Saint John 
Credit: Tourism Fredericton
Celebrate Canada’s 156th birthday with fireworks, fun events and activities. Here is a short list of things to do this Canada Day long weekend in and around Fredericton.
I. Official Canada Day Celebrations
Fredericton Canada Day 2023
Come out and celebrate Canada Day in Downtown Fredericton with a full day of music and family-themed activities on Saturday, July 1st. The day’s festivities will be capped off with it’s largest-ever fireworks display, staged from the Westmorland Street Bridge.
Riley Taylor, Burton’s own rising star with several hits across Canadian Country Music charts, is the headline performer along with a Francophone performance, a Multicultural showcase hosted by the Multicultural Association of Fredericton, and other entertainment, including Frantically Atlantic, Scotty and the Stars and the Calithumpians.
In addition to live entertainment, there will be activities for the whole family. Free bouncy castles for the kids, a Canada Day Trivia challenge, face painters, magicians, and more. A variety of food vendors will also be on site. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 12 PM – 10:45 PM
Fireworks | 10:30 PM
Barracks Square and Carleton Street
Free
II. Things to do on Canada Day
Oromocto Pioneer Days Festival
Join us at the Sir Douglas Hazen Park Green as we celebrate Canada Day 202. Lots of family fun, including Midway Rides, Entertainment on the green, Food and other vendors, Kids’ Day, Canada Day Parade, and Canada Day fireworks! Details
June 28 – July 2, 2023
Canada Day Parade | July 1 | 11:00 AM
The Town Cats | July 1 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Theresa Malenfant and the Instigators | July 1 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Sheldon Gordon and the Tone Kings | July 1 | 8:00 PM
Fireworks | July 1 | Dusk
Onondaga Street, Oromocto
Parade will start at the coprner of Huron/MacKenzie & end on Duplenne (by the Oromocto Mall)
Minto Coal Mining Festival
The Minto Coal Mining festival is a community celebration of the coal mining heritage in the region. From the end of June going to July there is a wealth of activities, including music, food, a parade, youth talent showcase, dances, kids’ games, face painting, bouncy castles, fireworks, card tournaments, look-alike contest, a pet parade, an ironman/maiden competition, a gospel show, a country show and more events. Details
June 29 – July 3, 2023
Fireworks | July 1 | Dusk
Various Locations, Minto
Free and ticketed events
Fredericton Canada Day Party
Get Ready for the BIGGEST Canada Day Party to hit FREDERICTON! Dress in White or Red to celebrate Canada Day with hundreds of party-goers! 19+. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 10:00 PM – 2:30 AM
The Twenty/20 Club, 403 Regent Street, Fredericton
$13.54 – $25.57
III. Things to do During Canada Day Weekend
Much Ado About Nothing
In Much Ado About Nothing, a group of soldiers return from war and are welcomed by the family of a wealthy governor. Romantic misunderstandings ensue, with plenty of humour, music, and unexpected betrayal along the way. Featuring two very different love stories and a proto-feminist heroine, this comedy is light-hearted on the surface but contains hidden depths.
Directed by Tilly Jackson, this production will be set in 1920s Europe, full of glittering wit and glamour, and featuring the natural beauty of Odell Park. Details
June 23, 28 – 29 & July 1, 5 -6, 8, 2023 | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Odell Park, Waggoners Lane, Fredericton
$0 – $30
Coriolanus
After the war hero and general Coriolanus is thrust uneasily into the role of politician, he is suspected by democrats of harbouring authoritarian tendencies and exiled from Rome. Enraged, he decides to join forces with Rome’s enemies and brings the city to its knees. Unfolding like last year’s production of Julius Caesar in an immersive contemporary setting, both on the downtown streets and online, Coriolanus depicts a pitched battle between democrats and authoritarians for control of Rome that ends in revenge and tragedy. Details
June 24 – 25, 27, 30 & July 2, 4, 7, 9, 2023 | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Downtown on the Green, Fredericton
$0 – $30
Guided Heritage Walking Tours
Take a lively walking tour of Fredericton, with a historically-costumed guide leading the way! You will be entertained with local history and folklore on a free walking tour of downtown Fredericton’s historic sites. See the Historic Garrison District, the Old Public Burial Ground, the Provincial Legislative Building, and former homes of some famous Frederictonians. Details
Daily, July 2 – Labour Day | 10:00 AM & 2:30 PM
Daily, June 13 – July 1, and September 5 – October 9 | 4:00 PM
Fredericton City Hall, 397 Queen Street, Fredericton
Free
Haunted Hikes
An after dark tour through the haunted neighbourhood of old Fredericton.
Meet the ghosts of historic figures from Fredericton’s past on a lantern lit tour featuring spine-tingling frights and funnybone-tickling gags. Fun for the whole family as you meet several phantom thespians along the trail. Details
Monday to Saturday | Recommended arrival time 8:45 PM
703 Queen Street – Next to the statues
$10 – $15
Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre
Humorous and historical fare is presented daily in the Historic Garrison District during the summer! Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre has been presenting free theatre performances by the Calithumpians for over thirty years.
Four shows are rotated in repertory through the summer season on a variety of relevant themes. The enthusiastic troupe is a mainstay of Fredericton’s summer season. Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and a picnic lunch, and enjoy family entertainment. Details
Monday to Saturday | Schedule TBA)
Cathedral Green, 150 Church Street
Free
Gagetown Farmers Market
The Gagetown Farmers Market is a mix of local artisans, crafts people, local farmers and food vendors. Stop by to get your weekly, in-season produce, and many other essentials. While you visit, grab a coffee and some lunch and have a picnic along the waterfront. There is something for everyone. Details
Sundays | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Gagetown Farmers Market, 30 Front Street, Gagetown
Free
Northside Creators Market
The Northside Creators Market is a local market focused on locally made goods and produce showcasing our North Side Community in Fredericton New Brunswick. Details
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Northside Creators Market, 170 Main Street, Fredericton
Free
Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market
Visit one of the best Farmers’ Markets in Canada. Details
Saturdays | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Fredericton Farmers Market, 665 George Street, Fredericton
Free
Fiddle Faire & Merry Music
Music truly makes the already wonderful Village truly come alive. Join us as Kings Landing’s theatre group and guest musicians entertain villagers and guests alike. You might even get to join in a country barn dance! Details
July 1 – 2, 2023 | 10 AM – 5 PM
5804 Route 102, 5804 Route 102, Prince William
Regular Admission $16 – $24; Children up to 5 Free
Sunrise Paddle
GTFO Adventure Club’s paddle guides will show you the side of the Wolastoq you’ve been longing to explore. From the gentle morning waves, to the beautiful sunrise over the Keswick Islands, we know this river like the back of our hands. Details
Sunday, July 2, 2023 | 6:30 AM – 8:15 AM
Second Nature Outdoors, 63 Brunswick Street, Fredericton
$17.31 –
Food Market at the Ex
This is a “grab and go” food market that offers a wide variety of international flavours and features vendors from Greek, Syrian, Jamaican, Korean, and Mexican. Details
Friday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Capital Exhibit Centre, 361 Smythe Street, Fredericton
Free
IV. More Things to Do
Visit the Fredericton Botanic Garden
Located on the west end of Odell Park is the Fredericton Botanic Garden. Enjoy displays of flowers and plants, stroll along the Woodland Fern Trail, relax at the Memorial Grove or walk the interpretive trails here. Details
Daily | Dawn to Dusk
Fredericton Botanic Garden, 694 Prospect Street, Fredericton
Free
Enjoy a Boat Tour
Wolastoq Boat Tour offers private and public tours along the St. John River. Enjoy spectacular views of the Christ Church Cathedral, the Legislative Building, and other iconic buildings along the shoreline. Details
Regent Street Wharf, Fredericton
Call 506-471-8680 to book
Play, Discover and Learn
Science East is much more than just a science centre – we are the most active public science and technology educational organization in New Brunswick. Science East also has more than 150 hands-on science exhibits, as well as Atlantic Canada’s only outdoor science playground – featuring a climbing wall, human gyroscope, and more! Details
Tuesday – Friday | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Science East Science Centre, 668 Brunswick Street, Fredericton
Regular admission: $6.50 – $10, Children under 3 Free
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Take a Selfie with an artwork
Fredericton is home ot many artworks. Many of the installations are found along the Fredericton riverfront trail system, the International Sculpture Trail, and additional iconic pieces in the Fredericton Capital Region. You can also tour public art in Fredericton with this digital map. Details
Hartt Island Water Park
Hartt Island Water Park is a great place for fun with camping, water slides, swimming pools, and mini-golf. Details
Waterpark Hours: Daily | 10 AM – 9 PM
Hartt Island Water Park, 2475 Woodstock Road, Fredericton
Water Park: $20/person; Toddlers 90 cm (36 “) and under are Free when accompanied by a parent
Camp Out
Pack up your sleeping bag and tent and get ready for an exciting adventure in your own backyard, or you can go explore somewhere new without going too far from home.
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- 15 of the Best Parks to Go Camping in New Brunswick
- Places to Go Comfort Camping & Glamping in New Brunswick
- Go Glamping at This Luxurious Glamp Camp in New Brunswick
Make the most of the Season
Cool off the summer heat and play in the water. Wilmot Park Splash Pad and Garrison Skatepark are open. Details
Nashwaak Tubing and Kayak Rentals provides tubes and kayak for rent to those interested in an outdoor adventure. Call 506-457-2300 to book. Details
Go on a Taproom Trail
Explore Fredericton’s Taprooms via the Taproom Trail. Try the brews at 10 participating taprooms using the trail guide. Details
Hike the Mactaquac Provincial Park
Located half an hour outside Fredericton, the park has many enjoyable and easy hiking trails some of which pass through marshland and forest regions. This is also a great place to camp with over 300 campsites to choose from. Details
Mactaquac Provincial Park, 1265 Route 105, Mactaquac
Regular admission
Ride the Fredericton Trail System
The Fredericton Trail System is a 120 km trail network that offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the city. Details
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Chase Waterfalls
What can compare to the beauty of seeing beautiful falling waters? Plan a trip to see some of these beauties around Fredericton. Details
Explore Odell Park
This 333-acre park is one of Fredericton’s most popular parksaand features 16 km of multi-use trails. The park also has a waterfowl pond, disc golf course as well as the Odell Arboretum. Details
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Visit Attractions
Indoor Attractions in Fredericton
- HaliMac Axe Throwing, 83 Cityview Avenue
- Unplugged Games Cafe, 418 Queen Street
- Capital City Paintball, 16 Dorcas Street
- Fredericton Bouldering Co-op, 3-528 Smythe St
- iSpy Escape Games, 880 Hanwell Road Unit 207
- Kingswood Entertainment Centre, 31 Kingswood Way
Plan a Staycation
A vacation doesn’t have to include hours of travelling or even leaving New Brunswick. Get out and explore your own backyard, and see what this beautiful province has to offer.
- 10 Roadside Attractions For a Road Trip in New Brunswick
- 50 Bucket List Ideas For a Summer Trip to New Brunswick
Re: Decorating contest.
1) Where does one register one’s house? I doubt you will randomly come across my home.
2) Can a time be specified. Though I am still decorating there doesn’t seem to be much going on unless you can see through the front windows against the glare from the sun, otherwise the real show starts after sunset as I have 4 projection units working on 2 stories and various light effects (best bet after 9:45 pm.)
3) After waiting for almost a month for the announcement for the “contest”, it is kind of silly to say it is now a “Competition – North vs South”. Great way to divide a city while bringing spirits down. It has kinda fallen a bit flat.