Festivals & Events at New Burnswick
While festivals are most concentrated in the summer months, there is literally something going on every month in New Brunswick. Whether it’s music, food, the outdoors, animals-you name it and it’s happening at some time of the year here.
Plan ahead to catch one of them or surprise yourself and check out what’s going on when you get here. Most festivals in the province are family friendly and the locals are more than happy to share their celebrations with you in honour of their vibrant culture, history and interests. Be ready to try new fun things to do in New Brunswick and meet wonderful people at one of the festivals and events this year in New Brunswick.
Perhaps one thing you’ve noticed while browsing through this website is New Brunswick’s love for food, specifically seafood and fiddleheads. The Atlantic Seafood Festival in August entices attendees to try the best mussles, fishcakes and chowder around with cooking contests and renowned guest chefs.
The Campbellton Salmon Festival celebrates the legendary Restigouche Sam and all things salmon related, while the Oyster Festival in Maisonette is all about oysters and the Shediac Lobster Festival is about, yes you guess it-Lobster!
Ever heard of fiddleheads? These common greens are a delicacy and have the whole province competing for titles. Find fiddlehead festivals in Fredericton and Plaster Rock (Fiddlehead Festival on Canada Day). King’s Landing near Fredericton is a festival hotspot, featuring everything from Apple Fest to Gardening Festival and more.
Have a thing for Chocolate? So do we! Chocolate Fest in Canada’s Chocolate Town, St. Stephen is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Nothing goes great with food like great music. Music festivals are very diverse in New Brunswick, everything from fiddling to folk and rock and roll.
Fredericton is the epitome of this multi-genre taste for music with the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival, New Brunswick Gospel Music Festival, Tay Creek Folk Festival, and the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival. Edmundston’s Jazz & Blues Festival in June features some of the best around and the Miramichi Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival which also celebrates antique cars. Miramichi also hosts the Miramichi Folksong Festival and regular Kitchen Parties.
For a real taste of New Brunswick and Maritime culture check out any of the big or small festivals featuring the diverse heritage of the different provincial regions. The Bon Ami Festival in the town of Dalhousie has a bluegrass concert, mussel boils, beer gardens, fireworks and more.
The New Brunswick Highland Games Festival in Fredericton includes traditional sports and workshops (whiskey tasting anyone?).
Canada’s Irish Festival in Miramichi features an Irish Fiddle Competition and lots of children’s activities.
The Festival Acadien de Caraquet explores the history of the Acadian culture, and La Foire Brayonne celebrates the Acadian joie de vivre in ultimate style.
And then there are the festivals which celebrate for the sake of celebrating something! Check out the Atlantic International Balloon Fiesta in Sussex where visitors jump in hot air balloons for a wild ride.
The Fundy Bay Festival in Saint John sports great music, a flea market and a Mardi Gras Party. Visit local artisans, shops and studios during The Art Across the Marsh festival in Sackville or see what New Brunswick filmmakers are up to at the Silver Wave Film Festival in Fredericton.
If you’re into motorcycles you have to visit during Atlanticade in St. Andrews where you can take part in a Poker Run and Street Party.
While these festivals are only the tip of the iceberg, they should get you started. Have a look at our accommodations specials to help you decide if it's a Historic Inn, a resort or one of our cottages and hotels that suit your needs so you can check out your favorite festivals this year.
