Published in Barrie Today, 15 September 2026
Congratulations to the organizers of the Troubadour Festival in Barrie, Ontario, for a very successful year in 2026. Judging by the size of the crowds that attended the concerts, the festival is proving to be a very popular summer event.
However, also judging by the size of the crowds, I’m wondering if Troubadour is outgrowing Meridian Place. This is especially impressive given that this was only the second season for the Troubadour Festival. Maybe once the new Barrie sports stadium opens, the festival can find a home in this larger venue. I do prefer smaller venues such as Meridian, but not if we’re packed like sardines. Something to think about.
The final show of the season was held on 12 September, with headliner Canadian Country music star Tim Hicks and his band taking the stage for a high-energy show. With Canadian pride dominating his performance, Hicks played a selection of his hits, including like Loud and Here Comes the Thunder and Stronger Beer.
The Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series is a free event, presented by Barrie’s own Paul Sadlon Motors. The festival showcases both major Canadian artists and emerging artists highlighting local talent.
Other artists on the bill for the Saturday show were Canadian folk country singer and song writer Evan Denley, husband and wife duo Candace and Michael, downtown Barrie regulars Barstool Confession and British Columbia native Mitch Zorn, who got the crowd excited and ready to rock-out with for Tim Hicks.
The Troubadour Street Stage in Dunlop Street, the emerging artists stage featured children’s performer Errol Lee, Italian-Canadian pop singer-songwriter Dess Jour, Toronto alternative-rock artist Delyn Grey and fellow Toronto alternative-rocker Harley Olivia.
Music lovers will no doubt be excited to see what artists will be performing at the third annual Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series in 2027.
Sources: Tim Hicks closes out Troubadour Festival in downtown Barrie tonight – Barrie News, COLUMN: Acadian land traditions found new soil in Simcoe County – Barrie News.
