Spring is officially here in New Brunswick. After months of cold and too much snow, warmer weather is on the way as temperatures climb to above zero for one whole week (a sure sign of Spring!). Speaking of Spring, it’s also a great time to get outdoors, and you won’t freeze your butt off or get buried under six feet of snow!
Here are some fun activities, festivals and events to enjoy this season in New Brunswick.
Spring is Maple Syrup Season!
Everyone (well, almost everyone) loves maple syrup. It’s a Canadian stereotype, and rightly so. You must pay a visit to the many Maple Farms in New Brunswick. It’s an excellent option for a family day out, complete with a sweet treat!
Fiddlehead Picking Along The River Valley Scenic Drive
Fiddleheads are a maritime tradition and are best when freshly picked in the Spring. They spend the colder months buried deep beneath the ground, only to reappear as bright green (delicious) vegetation when the temperatures climb. Here’s a neat guide to identifying fiddleheads, including preparation and cooking once they’re picked. Go on a hike this Spring along the River Valley Scenic Drive along the Saint John River, and keep your eyes peeled for fiddleheads!
Free Fishing Days
Get a great start to summer fishing adventures with a chance to fish for free at any of New Brunswick’s 2,500 lakes, 60,000 kilometres of rivers and brooks during the first weekend of June.
First weekend in June @ NB waters. (official announcement TBA)
Go Antiquing
Spring is the perfect time to go antiquing and hunt for unique treasures. As the weather warms up, antique markets and shops offer a plethora of vintage finds waiting to be discovered. From classic furniture to quirky home décor and vintage clothing, there’s something for everyone. Exploring antique stores and markets is also a great way to spend a day out in nature, enjoying the fresh air and the thrill of the hunt for that perfect vintage piece.
Snowed Inn – Dinner Theatre
Get ready for a snowy surprise in New Brunswick’s old fishing lodge! A quirky cast of strangers seeks shelter and warmth, but soon realize something’s not right. With suspects like the “eccentric chef” and “truck driver”, can you help Detective Stanley Lutes solve the mysterious murders? Join the fun and laughs at McSweeney’s Dinner Theatre!
Until May 20, 2023 @ 700 Main Street, Moncton.
Banff Mountain Film Festival
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival is the most prestigious mountain festival in the world. Right after the festival, held every fall in Banff, Alberta, the Banff Mountain Centre Film Festival World Tour starts to travel the globe with stops in about 450 communities and 40 countries. Get tickets for this film screening which showcases the best mountain sports, environmental and cultural films, offering an exciting and immersive experience of the natural world.
April 8 and 14 @ Fredericton Playhouse, 686 Queen Street, Fredericton
The Woman in Black
See the play by Atlantic Repertory Company. A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.
April 11 to 22, 2023 @ The BMO Studio Theatre, 112 Princess Street, Saint John
Kevin Hart: Reality Check
Get ready to laugh out loud with Kevin Hart’s award-winning Reality Check Tour! Named the #1 Comedy Tour of the Year by Billboard, he performed over 80 shows in cities like Vancouver, Las Vegas, and Toronto. Forbes named him one of the highest-earning comedians in 2019, and he sold out arenas worldwide during his Irresponsible Tour. Don’t miss out on the fun!
April 17 & 18, 2023 @ Avenir Centre, Moncton
Frye Festival!
Frye Festival is jam-packed with writers, poets, lyricists and other wordsmiths sharing their literary talents with attendees from around the province and country. If you’re looking for inspiration for your writing, be sure to check out any one of the Frye Festival events.
April 21 to 30 @ Various Venues, Moncton
Ballet Jörgen Cinderella
Experience the magic of Cinderella through Ballet Jörgen’s innovative and contemporary take on the classic fairy tale. Choreographer Bengt Jörgen’s production highlights the realistic human aspects of the story while still showcasing its magical elements. The set design by Glenn Davidson is inspired by ice storms and forests, while Robert Doyle’s costumes reflect each character’s personality. All set to Sergei Prokofiev’s beautiful music.
April 27 @ Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square South, Saint John
Stars on Ice
Three of Canada’s greatest male figure skaters are together again for another spectacular Stars on Ice show! Joining the trio will be reigning Canadian Dance Champions Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier and an international cast of Olympic and World Medalists including Alexa Knierim & Brandon Frazier, Jason Brown and many more!
May 3, 2023 @ Avenir Centre, Moncton
Uptown Burger Week
How many burgers can you eat in a week? Participating restaurants in Saint John will offer their own mega-big burgers for a week in May, giving burger enthusiasts a chance to explore the city’s burger scene.
May 1 to 7 2023 @ Uptown Saint John Restaurants
FrexRod Car Show
Attention all car enthusiasts! A display of over 120 vehicles, including rods, antiques, customs, trucks, street machines, bikes, imports, and race cars, is coming your way. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
May 6 to 7, 2023 @ Capital Exhibit Centre, 355 Smythe Street, Fredericton
Stewart McKelvey Fredericton Marathon
Register for Stewart McKelvey Fredericton Marathon . The t Boston Marathon qualifier event offers certified courses of 5k, 10k, 21.1k and 42.2k.
St. Andrews Paddlefest
St. Andrews-by-the-sea is one of New Brunswick’s most sought-after vacation spots, and it’s no wonder: idyllic setting, tons of history with a small-town charm, right on the Passamaquoddy Bay. No wonder the town would celebrate all that with some fantastic live music and a weekend of paddling in kayaks and canoes. You’ll also taste some craft beer and participate in beach clean-ups, environmental discussions, workshops and more!
2023 main Stage lineup includes Jesse Roper, Keith Hallett & the Hookers, Weak Size Fish, The Gilberts, Poets and Liars, Waants and many more!
May 18 to 21, 2023 @ St. Andrews
Shania Twain
Five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning legend and the best-selling female artist in country music history, Shania Twain, will take Avenir Centre’s stage on June 14 & 15. Do you have your tickets yet?
Miramichi Rotary RibFest
If you’re a fan of ribs, then look no further than Miramichi’s Rotary RibFest. It promises to be just as packed with delicious ribs.
Usually held in May (2023 dates TBA)
Miramichi Striper Cup
Anglers take note! Don’t miss Atlantic Canada’s premier bass fishing tournament, the Miramichi Striper Cup. Catch and release your way to victory on the Miramichi River with teams of up to 4 people per boat. Win big with over $100,000 in cash and prizes!
May 26 to 28, 2023 @ Miramichi
Fundy Rail Fest Public Show
Attendees can expect to see a wide variety of model train layouts, vendors selling model train related products and accessories, and special exhibits showcasing the history and culture of model railroading spread over 18,000 square feet. Whether you are a lifelong enthusiast or a newcomer to the hobby, this event has something for everyone to enjoy.
May 27 @ Saint John Exhibition Park, 159 McAllister Drive, Saint John
Gathering of the Scots Festival
Celebrate Scottish culture and heritage at the annual Gathering of the Scots! Enjoy 3 days of interactive entertainment, including Scottish Athletics, Tug-o-War, Rugby, Massed Pipe Bands, live music, dance, falconry, jousting, workshops, and shopping and refreshments.
June 1 to 4, 2023 @ 550 East Riverside Drive, Perth-Andover
Freddy Beach Ribfest
Indulge in delicious ribs, chicken, and pulled pork from professional rib teams at the largest food and music festival in the Maritimes! Enjoy continuous live music and indoor/outdoor activities at RIBFEST, with admission by donation (minimum $2 per person) to Make-A-Wish. Don’t miss out on this tasty and charitable event!
Jun 8 to 11, 2023 @ Capital Exhibit Centre, 361 Smythe Street, Fredericton
Living Roots Music Festival
The Living Roots Music Festival is back with its 8th edition! Catch over 60 performers of all genres, including solo acts, duos, bands, and poetry, in small and unique venues like living rooms, cafes, and street corners. Enjoy live art, local food, and a diverse range of music over 4 days.
Jun 8 to 11, 2023 @ Various locations, Fredericton
Edmundston Jazz and Blues Festival
Kickstart your summer with the Edmundston Jazz and Blues Festival, featuring artists from across Canada and the U.S.! Get lost in the rhythm of jazz, blues, swing, latin, and funk at this lively festival.
June 15 to 17, 2023 @ Edmundston
FLOURISH Festival
Get ready to groove and be inspired at the FLOURISH Festival! This indie music and art fest brings together emerging and pro artists to showcase their talents across multiple venues. Prepare to be wowed by amazing bands, one-of-a-kind art installations, and workshops that will make your creative juices flow.
June 15 to 18 2023 @ Fredericton
Highland Games
Get a headstart to summer festival season of New Brunswick by attending Highland Games before the official start of Summer. Enjoy highland dancing, pipe and drum bands playing Scotland the Brave, athletes tossing the caber, sheep dog demonstrations, archery demonstrations and much more!
June 13 to 17, 2023 @ Hal Betts Sportsplex, 250 Assomption Blvd. Moncton