Weekend Guide for April 11 to 13, 2025
As the snow melts and the sunshine finally starts to stick around, Simcoe County comes alive with events that bring neighbours together and make the most of the season. Whether you’re searching for weekend fun with the family, a unique local workshop, or a night out for a good cause, there’s something happening nearby that’ll make you fall in love with our community all over again. Our weekend Guide for April 11 highlights a few of the standout events this April that offer something for everyone—because celebrating spring is better when it’s shared.
Chappell Farms Annual Spring Festival
Location: Chappell Farms, 617 Penetanguishene Road, Barrie, ON
When: April 12–13 and April 18–21, 2025, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Celebrate the arrival of spring at Chappell Farms’ Annual Spring Festival! This family-friendly event offers a variety of activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, magic shows, baby animals, wagon rides, a jumping castle, face painting, and hourly candy hunts where you can collect as much candy as you like. Free parking is available on-site. For more details and ticket purchases, visit chappellfarms.ca.
The 2nd Annual Sweet Maple Festival
Location: Georgian College Barrie, 1 Georgian Drive, Barrie, ON
When: April 12, 2025, All Day
Join us for a day full of family-friendly fun at the 2nd Annual Sweet Maple Festival! Enjoy a vendor market featuring local artisans and businesses, a delicious pancake breakfast from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and a kids’ area with a special presentation by Zoo to You from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. All proceeds support the Barrie Food Bank and Georgian Food Locker. Parking is free, and tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Laugh for Lake Simcoe
Location: Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Drive, Barrie, ON
When: April 11, 2025, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Join us for the fourth annual Laugh for Lake Simcoe, a comedy fundraiser supporting the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition’s environmental programs and campaigns. The event features headliner Steve Hofstetter, along with local talents Tracy Hamilton and Chris Quigley. Enjoy a night of laughter, connect with the community, participate in a silent auction, and support a great cause. This is an 18+ event. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. For more information, visit the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition’s website.
Stained Glass Dragonfly Workshop
Location: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, 16160 Highway 12 East, Midland, ON
When: April 13, 2025, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Discover the art of stained glass in this hands-on workshop led by local artist Susan Dalrymple. Participants will learn techniques such as cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering to create their own dragonfly suncatcher. All materials and tools are provided. The workshop is open to individuals aged 16 and above. The fee is $55 plus HST per person. Advance registration is required via Eventbrite. For more details, visit the Wye Marsh website.
There’s no better way to shake off winter than by getting out and enjoying all that our region has to offer. From sweet maple treats and farmyard fun to stained glass workshops and laugh-out-loud fundraisers, these events are a great reminder of the vibrant, welcoming community we’re lucky to call home. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, we hope these happenings bring a little extra joy to your season. See you out there, Simcoe County!
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