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Festival by the sea, Saint John, New Brunswick
Annual Festivals in New Brunswick

Updated on March 24/09

   If you have a festival that isn't listed here or the information is not up to date, let us know about so we can add it to the list or correct the existing info. Send your info to: Festival Be sure to include the date, place and website or contact information of the festival.

   If you don't have any luck finding the festival your looking for be sure to check out the Official NB Tourism site for Festivals

January February March April May June
July August September October November December


January
  • N/A
February
  • Campbellton's Regional Sno-Fest, four days of complete winter bliss, was organized and dedicated to all who want to make the most of a wintry weekend. Join us in our beautiful corner of the world, because no one wants to miss Campbellton's Regional Sno-Fest!
March
  • Dalhousie’s Winterfest is usually held during the first week of March and has numerous activities that both children and adults can enjoy. Of the most popular activities are the dogsled races, sleigh rides, 3 on 3-hockey tournament and of course the Social Evenings! However, many other events are very popular as well: skating party, coffee party, Brunswick Street Giant Tube Slidding Party and magic show to name but a few. 506-684-7600
  • St. Patrick's Week Celebrations Each March Saint John celebrations its strong Irish heritage with a week long festival. For more information, contact: 506-634-7919
April
  • Greater Moncton Music Festival / Festival de musique du Grand Moncton 2002 Gala concerts/concerts gala, Théâtre Capitol Theatre, Info: 506-388-3211
  • Fredericton Wine and Food Fest 506-451-1623 Featuring fine wine and culinary delights. At the Sheraton.
May
  • Gathering of the Scots Festival Situated along Route #105, just below the village of Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. The Gathering of the Scots festival site offers quick and easy accessibility for both our Canadian and US visitors. Look for our unique "THISTLE SIGNS" that will guide you to the Gathering of the Scots Festival as you approach the Village of Perth-Andover.
  • Fiddlehead Festival St. Mary's First Nation. Traditional food, dance, and storytelling to celebrate the fiddlehead, a symbol of the Wolastoqiyik along the St. John River. All are welcome. Location: Old Reserve Waterfront, on Union Street. Call: 506-458-9511
  • May 18 - LOYALIST DAY The City of Saint John is 217 years young today, having been incorporated in 1785 - Canada's first city! 506-658-2912.
  • Festival Francophone de Fredericton Francophone culture and heritage is celebrated through exhibits, concerts, dining, sports, special events and activities at Le Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne. Call: Celine Doucet-Rousselle, 506-453-2662 or 506-454-1761 www.centre-sainte-anne.nb.ca.
June
  • June 4, 5, 6, 2010 BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2010 With the recent announcement of the cancellation of the Memramcook Valley Bluegrass Festival in June, The Music Barn is pleased to announce that it will continue the tradition this year on June 4, 5, 6, 2010 in Sackville NB. The Music Barn, as it is now known, has found its niche in the bluegrass/country music venue. Located at 18 Station Road, Middle Sackville, NB, this restored 150 year-old barn, owned and renovated by local, Brian Doncaster has been compared to by some as a smaller version of the Grand Ole Opery.
    Renovations to the old barn began in Feb 2007. As Doncaster and local volunteers started laying down a new floor and repairing walls, the interior was professionally vacuumed and cleaned from top to bottom. Construction of a new 12 x 26 stage was built along with a musicians’ room, two indoor washrooms and indoor seating for 250 was done. With the success of the first season, the addition of a balcony was added providing an additional 50 seats. With seating for 300, The Barn offers shelter from the elements and has exceptional acoustics. Performers as far away as the US have all commented that there is absolutely no venue like it, “one of the finest” they have had the pleasure to play in.
    The festival will have ample room for campers, RV’s and motorhomes for those who wish to make a weekend out of it. On-site canteen will be available and plans for an open mic and a Saturday morning workshop sessions with band members offering their time and talent to people wanting to ask questions or perhaps get a few one-on-one techniques from the pros.
    This year’s festival will include:

    Janet McGarry and Wildwood – Janet is a five-time ECBA female vocalist of the year, making her a grand champion. The lovely and talented Naomi Doncaster plays bass and shares lead and harmony vocals. Naomi is a very talented young lady. At seventeen, she already has a strong background in bluegrass music. She is proficient at playing bass, fiddle, guitar and more recently, mandolin. Also Joining Janet McGarry & Wildwood on lead guitar, as well as, sharing lead and harmony vocals is Kyle Legere. Throughout his bluegrass journey he gradually learned different instruments including bass, mandolin and banjo. He has developed a warm blending harmony voice and a smooth baritone lead vocal. Kyle is excited to pursue the roll of lead guitarist. Janet and Serge recognize great talent, stage presence, warm personalities and professionalism in this young couple and are very excited about discovering new sounds and vocal blends that will carry the band to even greater audiences.

    From the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, The Spinney Brothers are comprised of Allan Spinney on guitar, Rick Spinney, Banjo, Gary Dalrymple, Mandolin and fiddle and Terry Mumford on stand-up bass. The corner stone of the Spinney Brothers musical identity is the sound of traditional, southern-flavoured bluegrass music. The first generation bluegrass legends have been an important musical influence, yet their music is equally shaped by their personal lives and local heritage. By incorporating original material, which draws from various sources, the Spinney Brothers effortlessly intertwine the past with the present. The Spinney Brothers believes in freshness and excitement of traditional bluegrass music. Brother duet singing, backed by supportive and complimentary instrumentation, is the foundation of their tasteful and recognizable sound. The Spinney Brothers have played throughout Canada and the United States and have won many awards such as Recording of the Year, Banjo Player of the Year (Rick Spinney), Male Vocalist of the Year (Allan Spinney), Individual Entertainer of the Year (Rick Spinney) and Band of the Year from the Annual Eastern Canada Bluegrass Awards.

    Eddy Poirier, an exceptional New Brunswick Fiddler is a well-known music artist throughout the Maritimes. Eddy is a multi-instrument musician, playing fiddle, accordion, mandolin, guitar and five-string banjo. He is also the leader of the award-winning Bluegrass 4.

    The Fiddling Landry’s is composed of thirteen Allison, and fifteen-year-old Alexander, great grandchildren of Canadian fiddling icon, Ned Landry and their dad, Terry. In a short time, this family has become very popular with their fiddling, step dancing, vocals, harmonica playing and Allison’s yodeling. The family has performed throughout Eastern Canada with their energetic style of music. In 2007, the Landry’s released their debut CD, “The Fiddling Landry’s”.

    Rustic Harmony has been nominated three different times for their recordings at the ECMA’s. They currently have seven recordings with many of the songs written by Allan and Len. Len Hicks plays guitar and sings lead and low harmony, while Allan Robichaud plays dobro, harmonica and handles lead and tenor vocals. He is also five-time winner of the dobro player of the year by the Eastern Canada Bluegrass Association. Pat Ann Hicks plays the solid sound of the acoustic bass and Carmen Jackson gives them the sweet sounds of the mandolin.
    Contact Info: http://www.freewebs.com/themusicbarn www.themusicbarn.webs.com Brian Doncaster (902) 667-8624 days (506) 536-3031 evenings & weekends
  • Festival de la Baie Française Saint John's annual francophone festival of music and community events. Contact: 658-4600
  • Dorchester Shiretown Days Festival, activities for various ages groups. More information call 506-379-3030
  • New Denmark Founders Day Festival Every June 19th Saturday we will usually have a parade and lots of activities Saturday night we have a Dance and The Pedersen s Play the music at the New Denmark Rec. Center Sunday the boy scouts and girl guides and the whole community Meets at the New Denmark Museum to have Church ceremonies outside On the grounds and ceremonies of Danish Dancing and Danish Pastries along With Guest speakers and Loacal MP s addressing the crowd This event is a lot of fun for sure. And every 5 years is the big one In 2012 it will be New Denmark s 140th Birthday If this date does not land on the weekend It is celebrated always on the 3rd weekend of June Held in New Denmark, NB
  • Miramichi Culture Fest Open Air Concert • June 26, 2009 with special guests Matt Minglewood • McGinty • George Belliveau • J-F Breau Squid Precision Drumming Neon Highway • Mooseknuckle • Durty Nelly's • Terry Whalen Band Date: June 26, 2009 Time: Gates open at 2:00 p.m. Entertainment will run 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Location: Miramichi Agricultural Exhibition Association located at 24 Church Street in Miramichi.
  • Edmundston Jazz & Blues Festival Every year, Downtown Edmundston swings to the sound of Jazz & Blues. 2008 marked our 14th anniversary.
  • Salmon Festival Campbellton Salmon Festival is an annual celebration of the world famous Restigouche Salmon. Many events, new and traditional, are organized for all ages. These include: Miss and little Miss Salmon Festival Pageants, Canada Day Celebrations with giant fireworks, salmon suppers, Street Fest, Parking Lot Party with live bands, show and shine, book sale, pet show, Campbell Amusements Carnival, bowling tournament, many family activities, gigantic parade and much more. These exceptional events celebrated with family and friends will lead you through one week of well deserved fun. Put your feet up… or kick your heels… and experience fine Maritime hospitality at the Salmon Festival in Campbellton.
  • 13TH Fiddles on the Tobique The event consists of concerts, lots of fiddle jams, dance, fiddlers in canoes playing down the Tobique River, BBQ, pancake breakfast, visit to Miller's Canoe shop and more. For more information contact : Helen Edgar dhedgar@nbnet.nb.ca 506 356 8549 Bill Miller canoe@nbnet.nb.ca 506 356 2409 Ivan Hicks ivan@ivanhicks.com 506 386 2996
  • Atlanticade Atlantic Canada's Premier Motorcycle Festival!
  • Festival des Arts visuels en Atlantique A colorful festival for the whole family, offering a dynamic programming concentrating on visual arts and including live creations by painters, sculpters and artists from the Atlantic Provinces, Canada and overseas. You will be charmed by the FAVA's activities: its sparkling arts night, more than forty professional visual arts artists creating live, visual arts exhibitions, an exhilarating artwork auction, art workshops for youngsters and adults, etc. Info: (506) 727-7726, fax:(506)727-7723. Email: fava@nb.aibn.com
July
  • July 2-5 16th Annual Rock "N" Roll Festival Miramichi
  • Rising Tides Festival Saint John
  • The Scallop Festival July 6th to July 12th 2009 Scallop Festival week is an adventure you will not soon forget. It is an event full of activities and entertainment for all ages, held during the second week of July. Here are some of the more popular events: music every night, a bazaar along Main Street, a youth dance, a greased pole competition and a parade of boats adorned with lights. The week winds up with fireworks near the water which are always a hit in this region. Don’t forget to take advantage of the festivities and savor some of the amazing fresh scallops that are sold throughout the whole week of the festival.
  • Hampton Canada Day Festival Hampton, Court House Lawn, Main Street, 10am-3pm. Artists will gather to display and sell their art with the community in part with the Hampton Canada Day Festival. Lots going on throughout Hampton all day ending with Fireworks display.Come and join us in Hampton, N.B. to Celebrate our great Country of Canada ! For more info contact, Hampton Art Coordinator, Sheri Burhoe 832-2337 or by email msburhoe@nbnet.nb.ca
  • Shediac Lobster Festival celebration of the "Lobster capital of the world" and their Acadian culture.
  • Canada's Irish Festival on the Miramichi Miramichi City gathering of all people Irish or Irish at heart. Be sure to check out the website @
  • Festival by the Marsh Summer Music, Voice & Drama Programmes. Join us for an exciting new integrated arts festival in hisotric Sackville, New Brunswick! .
  • Baie des Chaleurs Chamber Music Festival An international Summer Chamber Music Festival held in July in Dalhousie and Benjamin River, N.-B. 5 concerts by well-known musicians form Canada and abroad.
  • NB Craft Council Rothesay Craft Festival Annual open air fine arts and crafts festival held on the Rothesay Commons near Saint John. For more information, contact: 506- 450-8989.
  • Festival Western de Saint-Quentin (Western Festival of Saint-Quentin) As the largest western festival in the Maritimes, this nine-day event offers a superb rodeo, a country show, horse haul, children’s activities and more. 506-235-1946
  • 55th Annual Boiestown Festival On July 16th to 18th we will be holding the 55th annual Boiestown festival. Activities include Idol content, horse hauling contest, circus, quilt fair, concerts, and lots of fun for all ages.
  • Peat Moss Festival The week long festival provides an opportunity to celebrate the pioneers and workers of the peat industry, the second-largest industry on Lamèque Island, after fishing. Watch the shows, visit the peat lands, and participate in sports and social activities. A varied, entertaining program awaits you! Lamèque, the province’s peat moss capital, promises you a most enjoyable stay on the Acadian Peninsula, where you can almost always see the ocean.
  • Festival by the Marsh The theme will be “Love in Bloom”, and it will include:
    a. Theatre – There will be a two-week run (outside by the Mount Allison Swan Pond) of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (also on tour), a production of the musical Billy Bishop Goes to War, and M.A.R.S.H. (Maritime Ambassadors Recreating Sackville History) Troupe shows, and other theatre.
    b. New Music/Sound - The Festival by the Marsh, through a collaboration with New Brunswick’s new music group Motion Ensemble, will contribute to the OK.Quoi?! Contemporary Arts Festival presented by Struts Gallery/Faucet Media Arts Centre.
    c. Fine Arts – Professional artists will continue to be promoted through our collaborations with all local galleries (including the Owens), each of which will ideally present a show on the Festival theme. The second edition of the Kinetic Sculpturefest will be held. Opening night speakers will be William and Tom Forrestall.
    d. Music – The Festival will continue to collaborate with local venues and music promotion groups to present jazz, blues, and world music concerts – including jazz and dessert at the Marshlands Inn and Blues at Georges Roadhouse.
    e. Educational Programmes – Programmes will be offered in Drama, Dance, Art and Music/Sound for people of all ages – providing a unique combination of training and performance opportunities with professional artists.
    f. – The M.A.R.S.H. Troupe - We will be continuing our popular programs which include performing short plays around Sackville, giving Town tours, and touring to other locations to promote Sackville, the University and the Festival. We will also be offering an “Open Doors” historical reenactment program to celebrate New Brunswick Day.
    Our website is www.festivalbythemarsh.ca Our email is festival@mta.ca, and phone numbers are (506) 364-2179 or toll free 1-866-890-6329.
  • Bathurst Hospitality Days Summer Festival Rated as one of New Brunswick's Top Festivals for 2008, Bathurst Hospitality Days has something for everyone in the family! Come together for concerts, family events, fireworks, parades, and a good old display of maritime hospitality in Bathurst, New Brunswick, from July 22nd to July 27th 2008. For tickets or for more information, please contact festival headquarters at 506 546 8811 or by emailing bathursthospitalitydays@hotmail.com
  • Lamèque International Baroque Music Festival Web site of the Festival, describing its annual program, pictures, historic and other information.
  • Highland Games & Scottish Festival Fredericton, host one of the largest Atlantic Canadian Scottish Festivals, this event is for anyone who is looking for a fun-filled weekend. Whether it be the heavy events, highland dancing, enjoying some of the world's best Celtic music, or sampling traditional food and drink, this is one weekend that will be time well spent.
  • NotaBle Acts Summer Theatre Festival We are a summer festival dedicated to showcasing the works of English-language New Brunswick playwrights.
  • The Bon Ami Festival is the largest of all the festivals in Dalhousie. It is held the last week of July and first week of August. Activities held throughout the Bon Ami Festival include a gigantic beach party, market days, parade, pageantry, dancing, sporting events, mussel boils, lobster dinners and one of the most spectacular firework extravaganzas in the Maritimes.
  • Annual Sandpiper Festival in Dorchester. Join us in honouring the Semipalmated Sandpiper, view the various arts and crafts, sample the Chowder, join in the fun.
August
  • Festival acadien Every year, during the month of August, Caraquet is where people meet for the Festival Acadien. Approximately ten days of activities where the cultural component prevails. It ends with the famous August 15 'Tintamarre'. Ranked by the American Bus Association on many occasions as one of the 100 most important tourist events in North America.
  • La Foire Brayonne Edmundston is the foremost summer activity for celebrating our heritage, our culture, and our joie de vivre (love of life). La Foire Brayonne gives everyone a great opportunity to live a unique and gigantic cultural experience.
  • International Homecoming Festival Two towns - two countries - one very strong friendship. Travel back and forth over the St. Croix River separating St. Stephen, New Brunswick and Calais, Maine. Take in outdoor concerts, pageants, rock skipping contest, international road race, raft race, cow patti bingo, toughman competition - ending in large parade and firworks over the St. Croix River. A wonderful celebration of friendship and goodwill.
  • Miramichi Folksong Festival North America's Longest Standing folk festival. For further information Tel. 506-623-2150 Fax: 506-623-2261 After hours 506-622-1780 or email: bb2@nb.sympatico.ca Write to Miramichi Folksong Festival P.O. Box. 13 Miramichi N.B. EIV – 3M2
  • Fundy Bay Festival in Saint John New Brunwick. The festival celebrates music, dance, theatre and visual arts, creating a positive atmosphere for family and friends to enjoy. Free and ticketed events are offered throughout the Saint John area at various partnering venues.
  • N.B. Gospel Music Festival Gospel music in the rural setting of Rusagonis, just minutes from Fredericton. Call: Bob Gray: 506-459-7419.
  • Summer Music Festival in Fredericton, NB. Enjoy two weeks of classical chamber music concerts featuring the country’s most talented artists - free performances in parks and historic churches, pre-concert talks, kids’ workshops.
  • Miramichi Scottish Festival WE CELEBRATE, RAIN OR SHINE! Join the Clans to celebrate the Scottish culture on the Miramichi. Enjoy music, song, games, dancing and much, much more. We know having fun with family and others is extremely important and we want to share that fun and our Scottish Heritage with you.
  • Annual Wine Festival at Winegarden Estate Ltd. in Baie Verte N.B. is held in August. Enjoy from Brass Band to Blue Grass music, taste Wine from varies NB Cottage Wineries, an afternoon of music - food - fun. Family Event, No Admission. Winegarden is located on Route 970 Baie Verte N.B. Tel: 506 538 7405 The Rosswog Family welcomes you!! Cheers
September
  • New Brunswick Fine Crafts Festival Formerly the Mactaquac Craft Festival, it features crafts and live entertainment in Officers'Square. Call: 506-450-8989. Fredericton
  • Labour Day Weekend - Les Festivités du Demi-Marathon St-François de Madawaska Labor Day weekend, a four day festival, Les Festivités du Demi-Marathon offers events such as little miss and misses Demi-Marathon contest, Freestyle Motocross Show, Live bands, Quad rides, Parade,children's activities and more. 506-992-2761
  • Atlantic Ballooon Fiesta "Always the weekend after Labour Day" Sussex
  • Charlo Fall Fair Country fair with farmer’s market. Commercial displays, fiddling contest, 5 Km and 10 Km races, dances, a portable sawmill exhibition and forge display are also available throughout the weekend. 506-684-6601
  • Kennebecasis Valley Quilt Show This annual quilt show brings together quilters from all over Atlantic Canada to exhibit their quilts and share their creative knowledge of quilting. Quilting shops are set up at the show which features an exhibit, workshops and demonstrations. For more information, contact 506-847-0011
  • Continental Drift International Short Film Festival. The festival provides an annual showcase for independent short films from around the world. Screenings take place at the Dennis Knibb Auditorium at Saint John High. The festival includes international as well as local independent short films.
October
  • Kedgwick Fall Festival Music, dance, sports activities, shows, rallies, parade… That’s just a taste of what awaits you in Kedgwick, during the Fall Festival, held against a magnificent backdrop of mountains, colourful forests and majestic rivers. Meet Wick the partridge, the festival’s friendly mascot that exemplifies the warm welcome of the local residents. Take part in the many organized activities, offering something for all interests and all ages. This fall, for a memorable week and lots of fun, make Kedgwick your destination!
  • Oyster Festival - Maisonnette Festival to promote oysters. Many activities will be held such as: oyster tasting prepared in different ways (soup, in the shell, au gratin and breaded), social evening, games for children and oyster opening and eating contests.
  • Scarecrow Festival - Bristol The village is decorated in scarecrow theme. Prizes are given for best decorated. Various activities will be held throughout the month of October. Contact Information Melanie Clark Office phone: 506-392-6797 Fax number: 506-392-6790 E-mail Address: vbristol@nb.sympatico.ca
  • Art Across the Marsh - Sackville Art Across the Marsh studio tour encompasses over 20 artist and artisan studios around the Tantramar Marshes. Studios are opened to the public for the weekend. Meet artists, learn about their techniques and see works in progress. You can visit as many studios as you like!
  • World Wine & Food Expo - Moncton Discover the very best in wine and gourmet food at the World Wine & Food Expo. Sample more than 300 different wines as you take in the Grand Wine Tasting at the Moncton Coliseum-Agrena complex. Drop by a seminar on wine tasting at a local restaurant and stroll through the Corkscrew Exhibition provided by private collectors. And don't forget the food. The Gourmet Food Exhibition and its local producers from New Brunswick will share with you their fine food. The World Wine & Food Expo also offers a festival bistro on site as well as partnerships with restaurants around the region. Drop by the festival's Wine Boutique to purchase your favourites to take home.
November
  • Silver Wave Film Festival Fredericton each fall, the Silver Wave Film Festival presents exciting new works produced by New Brunswick filmmakers . Don't miss this five-day extravaganza presenting full-length feature, documentaries animated pieces and short films. The festival also screens the best films from Canada and around the world and features programming streams of multicultural, aboriginal and youth films. There are professional panels, workshops and networking sessions for those working in New Brunswick 's growing film industry. The Silver Wave Awards are presented to filmmakers in recognition of excellence in the craft. Created by the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative in 2001, the festival has grown into a "must see" event each November.
  • Annual Spirits and Scotch Whisky Festival Samplings and seminars. Call: 506-450-2065. Fredericton
  • Victorian Christmas - Woodstock This six-week celebration was organized by the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce to promote Christmas shopping and Victorian spirit in the Woodstock area. Includes Midnight Madness - special shopping hours, decorating of town streets and businesses in Victorian-style Christmas decorations. Also includes Festival of Lights, Teddy Bear Tea, Santa Claus Parade, craft sale, musical concerts, house tours, home decorating contest, sleigh rides, candlelight and caroler's parade and Family Christmas Party. Breakfast with Santa.
December
  • N/A

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