5 days ago
Open Air Dunlop kicks off Troubadour Festival
The Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series draws thousands to downtown Barrie, Ont., on June 14, 2025, for headliner Canadian country artist Dean Brody.
Dunlop Street in downtown Barrie will once again be closed for Open Air Dunlop and the Troubadour Festival later Saturday evening.
Downtown Barrie BIA along with the Barrie Foodbank got things started Saturday morning with the help of the world's strongest man Mitchell Hooper.
CTV's Sarah Freemark interviews the worlds strongest man Mitchell Hooper
CTV's Sarah Freemark interviews the worlds strongest man Mitchell Hooper
(CTV NEWS/ Sarah Freemark)
Hooper, pushed a van full of food down Dunlop to help raise money and donations for the Barrie Foodbank.
Classics in the Park also returns to downtown Barrie Saturday along Open Air Dunlop and in the park across from Meridian Place.
Classics in the Park
Classics in the Park returned to downtown Barrie for Open Air Dunlop
(CTV NEWS/ Luke Simard)
Brandon Valley, president of Barrie Thunder Classic said its the second time Thunder Classics have made their way to downtown during Open Air Dunlop.
'We changed the name a little bit to give some heritage to our show that used to be here in the park,' said Valley.
Hundreds of vehicles are lined up throughout Heritage Park and along Dunlop Street and Valley hopes the younger generation is taking notice.
'It's very important because when we're gone, we need the next generation of caretaker to take these things and keep this tradition going, because this is there's a lot of history here, not only of North American cars, but also with cars from all over the world,' said Valley.
Michael Bartley has a 1994 Chevrolet Silverado and said Classics in the Park is one of the best.
'The location can't be beat, of course, near the waterfront and all the other activities going on it makes it a really well-rounded show for everyone, including people who are not necessarily car enthusiasts,' said Bartley.
Bartley added its important for classic cars to be appreciated.
'Especially for people in our age group it's nostalgic for us to have something that goes back years and years,' said Bartley. 'In our younger days, we were driving these vehicles as kids and it's nice to have them back again.'
Setting the stage for the second Troubadour Festival of the summer headlined by The 99s.
The outdoor music series kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with a local artist showcase including alt-rock band Goofus, folk-rock Sydney Riley + The Bog Bodies, and Dorene, an indie duo from Tottenham.
The 99s will take the stage around 8:30 p.m. with hits and covers from bands like Tina Turner, ABBA, and Avril Lavigne.
