St. John's 
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!
Photo Credit: Downtown St. John’s
If you haven’t already started making plans for August, you should check out the 50 ideas listed below.
Canada Strong Pass
Enjoy free admission to Parks Canada sites and free admission for children aged 17 and under, 50% off admission fees for youth aged 18 to 24 to provincial museums until September 7, 2026.
- Parks Canada National Parks and Historic Sites
- The Rooms (St. John’s)
- Provincial Seamen’s Museum (Grand Bank)
- Demasduit Regional Museum (Grand Falls-Windsor)
- Labrador Interpretation Centre (North West River)
- Colonial Building (St. John’s)
- Point Amour Lighthouse (L’Anse Amour)
- Newman Wine Vaults (St. John’s)
- Cupids Cove Plantation (Cupids)
- Heart’s Content Cable Station (Heart’s Content)
- Trinity Sites (Trinity Interpretation Centre, Hiscock House, Mercantile Premises) (Trinity)
- Beothuk Interpretation Centre (Boyd’s Cove)
- Cape Bonavista Lighthouse (Bonavista)
- Mockbeggar Plantation (Bonavista)
Ramea Rock Island Music Festival
The Rock Island Music Festival is an annual fundraiser for the local fire department. Come experience a fun-filled weekend of local Newfoundland music and a carnival-type atmosphere.
Details
August 7 – 9, 2026
Annual Cape Race Heritage Days
Celebrate Portugal Cove South’s culture and heritage at the kitchen parties with local entertainment, dances, family fun days, and bonfires. The Annual Cape Race Heritage Days have so many activities for people to do and many displays that they can watch.
Details
August 7 – 9, 2026
Dark Sky Festival
The Terra Nova National Park Dark Sky Festival celebrates astronomy, nature, and the magic of the night sky at Newman Sound. With special guests from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities, guided celestial viewing, and breathtaking stargazing in Newfoundland and Labrador’s first designated Dark Sky Preserve.
Details
August 13 – 16, 2026
Rockin’ Da Garden
Join The Masterless Men and The Reilley Meadus band + more at Paddy’s Garden to end the summer of 2026.
Details
August 22, 2026
IronFest
IronFest
Taking place in Labrador City, Ironfest is the city’s biggest outdoor concert. The 2026 performers include Dean Brody, Finger Eleven, and Derina Harvey Band.
Details
August 8 – 9, 2026
HOLD FAST 2026
HOLD FAST Festival celebrates contemporary performance, interdisciplinary art, and community engagement in St. John’s, NL.
Details
August 12-15, 2026
Winterset in Summer Literary Festival
Meet great filmmakers, songwriters, and authors from across Newfoundland and Canada at the Winterset in Summer Literary Festival. This is the festival’s 24th annual celebration and features famous writers, musical performances, cooking authors, past winners, new finalists, emerging writers, and much more.
Details
August 6 – 9, 2026
Shakespeare by the Sea
Shakespeare by the Sea; Credit: Alick Tsui
This is the longest-running outdoor summer theatre event in the St. John’s area. This year, Shakespeare by the Sea celebrates its 32nd anniversary and will present two productions with their own unique takes – Henry IV – Part One and The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Details
July 12 – August 8, 2026
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, a Demolition Derby, and much more. It is the perfect place to spend time with friends and family.
Details
July 30 – August 3, 2026
Norman’s Cove – Long Cove Beach Festival
Norman’s Cove – Long Cove Beach Festival
Spend the weekend on the beach at the Norman’s Cove – Long Cove Beach Festival. The festival features a fishing derby, a cornhole tournamnet, local entertainment, games, parades, tournaments, dances, fireworks, and much more.
Details
August 7 – 9, 2026
Voices of Placentia Bay Festival
Listen to the unique stories and songs that explore Placentia Bay’s history. From the main stage to exploring the area that inspired the songs, it is a weekend packed with fun. The whole family will enjoy this event. Details
August 1, 2026
Photo Credit: Bakeapple Folk Festival
Bakeapple Folk Festival
For over 40 years, the Bakeapple Folk Festival has been highlighting traditional fun. Events include a dinner by lamplight, family day activities, an adult outdoor dance, a bonfire, fireworks, and much more.
Details
August 8 – 10, 2026
Garnish Bakeapple Festival
From breakfast and dinner to plays, fair and flea market, and scavenger hunt, the Garnish Bakeapple Festival is packed with family fun.
Details
August 3 – 9, 2026
Botwood Flying Boat Festival
Enjoy the multi-day festival, featuring a craft fair, bingo, a pre-teen/teen dance, a soap box derby, Family Day, the Bayside Bash for adults, a religious open-air service, Botwood Day, a daytime community event, and a nighttime boat parade, along with booths offering food and games of chance, music, and an open-air dance at night, culminating in fireworks! Details
July 28 to August 3, 2026
NL Sun Run
Credit: NL Sun Run
Come sign up for the NL Sun Run. This year the course will be at Bowring Park. There will be Chip timed 5K and a post-party at Jack Astor’s after for a free beer.
Details
August 16, 2026
Gulch Days
Gulch Days is a weekend of fun for family and friends! There will be an antique car show, local bands, kids activities, games and other fun activities for everyone to enjoy.
The Gulch Beach Festival is celebrating its 22nd year this summer.
Details
August 1, 2026
Sunday Morning Bird Walks
Take a guided walk on the Gardens’ nature trails with a Friend of the Garden volunteer and learn about Newfoundland birds.
Details
Sundays, August 2, 16, 30, 2026
Bay Roberts Klondyke Days
Experience the joy of Klondyke Days, a festive celebration starting with the vibrant Klondyke Parade and concluding with Bay Roberts Day, featuring a wide range of family-friendly events such as concerts, food festivities, family fun days, and an awe-inspiring fireworks show.
Details
July 22 – August 3, 2026
Digging through Time
With the earliest and best-preserved artifacts of their kind, take a short ferry ride to join a Parks Canada guide to visit the archaeological sites on Saddle Island. Walk around the breathtaking island to hear first-hand experiences of finding some of Red Bay’s most precious artifacts, check out where whale oil was processed, and explore the life and times of Labrador’s 16th-century Basque whalers.
Details
Brimstone Head Folk Festival
Brimstone Head Folk Festival
Brimstone Head Folk Festival is a unique outdoor music festival held in Brimstone Head, considered one of the four corners of the earth by the Flat Earth Society. The festival preserves the local culture through music.
Details
August 14 – 16, 2026
‘Music @’ Concert Series
Enjoy musical concerts at Harbourside Park every Friday at 12:30 pm. The series features a wide variety of musical genres.
Details
July 3 through September 18, 2026
Southern Shore Dinner Theatre
Experience a traditional Newfoundland time on Ferryland’s historic waterfront premises. The program includes traditional music, live theatre, and a meal while experiencing Newfoundland hospitality at its finest.
Details
Until September 4, 2026
‘Wicked on Da Wharf’ Grand Bank Summer Festival
Wicked on Da Wharf Grand Bank Summer Festival is a waterfront celebration featuring dory races, fireworks, Newfoundland dinners, local music, breakfasts, giant bingo, sports events, and community activities. The festival wraps up with a grand finale street dance on Grand Bank Day.
Details
July 26 – August 1, 2026
Dildo Cove Vendor Market
Every weekend in Dildo, the S.U.F. Lodge is packed with local vendors. You can find local art, crafts, jewelry, produce, eats, and more at this popular market.
Details
Saturday & Sunday, Until September 2026
Quilt Show
Mingle among local quilters and their quilts during the Annual Quilt Show and Dessert Tea. Quilts will be displayed throughout the magnificent Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church.
Details
August 23, 2026
Twillingate-New World Island Dinner Theatre
Enjoy a show at one of Newfoundland’s most popular dinner theatres. The theatre entertains more than 10,000 visitors a year, providing scrumptious meals and great local music and skits to patrons from all over the world.
Details
Mondays through to Saturdays until September 19, 2026
Rising Tide Theatre – Seasons in the Bight Theatre Festival
More than 40 of Newfoundland’s most talented artists come together. Since 1978, the Rising Tide Theatre has hosted award-winning plays that reflect Newfoundland’s history and culture.
Details
May – September 2026
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Downtown Busker Festival
Downtown St. John’s is full of performances during the Downtown Busker Festival. Local, Canadian, and International buskers entertain audiences of all sizes and ages.
Details
July 31 to August 2, 2026
Carbonear Days 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. Other events include the Accordion Fest, the Raisin Bun Bakeoff Contest, and the Carbonear Day Parade.
Details
August 2026
Fortune Head Geology Centre
Come and explore 4.54 billion years of geologic time at the Centre. They have an extensive collection of rocks and minerals and even 2.3 billion-year-old fossils! Learn about the 1929 Burin Peninsula Tsunami and check out the tsunami simulator!
Details
June-September 2026
Mussel Bed Waterfront Festival
There is endless fun to be had at the Mussel Bed Waterfront Festival. There will be live music, food trucks, carnival games, and more. Don’t miss this fantastic community festival!
Details
August 6 to 10, 2026
Royal St. John’s Regatta
The Royal St. John’s Regatta is North America’s oldest sporting event, dating back to 1816, and is held on Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John’s. Centred around rowing races, the festival draws thousands of spectators and also features shops, confectionery stands, and a lively community atmosphere.
Details
August 5, 2026
Sinners and Spirits Tour 2026
Listen in terror to tales of murder, intrigue, duels to the death, false love, prostitution, torture, and more! Descend into the dark underbelly of St. John’s and explore its sordid past. This tour highlights the murderous history of the capital city and its chilling paranormal legacy.
Details
Sundays & Mondays, July & August 2026
Jigs & Wheels
Enjoy a 10-day celebration filled with unforgettable events and inspiring concerts.
Details
July 24 to August 2, 2026
Brigus Blueberry Festival
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. There is also a parade, a Kitchen Party, live music, brunch, loonie dash, fireworks, and traditional Newfoundland food.
Details
August 6 – 9, 2026
Paradise Summer Jam Series
Enjoy an amazing lineup of local musicians in the Summer Jam Series. Each performance will be held at a different location around Town for everyone to enjoy!
Details
Summer 2026
George Street Festival
The 41st Annual George Street Festival features an incredible lineup of artists, including Josh Ross, Justin Fancy, Alan Doyle, Nick Earle & the Reckless Hearts, The Navigators, Derina Harvey Band, Down with Webster, LØLØ, Crush, Signal Hill, Shanneyganock, Rum Ragged, The Beaches, and The Blue Stones. The festival also includes The Kitchen Party Matinée with Rosemary Lawton, Not Fit, The Bishops, Siochana, and a Screech-In with Terry Gulliver.
Details
July 30 – August 5, 2026
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Shining Seas Summer Festival
Shining Seas Summer Festival features family-friendly fun and entertainment including breakfast, free swim, kids activities, fireworks, fish fry, block parties, and more.
Details
July 28 – August 3, 2026
Neddy Norris Night
Neddy Norris Night is a long-running evening of traditional folk music and storytelling from across Newfoundland and Labrador. With over 25 years of history, the event promises toe-tapping music, heartfelt stories, and a memorable taste of local culture.
Details
July 12 – September 13, 2026
Bay de Verde Festival of Quilts
Come by for an exhibition that showcases quilts and quilting culture. Tour the exhibits in the Churches and Halls on Saturday and Sunday.
Details
August 15 – 16, 2026
Harbour Lights Festival
Join the Annual Harbour Lights Summer Festival in Rocky Harbour, featuring music, food, fireworks, and kids’ activities against stunning sunsets. Enjoy moose burgers, local mussels, and live local music, and get Screeched In! A waterfront weekend you won’t want to miss!
Details
July 30 – August 2, 2026
La Scie Crab Festival
The annual La Scie hosts its Annual Crab Festival offers a week packed with local entertainment, concessions, seafood delights, comedy shows, dances, and gospel nights.
Details
August 3 – 8, 2026
Writers at Woody Point
Celebrate literature and the arts at the annual Writers at Woody Point Literary Festival, featuring a captivating blend of author readings, musical performances, and other artistic events, commencing with two nights of acclaimed musicians and taking place in the picturesque Woody Point Heritage Theatre and various venues nestled in the heart of Gros Morne National Park during the third week of August.
Details
August 18 – 23, 2026
Triton Caplin Cod Festival
Taking place annually in first weekend in August, the festival features activities throughout the week, including variety shows, fireworks displays, food booths, games of chance, and an adult dance.
Details
July 27 to August 1, 2026
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.
Details
2026 TBA; August 3 – 10, 2024
Taste of Gros Morne
Give your taste buds an unforgettable treat when you go on a Taste of Gros Morne food tour. This popular food tour features 3 of Gros Morne’s top restaurants where you will savour the freshest local seafood, smell the fragrant garden-grown herbs, and savour the sweetest handpicked berries during this sumptuous 3-course gourmet meal.
Details
Point Amour Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site
Visit the Point Amour Lighthouse if you want to check out the gorgeous panoramic view from the tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada since it is 33 meters high. The lighthouse is a tribute to the past where it played a significant role in the lives of the people of Southern Labrador. It has also been designated a Provincial Historic Site.
Details
Stephenville Theatre Festival
STF is the longest-running professional theatre festival in Newfoundland and Labrador. The 48th season lineup ranges from emotionally charged and internationally recognized Broadway odysseys to traditional song and storytelling that will have you howling with laughter for the rest of the summer!
Details
July 17 – August 15, 2026
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G0 Glamping
Relax under the stars without all the hard work by going on glamping or glamorous camping trip. While you are glamping, you may get to stay in yurts. walled tents, small cabins or even your own tent. Here are some places to stay in NL.
Come From Away
Directed by Jillian Keiley, the breathtaking musical written by Tony Award nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the communities in Newfoundland and Labrador that welcomed them on 9/11.
Details
June 28 – September 13, 2026
