Event Schedule
| 5–9pm | Activities & vendors open Event emcee, Scott Jackson |
|---|---|
| 5:30–6pm | The Munich Layover |
| 6:30–7:15pm | Barstool Confession |
| 7:50–8:55pm | Kim Mitchell, multi-platinum, JUNO award winning Canadian rock icon |
| 8:55pm | Greetings from dignitaries |
| 9pm | Fireworks finale over Heritage Park |
This year, we’ve shifted the event time to make it easier for everyone to come together and kick off the New Year. Over the past two years, attendance has shown that our biggest crowds gather for the early evening festivities—proof that families love having a place to start the New Year together.
For those who want to keep the party going until midnight, join us for the Barrie NYE Celebration early on, then head to one of our vibrant downtown spots to ring in the New Year with friends and neighbours.
About the Entertainers
Activities & Features
- Inflatables & interactive games provided by Moonwalk Entertainment
- Roaming and busker performances, including circus stunts by Kalen Davidson and Abe, and magic with Phil Dacosta and Lukas Stark
- Face painting
- Button making
- Bonfire warming zone
- Photo ops
- Community art activity
- Food trucks ($)
About the Community Art Activity
Share Your 2025 Magic invites community members to reflect on moments of wonder, discovery and everyday magic from the past year by decorating a wooden ornament with a meaningful word, message or drawing. These shared stories will become a temporary public art installation, displayed on the trees surrounding the New Year’s Eve celebration in Meridian Place. Ornaments will remain on display until January 5.
Food Vendors
Transit & Parking
Barrie Transit service will be free on New Year’s Eve starting at 5pm, and all routes will operate until 3am. View the extended New Year’s Eve schedules.
Downtown parking is FREE after 5pm and available within walking distance, (including the Collier Street Parkade).
Road Closure
To accommodate the Barrie NYE Celebration, Simcoe Street (Bayfield to Dunlop/Mulcaster) will be closed on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2–11pm. Emergency services will have access to respond within the closure, but not to travel through. Details will be posted at barrie.ca/RoadClosures. Local Traffic Only for access to Lakeshore Mews & Heritage Parking Lots.
Event Sponsors
Barrie NYE Celebration is generously sponsored by:
The event is supported in kind by Downtown Barrie BIA and Moonwalk Entertainment.
Since 1998, Barrie’s New Year’s Eve festivities have drawn thousands from near and far to welcome the New Year, and we can’t wait to celebrate 2026 with you!
Celebrate New Year's Eve in downtown Barrie with an evening of free family-friendly fun at Meridian Place from 5pm to 9pm! The new location provides an opportunity to showcase Barrie’s beautiful waterfront, our vibrant downtown core, as well as Meridian Place.
The event will feature the same free family-friendly activities you know and love! Enjoy live music, amazing busker performances, inflatables and games, and delicious eats from food trucks. Warm up by the cozy bonfire zone, then cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up the sky.