Weekend Guide for May 23rd to 25th
Looking for the ultimate way to welcome summer in Simcoe County? The Barrie Waterfront Festival 2025 is your must-attend event this May! From live tribute bands and food trucks to midway rides and a beer garden, this free, family-friendly festival packs a whole weekend of fun into one scenic lakeside setting. And if you’re in the mood for more community charm, we’ve rounded up a few farmers’ markets nearby that are also worth a visit while you’re out enjoying the season.
Barrie Waterfront Festival 2025
Location: Centennial Park, 65 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie, ON
When: Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend as the Barrie Waterfront Festival returns to Centennial Park! From Friday to Sunday, enjoy free admission to an exciting lineup of live performances, featuring top tribute acts like AC/DC Canada, Pearl Jamming, and Zepology. Set along the beautiful waterfront, it’s the perfect place to soak in the music and start your summer.
The festival also features a beer garden, midway rides, a kids’ fun zone, and a wide variety of food trucks and local vendors. Bring the whole family to explore, eat, and enjoy everything this vibrant community event has to offer. More info here.
Cookstown Antique & Vintage Show
Location: Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds, 4635 Victoria Street W, Cookstown, ON
When: Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Discover timeless treasures at the Cookstown Antique & Vintage Show, where nearly 100 dealers from Ontario and Quebec showcase a vast array of antiques and collectibles. From Canadiana furniture and mid-century décor to vintage clothing and folk art, there’s something for every enthusiast. Admission is $12 (free for kids under 13), with free on-site parking and food trucks available. The event runs rain or shine, offering a perfect day for collectors and casual browsers alike. More info here
Collingwood Downtown Farmers’ Market
Location: Corner of Second and Pine Streets, Collingwood, ON
When: Saturdays from May 17 to October 11, 2025, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Collingwood Downtown Farmers’ Market is a vibrant weekly event held every Saturday from May 17 to October 11, 2025, between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Located at the corner of Second and Pine Streets, the market features a diverse selection of local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, flowers, handcrafted items, and more. It’s a perfect opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy the community atmosphere in the heart of Collingwood. More info here
Creemore Farmers’ & Craft Market
Location: Station on the Green, 10 Caroline Street E, Creemore, ON
When: Saturdays from May 17 to October 25, 2025, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Creemore Farmers’ & Craft Market is a vibrant outdoor market held every Saturday from May 17 to October 25, 2025, at the Station on the Green in Creemore. Open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, rain or shine, the market features a diverse array of local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans and farmers while enjoying the charming atmosphere of Creemore. More info here
There’s no better way to soak in the local culture than by spending the weekend at the Barrie Waterfront Festival, then checking out some of Simcoe County’s best outdoor markets. Whether you’re here for the music, the food, or the handcrafted finds, it’s all about celebrating the people and places that make this region so special. Mark your calendar, bring your friends, and get ready for a weekend of waterfront fun and market treasures!