Moncton 
Fredericton is charmingly situated on the lower banks of the St. John River, where riverside walking trails meet a compact downtown that is filled with brick heritage buildings.
Credit: lifeofashmac/Ashley MacDonald
New Brunswick’s capital is a beautiful cultural and heritage centre that is a spectacular, natural playground for adults and kids alike.
There are many free and affordable things to do in Fredericton, which offer visitors a wide variety of authentic experiences they won’t find anywhere else.
1. Celebrate Canada Day & Garrison Fest
Celebrate Canada Day in New Brunswick’s capital at GarrisonFest, starting June 28. This four-day event opens with the grand unveiling of Officers’ Square and leads up to a festive July 1st. Enjoy performances by the JUNO-winning James Barker Band and local talents.
The day features bouncy castles, face painting, and local cuisine, all set against the historic Officers’ Square. Conclude the celebration with craft beers and a dazzling fireworks display, creating a perfect family-friendly day full of excitement and entertainment.
2. Cultural Expressions Festival
Celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day at the Cultural Expressions Festival on Saturday, June 22. Enjoy dance and live music performances, displays, and other fun family activities.
3. Watch a Show at the Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre
The Officers’ Square becomes a stage daily during the summer.
The Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre has presented free performances by the Calithumpians for over thirty years. So, bring a lawn chair or a blanket and a picnic lunch, and enjoy the show.
Catch the Calithumpians Monday to Saturday on the Cathedral Green at 12:15 p.m.
4. Explore the Fredericton Trails
There is a 115 km trail network to explore this summer.
You can walk, run, bike, Rollerblade, or skateboard on the trails comfortably because more than 21 km of them are paved.
Most of the Fredericton Trails will take you along the beautiful Saint John River.
5. Quartermain Earth Science Centre
Take a geological journey through Earth’s evolution at the Quartermain Earth Science Centre located at the University of New Brunswick. There are a number of exhibits, displays, events, and programs for the whole family to explore.
6. Guided Heritage Walking Tours
Embark on a delightful walking tour of downtown Fredericton, guided by a character in historical attire. This free tour, running from July 2 to October 13, takes you through the heart of the city’s past.
Discover the Historic Garrison District, the Old Public Burial Ground, the Provincial Legislative Building, and residences of notable Frederictonians.
Tours start twice daily at 10 am and 2:30 pm until September 1, then once daily at 4 pm, departing from Barracks Square at 15 Carleton Street.
7. Try the Fredericton Geocaching Tour
All you need to go on the Fredericton Geocaching Tour is a map, GPS unit or a GPS app on a smartphone and a sense of adventure. There are 24 caches to pick from that divided into 3 categories: culture, heritage and nature. So, you just have to pick a cache to hunt for and experience the great outdoors.
8. Fredericton Boyce Farmer Market
The Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market has been recognized as one of the top community markets in Canada. There are over 250 outdoor and indoor vendors that you can see each Saturday. This market is a great place to hang out with friends or to start the weekend.
9. Summer Concert Series
This summer, revel in Fredericton’s free concert series set against the historic Officers’ Square in the Garrison District. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm, enjoy an eclectic mix of local and visiting artists. Bring a lawn chair, friends, and indulge in the melodies while sipping on local craft beers and ciders from the onsite beer garden. Don’t miss these lively evenings of music and community spirit!
10. Fredericton Pride Week & Festival
Fredericton Pride Week & Festival 2024 invites you to a vibrant celebration from July 12-21. This week-long festivity encompasses a series of social and educational events, culminating in a colourful parade and festival. Revel in live entertainment, indulge in diverse food truck offerings, and explore arts and crafts vendors. Unwind in the liquor garden, enjoying the lively atmosphere of inclusion and community. Join in the festivities and embrace the spirit of Pride in the heart of Fredericton.
11. Watch a Movie Under the Stars
The Under the Stars Film Series turns Officers’ Square into an outdoor movie theatre every Friday evening at dusk (9:00pm) in July and August. Bring a lawn chair and join your friends for a nostalgic movie night.
12. Gallery Hop
On Jul 10, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, experience a vibrant night of gallery hopping in downtown Fredericton with your friends. Explore the latest exhibitions across several key galleries, including Gallery 78, Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and others.
Engage with artists and gallery curators, savour light refreshments, and enjoy the accompanying music. This cultural adventure offers a perfect evening of art and camaraderie in the heart of the city.
13. Acadian Day Celebrations
The Acadian Day Celebrations on August 15 offer a variety of activities that will entertain the whole family. You can enjoy the live music performances, the flag raising, the tintamarre (parade) or try your luck and skills with the games. Just remember to bring something that makes noise to join in the tintamarre.
14. Cool Off at Killarney Lake Park
A local favorite, Killarney Lake Park is home to a lovely freshwater lake with a sandy beach that is supervised during the summer months. There is also 20km of walking trails that will take you around the lake. This park is a great place to cool off or sunbathe on a sandy beach.
15. Take a Break at Carleton Park
Spend some time cloud gazing or have a picnic at the Carleton Park. The park is on the north side of the city in Union Street. There are many locations on the southside green that have scenic views, which makes them perfect places to watch the spectacular sunsets.
16. Explore Odell Park
Fredericton’s Odell Park, spanning 400 acres, stands out as one of Canada’s most picturesque parks.
Originally Reverend Jonathan Odell’s estate, it now features a duck pond, arboretum, and botanic garden, offering year-round recreation and communion with nature. The park also houses the Odell Park Lodge, serving as a community hub.
17. Learn about Wetlands at the Ducks Unlimited Conservation Centre
You can satisfy your curiosity about Canadian wetlands at the Ducks Unlimited Conservation Centre. This lovely building has a spectacular view of the Saint John River from its back deck.
It also has great interactive displays and very enthusiastic staff who are ready to answer all your questions about conserving the wetlands and Ducks Unlimited Canada.
18. Smell the Roses at Fredericton Botanic Garden
Step into the Fredericton Botanic Garden and experience the tranquil Entrance Garden, dedicated in 2007 with support from the Fredericton Community Foundation and local community members. This welcoming space features an oval lawn, sugar maples, and benches, setting the tone for the diverse attractions within.
Explore the verdant Woodland Fern Trail, admire the mixed perennial bed’s shade-tolerant flowers, or delve into the historical and natural beauty showcased at the River Valley Kiosk.
The garden offers a range of themed areas, from the literary-inspired New Brunswick Literature Garden to the serene Hal Hinds Memorial Garden, each uniquely reflecting the rich cultural and botanical heritage of New Brunswick.
19. Garrison Night Market
Discover a diverse array of local and imported handmade products, sample culinary delights, and enjoy live music and performances. With new vendors and unique attractions each week, there’s always something fresh to experience. Join the fun this summer from 4:30 to 9:00 pm!
20. New Brunswick Day
Get ready for a thrilling New Brunswick Day celebration on August 5th on Queen Street!
This free, all-day event kicks off at noon with activities like bounce rides, street performers, and stilt walkers dressed as New Brunswick birds. Enjoy free popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones until 4:00 pm, alongside face painting and balloon art. The excitement continues with music by DJ Wakanda and a BBQ hosted by the Emancipation Day Committee.
Explore local crafts, and live art, and get henna tattoos at the New Brunswick Day Market until 6:00 pm.
Don’t miss free workshops at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Legislative Assembly Building. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks display around 9:45 pm off the Westmorland Street bridge.
