Posted 11 Jun, 2019
We Clamour for Kempenfest!
Kempenfest is one of Ontario’s largest and most celebrated festivals. It’s a massive gathering of artisans, live music, great food, and lots of amazing activities for all ages. This year, it’s taking place from August 2nd to 5th on the beautiful shores of Kempenfelt Bay.
And what’s more, Urban North will be there as well offering huge prizes and giveaways. Truly, there’s a near-endless amount of fun to enjoy during this annual festival.
Here’s a quick breakdown of all the great reasons you won’t want to miss Kempenfest this year.
Arts and Crafts
The main attraction of Kempenfest is, of course, the arts and crafts exhibitors. This year there are three distinct sub-categories of the Arts and Crafts at Kempenfest. Original Arts and Crafts – mostly located in Centennial Park – these are hand-made by on-site artisans curating their work.
Tastes of Kempenfest is all about magic from the kitchen – jams, preserves, fudges, chocolates and much more. Most of these vendors are located on the South Shore between Tiffin Launch and the Sundial.
And finally, The Marketplace is a section for new and innovative products not yet available in retail. This includes distributors of arts and crafts and other Canadian Products – mostly located on the South Shore between the main stage and the Sundial.
Antiques and Collectables
One of the other biggest attractions at Kempenfest is the annual antique show. Each year, the Barrie Optimist Club hosts a show of antiques and collectibles at Centennial parking lot.
Around 18 years ago, the club added the antique show component to Kempenfest. The Optimist Antique Show has grown over the years to attract 40 exhibitors from all over Ontario. While 30 of them are regulars to Kempenfest, each year brings a few new dealers.
The club is stringent in its oath to not allow any reproductions. They are entirely committed to ensuring that only authentic collector items make it into the booths. Collectors will be able to find items such as jewelry, farm scales repurposed into coffee tables, harvest tables, blanket boxes, corner cupboards, and lots of home-made toys for the kids.
Live Music
Music continues to be a big part of how Kempenfest celebrates the arts. This year, they have partnered with Impact Live to program their main stage. All attendees can look forward to enjoying musical performances by these celebrated musicians.
On Friday, August 2nd you’re invited to enjoy the musical stylings of rising international star Jordan John and his rhythm and blues band The Lincolns’ Prakash John. along with special guests the Cameo Blues Band, Da Blooze Bros., and Chuck Jackson & Walter Zwol. For this show, the gates open at 5 pm and the show officially runs from 6 pm - 10 pm. You can buy tickets right here.
Saturday, August 3rd hosts the main event thanks to international superstars Loverboy! Don’t worry about having to work for the weekend, because these world-famous musicians will be doing all the heavy lifting. They’ll be performing alongside their musical guest Teenage Head and pumping up the crowd with that old school rock. The gates open at 11 am and the concert will run all the way from noon to 10 pm! You won’t want to miss this incredible show, so get your tickets right here.
Starting at noon once again - on Sunday, August 4th attendees can put on their country hats on and tune their ears for Juno award-winning Jess Moskaluke’s dulcet tones. Along with special guest, the Bareback Riders, visitors will be entertained by some the best country music Ontario has to offer. So buy your tickets ahead of time and beat the lineup at the gate.
The final day of Kempenfest offers up the rock music of The Martels with special guests The Dreamboats. On Monday, August 5th, visitors can rock out to these experienced performers and enjoy the culmination of Kempenfest. Buy your tickets by following the link right here.
So Many Reasons to Come to Kempenfest
With all of this to see and do, plus loads of fun activities for the kids, it would be a shame not to come out to this remarkable festival. And what’s more, Urban North will be out in full force as well. Our booth will be right next to the RBC Concert Stage, and we’ll have plenty of prizes and giveaways for all who visit us. So mark the dates in your calendar, because this is one festival you definitely don’t want to miss.