The City of Barrie is preparing to host a three-week celebration of local creativity this fall, with the return of Culture Days from September 18 to October 4, 2026. This national event encourages communities across Canada to showcase arts and culture through free public activities.
This year’s theme, Together We Create, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community expression. The local festivities are coordinated by the City of Barrie’s Creative Barrie initiative, which works alongside various artists and community groups to provide accessible programming. To help facilitate these events, the City is making micro-grants available to local organizations, businesses, and individual artists who wish to host their own activities during the celebration.
A central component of the event will be Doors Open Barrie, held on Saturday, September 26, 2026. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents will have the opportunity to visit various sites throughout the city for free tours and hands-on arts activities. These sessions are designed to help community members explore local landmarks, heritage sites, and creative spaces.
The city’s cultural programming relies on partnerships with key organizations, including the Barrie Public Library, the MacLaren Art Centre, and the Georgian College Campus Gallery. These partners contribute to a diverse lineup of events that often includes music, visual arts, and hands-on workshops open to all ages.
This celebration follows the release of the City of Barrie’s 10-year cultural plan, which was developed to strengthen the local creative sector and guide development through 2035. The plan was built on feedback from more than 725 community members, reflecting an ongoing effort to support the growth of the region as a major cultural hub.
