Family Fright Fest is Barrie’s annual Halloween celebration, drawing thousands for a free evening of fun! In its 5th year, the event transformed Lampman Lane Park and Community Centre into a Halloween wonderland with a haunted house, busker performances, inflatables, crafts, and the ever-popular costume contest. Families could also explore the vendor market, enjoy tasty treats, and take on the escape room challenge.
The event was family-friendly and suitable for all ages. While the event took place 4–9pm, younger ghosts and goblins, or those with sensitivities were encouraged to come early as the event got scarier as the evening progressed. Parents/guardians were encouraged to use their discretion when deciding whether to participate in Family Fright Fest. Please note the below hours were catered to the following audiences:
- 4–5pm: Sensory-friendly for those who prefer a quieter and less scary experience (nothing will be animated, no scary costumes, and the lights on)
- 8–9pm: Recommended for ages 10+
Activities
The event space was accessible. Those with specific accessibility requirements, were encouraged to contact us at events@barrie.ca or 705-739-4285 to discuss and plan ahead.
FREE activities happening throughout the evening included:
- Haunted house
- Inflatables & games provided by Moonwalk Entertainment
- Interactive photo booth
- Live performances
- Professor Kurio’s Travelling Oddity Display
- Dance party with DJ Delta Juliet
- Costumed characters
- Fire pit
- Craft corner provided by Bradford Greenhouses
- Meet and greet with Barrie Police, Barrie Fire and Barrie Transit; learn about what they do
- Mini mobile escape experience provided by Escape Room Barrie: "The Candy Heist: A Sweet Escape" – Learn more about this escape experience!
Paid activities included:
- Airbrush face painting & body art
- Carnival games
- Balloon twisting
- Vendor market & food trucks
About "The Candy Heist: A Sweet Escape"
This Halloween, something sticky is brewing beneath the town gym... Hollow Jack, the mischievous candy thief, has stolen every last sweet and hidden them in his underground Candy Tunnel! You and your friends have snuck inside his hideout. Can you outsmart Jack’s candy-themed tricks and unlock the Candy Vault before he returns?
Win, and you’ll save Halloween by restoring the town’s treats. Lose, and all the candy melts into goo as Jack cackles in victory.
Lightly scary, mischievous fun for families, friends, and brave candy hunters of all ages! Provided by Escape Room Barrie.
Food & Merchandise Vendors
- Banana Café Bike
- Barrie Soccer Club
- BeaverTails Simcoe Muskoka Mobile
- Came to Fil Up
- Creations by Zoe
- Dominos Pizza
- Drizzled By Adrienne
- Foodiez Barrie
- MDK Crystals and Crafts
- Miss Richie's Kitchen
- Nates Cakes & Co.
- Smoke's Poutinerie
- Space Station Sweets
- Yummy Hotdogs
Sponsors
Family Fright Fest was generously supported by:
