June 9, 2023

9 Must-Do Events in the Maritimes to Check Out This Summer

Summer vacation is just around the corner! Make the most of it by checking out these local festivals, ranging from classic to one-of-a-kind experiences, during your next Maritime adventure.

There’s nothing like summer in the Maritimes! Sunny days, salty air, the smell of local cuisine, and the sound of joyous crowds can be heard from the eastern tip of Prince Edward Island, through bountiful Nova Scotia, to the dense woodlands of New Brunswick. This summer, make the most of your Maritime vacation by adding these favourite festivals to your bucket list.

Nova Scotia

From music festivals to boat races, Nova Scotia is the place to be for summer fun in the Maritimes. Here are a few of the events happening across Canada’s Ocean Playground this summer.

Location: Halifax, Credit: Toursim Nova Scotia

TD Halifax Jazz Festival: July 11-16, 2023

What can you expect? Music, dancing, and plenty of good times! This family-friendly event is the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada. The TD Jazz Festival, also called Jazz Fest, attracts up to 65,000 visitors and 350 local musicians each year. In 2023, you can expect to hear Shaggy, Fleet Foxes, Fiest, Sudan Archives, and more. Get all the details here.

Digby Scallop Days: August 10-13, 2023

What can you expect? Digby is the scallop capital of the world, so it’s fitting that this town has a scrumptious festival that celebrates scallops, the industry, and the people who brave the seas to harvest them. At Digby Scallop Days, all can enjoy food vendors, fireworks, pet shows, scallop-shucking demonstrations, a grand street parade, and more! Celebrate seafood in the heart of Digby.

Chester Race Week: August 16-19, 2023

What can you expect? Chester Race Week is the largest keelboat regatta in Canada and has been presented by the Chester Yacht Club for more than 100 years. Race Week is a boisterous, busy time, with hundreds of participants and spectators enjoying the on and off-shore entertainment, such as live music, great food, and boat tours to see the action up close! Set sail to Chester this August!

To see more Nova Scotia events and festivals you can attend this sunny season, click here.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a melting pot of culture, history, and art — and they know how to leverage it! All summer long, discover unique events that cater to everyone’s interests, and find something new for yourself!

Location: Area 506, Saint John, Credit Envision Saint John

AREA 506 Festival: August 4-6, 2023

What can you expect? Showcasing the diversity in culture, brands, music, and artistry found in New Brunswick, AREA 506 Festival is a must-do event. The festival transforms the iconic Waterfront Container Village into a wonderland of art and culture that showcases the energy and ingenuity of the province’s artisans, craftspeople, and musicians. Lucky for you, MV Fundy Rose sails right into Saint John, making your trip to Area 506 even easier.

Fundy Sea Shanty Festival: August 11 – 13, 2023

What can you expect? The annual Fundy Sea Shanty Festival takes over the Village of St. Martins every summer with a weekend full of fun activities, good food, talented performers, and great music. Sea shanties are work songs sung by sailors during the age of sail, and this event aims to keep the tradition alive and well for generations to come. You’re sure to have a whale of a time at this Maritime spectacular.

Moonlight Bazaar: August 26, 2023

What can you expect? This stand-alone festival will transport you across the world to a place where bazaars are ingrained in everyday life. An evening of fire throwing, fortune telling, belly dancing, and theatrical vignettes makes this event stand out. To make it even more magical, look up! The streets of uptown Saint John are illuminated by a seven-metre inflated moon that hangs as a guide to this out-of-this-world experience.

There is even more to do in New Brunswick. Check it out!

Prince Edward Island

Safely within the boundaries of the red island’s sandy beaches is a world of art, movement, and new experiences waiting to be discovered. A trip to PEI during the summer months is filled with events and festivals galore.

Island Tides Yoga & Wellness Festival: June 22-25, 2023

What can you expect? Island Tides Yoga & Wellness Festival is the largest health and wellness festival in the Maritimes that blends health, yoga, and a whole lot of fun. Accessible to seasoned yogis and the wellness-curious alike, this festival will leave you relaxed and inspired. Nourish your body, mind, and soul on the red shores of Prince Edward Island.

The Charlottetown Festival: June 14 – September 23, 2023

What can you expect? Featuring the finest performers, designers, writers, and musicians, The Charlottetown Festival is a professional theatre showcase that celebrates Canadian stories, exploring our origins, ideals, and ongoing evolution. Focused on creating new pieces of work and promoting a thriving theatre scene, The Charlottetown Festival has earned its reputation among theatre lovers. Secure your seats today.

Sommo Festival: July 14-15, 2023

What can you expect? A whole new music festival has hit the scene! While we’re all familiar with Cavendish Beach Music Festival, there is a new vibe on the island in the form of Sommo’s Indie-Pop celebration, featuring acts such as Mumford & Sons, Maggie Rogers, Lord Huron, Charlotte Cardin, and more. While the music will be on the main stage, the food and drink options from around the region and beyond won’t take the back seat. Get the full scoop.

Prince Edward Island is the place to be this summer. See what other festivals are scheduled.

Nine events, nine reasons to travel! MV Fundy Rose, Northumberland Ferries, and The CAT would be thrilled to escort you on your summer of festival fun, make this summer one to remember. Don’t forget to tag us and follow along on with Northumberland Ferries and Bay Ferries Instagram and Facebook and The CAT Instagram and Facebook.