Saint John has a great line-up of festivals to keep you entertained. In addition to our Events Calendar, the following calendar lists the larger festivals and events taking place this season to assist you in your vacation planning! From Maritime Kitchen parties to country quilt shows, comedy festivals to Shakespeare, there's a festival for you in Saint John.
May
SAINT JOHN AIRPORT 10km/5km & FAMILY FUN RUN
The Saint John Airport will host their inaugral one and two lap race on the Runway. Saint John Airport | (506) 638-5555 | www.saintjohnairport.com
May
NEW BRUNSWICK's ALL-AMERICAN SOAP BOX DERBY
The first of its kind in the region, a fundraising event of kid-powered vehicle racing that is sure to amuse spectators of all ages. | Lily Lake Pavillion
June
COUNTDOWN TO CANADA DAY
An evening of live entertainment to kick off the summer season on the boardwalk. Market Square | (506) 658-3600 | www.sjcanadaday.ca
July
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS
A full slate of day-long activities, including magic shows and favourite children’s characters. Don’t miss the evening entertainment and fireworks. Market Square| (506) 658-3600 | www.sjcanadaday.ca
July
SALTY JAM - SAINT JOHN’S FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
An outstanding line-up of performers. Saint John Waterfront. July 7-9th. | www.saltyjam.ca
July
ROTHESAY FINE CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Features works by New Brunswick artisans and craftspeople. July 9-10th. Rothesay Common (506) 450-8989 | www.nbcraftscouncil.ca
July
MARITIME KITCHEN PARTY
The Market Square Boardwalk will be partying “Maritime-Style” this weekend with some great home cooking at our Boardwalk restaurants and our favourite maritime bands and comedians. Market Square | (506) 658-3600 | www.marketsquaresj.com
July
ST. MARTINS OLD HOME WEEK
From book fairs to flea markets, car shows to church suppers, enjoy a real down-home country fair. Week-long festivities. July 15-23rd.
St. Martins | (506) 833-2010 | www.stmartinscanada.ca
July
BUSKERS ON THE BOARDWALK FESTIVAL
Market Square will host the 21st Annual Busker Festival with side-splitting comedy, astounding physical feats and all-out crazy antics from performers the world over! This summer’s festival promises to be the best ever! July 21-24th Market Square | (506) 658-3600 | www.marketsquaresj.com
July - August
NEW BRUNSWICK DAY WEEKEND
By day, browse the flea market stands along King Street. In the evening, the boardwalk entertainment will bring you back
to our Celtic roots. Market Square| (506) 658-3600 or 1-506-444-5347 | www.gnb.ca
August
FUNDY BAY FESTIVAL
A mixture of music, dance, theatre and visual arts will be a feast for the senses and the Saint John region’s first multi-cultural festival. (506) 738-0990 | www.fundybayfestival.com
August
25th NEW RIVER BEACH SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST
A great day to head to the beach! Vendors, radio broadcast, face painting, games, prizes and more! In lieu of the entrance fee, the Park asks for a non-perishable food item or cash donation to St. George Food Bank or Charlotte County SPCA. (506) 755-4078
August
FÊTE NATIONALE DE L'ACADIEN / ACADIAN NATIONAL DAY
Ecumenical service. Traditional Acadian celebration of through music and dance. 77 Ragged Point Road | (506) 658-4600 | www.saintjeanarts.ca
August
8th ANNUAL FUNDY FOG FESTIVAL
This year’s performers will include Saint John’s favorite bands all weekend long. Market Square | (506) 658-3600 | www.marketsquaresj.com
August
17th ANNUAL MARATHON BY THE SEA
The Marathon by the Sea is Saint John's premier event for fitness, family and fun. (506) 642-5555 | www.marathonbythesea.com
August
COUNTRY WEEKEND
The Boardwalk ‘country style’. Boardwalk restaurants’ cowboys and cowgirls will serve up your favorite dishes and drinks!
Market Square | (506) 658-3600 | www.marketsquaresj.com
August
7th ANNUAL SAINT JOHN DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
An exciting fundraising event that combines the thrill of team dragon boat racing with a with live entertainment and spectacular multicultural performaces. Also offers crafts and games for the kids and features a Festival marketplace to indulge in mouthwatering treats. Renforth Wharf site, Rothesay, NB. | (506) 632-5497 | www.sjdragonboat.ca
September
ATLANTIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION
The annual ANE is a family favourite, with thrilling rides, fantastic food and exhibits. August 30 - September 2nd. Exhibition Park | (506) 633-2020
September
KENNEBECASIS VALLEY QUILT SHOW
Beautiful quilts. Join in the celebration of quilting. Island View Lions Club, Quispamsis, NB | (506) 847-5663
October
SAINT JOHN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL – Season 9
Antony and Cleopatra runs with performances Thursday to Saturday. If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to purchase tickets for the Renaissance Feast that follows in November. Enjoy excerpts of Will’s plays and music whilst you relish a period four-course meal. Imperial Theatre | (506) 674-2240 | www.saintjohnshakespeare.ca
November
CHOP CHOP FEASTIVAL FOR FOODIES
The skilled Chefs of Saint John are ‘Chopping’ to bring you a 7 day feastival to please your tastebuds as never before. For all of you ‘foodies,’ this is the first event of its kind for Saint John with 22 fine uptown establishments participating. Each establishment will be featuring something unique so be sure to check out www.uptownsj.com or call the uptown restaurants directly to find out what they are ‘chopping’ up for the day.
November
58th ANNUAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Parade route: Crown to Union Street; Sydney Street; King Square North; Charlotte Street; King Street; St. Patrick's Street; Main Street; Lansdowne Avenue. This year’s theme is "Christmas in Movies and Books". Presented and organized by Uptown Saint John Inc. For more information please call (506) 633-9797.
