15 New Brunswick Festivals Worth Travelling for in 2023

Pick Your Party!

There’s always a reason to celebrate here in New Brunswick. Our favourite? Festival season is back and we’ve rounded up 15 festivals and events we can’t wait for over 2023.

For a full list of what’s happening this year, dive head first into our festivals and events listings.

1. Shediac Lobster Festival (July 1-9)

Can someone pass the butter, please? Shediac is the Lobster Capital of the World, so each year we carve out a whole week to celebrate this mouth-watering dish. Make sure you bring your bib if you’re coming to the Shediac Lobster Festival, and don’t forget to indulge in all the food, music and activities – more than 50 to choose from!

2. Ballet by the Ocean, Grande-Digue (July 5-29, September 2-23)

Atlantic Ballet’s Ballet by the Ocean is an outstanding artistic event series that combines dance and food in a natural waterfront setting. Immerse yourself with the incredible performances from the dancers of Atlantic Ballet while enjoying expert food pairings from some of New Brunswick’s best chefs–all experienced alongside the beautiful Acadian coast.

3. New Brunswick Fisheries and Aquaculture Festival (July 8-16)

The vibrant fishing town of Shippagan celebrates its maritime heritage during the New Brunswick Fisheries and Aquaculture Festival. If you’ve never seen a blessing of the fleet, here’s your chance to witness this tradition and marvel at the fishing boats decorated in bright colours. Sporting events, concerts, seafood tastings, craft fair, food markets and more.

4. Western Festival, Saint-Quentin (July 11-16)

Calling all cowgirls and cowboys! If you like concerts, rodeos and saloons, you’ll wanna put Saint-Quentin’s Western Festival on your to-do list. Professional rodeo, horse pull, parades, line dancing–you’ll definitely fill your boots. Plaid isn’t mandatory, but encouraged.

5. Adrenaline Bike Festival, Sugarloaf Provincial Park (July 29-30)

Get ready for a full weekend of non-stop mountain biking and trailside fun at Sugarloaf Bike Park’s Adrenaline Bike Festival. There will be thrilling competitions for all categories and all ages: downhill and x-country races, bike rodeo, pump track challenge, pond crossing, and more.

6. Area 506 Fest, Saint John (august 4-6)

One of New Brunswick’s most creative festivals is making waves out of the Saint John port. Area 506 is the place to be on New Brunswick Day weekend–dancing the night away with Canadian artists to suit all musical tastes in a village of 60 shipping containers with retail shops, a bar, food trucks and public art.

7. Folksong Festival, Miramichi (August 3-6)

Fancy a fiddle? Are you feelin’ folky? You’ll want to make your way to Miramichi to experience the Folksong Festival, Canada’s longest standing folksong festival. Concerts, community dinners, kitchen partys, workshops, children’s show and true Miramichi hospitality await.

8. Festival Royal, Edmundston (august 4-5)

Have you been missing the famous Foire Brayonne since it ended in 2020 after 40 years? Well 2022 brought a new kid on the block with the brand new Festival Royal, and they’re doing it again in 2023! Electronic and rock music, big ticket names, events and experiences will set downtown Edmundston ablaze with energy!

9. Festival acadien de Caraquet (August 5-15)

Get ready to party loud and proud at the biggest Acadian celebration of the year. With a spectacular program of many artists and events, including the joyous Tintamarre parade on Acadian Day, you’ll experience joie de vivre at its best at the Festival acadien de Caraquet.

10. Larlee Creek Hullabaloo, Perth-Andover (August 9-13)

You won’t be able to keep your toes from tapping during this down-home jam fest. The Larlee Creek Hullabaloo is known for its genre rich lineup, collaborative performances and downhome hospitality. Bring your tent or camper and settle in for some of Atlantic Canada’s best music alongside friendly locals.

11. Fundy Sea Shanty Festival, St. Martins (August 11-13)

Ahoy Mateys! Anchored in the quaint fishing village of St. Martins, the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival, the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada, celebrates New Brunswick’s maritime heritage with shanty performances, workshops, historical presentations, a pirate encampment, chowder and rum tastings, family activities and more!

12. Elsipogtog Annual Powwow, Elsipogtog First Nation (September)

Celebrate Mi’gmaw heritage and Aboriginal culture with arts, crafts, food, dancing, drumming and more sacred and social activities at the annual powwow of the Elsipogtog First Nation, near Richibucto. This gathering attracts hundreds from across Canada and the United States. Everyone is welcome!

13. Atlantic Balloon Fiesta, Sussex (September 7-10)

It’s a balloon bonanza. Hot air balloons of every shade take to the skies during the Atlantic International Balloon Fiesta. Take a balloon ride, visit the car show or the craft fair and huge indoor market, or bring the kids to the amusement rides during Atlantic Canada’s most colourful festival.

14. Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, Fredericton (September 12-17)

Get funky and dance the night away. This event features both internationally renowned musicians and up-and-coming artists in multiple venues all over the capital city. There is something for every music lover at the Harvest Music Festival.

15. Indulge Food and Wine Festival, Saint Andrews (mid-October)

Calling all foodies. Please your palate and experience a taste of Saint Andrews during Indulge Food and Wine Festival. You’ll get to enjoy delicious, interactive food and wine experiences as well as music concerts in a beautiful seaside setting.