Troubadour Festival named one of Ontario's Top 100 Festivals as it plans for 2026

The Troubadour Festival in Barrie was named one of Festivals and Events Ontario's Top 100 Festivals after an independent jury decision in fall 2025, and organizers say the free summer concert series will return in 2026 with an expanded lineup and additional Saturday programming.

The Troubadour Festival in Barrie has been named one of Festivals and Events Ontario's Top 100 Festivals. The free concert series ran across four weekends along the waterfront last summer. The recognition followed an independent jury decision in fall 2025 and was announced this week at FEO's Sustain conference in Kitchener. Organizers say the festival blends national headliners with a Local Opener Showcase to highlight a range of musical acts. Key details: - Named one of FEO's Top 100 Festivals following an independent jury decision in fall 2025. - Official announcement was made at the Festivals and Events Ontario Sustain conference in Kitchener. - Last year's series drew about 15,000 attendees and featured headliners including Dean Brody, The 99s, Hawksley Workman and Brett Kissel. - The Downtown Barrie BIA credited strong programming, strategic partnerships and an energized downtown atmosphere for the festival's success. - Organizers plan an expanded lineup and additional Saturday programming for 2026 along Barrie's waterfront on June 6, July 25, Aug. 15 and Sept. 12. - The festival's headliner announcement is scheduled for March 9 and will be broadcast live at 6:00 p.m. on CTV News Barrie and Crave. Summary: The FEO recognition highlights the festival's place in downtown Barrie's arts and culture scene and acknowledges the programming and partnerships behind its relaunch. Organizers and media partners described the award as validation of community effort. For 2026 they plan an expanded lineup and weekend programming, with a headliner reveal set for March 9.