Do you think you have done everything New Brunswick has to offer this summer?
There is still lots to do and see around New Brunswick because there is a festival just about every week this August. With so much to do, there is no reason for anyone to be bored this August. So, check out the 50 things to do this August in New Brunswick and have a blast with your family and friends!
1. New Brunswick Day 2023
Celebrate New Brunswick Day in the Capital City! There will be celebrations on the front lawn of the New Brunswick Legislature in Fredericton starting at noon and ending with a fireworks show at 9:45pm launched from the Westmorland Street Bridge.
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August 7, 2023
2. Rendez-vous des Artistes
Wander among the booths and marvel at the talents of the painters and sculptors from various parts of the World. Chat with the artists about their work while strolling and enjoy musical entertainment in the evening.
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August 18 – 20, 2023
3. Miramichi Folksong Festival
The Miramichi Folksong Festival is Canada’s longest-standing folksong festival and is celebrating 66 years this year. This wonderful 4-day festival is full of songs and dance, along with concerts, workshops, children’s shows, boat trips, and much more.
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August 3 – 6, 2023
4. Festival Acadien de Caraquet
The Festival Acadien de Caraquet has been the top Acadian cultural event for over 55 years and is one of the largest Acadian attractions. During the week, over 400 artists take the stage to perform a variety of acts. Make sure to take the whole family to a Tintamarre Workshop to create a mask, hat, costume, or another carnival accessory for the Tintamarre noise-making parade.
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August 5 – 15, 2023
5. New Brunswick Summer Music Festival
For two weeks in the middle of August, Fredericton becomes filled with music. The New Brunswick Summer Music Festival has some of the best musicians in Canada take the stage, along with emerging artists. There is something for everyone at this popular music festival.
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August 1 – 12, 2023
6. Fundy Fringe Festival
The Fundy Fringe Festival is a celebration of music, dance, and theatre. The best part of this festival is that all the ticket revenue goes to the performing companies to help support independent theatre. So, gather your family and friends and support local artists.
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August 21 – 26, 2023
7. Sussex Flea Market
Over 800 vendors come together to make the annual Sussex Flea Market. Explore the lots and you will find collectibles, auto parts, household items and much more. This is a ‘must do’ activity if you are in the area.
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August 18 – 20, 2023
8. Stanley Fair
The Stanley Fair gives you a taste of traditional country fun by showcasing agricultural & horticultural products, crafts, farm produce, vegetables, flowers, cookery, and other products. You can also watch the woodman’s competition, visit the farm animals, or dine on delicious home-made meals and baking at the Fair Restaurant at this fair. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the live music and entertainment during the weekend.
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August 18 – 20 2023
9. NotaBle Acts Theatre Festival
Don’t miss the twenty-third annual Summer Theatre Festival from July 26 to August 6! Enjoy a thrilling lineup of new plays by New Brunswick playwrights, including three powerful mainstage productions in collaboration with local theatre companies, award-winning one-act plays, free outdoor theatre for the whole family, improv, parties, play readings, and a free playwriting workshop with the 2023 Playwright/Dramaturge in Residence, Julia Lederer.
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July 26 – August 6, 2023
10. River of Pride
This is New Brunswick’s largest Pride Celebration. There are over 25 events scheduled to take place during the week, including a parade, sports, educational and art workshops for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
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August 25 – September 2, 2023
11. Chocolate Fest
If you are a chocolate connoisseur, attending St. Stephen’s Chocolate Fest is a definite ‘must’ for you. It is a fun week in ‘Canada’s Chocolate Town’ celebrating all things chocolate, including chocolate-themed meals, children’s events like candy treasure hunts, live music, and the featured event – ‘Chocolate Town Discovery’. You can also take selfies with the festival’s Mascot ‘Chocolate Mousse’ and his wife, Tiffany.
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August 7 – 10, 2023
12. Larlee Creek Hullabaloo
The Larlee Creek Hullabaloo is also known as “The Little Festival That Could” because it brings together some of the best Atlantic Canadian musical talents to create a weekend of musical bliss. This not-for-profit outdoor music festival that is held annually each August is known for its genre-rich lineup and the down-home hospitality of the Kilburn people.
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August 9-13, 2023
13. Napan Agricultural Show
The Napan Agricultural show promotes community living, volunteerism, and local agriculture. 2023 is the 31st annual show and this year includes bouncy castles, kid’s events, breakfasts, Washer Toss and Horseshoe Tournaments, competitions, and so much more for the everyone to enjoy.
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August 10 – 13, 2023
14. Festival Acadie Rock
Get ready to explore Acadian culture and make new friends at the annual Festival Acadie Rock. You are sure to enjoy this week of performing arts, visual art shows, food, and live music shows just about every night of the festival.
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August 11 – 19, 2023
15. Festival on the Bend
Gather your family and friends and head over to Nackawic to celebrate the community during the Festival on the Bend. There is going to be a soapbox derby, parade, fireworks, food, street vendors, a country show and much more during the festival that people of all ages will enjoy.
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August 15-19, 2023
16. Edmundston Street Food
To the delight of fans of street food, the food trucks are back this year in Edmundston. It will be possible to take advantage of it on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at the Place de l’hôtel de ville.
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Until mid-October
17. Atlantic Dance Festival
The Atlantic Dance Festival (adFda) takes place from August 12 to 22 in the Greater Moncton Area. The 16th edition will take place mostly outdoors and will feature performances, films, and workshops.
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August 10 – 15, 2023
18. Lac Baker Chamber Music Festival
The Lac Baker Chamber Music Festival is a week-long summer event dedicated to the creation and presentation of chamber music concerts in northwestern New Brunswick.
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August 4 – 6, 2023
19. Sortie Brachee
La Sortie Branchée en Acadie is a three-day family festival organized to celebrate National Acadian Day in the Northwest region of New Brunswick. It highlights a wide variety of artistic disciplines and relies on the active participation of young people and everyone in the family.
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August 11 – 14, 2023
20. Sackville Street Chalk Art Festival
Unique in Atlantic Canada, this two-day event will include several artists creating artworks directly in various locations throughout downtown Sackville. Alongside the artists, there will be a Free-For-All area, art workshops, and large-scale chalk activities to enjoy.
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August 25 & 26, 2023
21. Fête de l’Acadie à Shediac
Enjoy the many activities and celebrations during the Acadian Day.
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August 15, 2023
22. Saint John Exhibition
For 130 years, the Saint John Exhibition has been entertaining whole families. The admission is free and there are a many things for families to do and see at the exhibition, including the President’s Choice Super Dogs and the cutest zoo animals you will ever meet.
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August 29 – September 2, 2023
23. Moonlight Bazaar
Returning to earth, landing in uptown Saint John, shop under the stars at the Moonlight Bazaar. From pop-up shops to shows, there is something for everyone.
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August 26, 2023
24. Heritage Field Day 2023
Join the Tantramar Heritage Trust for the annual Heritage Field Day on August 13th at the Campbell Carriage Factory Museum in Sackville. Enjoy exhibits, a BBQ, Field Day Dancing, Blacksmithing demos, and more!
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August 13, 2023
25. Movies in the Park
Enjoy free movies in the park.
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August 10 & 24, 2023
26. Shediac Market
Famous for its festive and unique ambience, the Shediac Market is located at the center of the amazing Pascal-Poirier Park. Come discover a great selection of local products like ready-to-eat dishes, international flavours, arts and crafts. Each year, around 100 exhibitors from all over the region invite you to discover the local treasures.
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Until mid-September
27. Canadian Tire Cycling Challenge
Chalenge your friends or just syourself to a cycling challenge. Annually, the Tracadie cycling club organizes a cycling challenge in the regional municipality. There will be a choice of three routes, ie 25/50/100 km.
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August 12, 2023
28. Dorchester Sandpiper Festival
Dorchester’s biggest weekend of the year is back with the long-awaited Sandpiper Festival! Experience the beauty of shorebirds, enjoy live music, and participate in various activities, including a 10K run. This community event in Tantramar will also feature kids’ activities, lawnmower and canoe racing, a Fibre Art Fair, and a whole lot more!
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August 11 – 13, 2023
29. Stanton Friedman Weekend
Come join us on August 26 & 27 to celebrate Stanton Friedman Day for a jam-packed weekend filled with fun family activities, including face painting, music, games, prizes, and more!
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August 26 & 27, 2023
30. Campobello Fogfest
Join us for this free, five-day celebration of music and art on the picturesque Campobello Island.
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August 2-6 2023
31. Saint John Pride
Break out your Pride Flag as Saint John Pride Week is back this year.
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August 8 – 13, 2023
32. Festival Royal 2023
The Festival Royal is a two-day musical event filled with festivities showcasing local artists alongside talents from New Brunswick and Quebec. Attendees can enjoy electronic music shows, rock performances, and more in a lively and colorful outdoor setting.
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August 4 – 5, 2023
33. The Taste of the Tantramar
The Taste of the Tantramar is a 5-course small plate event paired with New Brunswick spirits and beer. All the curated small plates will be from local Sackville chefs and restaurants, with primarily locally sourced ingredients.
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August 18, 2023
34. Pays de la Sagouine
Experience the ultimate Acadian adventure at Pays de la Sagouine! Stroll on Île-aux-Puces, enjoy shows, music, and theater, savor delicious fricot, and indulge in sweet treats. Join the celebration with dinner shows and terrace evenings!
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June 25 to September 3, 2023
35. Life at the Lakes Festival
Over the three-day weekend, the Village of Cambridge-Narrows and surrounding areas are home to over 15 venues offering a variety of activities. Watch artisans at work, buy crafts, go on a guided nature walk, admire the quilts of the Akerley Area Quilt Guild, take in the car show, attend history & astronomy talks, enjoy musical entertainment, visit an art gallery, participate in a triathlon or cheer on the participants, and so much more!
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August 11 – 13, 2023
36. Tour the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Factory
Covered Bridge Potato Chips are a Maritime favorite snack that comes in over 30 flavours. Witness how Russet potatoes turn into a tasty treat, and learn about the history of New Brunswick agriculture. The gift shop offers more than 30 flavors of chips for you to take home.
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37. Woodstock Old Home Week
The Woodstock Old Home Week has been a Carleton County tradition. This year’s celebration is jam-packed with plenty of exciting and fun events for people of all ages. There are dairy shows, a petting zoo, Truck & Tractor Pull, Lawnmower Racing and agricultural exhibits that celebrate the region’s proud farming heritage. The week ends with a demolition derby and fireworks.
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July 29 – August 5, 2023
38. Watch Movies Under the Stars at Sussex Drive-in
Watch a movie under the stars at the only Drive-in Theater in Southern New Brunswick. The Sussex Drive-in is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from late May to September. You should be sure to look out for the Triple Bills that take place on long weekends, especially if you are looking to get the best deals.
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39. Hike Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park has to be first on our list and for no other reason than its spectacular hiking! Fundy National Park is home to over 25 waterfalls and more than 60 kilometres of different trails, from easy strolls to grueling climbs, Fundy National Park has something for everyone.
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40. Sleep Under the Stars at Kouchibouguac National Park
Stretching along the Acadian Coast, New Brunswick’s dark sky ocean paradise protects golden sand dunes. Kouchibouguac National Park is best place to see the night sky as light restricted area. Pick from two campsites or rough it in the back county.
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41. Akadi Lumina
Explore Akadi Lumina in Bouctouche —an enchanted night walk into Acadian culture. Experience vibrant colors, light, music, and stories of the resilient and joyful Acadian people. Don’t miss this touching journey!
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August 3 – October 14, 2023
42. Go for a swim at Parlee Beach
Parlee Beach is always a popular destination for a New Brunswick summer. Whether it’s the concerts on the beach or the fact that Parlee Beach finds itself situated against a backdrop of RV parking, this ever-busy beach isn’t for those seeking solitude. But if you’re looking for a great place to swim, sunbathe and eat delicious ice cream, then Parlee Beach is the beach for you.
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43. Theresa Malenfant at Parlee Beach
Join us for a live performance by Theresa Malenfant at Euston Park Social, Parlee Beach. Experience the mesmerizing ocean sunset while enjoying the soulful tunes of New Brunswick’s Queen of Blues.
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August 12, 2023
44. New Brunswick Wood Carving Competition and Sale
Every year on the second weekend of August, the town of Saint Andrews hosts the Atlantic Provinces’ largest wood carving show. Carvers from Eastern Canada and the United States bring around 250 carvings to the competition and items for sale.
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August 11 – 13, 2023
45. The Bootleggers Ball
Get ready for a lively hoedown at the Sackville Music Barn featuring the best country music from New Brunswick and a special guest from Newfoundland.
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August 19, 2023
46. Go Picnicking on the Ocean Floor
The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world, which means you can walk and even picnic on the ocean floor. There are three beaches where the tides hide and uncover the ocean floor. Check the tide times to see when you can explore the ocean floors safely.
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47. YQM Country Fest
Held at Musiquart Site in Dieppe, the YQM Country Fest features superstar headliners Morgan Wallen, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and more.
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August 24 – 26, 2023
48. Pick Your Own Berries and View Sunflowers at Trueman Berry Farms
August is the time to go berry picking in New Brunswick. Trueman Berry Farms offers both raspberry and blueberry u-picks. The newest activity on the farm is the sunflower maze, which has more than 250,000 sunflowers that will brighten up your day.
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49. Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market
Recognized as one of the top community markets in Canada, the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market is a Saturday staple. There are over 250 vendors at this weekly farmer’s market, which makes it the perfect place to discover local and seasonal products, delicious food, quirky hand-made gifts, New Brunswick wines, artisan chocolates and so much more.
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50. Kingswood Entertainment Centre
Atlantic Canada’s Largest Family Entertainment Centre, the Kingswood Entertainment Centre is a great place to spend time with the family indoors on a rainy day. The indoor play-zone features a 45-foot long inflatable obstacle course, a balloon room, bowling, Lazer tag, and much more.
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More to Do: