Barrie, get ready: Country rock powerhouse Tim Hicks set to ignite Troubadour Festival season finale

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Mystery headliner revealed for Barrie's Troubadour Festival finale

Barrie BIA reacts: Country Music Star Tim Hicks to Headline Troubadour Festival 2026

Country Music Star Tim Hicks to Headline Troubadour Festival 2026

In Conversation: Tim Hicks on headlining Troubadour Summer Concert Series finale show

After months of speculation and buzz, the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series has revealed the highly anticipated mystery headliner for its season finale in the heart of downtown Barrie.

Canadian country rock star Tim Hicks has been announced as the final headliner to take the stage on Sat., Sept. 12, at Meridian Place for what organizers expect will be one of the largest crowds in event history.

The announcement completes this year’s star-infused lineup, following The Road Hammers in June and ahead of upcoming performances by The Watchmen on July 25 and Bahamas on Aug. 15.

“This is the announcement we’ve been waiting to share,” said Steve Ricalis, Chair of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “Every great festival deserves an unforgettable finale, and Tim Hicks is exactly that. His music, his energy and his connection with audiences make him the perfect artist to close what has already been an incredible summer in Downtown Barrie.”

• FULL FESTIVAL DETAILS: Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series

Over the past decade, Hicks has become one of Canada’s most recognizable country artists, earning multiple CCMA Awards, a JUNO Award nomination and Gold and Platinum-certified singles. His catalogue includes hits such as Stronger Beer, Get By, No Truck Song, Loud and Wreck This.

“At its heart, the Troubadour Festival is about community,” said Justin Rydell, CTV News Barrie News Director. “It’s where people connect through great Canadian music. Watching the festival grow into one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals has been exciting, and we’re thrilled to have Tim Hicks cap off this year’s incredible season.”

Hicks is renowned for his high-octane performances, and organizers believe his energetic live shows make him the perfect choice for the season’s close.

Each festival day includes the Local Opener Showcase, the Troubadour Street Stage, the Troubadour Treehouse, food vendors, family activities and full-day interactive programming throughout the city’s downtown.

“Troubadour Festival has quickly become one of the signature events on our city’s calendar,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall. “Each concert brings thousands of people into our downtown to experience great music, support local businesses and enjoy our beautiful waterfront. Having an artist of Tim Hicks’ calibre close the season is a tremendous way to celebrate everything this festival has become.”

With the full lineup now confirmed, the countdown continues for part two of the four-part concert series.

“This is exactly the kind of artist you hope to land for a season finale,” said Chas Hay of Hey Bear Productions. “Tim Hicks puts on the kind of show people remember for years. You can already feel the excitement building, and September 12 is shaping up to be one of those nights that people will be talking about long after the final song.”

Catch an exclusive interview with Tim Hicks and more of the excitement tonight at 6 on CTV News Barrie.

The Troubadour Summer Concert Series is presented by Paul Sadlon Motors, CTV News Barrie, PURE COUNTRY 106, BOUNCE 104.1, Hey Bear Productions, Lemmon Entertainment, City of Barrie and Tourism Barrie.

Troubadour Schedule:

• 12:00 p.m. - Full-day programming for all ages
• 5:00 p.m. - Local Opener Showcase: Act 1
• 5:45 p.m. - Local Opener Showcase: Act 2
• 6:15 p.m. - Local Opener Showcase: Act 3
• 7:30 p.m. - Headliner Opener
• 8:30 p.m. - Headliner