Experience the vibrant festival scene of Newfoundland and Labrador this summer, filled with celebration and unique experiences. Don’t miss out on the exciting festivals lined up below, where you can revel in the spirit of the Rock and create unforgettable memories. Embrace the festivities and immerse yourself in the richness of this incredible region.
Summer Music Festivals
Newfoundland & Labrador Summer Music Festivals
- Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival — July 7 – 9, 2023 @ Bannerman Park, St. John’s
- Southern Shore Shamrock Festival — July 22 – 23, 2023 @ Festival Park, Ferryland
- Summer Trail Soiree — July 21 – 30, 2023 @ Alexander Murray Hiking Trail, King’s Point
- George Street Festival — July 27 to August 7, 2023 @ George St, St. John’s
- Cape St. George & Mainland Folk Festival — August 4 – 6, 2023 @ Port au Port Peninsula, Cape St. George
- Voices of Placentia Bay Festival — August 4 – 6, 2023 @ 25 Patterson Drive, Placentia
- Tuckamore Festival — August 7 – 20, 2023 @ Various Venues, St. John’s
- Brimstone Head Folk Festival — August 11 – 13, 2023 @ 5 Bank’s Cove Road, Fogo, Fogo Island
- Churchill Park Music Festival — August 11-12 & 18-19 @ Churchill Park, St. John’s
- IronFest — August 19 @ Carol Curling Club 411 Booth Street Labrador City
Gros Morne Theatre Festival
Enjoy grand theatre! 2023 features six plays — Neddy Norris Night, Daniel Payne and Friends, The Sinking of the S S Ethie, Bingo Ladies, Altar & Saudade and Stolen Sisters. website.
June 4 to September 17, 2023
Various Venues, Cowhead
Gander Air Show
Hosted by the Town of Gander, this family-friendly event features the incredible Snowbirds. Experience aircraft displays, meet pilots, and be mesmerized by mind-blowing aerial demonstrations. Enjoy an unforgettable day of aviation excitement! Details
June 21, 2023
Gander International Airport
CBS50 Snowbirds Festival
Celebrating the Conception Bay South’s 50th anniversary, this summer event features the renowned Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Experience breathtaking aerial displays with over 50 formations and maneuvers set to music. Enjoy interactive activities, food vendors, static displays, and the thrilling aerobatic show by the Snowbirds’ 9 CT-114 Tutor aircraft. Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration! Details
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Conception Bay
Point Leamington Festival
Throughout the weekend, a diverse range of activities awaits attendees, including a vibrant parade and a tantalizing array of food options encompassing Newfoundland traditional cuisine, hot dogs, hamburgers, Chinese delicacies, and more. Engaging games of chance, lively rounds of bingo, and an exhilarating rubber duck race contribute to the festive atmosphere.
Details
Route 350, Point Leamington
July 8, 2023
Miawpukek Annual Powwow
Head to Miawpukek Annual Powwow, a joyous celebration of native traditions and culture. Immerse yourself in a vibrant display of native dancing, singing, and drumming, where the finest talents come together to honor their heritage. Experience the deep spiritual significance of sacred ceremonies that connect participants with their ancestors and the natural world. Indulge in daily feasts, savoring traditional cuisine that embodies the rich flavours and culinary heritage of the indigenous people. Explore native arts and crafts, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship and artistic expressions of the community. Details
Route 360 South Coast of Newfoundland, Conne River
July 7 – 9, 2023
Kelligrews Soiree
Conception Bay South comes alive with folk music and family fun activities for three days in mid-July. The Kelligrews Soiree Folk Festival and Garden Party is the highland of the Soiree. There is also a Family Fun Day and Arts Walk to enjoy.
Details
July 8 to 14, 2023
Conception Bay South
Ochre Festival
This small festival in Ochre Pit Cove is a celebration of music, art, food and writing in Newfoundland. Enjoy happy hour with author Peter Wilkins, readings from acclaimed authors, and a lively performance by Sherry Ryan on Friday. Saturday offers a wine tasting event and performances by Bridget Canning, Shelly Kawaja, William Ping, Janet Cull, and Natalie Noseworthy. Sunday features readings and discussions by Maggie Burton, Diane Carley, Leah Lewis, and Robert Chafe. Details
July 7-9, 2023.
Ochre Pit Cove
Stephenville Theatre Festival
Get ready to be entertained at the Stephenville Theatre Festival, the province’s longest-running professional theatre festival.
The 45th anniversary summer season kicks off with the explosive Broadway musical party, ROCK OF AGES, on July 14. Next up is LUCKY STIFF, a Tony-winning murder mystery farce packed with mistaken identities, diamonds, and a wheelchair-bound corpse that will have you laughing uncontrollably. BALLOONACY takes you on a touching journey with physical comedy and pantomime, celebrating friendship and the power of play. Don’t miss THE GREAT CANADIAN SONGBOOK CHALLENGE, a dinner theatre experience featuring renowned Canadian music artists, fascinating facts, and an interactive game show. Details
July 14 to August 13, 2023
Arts and Culture Centre, Stephenville
Clarenville Days
The long-standing Clarenville Days Celebrations brings family fun, including a folk festival, pancake breakfast, fish & brewis, community barbeque, kiddies bike parade, pet show, Clarenville Idol, fireworks, boat parade, a lively dance at the Stadium, and thrilling games of chance.
Details
Clarenville
July 19, 2023
Herring Neck Dory Festival
The Dory Festival is the perfect balance of traditional and modern Newfoundland events. Stop by Herring Neck where the whole community comes together to participate in events such as a kitchen party, Rodney races, parade, craft fair, and fireworks. With something for everyone, this is four days you won’t want to miss.
The Rodney Races have been part of the Herring Neck community for almost a decade. Using traditional wooden Newfoundland boats known as Rodney’s, this event enacts memories for some, while creating memories for others. The races are free to attend, and anyone can participate – boats are provided!
Details
53 Main Street, Herring Neck
July 20 – 23, 2023
Deer Lake Strawberry Festival
The Deer Lake Strawberry Festival is one of the longest ongoing festivals in Newfoundland and Labrador. It features a wide variety of activities for all ages and involves the whole community. A weekend packed full of live music, get out on the dance floor for a scuff. The kids will be sure to enjoy the storytellers, magicians, and acrobatic shows.
Details
Deer Lake Power Field, Poplar Road, Deer Lake
July 21 – 23, 2023
Rose Blanche Lighthouse – 150th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Rose Blanche Lighthouse! Don’t miss the opening ceremony, featuring captivating performances by The Rose Blanche Showband. Indulge in delicious anniversary cake and enjoy free admission to explore the breathtaking Lighthouse Trail, the Historic Lighthouse, and The Fishermen’s Museum. The festivities will extend throughout the community, offering an array of exciting activities for everyone to enjoy.
Details
Rose Blanche Lighthouse Site, Rose Blanche
July 22 – 26, 2023
Church Street Festival
This annual festival is a one of a kind week long food, arts and entertainment festival. Celebrated in historic Bonavista’s downtown core – Church Street. Connect with the community, support local businesses, and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells on the street! Discover a wide variety of stores, entertainment, artisan food, and retail vendors from far and wide, showcasing amazing products and services.
Details
Church Street, Bonavista
July 23 – 30, 2023
Hold Fast Contemporary Art Festival
Experience the dynamic celebration of contemporary performance, interdisciplinary art, and community engagement at the HOLD FAST Festival. The highlight is the Saturday afternoon Art Crawl, where outdoor and non-gallery venues in downtown St. John’s come alive with captivating performances, installations, and interactive pop-ups. Immerse yourself in a diverse range of programming, including artist talks, workshops, dance, drag, burlesque, film screenings, and free community events suitable for all ages. Join us for an unforgettable fusion of creativity and community connection.
Details
72 Harbour Drive, St. John’s
July 27 – August 1, 2023
Triton Caplin Cod Festival
Prepare for a week filled with captivating variety shows, mesmerizing fireworks displays, tantalizing food booths, engaging games of chance, and an unforgettable adult dance. Immerse yourself in our vibrant festival, where you can experience our rich cultural heritage and bask in the warmth of our community’s hospitality.
Details
Triton
July 31 – August 5, 2023
Royal St. John’s Regatta
The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest sporting event in North America, having begun in 1816 on September 22nd to coincide with the 57th anniversary of King George III’s coronation. The rowing races take place on Quidi Vidi Lake usually on the first Wednesday of August each year and draw around 50,000 spectators. The festival is centered around rowing and boat races more generally, but there are also a number of shops and confectionery stands open to the public as well as many other things that make the Royal St. John’s Regatta a fantastic festival not to be missed.
Details
10 Clancey Drive, St. John’s
August 2, 2023
Mary’s Harbour Crab Festival
Enjoy the annual summer celebration of the crab fishery on the south coast of Labrador. This lively event offers excitement and prizes for all ages. Have a weekend filled with continuous entertainment, showcasing local talent that will keep you entertained. Dance the night away at energetic gatherings for both the young and old. Don’t miss the highlight of the event, the crowning of the esteemed crab king and queen.
Details
60 Hillview Road, Mary’s Harbour
August 4 – 10, 2023
St. John’s Busker Festival
Don’t miss the annual Downtown Festival, a vibrant celebration held across multiple performance areas in Downtown St. John’s. Prepare to be amazed by a diverse lineup of international, national, and local buskers who will captivate audiences of all ages. With shows scheduled every hour from 12 noon to 9 pm daily, there will be non-stop entertainment to enjoy. Immerse yourself in this lively festival and experience the talent, energy, and excitement that will fill the streets of Downtown St. John’s.
Details
Water Street, St. John’s
August 5 – 6, 2023
Bonavista Biennale
The Bonavista Biennale is back for its fourth edition, offering a month-long celebration of art, ideas, and unique experiences. Titled “Host,” this year’s event encourages exploration of connections between people, perspectives, and locations. With a diverse range of artists from Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond, the Biennale showcases 23 projects along the picturesque Bonavista Peninsula. The exhibitions will be held in unconventional spaces like historical sites, industrial buildings, and beaches. The event is free and inclusive, featuring workshops, talks, perform.
Details
Bonavista
August 19 to September 17, 2023.
Makkovik Trout Festival
Head to Makkovik for a week of all-age excitement! Kick off with spectacular fireworks and conclude with a grand Community Feast and Dance. Engage in a Family sand sculpture contest and enjoy games tailored for kids aged 1-6. Witness thrilling swimming races in the harbour. Experience a vibrant Family fair, teen fun at the gym, BBQ delights, captivating storytelling, and a mesmerizing teen beach fire. Groove to live music and indulge in a host of incredible activities that will make this week truly unforgettable.
Details
Makkovik
August 14 – 19, 2023
Writers at Woody Point
If you’re a writer, or simply appreciate the artistry that goes into putting pen to paper, then pay a visit to the Writers at Woody Point Festival in Gros Morne National Park, this four-day festival will feature written poetry, short storytelling, brainstorming sessions as well as great laughter and creative spirit. For more information, visit the Writers at Woody Point. Details
August 15 to 20, 2023
Gros Morne National Park, Bonne Bay
Elliston’s Roots, Rants and Roars Festival
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Elliston and its surroundings, as you embark on an interactive culinary adventure that celebrates local culture and fosters a deep connection with the land and sea. With a rich variety of activities and attractions, there’s always something exciting to do or see. Indulge in the flavours of traditional cuisine, as delicious food stalls offer a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. Delight in the enchanting melodies of fiddles and violins, filling the air with the soulful sounds of Newfoundland.
Details
58 – 62 Main Street, Elliston
September 15 – 16, 2023
$129 – $399
Unscripted Twillingate – Digital Arts Festival
Creativity comes naturally in a place like Twillingate, where inspiration can be found around every corner, trail, cove, bay, wave, and harbour. This 4-day Newfoundland festival offers experiential digital arts workshops, from digital leaders combined with music, food, and entertainment. Join the adventure and gain new skills at Atlantic Canada’s most fun Digital Arts Festival in beautiful Twillingate.
Details
147 Main Street, Twillingate
September 14 – 17, 2023
CB Nuit
CB Nuit is an Art at Night Festival that brings art from all disciplines to indoor and outdoor locations in the heart of Corner Brook! Art projects can be experienced in person on West Street or through the website on Virtual West Street. Projects invite our audience to experience site-specific projects as well as to collaborate in the creation of art bringing our diverse community together for a magical night under the stars!
Details
West Street, Corner Brook
September 16 – 18, 2023
Other Festivals
Dates TBA
- The Gathering @ Burlington
- Brigus Blueberry Festival — Mid August @ Baccalieu Trail, Brigus
- Bakeapple Folk Festival @Forteau, Labrador
- Mussel Bed Waterfront Festival @ Lewisporte