festivals

Barrie’s downtown and waterfront make it a four-season destination for signature festivals and events, providing ample opportunities for local businesses to showcase their products and services, and for artists to perform in front of eager crowds. Every year thousands of people from Barrie and surrounding areas attend events like the Downtown Countdown and Kempenfest, providing unique opportunities for businesses and creative professionals to connect with new customers and audiences.

Man holding art supplies standing in room surrounded by paintings.

Invest in the Arts

Through programs such as the Arts & Culture Investment Program (ACIP) that supports not-for-profit creative organizations, to Culture Days, and the Barrie Arts Awards that shine a spotlight on Barrie’s best and brightest stars, the City of Barrie is committed to a sustainable and thriving arts sector.

See the 2024 ACIP Funding Recipients

Cultural Tourism Videos

In partnership with RTO7 and Tourism Simcoe County we have produced three cultural tourism videos featuring music and nightlife, theatre and dance, and visual art. These videos showcase just some of the artistic and cultural experiences that Barrie has to offer. 

Plan Your Visit

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