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Newfoundland & Labrador is a beautiful province with no shortage of fun things to do during the summer, especially in August. Along with hiking and camping at the national and provincial parks and campgrounds, there are so many festivals, parties and dinners that you can go to, tours to take, and places to visit in Newfoundland that it’s so hard to decide where to start!
If you haven’t already started making plans for August, you should definitely check out the 50 ideas listed below.
1. Night Sky Celebrations
Learn about the stars and how to use sky viewing equipment at the 4th annual Night Sky Celebration at Terra Nova National Park. You can also stay at the park at one of the campgrounds, so you can enjoy more time under the stars. – August 23 – 24, 2019 at Terra Nova National Park
2. Annual Cape Race Heritage Days
Celebrate Portugal Cove South’s culture and heritage at the kitchen parties with local entertainment, dances, family fun day, and bonfires. The Annual Cape Race Heritage Days have so much for people to do and many displays that they can watch. August 2 to 4, 2019
3. Fogo Island Race
On August 24th, get ready to race! There will be a 10 km race, 21.1 km half marathon as well as the 42.2 km full marathon. Have you started your training yet?
4. Botwood Day
Botwood Day is full of parades including a truck, car, float, bicycle and even a boat parade. There will be booths along the streets offering food, games, and lots of fun for everyone. The day ends with fireworks and an open-air dance. August 5, 2019
5. Brigus Blueberry Festival
Just 50 minutes outside of St. John, you can enjoy a traditional Newfoundland folk festival. Brigus Blueberry Festival celebrates all things blueberry, so there is, of course, a pie eating contest, and a Missed Blueberry Pageant. There also a parade, a Newfie Night, outdoor dances, fireworks, and traditional Newfoundland food. August 8 – 11, 2019
6. Brimstone Head Folk Festival
Brimstone Head Folk Festival is a unique outdoor music festival that is held in Brimstone Head, which is considered to be one of the four corners of the earth by the Flat Earth Society. The festival preserves the local culture through music. Headliner for 2019 is Greeleys Reel. August 9 to 11, 2019
7. Carbonear Day’s Weekend
Bring the whole family to the Carbonear Day’s Weekend. It is a weekend packed with events including the showcase of the World Cup of Tiddly, which is a unique Carbonear event that you cannot find anywhere else. – August 1 to 5, 2019
8. Bonavista Biennale 2019
See contemporary artworks by Newfoundland and other Canadian artists during this multi-site art festival. The festival is held in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. The visitors are provided with a map to guide visitors from site to site. August 17 to September 15, 2019
9. Cultural Craft Festival
Cultural Craft Festival is a street festival that takes place on the last weekend in August at the Factory Interpretation Centre. There will be over 30 talented craft vendors showcasing their work and skills. There will also be local food and music for everyone to enjoy. August 24 to 25, 2019
10. Downtown Busker Festival
Downtown St. John’s is full performs during the Downtown Busker Festival. Local, Canadian, and International buskers entertain audiences of all sizes and ages. August 9 to 11, 2019
11. Church Street Festival
Celebrated in downtown Bonavista, Church Street Festival is a one of a kind week long food, arts and entertainment festival. Discover a wide variety of stores, entertainment, artisan food and retail vendors from far and wide, showcasing amazing products and services, special festival deals and more. July 29 – Aug 4, 2019
12. Etheridge’s Point Seaside Festival
Newfoundland has a rich musical history, and the Etheridge’s Point Seaside Festival is the perfect place to experience it all. The concerts are held on the ball field on the shoreline. The shows start on Saturday at 2 pm and there is live entertainment until Sunday night closing after the firework display. August 3 to 4, 2019
13. Feller from Fortune International Festival
Watch a variety of musical and theatrical performances at the Feller from Fortune International Festival. Between the shows, make sure to check out the artists and artisans showcase. The showcase includes visual artists, musicians, knitters, crafters, chefs, and dancers. August 9 to 11, 2019
14. Festival of Friends Celebrations
Bring your friends and family to the Festival of Friends Celebration to enjoy local live music. Along with the concerts, there will be activities for children and yummy food for everyone to enjoy. The evening ends with a beautiful display of fireworks. August 15 to 18, 2019
15. George Street Entertainment Festival
George Street Entertainment is celebrating 35 years this year! This festival hosts local, national as well as international artists. City and Colour will be headlining the Monday August 5th show. August 1 – 7, 2019
16. Garrick Summer Series
Join us for a genre-busting line-up of some of the province’s finest musicians, live on the stage. Add live comedy, theatre, literary readings, public lectures, film and more, and there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone at the Garrick. June 1 to October 31, 2019, in Bonavista
17. Garnish Bakeapple Festival
The Garnish Bakeapple Festival is a festival with a full schedule of events that are fun for all ages. There is going to be concerts, fair, dances, bingo, golf tournament, and much more. August 3 to 12, 2019
18. Music in the Sound
Come and celebrate traditional Irish and Newfoundland music at the lovely Terra Nova National Park. Each night of the Music in the Sound, the concert starts at 7 pm and will continue until 10:30 pm. August 16 to 17, 2019 in Terra Nova National Park
19. Mary’s Harbour Crab Festival
Celebrate crabs and fisherman on the south coast of Labrador at the Mary’s Harbour Crab Festival. The festival weekend is full of activities, including concerts, BBQs, and the famous Crab Bake Off. – August 2 to 4, 2019
20. Makkovik Trout Festival
There is fun for all ages at the Makkovik Trout Festival. The cardboard race is a popular activity, along with the family sand sculpture contest. So, spend some time with the family drying off and listening to live music, beach fire, storytelling and more. – August 6 to 10, 2019
21. Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival
Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival is Newfoundland’s premiere folk event. During the festival, there are many activities including concerts, dancing, and storytelling. This event attracts both locals and people from across the world. – August 9 to 11, 2019
22. Passing the Time in Trout River
Passing the Time in Trout River is quite possibly the most enjoyable and comfortable Kitchen Party. For ten weeks, musicians including Shirley Montague & Jeff Anderson , The Legion Showband, John Ryan, The Sharecroppers and many more local musicians and storytellers come together to entertain you and share Newfoundland culture. – July 2 to September 3, 2019
23. Royal St. John’s Regatta
Join up to 50,000 people on the Quidi Vidi Lake shoreline as the Royal St. John’s Regatta rowing race happens. The race has been taking place since 1818, making it North America’s oldest continuing sporting event. It usually takes place in the first Wednesday in August. – August 7, 2019
24. Ramea Rock Island Music Festival
Spend a weekend at the Ramea Rock Island Music Festival enjoying local Newfoundland music and a carnival. You can also enjoy a game of outdoor bingo, dances and fireworks during the festival. – August 7 to 11, 2019
25. What was Needed Most
Performed by Juno award-winning Duo Concertante (Nancy Dahn, violin; Timothy Steeves, piano), fellow Tuckamore Festival faculty member cellist Vernon Regehr, and celebrated playwright Robert Chafe, What Was Needed Most is a unique musical and dramatic piece that celebrates Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in Canada and reflects the voices, hopes, dreams, music, and stories of its communities. – August 2, 2019
26. St. Lawrence Laurentian Days
St. Lawrence is known for its generosity and community spirit, and St. Lawrence Laurentian Days celebrates its friendly culture and people. There are activities for all ages each day, and you can join soccer fans at the Provincial Challenge Cup Soccer Game to cheer on your favorite team. – August 4 to 5, 2019
27. SunSplash – Paddle in Paradise
SunSplash – Paddle in Paradise offers a weekend of family fun. There are games, bouncy castles, food, and much more to entertain your whole family. Make sure to watch the amazing dragon boats race. There is also a community concert and an outdoor movie showing planned during this popular event. – August 11 to 18, 2019
28. Harbour Breton Day
Be a part of Harbour Breton Day. Decorate your boat with lights to take part in the boat parade. Be sure to catch the fireworks following the boat parade. – August 5, 2019
29. Fossils, Food & Fire
Join us on a walk through time, to an age when trilobites dominated the seas. Head down the Manuels River trail to a 500 million year old fossil site where we will look for the remains of the trilobites and other animals that lived in the shallow sea which covered this area half a billion years ago. After your fossil site visit, enjoy a relaxed meal at Coffee Matters followed by a campfire and sing-a-long by the Manuels River. – Thursdays in July & August, 2019
30. Tuckamore Festival: Chamber Music in Newfoundland and Labrador
Tuckamore Festival: Chamber Music in Newfoundland and Labrador features internationally acclaimed artists. There are over 30 events happening during the festival, including lunch-time recitals, workshops, concerts, and many more. – August 5 to 18, 2019
31. Winterset in Summer Literary Festival
Meet great filmmakers, songwriters, and authors from across Newfoundland and Canada at the Winterset in Summer Literary Festival. – August 8 to 11, 2019
32. BirdTheRock Bird &/. Nature Tours
Newfoundland is known for the wildlife that calls the area home, including the variety of seabirds. The BirdTheRock Bird & Nature tours offer a unique customized bird and nature tours that you can take on your own or in a small group. The guides have a deep knowledge of the local culture, history, nature and of course the bird species.
33. Far East Photography Tours
St. John’s is full of iconic locations that are ready for their close up. The Far East Photography Tours will take you around the city, while teaching you how to take professional looking photos. You can also ask Maurice about cameras and gear to improve your photography.
34. Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch
Get a closer look at whales, puffins, and icebergs on the 90 minute Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch tours. The friendly guides narrate the cruise and make sure you know where to look when on the cruise. Take a tour and learn why Gatherall’s is one of the most popular tour company in Newfoundland.
35. Marble Zip Tours
Zip around over the Steady Brook Falls with the Marble Zip Tours. Travel the nine exhilarating zip lines and get your adrenaline pumping as to travel up 300 feet in the air. There is also a high rope challenge course to try your hands at.
36. Isle aux Morts Theatre festival
Isle aux Morts Theatre festival strives to develop theatre that speaks to and of the people of Isle Aux Morts and the west coast of Newfoundland. The festival is a must see and is guaranteed to make you fall in love with the land. – July 11 to August 2, 2019
37. Harbour Lights Festival
Held in the first weekend in August, this summer festival is filled with fun activities for the whole family. There is music, food, kid’s activities, concession stands, as well as fireworks. – August 1 to 4, 2019
38. Shakespeare by the Sea
This is the longest running outdoor summer theatre event in the St. John’s area. This year, Shakespeare by the Sea will present three productions with their own unique takes on the Bard, as well as the Newfoundland culture. The Comedy of Errors, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Tunes and Tales with Kelly Russell. – July 6 to August 10 to 19, 2019
39. Gander’s Festival of Flight
The Gander’s Festival of Flight celebrates over 30 years of community pride. The weekend is packed with musical events, picnics, a traditional Newfoundland breakfast, Demolition Derby, and much more. It is the perfect place to spend time with friends and family. – August 1 to 5, 2019
40. Gander Youth Arts Festival
Gander Youth Arts Festival is the first youth performing arts festival in Newfoundland and has both training and performance opportunities for people who are between 14 and 24. There are also pop-up concerts around Gander for more talent to be displayed. – July 26 to August 23, 2019
41. The Gathering: Fire, Food, and Music
Enjoy great food, and Newfoundland culture at the Gathering: Fire, Food, and Music. The festival is a back to elements experience that is filled with unique and intimate cooking and dining experiences in Newfoundland. – August 23 to 24, 2019
42. Great Labrador Canoe Race
If you need a reason to head to the beach, the Great Labrador Canoe Race is a great one. The race celebrates the rich history of canoe travel in and around Labrador. It also teaches people about the sport and the importance of water safety. – August 17, 2019
43. The Great Viking Feast Experience
Become a Viking by traveling to Leifsburdir and take part in the Great Viking Feast Experience. The fest is all you can eat meal made up of foods that Viking may have enjoyed. Be a part in the Viking court of Law and decide the fate of the Viking and other customers. – May 1 to September 30, 2019
44. Seasons in the Bight Theatre Festival
Enjoy award winning blend of plays that reflect the history and culture of Newfoundland performed by the Province’s most talented artists. Join Rising Tide for an experience that will warm the heart and stir the soul. – June 1 to September 30, 2019
45. Lewisporte Mussel Bed Soiree
Dance all night to classic rock concert and Newfoundland music at the Lewisporte Mussel Bed Soiree. The soiree also has a comedy night, pet show, storytelling, traditional meals, fireworks, and more to make it fun for all ages. Practically Petty will headline the 33rd Mussel Bed Soiree. – August 7 to 12, 2019
46. Lighthouse Dinners – Point Amour Lighthouse
Head to the Point Amour Lighthouse in the evening for dinner, and maybe spot some whales, porpoises, and seabirds before your meal. The Lighthouse Dinners are lantern lit, and the three-course meal made using locally sourced fish, vegetables, and berries. – Fridays, July 12 to August 31, 2019
47. Long Harbour Days 2019
Long Harbour Days festivities include kid’s activities, fireworks, traditional NL Meals, BBQ Canteen Services, a beer tent, and live entertainment. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery on the walking trails, go swimming, and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. – August 2 to 4, 2019
48. Muddy Hole Scuff ‘n Scoff
Take your friends and family out for a full day of outdoor fun, delicious food, and live entertainment. Muddy Hole Scuff ‘n Scott is the beach party of the year. Make sure to stick around on Sunday for the fireworks that end the festival. – August 9 to 11, 2019
49. Norman’s Cove – Long Cove Beach Festival
Spend the weekend on the beach at the Norman’s Cove – Long Cove Beach Festival. The festival starts on Friday night with a wiener roast and fireworks. The rest of the weekend is full of local entertainment, games, dances, and much more. – August 9 to 11, 2019
50. Burin Heritage Weekend
Celebrate heritage weekend with kids activities, live music, heritage dancers and more. This annual events ends with a huge fireworks display. August 1 to 31, 2019
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