Barrie Game On! After Dark
Game On! started in 2017 as an all-ages, family-friendly event held at the Five Points Theatre in partnership with the Downtown Barrie Public Library’s Comic Fest. Initially, the focus was on bringing together the local community for a day of gaming, cosplay, and pop culture. Over the years, the event has grown and evolved, expanding its programming to attract a wider audience. In 2019, the After Dark portion was introduced, offering an innovative and unique 19+ experience that combined gaming and cosplay in a vibrant, late-night atmosphere. This was a groundbreaking addition to Barrie's event scene, as it was the city’s first event specifically catering to an adult audience interested in esports, video games, cosplay, and pop culture—an audience typically underrepresented in other local events. The success of Game On! After Dark has only continued to grow. In 2024, the event reached a new milestone by featuring INFINITE, a Canadian hip-hop artist, JUNO Award winner, and voice actor for Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, as the host of the highly anticipated video game tournament. Longstanding fan-favourites, like the cosplay mixer, escape room, retro gaming area, and board game lounge, continue to be highlights each year, drawing both new and returning attendees.