When your business evolves, your brand needs to come along for the ride
Kempenfest is an iconic annual event held in Barrie, Ontario, with a legacy of over 50 years. Drawing more than 100,000 visitors over a long weekend, it’s recognized as one of Ontario’s top festivals. We partnered with Kempenfest to elevate their brand identity, celebrate their history, and create a look and feel that reflects the excitement, energy, and community spirit of this beloved event.
Through our Define Before Design® process, we supported them with:
- Define Before Design® Sessions
- Tagline Development
- Logo Design
- Visual Brand Identity
- Content Writing
- Printed Marketing Materials
- Website Design Assistance
- Vehicle Wrap
- Social Media Graphics
The Challenge
Kempenfest has been a beloved Barrie tradition since 1971 and one of North America’s largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals. Over the years, the event grew far beyond its original focus on arts and crafts, but the brand identity didn’t keep up.
The existing logo was difficult to reproduce across different backgrounds and merchandise, and it no longer reflected the full scope of vendors, attractions, and festival energy. With so much happening, the visual identity added noise instead of clarity. Kempenfest needed a strong, simple, and memorable logo that could stand out in a busy, high-energy environment and capture the festival’s vibrant spirit.
Our Approach
We began with brand consulting sessions to uncover Kempenfest’s core values (Fun, Tradition, Togetherness, and Culture) and align the board and team around a shared vision. From there, we developed a new logo and visual identity that was bold, simple, and versatile, ensuring it could shine across signage, merchandise, and digital platforms.
Every element was designed to capture the festival’s energy and legacy while creating a cohesive look that resonated with attendees. The process ensured that the brand not only looked vibrant but also communicated the festival’s purpose and excitement to a growing audience.
The Outcome
The rebrand gave Kempenfest a bold, versatile identity that stands out in a crowded festival landscape. The new logo, vibrant colors, and signature textures capture the energy, inclusivity, and community spirit of the event. Attendees instantly recognize the brand, marketing materials turn heads, and the festival now clearly communicates its purpose and excitement. Kempenfest continues to attract thousands from near and far, reinforcing its status as one of Ontario’s top summer festivals.
