Celebrate Winter Together: A Family Guide to Barrie Winterfest

Barrie Winterfest is returning for another unforgettable weekend, bringing the community together for two days filled with winter excitement and family-friendly fun. Taking place February 7 and 8, 2026, this much-loved event invites families to explore outdoor activities, enjoy live entertainment, admire incredible ice sculptures, and experience everything that makes winter in Barrie so special. Organized by the City of Barrie Special Events Team, Winterfest continues to be a highlight of the season. At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutoring team knows that learning extends far beyond traditional classrooms, it happens through shared experiences, exploration, and community events like Winterfest. That’s why we encourage families to take part in this educational opportunity to combine fun with meaningful learning. We’re also thrilled to offer an inside look at Barrie Winterfest through a special interview with the organizing team—keep reading to discover what’s in store this year!

Barrie Winterfest continues to be one of the city’s most highly anticipated winter celebrations, drawing families and community members together for a weekend filled with creativity, adventure, and seasonal fun for all ages. The event gives children the opportunity to express their creativity through art and craft activities, build problem-solving skills through interactive challenges, and enjoy classic winter experiences like ice skating. For parents, Barrie Winterfest also offers a wonderful chance to spend quality time together and make lasting memories while embracing the winter season. Alongside these hands-on learning opportunities, we’re excited to feature an exclusive interview with Ashley Chappell, Supervisor of Special Events for the City of Barrie, who shares an inside perspective on the planning behind Winterfest and what makes the event such a meaningful tradition for the Barrie community.

Participating Barrie Winterfest Locations

Snowy celebrations once again take over Barrie’s beautiful waterfront, setting the stage for a weekend of winter fun and community connection. Located in Central Ontario along the western shore of Lake Simcoe, the City of Barrie offers the perfect backdrop for seasonal events and outdoor adventure. Just a short drive north of Toronto, Barrie sits between Vaughan to the south, Orillia to the north, and Innisfil to the west. Known for its scenic waterfront, year-round outdoor recreation, and picturesque natural surroundings, Barrie continues to be a welcoming destination for families looking to enjoy everything the season has to offer.

• Centennial Park 297 Lakeshore Dr, Barrie ON, L4N 7Y9  
• Will Dwyer Park 81 Lakeshore Dr, Barrie ON, L4N 7Y9
• Five Points Theatre 1 Dunlop St W, Barrie ON, L4N 1A1

New in 2026

This year’s festival is bringing an exciting mix of entertainment, education, and cozy comforts to match its bold Tropical theme. Attendees can enjoy live performances throughout the weekend by Dr. Draw and a featured violinist, while The Eyrie, a Birds of Prey centre, returns with engaging educational demonstrations showcasing multiple raptor species. A brand-new snow art feature by the festival’s Snow Sculptor will transport visitors to the tropics, surrounding them with a one-of-a-kind winter-meets-beach creation. New for 2026, the Nature Nook offers a free, eco-friendly community art activity for all ages, and Napoleon Home will be on site with a Napoleon Home Comfort Warming Station to help guests stay warm. Indoors, the Five Points Theatre will host a lively “Beach Dance Party” activation. Adding to the excitement, Winterfest’s momentum continues after being recognized as one of the Festival & Events Ontario Top 100 festivals for the first time in 2025.

Event Spotlight:

Lukas Stark Magic Show

Families won’t want to miss the Lukas Stark Magic Show, a highlight of Winterfest’s live entertainment lineup. Taking place on Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 PM on the Pavilion Stage at Centennial Park, this high-energy performance blends magic, mentalism, and comedy into an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. Lukas Stark began performing magic at a young age and has since developed a unique style that combines sleight of hand, mind-reading, and interactive moments that keep audiences laughing and amazed. With thousands of performances under their belt, the show offers a fun mix of illusion and storytelling that encourages curiosity, imagination, and wonder—making it a perfect fit for families looking to add a little extra magic to their Winterfest weekend.

NorthFIRE Circus & Dr. Draw

Winterfest’s entertainment lineup heats up with the exciting performances of NorthFIRE Circus and Dr. Draw, bringing music, movement, and spectacle to the waterfront. Families can enjoy the NorthFIRE Circus Show on Saturday, February 7 at 4:00 PM, followed by the NorthFIRE & Dr. Draw performance on Sunday, February 8 at 3:30 PM, both taking place on the Pavilion Stage at Centennial Park. NorthFIRE Circus delivers a high-energy show featuring fire performance, acrobatics, and dynamic choreography, while Dr. Draw’s electrifying violin performance blends classical and modern sounds for a truly unique live experience. Together, these performances offer an engaging and memorable showcase of creativity and entertainment for audiences of all ages.

Behind the Snowflakes: A Sneak Peek with Ashley Chappell on What’s in Store for Barrie Winterfest!

Could you tell us about the history of Barrie Winterfest? What year did it begin, and how has the event evolved over the years?

Barrie’s Winterfest has a history rooted in the original Barrie Winter Carnival, which was first hosted in 1957.  While the event organizers and festival name has changed over the years, the desire to celebrate all things winter in Barrie remains today.

Is there an entry cost to participate in Barrie Winterfest events and activities, or are there any specific ticketed experiences visitors should be aware of?

Admission to Winterfest as a whole is free with many free activities to participate in including Snow Valley’s mini tube slide, winter animals exhibit by Speaking of Wildlife, busker-style entertainment, snow & ice sculptures and fireside marshmallow roasting.  There are few activities which do have a cost associated with them including helicopter rides over Kempenfelt Bay, Food and artisan vendors and a winter cookout in support of the Scouts. 

What food vendors or opportunities will be available during Winterfest? Are there any nearby local restaurants you’d recommend for families to grab dinner after the festival?

There will be a number of food vendors on site to enjoy, as well as the Cookout presented by the Scouts.  We also encourage everyone to explore the downtown restaurants participating in the Hot Cocoa Trail which can be found at Hot Cocoa Trail Downtown Barrie BIA.

Are there volunteer opportunities for students looking to complete their high school graduation community service hours? How can they sign up to get involved with Winterfest?

City of Barrie is always looking for volunteers for this event and others.  We encourage interested students to reach out to us at events@barrie.ca for information on upcoming opportunities.

Check out What Students in Ontario Need to Know About Volunteering.

What outdoor activities will be offered for families this year?

• Snow Valley’s mini tube slide
• Speaking of Wildlife exhibit
• Inflatables and games
• Buskers & family entertainment
• Fire pit warming zone
• Shinny hockey at the Will Dwyer Park Community Ice Rink
• Snow Sculpture carving
• Toronto Kite Fliers showcase of kites of all sizes, shapes, and colours in a special winter aerial display (weather permitting)
• Maple taffy samples
• Fireside Marshmallow Roasting: Back by popular demand, the fireside marshmallow roasting experience. Roast a marshmallow over the warm glow of the hardwood fire.
• Nature Play Trailer: Play with the ice and snow in a unique way. The Sandy Shores Snow Kitchen will have an assortment of loose natural parks with a full kitchen set up along with a Snow Hut among the evergreens.
• Scouts winter cookout ($)
• Helicopter rides ($) Weather permitting; $90/person; Saturday 10am–4pm, Sunday 10am–3pm
• Vendor market ($) featuring: BeaverTails Simcoe Muskoka Mobile; Captain Cook de Fries; Foodiez Barrie; Hungarian Bites; Kono Pizza; Link Haus; Mr.C's Freeze Dried Treats; Smoke’s Poutinerie; Spiducci Shack; The Fry-R Truck; Urban Grind Coffee Co.; and more!

What do you hope the Barrie community and its visitors take away from the Winterfest experience in terms of community spirit, engagement, and enjoyment?

We hope that folks will be encouraged to get out and enjoy the winter weather with these outdoor activities and beat the winter blues.

Family Day Fun in Downtown Barrie on Feb 16

The fun doesn’t have to end with WinterFest! Families looking for more winter excitement won’t want to miss Barrie’s Family Day celebrations on February 16, 2026, which is moving downtown this year to make the event more accessible and welcoming for everyone. The new location makes it easier for families to join in the fun, with activities designed for all ages and interests. Highlights include takeaway craft kits that allow children to continue the creativity at home, as well as a DJ-hosted Skate Party in front of City Hall (70 Collier St, Barrie, ON L4M 4T5), where visitors can rent skates on site or bring their own. New this year, an Inclusion Area staffed by fully trained team members will provide additional support for families who may benefit from a more accommodating environment, helping ensure that everyone can comfortably take part in the celebration and enjoy the day together.

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Winterfest is Heating Up Downtown Barrie, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by stepping outside and experiencing everything this vibrant winter tradition has to offer. From skating under the winter sky and exploring the Dino Experience to discovering how animals adapt to Canada’s cold through engaging educational presentations, Winterfest blends fun, math, science, and hands-on learning in ways the whole family can enjoy. It’s a wonderful opportunity to combine outdoor adventure with curiosity and discovery, inviting kids and adults alike to explore everything from prehistoric worlds to the fascinating science behind winter itself.

So, bundle up, bring your loved ones, and join us in celebrating the magic of winter through science, creativity, and community spirit. Whether it’s your first visit or a yearly tradition, Winterfest is the perfect place to create lasting memories in the heart of Barrie. Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Be sure to explore our blog, where we highlight family-friendly festivals and events happening from coast to coast in Winter Fun Awaits: Family-Friendly Adventures Across Canada This Season!