Summer Events in Saint John and New Brunswick

This year, the Greater Moncton Scottish Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and what better way to ring in a Maritime vacation than at the Greater Moncton Highland Games and Scottish Festival! There is no need to travel across the Atlantic, this event has all of the Scottish games classics like stone putt, caber toss, weights and more. There will be a blacksmith present, archery and even a bagpipe competition. The fun is never-ending, and this year is bound to be better than ever.

The East Coast Games is a three-day, multi-sport event in Saint John that attracts athletes of all ages, and this year more than 2700 are expected to attend. If you’re a big sports fan, this will be a great way to watch many talented athletes compete for the top — it’s like our very own East Coast Olympics. Sports you can expect include badminton, basketball, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee and even axe throwing. Check out their website for the full host of events and schedule.

Make your way to Shediac, where the air smells of salt water and the lobster is fresh! Every year, the town hosts the Shediac Lobster Festival, which includes a 600-guest outdoor lobster dinner on Main Street! Attendees can expect live music, dances, rides and possibly everyone’s favourite, a lobster-eating competition. Some performers hitting the stage at the festival this summer are Les Hay Babies, Signal Hill and Melanie Morgan. Check out their Facebook page for full details and set sail to New Brunswick for this classic East Coast celebration.

Grab your cowboy hat, put on your dancing boots and get ready for an exciting line-up of home-grown country music talent. The Boxcar Country Music Festival is brimming with Canadian talent, including many New Brunswick fan favourites. It offers a variety of free activities for the whole family in the Saint John Waterfront Container Village. Headliners include Brett Kissel on Thursday, High Valley on Friday and The Reklaws on Saturday.

Get ready for one of the year’s biggest events in New Brunswick, the Area 506 Festival. Taking place in Saint John, it’s the perfect event for a trip for those travelling from Nova Scotia on MV Fundy Rose. This festival takes place every year on the New Brunswick Day long weekend, transforming the entire waterfront into a spectacle with energy radiating off performers, artisans and musicians. The 2024 line-up includes SUM 41, Motherhood, Our Lady Peace, Tokyo Police Club and many more. With entertainment around every corner, this event will be the highlight of your summer.

Are you ready to make your TikTok sea shanty craze a reality? While the genre was trending on the popular video app, many places like St. Martin, New Brunswick, have been singing Sea Shanties for centuries. This year, check out the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival, where experts in the craft grace the stage with toe-tapping tunes. Beyond the main stage, indulge in seafood chowder, attend a whiskey tasking or embark with a group on an interactive tour. Nothing beats singing sea shanties by the sea, so pack up the car and set sail on a musical journey. Who knows, you might even take home a new song or two to add to your collection!

With great anticipation comes Pride Week in Saint John. This inclusive and diverse event celebrates the 2SLGBTQ+ community while acknowledging the history of those who made pride possible around the world today. You can expect to see live performances, youth activities and, of course, a parade! Events are still to be determined, so keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook page or website for updates!

Accessible, affordable and uncensored. This is the Fundy Fringe Festival. This performing arts festival will knock your socks off with unforgettable theatre. Drive 10 minutes after arriving in Saint John on MV Fundy Rose to the Saint John Theatre Company. From there, you will have easy access to all events and shows, and will never have to walk for more than 2 minutes! There will be over 100 shows in 7 days, so start planning your must-watch list today.

It is time for magical moments under the glowing solar system that is the Moonlight Bazaar in Saint John. Get ready for a unique experience filled with lively activities such as fire throwing, fortune telling, belly dancing and theatrical vignettes. When you visit the bazaar, keep an eye out for the seven-meter inflated moon. An unmistakable piece of the Moonlight Bazaar experience, be sure to snap a photo of this giant inflatable — and when you do, tag us on Instagram so we can see the festival fun!

Spotting a piece of sea glass to add to your collection is a favourite pastime amongst beachcombers, young and old. In fact, sea glass is so beloved that an entire festival is dedicated to it. The Saint John Seaglass Festival will take place at the end of August with over 40 vendors, live music, contests, raffles and even a surprise guest speaker!

Embrace the sea and start planning your summer vacation in New Brunswick. Elevate the nautical theme and make MV Fundy Rose a memorable part of your route! For more information on ferry services or an updated event schedule, visit our website at ferries.ca.