St. John's 
Credit: Bonavista Biennale
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. 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 many activities for people to do and many displays that they can watch.
Details
August 6 – 6, 2021
2. Bonavista Biennale
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.
Details
August 14 – September 14, 2021
3. 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.
Details
Until August 28, 2021
4. Royal St. John’s Regatta
Visit 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.
This year due to COVID-19 guidelines, there will be no vendors, concessions or games of chance.
Details
August 4, 2021
5. Passing the Time in Trout River
Passing the Time in Trout River is quite possibly the most enjoyable and comfortable Kitchen Party on ‘the Rock’. 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.
Details
Every Tuesday Evening
6. Ramea Rock Island Music Festival
Spend a fun-filled weekend at the Ramea Rock Island Music Festival enjoying local Newfoundland music and a carnival. You can also enjoy a game of outdoor bingo, go to dances and watch fireworks during the festival.
Details
August 13 – 15, 2021
7. Tuckamore Festival
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.
Details
August 9 -22, 2021
8. 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 20th year and features Margaret Atwood, Linden MacIntyre, musical performances, cooking authors, past winners, new finalists, emerging writers, and much more.
Details
August 13 – 15, 2021
Photo Credit: Shakespeare by the Sea
9. 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 local Newfoundland culture. The company will be performing The Comedy of Errors, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Tunes and Tales with Kelly Russell.
Details
Until August 7, 2021
10. 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.
Details
July 29 to August 2, 2021
11. 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.
Details
August 13 – 14, 2021
12. 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 weekend event.
Details
August 6 – 8, 2021
Photo Credit: Bakeapple Folk Festival
13. Bakeapple Folk Festival
For over 40 years, the Bakeapple Folk Festival has been highlighting traditional fun. Events include an old fashion schoolhouse, a bakeapple breakfast, traditional square and much more.
Details
August 12 – 15, 2021
14. Garnish Bakeapple Festival
From daily breakfast and church suppers to concerts and a golf tournament, the Garnish Bakeapple Festival is packed with family fun.
Details
August 7 – 15, 2021
15. Perseid Meteor Shower
Perseids will peak between midnight and dawn on the morning of August 11 to 13. Visit Gros Morne Provincial Park and enjoy the shower with no light pollution.
Details
August 13 – 15, 2021
16. Cape St. George & Mainland Folk Festival
The second weekend of August in Cape St. George is packed with bilingual fork fun. Hear traditional music, and dance along. Kids will love the games and souvenirs.
Details
August 13 – 15, 2021
17. Winterset in Summer Literary Festival
Back for it’s 20th year, Winterset in Summer Literary Festival celebrates authors, song writers and film makers from across Newfoundland and Canada. This year’s festival is digital, so you can check out all the events online from the comfort of your own home.
Details
August 12 – 15, 2021
18. Cupids Cupers Cove Soiree
Pointe Beach becomes a festival ground during the Cupers Cove Soiree. The weekend is packed with dances, carnival rides, local food, a Mr. & Mrs. Soiree Pageant, fireworks and so much more.
Details
August 19 – 21, 2021
19. Hold Fast Contemporary Art Festival
Hold Fast is Newfoundland’s only festival dedicated to contemporary art. Most events are free and open to all. Events include art installations, screenings, artist talks, workshops and dances.
Details
August 25 – 28, 2021
20. Lawnya Vawnya Music Festival
Lawnya Vawnya is a multi-day festival that focuses on presenting some of the most innovative, independent music and art from St. John’s and across the country. 2021 is the 11th season and will feature over 30 artists.
Details
August 25 – 28, 2021
21. Bites of Basque History
Experience the culture of Labrador’s 16th century Basque whalers with this program. Take a short ferry ride to Saddle Island and explore Red Bay’s history through stories of whaling and Basque culture. Taste a selection of authentic Basque pintxos that are popular in this area.
Details
Until August 31, 2021
22. Soirees & Times – A Woody Island Time
Take a 40-minute cruise to the resettled island in Placentia Bay. The package includes ocean view lodge accommodations, traditional Newfoundland home cooked meals, boat tours, Newfoundland kitchen party, and a beach picnic.
Details
Until August 31, 2021
23. ‘Music @’ Concert Series
In person concerts are back at Harbourside park. The concerts are every Friday at 12:30 pm and features a wide variety of music.
Details
Until August 28, 2021
24. Southern Shore Dinner Theatre
Experience a traditional Newfoundland time on Ferryland’s historic waterfront premises. The entertainment opens with a musical pre-show and featuring a side- splitting play portraying our unique culture. The program includes traditional music, live theatre, and a meal while experiencing Newfoundland hospitality at it’s finest.
Details
Until September 10, 2021
25. Dildo Cove Vendor Market
Every weekend in the town of 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.
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Until September 5, 2021
26. Bowring Park Amphitheatre
Bowring Park Amphitheatre features children’s concerts, Shakespearean plays, cultural events, concerts, youth theatre, and magic shows all summer long.
Details
Until October 1, 2021
27. 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
Until September 18, 2021
28. 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
Until September 18, 2021
Photo Credit: Trinity Historical Walking Tours
29. Trinity Historical Walking Tours
Experience the 500-year story of Trinity and its peoples; the Beothuks, the French, the Irish, and the English and their contributions to the area’s colourful history. The presentation, historic photos, and audio recordings tell the serious and humorous stories about social life, crimes, punishments, unusual deaths, shipwrecks, and disasters of these unique peoples.
Details
Until October 2, 2021
30. 618 Sessions At The Gate
Built in 1868, the former church gives artists a unique experience – performing in a historic structure with state-of-the-art digital and world-class natural acoustics for a superior sonic experience. There are both online and in-person shows for all to enjoy.
Details
Until October 4, 2021
31. Cape St. Mary’s Performance Series
Experience music, storytelling, reading, sounds, and visual arts at the Interpretation Centre in Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery in the daytime and head to the Interpretation Centre evening performances by the Province’s most prominent artists representing all genres in the arts.
Details
Until October 23, 2021
32. Al’s Walking Tour of Tilting and Oliver’s Cove
Take a stroll along natural foot paths on Fogo Island through the historical community of Tilting with local storyteller Al Dwyer. Hear the stories of local landmarks like the Devils Chair and the ancient graveyard shrouder in mystery. Along the way, you can hear a song or two.
Details
Until October 31, 2021
33. Garrick Summer Series
This summer the Garrick theatre line up is packed with some of Newfoundland’s and Canada’s finest musicians, live on stage. Along with music, the line up includes comedy, theatre shows, and films. The theatre offers something for everyone.
Details
Until October 31, 2021
Photo Credit: St. John’s Haunted Hike
34. The St. John’s Haunted Hike
After resting in the crypt since 2019, the St. John’s Haunted Hike has been resurrected for a better than ever season in 2021. Hear the dark stories of public hangings, duels, horrific murders, forgotten cemeteries, and vengeful lovers.
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35. Guided Tour of an Ancient Carboniferous Fossil Bed
305 million years ago a tropical forest of ancient trees grew up to 50 meters in height near what it now Blanche Brook. One of the first species to inhabit the Earth and now long extinct, these trees have turned to stone. Hike the short 250 meter Fossil Foot Path and the story of these rare specimens and their role in the evolution of trees.
Details
36. Back to the 90’s Beach Party
Travel back to the 90’s as The Singles perform their high energy Choreographed dance show at Murray’s Beach! Look forward to some of the best club jams performed by Erin Winsor, Miranda Macdonald, Gillian Davis, Peter Vance, Chuck Bucket , and Shawn Butler.
Details
August 6, 2021
37. MUN Botanical Garden Scavenger Hunt
Take part in the first in-person event since 2020 at the MUN Botanical Garden. Explore the spectacular garden to find the plant themed item on the scavenger hunt list and see if you can win a prize.
Details
August 12, 2021
38. 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 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 that live on Newfoundland.
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39. 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.
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40. 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 you are on the tour. Take a tour and learn why Gatherall’s is one of the most popular tour companies in Newfoundland.
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41. Avalon Wilderness Reserve
Explore one of North America’s most southerly, unspoiled barrens. The Avalon Wilderness Reserve offers excellent hiking, camping, photography, and canoeing. Access to the reserve is by unmaintained road, and no off-road vehicles are permitted.
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42. Salmon Cove Sands
Spend a fun day playing and relaxing on the beautiful grey sand beach in a sheltered cove at Conception Bay North. Salmon Cove Sands is a gorgeous heart-shaped beach that is surrounded by high cliffs. There is also a 2km hiking trail and a warm water river nearby that have activities for all ages.
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43. Newfoundland Insectarium
Spend a day at the Newfoundland Insectarium connecting with nature and learning about insects. Take a walk through the gorgeous butterfly gardens and see how the bees do their important work in the beehive. You can get a closer look at the harmless insects by asking the staff to show you the insects up close.
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44. Wright’s Family Farm
If you love picking your own fresh fruit, head to Wright’s Family Farm for a relaxing day on the farm. They have raspberry, strawberry, blueberry and pumpkin u-picks at the farm. Come for some outdoor, fresh air fun and the freshest, local produce around. Their on-farm market has over 30 different varieties of fresh local berries, fruit and vegetables in-season that you can buy if you don’t want to pick your own.
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45. Funland Resort
Pack up the family and get ready to get away from it all and have some real fun. Once your camp is set up, the fun really starts at the Funland Resort. You can make a huge splash in the pool after zipping down the 200-foot waterslide. Kids of all ages will absolutely love the petting zoo.
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46. 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.
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47. 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.
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48. Barbour Living Heritage Village
Have a wonderful staycation and experience a typical day at a working fishing village. Take a guided interpretive tour and meet the locals. Be sure to stop into the Olde Shoppe Restaurant for a great classic meal, and visit the Poop Deck Craft and Gift Shop where you can purchase authentic Newfoundland crafts.
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49. 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.
50. Lighthouse Picnics
Take in the spectacular view along the 25-minute hike from the Colony of Avalon to the Ferryland Lighthouse. Once at the lighthouse, you can pick up your picnic and find a location overlooking the ocean. Details
