Countdown to 2016 in Downtown Barrie

Free Downtown Countdown event offers fun entertainment for the whole family

The 18th annual Downtown Countdown will feature an amazing line-up of Canadian talent not to be missed. In partnership with Rock 95 and 107.5 Kool FM, the City of Barrie is excited to welcome The Sheepdogs, currently one of Canada’s biggest rock acts, to headline the Downtown Countdown. They are four time Juno Award winners and have achieved success in both Canada and the U.S. with previous hits, including ‘I Don’t Know’, ‘Feeling Good’, and ‘The Way It Is’.

The Downtown Countdown will also feature entertainment for the younger crowd with Juno Award winners, Judy & David, who will be sure to lead families in a high energy musical adventure. Rounding out the line-up will be the emerging talent of two great bands, Sun K and the Dead Mechanics, making it a night of pure fun.

Entertainment Schedule

• 7:00pm - Judy & David
• 7:45pm - Fireworks
• 8:15pm - Dead Mechanics
• 9:15pm - Sun K
• 10:30pm - The Sheepdogs
• 11:55pm - Countdown to 2016
• 12:00am - Fireworks - Happy New Year!

Activities - Starting at 6:00pm

Festivities include skating on the Circle at the Centre rink, horse-drawn wagon rides, fun family activities, food vendors, and two fireworks spectaculars—one for the early revelers following the family show and the other at the stroke of midnight. Clarabella the Clown will be on hand as well as roaming performers featuring fire, magic and juggling.

Getting Around and Parking

On New Year's Eve, Barrie Transit service is free from 5pm–3am to help you get to and from your celebrations safely.

If you're driving to the event, there's plenty of downtown parking available within close walking distance. For more information, download the Downtown Parking Map.

When making your way around downtown, road closures for the event will include:

• Collier Street from Owen Street to Mulcaster Street - 6am December 30 to noon January 1
• Collier Street from Mulcaster Street to Berczy Street 4pm December 31 to 2am January 1
• Mulcaster Street from Dunlop Street to Worsley Street 4pm December 31 to 2am January 1

For full event details, go to www.barrie.ca/DowntownCountdown.