February 10, 2023

23 Events in the Maritimes in 2023

New year, new you! New year, new views! Here are 23 things you can do to have a fantastic Maritime experience in 2023.

The Maritime provinces are filled with fun events that are sure to have you living your best life in 2023! From music and food festivals to the Canada Winter Games, there is something for you and your family to do in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick all year long. So buckle up and take a ride on the fantastically fun side of life with Bay Ferries and Northumberland Ferries in 2023!

Winter Events

It’s winter, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying yourselves in 2023! Here are a few events you can attend throughout the Maritimes that will warm you up!

Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl (February 1 – 28)

Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl, the most delicious annual event is happening this winter along the South Shore, from Barrington to Peggy’s Cove and every stop in between. Fill your bellies with the most mouth-watering and savoury lobster dishes you can imagine. From lobster rolls and lobster-infused dishes to art, music, stories, and lobster industry traditions, this event is a must-do for seafood lovers.

Fundy Winter Fest (February 1 – March 12)

New Brunswick welcomes you to enjoy a six-week long event to celebrate beauty of winter! The Fundy Winter Fest is happening all across the province in the communities of Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton, Saint John, Grand Bay-Westfield and St. Martins. Grab your scarves, winter coats, hats and gloves and head over to the Greater Saint John region as this is an event you do not want to miss out on!

Canada Winter Games (February 18 – March 5)

Get ready, Prince Edward Island, the 2023 Canada Winter Games will be on the Island this year for the largest multi-sport event in the country. The province will be filled with 3,600 athletes, managers, and coaches — along with spectators! This is definitely a national event that you don’t want to miss!

Dine Around Halifax (February 1 – 28)

Let someone else do the cooking all February long, thanks to Dine Around Halifax. Halifax is home to some of the best restaurants in the Maritimes, and this is your chance to experience them all. With special menus just for the event — including plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — this is the ideal opportunity to sit back and savour a different delicious dining experience every night of the month.

Spring Events

The snow has melted and the blossoms are blooming, which can only mean spring has arrived in the Maritimes! Here are some springtime activities you can get into during your travels.

PEI Festival of Wines (April 28 – 29)

Experience the largest wine tasting event to hit the island at the PEI Festival of Wines. Swirl, sip, and savour your way through over 300 wines from the world’s most renowned wine regions while tantalizing your taste buds with food pairings from some of the best restaurants and food producers on Prince Edward Island.

Bob Dylan Dash (May 12)

Across the Bay of Fundy in Saint John, New Brunswick is the 13th Annual Bob Dylan Bash. Enjoy a night of rock music as Brent Mason and local Saint John musicians pay homage to one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival (May 24 -29)

Happening in the Valley is the 89th Annual Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival. Enjoy five days in Kentville, Nova Scotia filled with celebrations of traditions and agricultural heritage. Enjoy parades, Valley teas, fireworks, blooming apple orchards, and of course, all things apple.

Summer Events

Summer, summer, summer — time to sit back, relax, and unwind en route to all the exciting events happening in the Maritimes aboard The CAT,  MV Fundy Rose, and MV Confederation.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (June 30 – July 3)

A Maritime tradition, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo has been charming the world since 1979. Initially, the Tattoo was meant to be a one-time show, but the mix of music, pageantry, pomp, and acrobatics proved to be a hit with audiences. Now, more than 40 years later, the Tattoo continues to delight, and no summer visit is complete without experiencing this two-and-a-half-hour celebration of culture, history, and traditions.

Cavendish Beach Music Festival (July 6 – 8)

Back for another year, head to Prince Edward Island for Atlantic Canada’s largest outdoor music festival — Cavendish Beach Music Festival! Hop aboard the MV Confederation and set sail across the Northumberland Strait to the hottest, most star-studded spot in the Atlantic Provinces. Enjoy the sounds of Kane Brown, Jake Owen, Chris Stapleton, and many more as you sing, dance, and make memories that will last you a lifetime.

Lobster Bash (July 7 – 9)

Chart your course to the western shores of the Annapolis Basin to the town of Digby for Lobster Bash! Enjoy lobsters craftily curated by local restaurants. Participate in a variety of challenges that include but are not limited to lobster crate runs, trap stacking, banding, and so much more!

TD Jazz Festival (July 11 – 16)

Happening again for the 37th year is the TD Halifax Jazz Festival! Attracting more than 65,000 visitors annually, this festival is Halifax’s oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in the Atlantic Provinces and is a must attend!

PEI Pride Festival (July 21 – 30)

Hoist your rainbow flag and celebrate freedom of expression, human rights, and love with Prince Edward Island’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community during the PEI Pride Festival.

Halifax Pride Festival (July 20 – 30)

For eleven days, celebrate with Nova Scotia’s QTBIPOC community! From drag shows and trivia nights to comedy shows and parades, experience Canada’s fourth largest pride celebration — Halifax Pride Festival.

​​Halifax Busker Festival (August 2 – 7)

Every summer, the Halifax waterfront transforms into a stage for performers from all over the world to share their magic with you. The Halifax Busker Festival runs from August 2 – 7 this year. It features hundreds of shows — ranging from delightful to death-defying! There are magicians, musicians, fire breathers, carnival rides, international foodie flavours, and more. This festival is not to be missed!

Area 506 Festival (August 4 – 6)

Mark your calendars for an amazing weekend of music in Saint John, New Brunswick, at the Area 506 Festival. The festival, held on the Saint John Waterfront, features a mix of local, national, and international entertainment, as well as a taste of New Brunswick’s local culture.

Digby Scallop Days (August 10 – 13)

It’s a celebration of Digby’s delicacy — scallops! Hop aboard the MV Fundy Rose from New Brunswick and head to Digby for Digby Scallop Days. Whether seared, fried or chowdered, you can chow down on your fill of scallops at this festival. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at shucking.

Fundy Sea Shanty Festival (August 11 – 13)

Nestled in the quaint fishing village of St. Martins, embark on a journey of stories and songs of sailors at the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival. Sing along with the sailors as they perform shanties sung during the age of sail and indulge in scrumptious local dishes!

Wharf Rat Rally (August 31 – September 3)

Hear the roar of 9,000 motorcycles at a festival that attracts over 30,000 visitors annually at the Wharf Rat Rally. The rally features more than 80 unique events in the heart of Digby, including live music and entertainment, custom builders and contests, raffles, water sports demonstrations, and guided tours.

Atlantic Balloon Fiesta (September 7 – 10)

Catch the unforgettable sight of 30 hot air balloons that fly twice daily in the beautiful rolling hills of Sussex, New Brunswick during the colourful Atlantic Balloon Fiesta. Feeling brave? Take a ride in one yourself.

PEI International Shellfish Festival (September 14 – 17)

Several lobster festivals happen in the Maritimes throughout the year, but there’s nothing like the PEI International Shellfish Festival. Bring an end to summer on Prince Edward Island this year as they celebrate 25 years of supreme shellfish. Enjoy a four-day festival jam-packed with culinary demonstrations, celebrity chef challenges, shucking competitions, and all the delicious oysters, mussels, and lobsters you can consume!

Fall Events

Fall is the ideal time to “fall” in love with the Maritimes. The leaves begin to change colour, the air is crisp, and there’s plenty to do!

PEI Fibre Festival (October 5 – 7)

You’ll be “wool”comed with open arms to the PEI Fibre Festival this October in Charlottetown. This annual celebration of all things fibre features a fantastic marketplace, classes, plenty of Maritime entertainment, and the ideal chance to find the perfect fabric for your upcoming fall project.

Devour! The Food Film Fest (October 23 – 29)

Foodies and film fanatics descend on Wolfville every fall for Devour! The Food Film Fest. Combining cinematic and culinary excellence, Devour is the world’s largest food film festival — regularly hosting over 100 events for more than 15,000 attendees. This year’s festival will be shining the spotlight on French cuisine, culture, and cinema — bon appétit!

New Brunswick Spirits Festival (November 14-18)

Canada’s oldest whiskey and spirits festival is back in Fredericton for its 26th year in 2023. The New Brunswick Spirits Festival full slate of dinners, master classes, and show cases, this event is a must attend for anybody who loves a “spirited” time!

Northumberland Ferries, the MV Fundy Rose, and The CAT are all setting sail for good times in the Maritimes in 2023! We’re looking forward to welcoming you aboard our ships, and hope your 2023 is full of fun, friends, and ferries!

Start planning your 2023 journey by ferry today!