Weekend Guide for August 28th to 30th
Make the most of summer’s final days with Simcoe weekend adventures for a wide range of ages and interests. This weekend’s lineup includes the excitement of the Barrie Fair, free outdoor concerts in Wasaga Beach, a colourful comic convention in Orillia, a collaborative art exhibit in Thornbury, and a celebration of Canadian fibre arts in Barrie. Whether you are looking for family entertainment, live music, local creativity, or a new community experience, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore.
173rd Annual Barrie Fair
Location: Essa Agriplex, 7505 10th Line, Thornton
When: Friday, August 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, August 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, August 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Celebrate a beloved Simcoe County tradition at the 173rd Annual Barrie Fair, bringing neighbours together for four lively days of rural fun. Explore livestock and agricultural exhibits, cheer on truck and tractor pulls, catch the demolition derby, and enjoy the Kids Zone, vendor marketplace, music, fair food, and midway rides. With activities for a wide range of ages and interests, this rain-or-shine gathering offers a welcoming way to make summer memories with family and friends. More info here.
Summer Sets Finale Weekend
Location: Nancy Island and Beach Area 2, Wasaga Beach
When: Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 from 6 p.m.
Celebrate the final Summer Sets weekend with two free outdoor concerts in Wasaga Beach. Genevieve Cyr performs at Nancy Island on Friday, followed by Whisky River at the Beach Area 2 Stage on Saturday. Gather your family and friends for live music, warm summer scenery, and a welcoming community atmosphere. These relaxed evening shows offer a wonderful way to support live performers and close out the concert series together. Performances are weather dependent, so check for updates before attending. More info here.
Fibre Spirit Festival
Location: Barrie Curling Club, 175 Essa Road, Barrie
When: Saturday, August 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at Fibre Spirit Festival, a one-day gathering dedicated to Canada’s fibre arts community. Browse a colourful marketplace of hand-dyed yarns, locally produced wool, fibre tools, and work from talented makers. Visitors can meet artists, discover new techniques, and explore workshops covering knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting, natural dyeing, and more. Whether you are an experienced fibre artist or simply curious, the festival offers a friendly place to learn, shop, share ideas, and connect. More info here.
Under Foot and Over Head Exhibit Opening
Location: The Gallery at the L.E. Shore Library, 173 Bruce Street South, Thornbury
When: Saturday, August 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet artists Tanya Zaryski and Jerome Evola at the opening of Under Foot and Over Head, their first two-person exhibition together. Zaryski’s detailed paintings place expressive portraits within lush, fairytale-inspired natural settings, while Evola turns his attention skyward with emotional landscapes, cloud formations, soft colours, and flowing brushwork. The afternoon offers art lovers and curious community members a welcoming opportunity to explore their newest work and speak with the artists. Admission is free, and no registration is required. More info here.
Orillia ComiCon
Location: ODAS Park Main Hall, 4461 Fairgrounds Road, Orillia
When: Sunday, August 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate comics, creativity, and pop culture at Orillia ComiCon, a welcoming gathering for fans of all ages. Browse vendors offering comic books, vintage toys, video games, anime, jewellery, artwork, records, and other collectibles, with artists and authors also scheduled to attend. Costumes are encouraged, making this a fun chance to share your favourite fandom with the community. Children 12 and under enter free with paid admission, and food bank donations of five eligible items earn a free comic. More info here.
From agricultural traditions and outdoor performances to comics, fine art, and handmade creations, these Simcoe weekend adventures offer many ways to connect with the region’s communities. Gather your family or friends, visit somewhere new, and enjoy one more memorable weekend before August comes to a close. Be sure to confirm event details, admission requirements, and weather updates with organizers before heading out.
Looking for more things to do in Simcoe County this weekend? Check back each week for our latest local event guide featuring Barrie, Wasaga Beach, Orillia, and surrounding communities.
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