Family Fright Fest also honoured with Innovation Award
(Barrie, ON) – Two City of Barrie events are being recognized by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO), with the Barrie Airshow named among Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events and Family Fright Fest earning an Innovation Award for its inclusive programming.
“This is a significant achievement for the City of Barrie, and I want to extend my congratulations to our Recreation and Culture team on earning these two new, distinguished honours,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “These awards highlight events that showcase the very best of Barrie’s tourism offerings and deliver a meaningful boost to our local economy. I’m especially proud that one of these events was recognized for its leadership in inclusion, reflecting our city’s commitment to creating welcoming and accessible experiences for everyone. Thank you to our dedicated team, our partner organizations, and everyone who attended and helped make these events such outstanding successes.”
The Barrie Airshow is a signature waterfront event that celebrates aviation, honours Canada’s military heritage, and brings the community together through a free, family-friendly experience. Featuring impressive aerial performances and highlighting Barrie’s connection to the Royal Canadian Air Force and CFB Borden, it attracts thousands of visitors and supports local tourism. The 2026 Barrie Airshow will take place on June 13 and 14. More details will be announced soon. Visit barrie.ca/Airshow for details.
Family Fright Fest is an annual Halloween celebration that offers safe, free, and accessible programming for the community at Lampman Lane Park and Community Centre. The event featured an inclusive, sensory-friendly hour. The dedicated timeslot featured reduced animatronics, lower volume levels, no strobe lighting, and controlled capacity aimed at creating a calm and safe environment.
The Barrie Airshow joins four other signature Barrie events: Canada Day On The Move, Game On! After Dark, Downtown Countdown, and Winterfest that have been previously named to the list of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events.
About Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO)
Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) is a non-profit organization that has been representing the festivals and events industry in Ontario for 30 years. Providing education, professional development and networking while fostering a community of passionate people invested in the festival and event industry, FEO works hard to deliver membership benefits that help support the growth of the industry.
