The best autumn adventures in New Brunswick begin the moment you step aboard MV Fundy Rose, sailing the scenic route between Digby and Saint John. Once ashore, the province welcomes you in full fall spirit with food and music festivals, outdoor occasions and harvest celebrations in your arrival port of Saint John and beyond.

Continue your journey to Moncton, Fredericton or one of the charming tucked-away towns along the way, where even more fall festivities await. With brilliant foliage lining the roads, the drive itself becomes a classic leaf-peeping road trip. Here are some autumn festivals and events you won’t want to miss:
 

Fall doesn’t officially start until September 22, but Fredericton kicks things off early with the Harvest Music Festival when the city’s historic downtown transforms into a buzzing block party. Over six days, you’ll experience more than 25 stages with everything from blues and jazz to funk and Cajun and a lineup that spotlights international icons and East Coast talent on the rise.

As part of Welcome Week, the Shop Hop Tour turns Uptown Saint John into a global kitchen for a day. The Shop Hop Tour encourages attendees to collect stamps from over 10 participating stores and pop-up stalls while exploring authentic recipes and flavours from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. This event is a unique opportunity to meet local business owners, discover new pantry staples and enter to win a basket of delicious international ingredients.
 

Pay a visit to Saint John’s AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, a community of retail shops, food trucks, public art and its own bar. The district is alive with happenings year-round, with trivia nights at The Docks, all-out Bingo Loco, and the always-anticipated Waterfront Concert Series. This fall, the stage hosts East Coast favourite Signal Hill along with The Artificially Hip, a fitting tribute to The Tragically Hip, timed with Gord Downie Day.

Saint John’s Night Market has been lighting up the city all summer long, transforming Saint John’s beloved daytime farmers’ market into four special evening editions. September 25 marks the final event in the series, and the last chance to shop under the stars! Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy delicious food, unique shopping and live performances beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, all in Canada’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market.
 

Just an hour from Saint John in St. Andrews, you’ll find a seaside town that looks like it belongs on the big screen. This autumn, it’s the cinematic setting for the Indulge Food & Wine Festival. This celebration of New Brunswick’s rich culinary traditions is packed with markets, tastings and dinners prepared by some of the province’s finest chefs and local producers.
 

Grab your popcorn! Fredericton’s Silver Wave Film Festival is back for its 24th year. Local talent takes centre stage with a full lineup of film screenings shot and produced by New Brunswick filmmakers, alongside a selection of standout international features. Students are in for a treat, with discounted passes available for them at the box office.

The winding streets and 19th-century architecture of Uptown Saint John are best explored on foot. And if your walk happens to end at Saint John Beer Fest, all the better. Sip and socialize with fellow craft beer enthusiasts while you sample selections from local breweries. It’s not just for beer drinkers: there are plenty of ciders, seltzers and ready-to-drink options available.

Canada’s oldest whisky and spirits festival returns to Fredericton this November with five days of experiences that go well beyond the glass. From breakfast, lunch and dinner events to Canadian Whisky Master Classes and an Introduction to Whisky for beginners, there’s something for every level of enthusiast. The Festival Showcase caps it all off with hundreds of whiskies and premium spirits to sample. Mark your calendar: tickets go on sale October 14.
 

In New Brunswick, every road leads to a festival or event. The best fall adventures begin aboard MV Fundy Rose. This scenic ferry route between Digby and Saint John sets the tone for your getaway with stunning Bay of Fundy views and a relaxing ride to autumn adventures. Start planning your trip today.

Hero Image: Location: Pabineau Falls, New Brunswick