Moncton 
Photo Credit: Fredericton Tourism
Located on the St. John River, the capital of New Brunswick comes alive in summer with fun festivals. Whether you want to join celebrations that extol the local culture or go on tipple tours, you will find plenty to do in Fredericton.
Known for its culture and historical district, Fredericton is a great place for those who are looking to head outside and explore the wilderness this summer.
Here are 45 things to do in and around Fredericton this summer, from summer festivals to walking in the woods to ideas for a rainy day!
1. Cultural Expressions Festival – Fredericton
You can take part in Canadian Multiculturalism Day by trying new food, watch a parade, take in dance and music performances, and enjoy many other family activities at the Cultural Expressions Festival. These two exciting days are full of entertainment from across the globe. June 28, 2025
2. Animaritime – Fredericton
You can celebrate all things gaming, anime, and manga with over a thousand fans at Animaritime. Along with bringing fans and vendors together at the Fredericton Convention Centre and Crowne Plaza, there are also discussion panels, workshops, and tournaments at this popular convention. July 4 – 6, 2025
3. Under The Stars Outdoor Movie Series – Fredericton
On Friday night at dusk, Officers’ Square turns into an outdoor movie theatre. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab some snacks, and head to the square to watch new, modern movies. You can enjoy the old classics that are part of the Under the Stars Film Series. July 11 – August 29, 2025
4. Family Art Day – Fredericton
Join host facilitators Ashley Dale and Katie Hamill for a morning of fun collage making in the Community Arts Room at Charlotte Street Arts Centre. Open to everyone, this pay-what-you-wish visual arts program offers the opportunity to get busy with scissors and glue to create a masterpiece.
5. Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre– Fredericton
Daily at the Officers’ Square, humorous and historical shows are hosted all summer long by the Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre. The professional theatre troupe of performers, musicians, and heritage interpreters, also known as the Calithumpians, has put on these shows for over 30 years. They bring dynamic, family-oriented, and educational entertainment to downtown Fredericton by performing four shows that are rotated throughout the summer.
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6. Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market– Fredericton
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.
7. Future Forest Festival – Fredericton
Future Forest is one of New Brunswick’s premiere electronic music and dance festivals. It draws thousands of people from all across the country and North America more broadly to enjoy song, dance, and good company. If you’re looking for an ethereal experience at one of New Brunswick’s EDM festivals, then pay a visit to Future Forest in the outskirts of Fredericton. August 7 – 11, 2025
8. Fredericton Geocaching Trail – Fredericton
Geocaching is the perfect way of exploring the paths less traveled in and around Fredericton. The Fredericton Geocaching Tour is made up of 15 special caches that you can hunt for from 3 specific themes: heritage, nature, and culture. All you need is a GPS (global positioning) unit, a map and a sense of adventure to get started.
9. Guided Heritage Walking Tours– Fredericton
Guided Heritage Walking Tours are lovely tours of Fredericton that you can take part in with a historically-dressed guide leading the way. The tour will take you around downtown Fredericton to popular historic sites. There are two different tours offered daily.
10. Killarney Lake Park– Fredericton
This beautiful freshwater lake and its sandy beach is a local favourite. During the summer months, the beach is supervised. There is also 20km of well-groomed walking trails for you to explore at Killarney Lake Park. The trails at Killarney are easy to navigate and the beach is family and dog-friendly.
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11. Fredericton Disc Golf – Fredericton
Disc golf is very similar to regular golf, but instead of hitting a golf ball into the hall, you throw a disc into a metal basket. There are no fees, you just need a Frisbee and head to the play for a fun game of disc golf. The Odell Disc Golf Course, where many Frederictonians play this fairly young sport, is located on the bottom half of Fredericton’s Odell Park. The 1st tee is located in the Northwest corner of the main parking lot off Waggoners Lane.
12. Garrison Night Market – Fredericton
Come and join us in the Historic Garrison District to experience downtown Fredericton come alive on Thursday nights at the Garrison Night Market! The Garrison Night Market showcases the diversity of Fredericton and the surrounding area featuring local and imported handmade products, art a variety of local artisan, culinary and musical talent. Thursdays, June 26 to September 4, 2025
13. River Jam – Fredericton
River Jam will feature live performances from some of the city’s finest musicians across five stages at The Delta Fredericton. It’s a celebration of Fredericton’s vibrant local music scene, bringing together artists and music lovers for an unforgettable night. July 4 – 5, 2025
14. NotaBle Acts Summer Theatre Festival – Fredericton
The NotaBle Acts Summer Theatre Festival features nightly mainstage performances by acclaimed and emerging dramatists. Enjoy free outdoor street theatre and readings by New Brunswick playwrights. Don’t miss this celebration of dramatic arts and local talent! July 23-August 2, 2025
15. Kings Landing Loyalist Village
One of New Brunswick’s best sites is a recreation of a 19th-century Loyalist village, located just 36km west of Fredericton. You can travel back in time at the Kings Landing Loyalist Village by role-playing in the school, church, store, and houses. Horse-drawn carts will take you around the town and to events and demonstrations.
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16. Acadian Day Celebrations– Fredericton
You should bring the family to explore and celebrate Acadian culture, language, and joie de vivre at the Acadian Day Celebrations. Watch the flag-raising ceremony and the tintamarre (parade). There is also games for the kids and full day of events. August 14 – 16, 2025
17. Stanley Fair – Stanley
The Stanley Fair is the longest-running agricultural fair in Canada, which proves that this family-friendly event has something for everyone. You can get up close to farm animals or watch the woodsmen compete to see who is the best and the fastest. August 14 – 17, 2025
18. Main Street Summer Concert Series- Fredericton
Spend your summer evening enjoying free outdoor concerts have become a wonderful way that feature talented, local musicians. 7 pm every Wednesday from June 25 to August 27, 2025.
19. Life at the Lakes – Cambridge Narrows
Life at the Lakes is an annual arts, culture, and nature festival that has a little bit of everything, including a quilt show, car shows, beer gardens, and much more. This three-day event celebrates the community by offering open visits and activities at various venue sites. There is something for everyone and you are never sure what you are going to find at the festival. August 8 – 10, 2025
20. New Brunswick Highland Games Festival– Fredericton
Celebrate kilts, clans and all things Celtic at the New Brunswick Highland Games Festival, which is held at the Government House grounds. The festival is divided into two important halves – the Scottish Festival and the Highland Games. Hundreds of performers and competitors travel from Atlantic Canada and Ontario every year to participate in events at this popular festival. from July 25 – 27, 2025
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21. Kingswood Entertainment Centre – Hanwell
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 playzone features a 45-foot long inflatable obstacle course, a balloon room, bowling, Lazer tag and much more.
22. The Cultural Market– Fredericton
There is nowhere else like The Cultural Market in Fredericton. From international crafts, local delicacies, to tasty meals, there is something for everyone at this market. This popular market allows visitors to experience a variety of cultures under one roof.
23. Carman Creek Mini Golf – Fredericton
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Saint John River while you play a rousing round of mini golf at Carman Creek Mini Golf. There are also golfing lessons if you want to learn how to play regular golf. If you love golf, this course is a must-play.
24. Fredericton Pride Week & Festival – Fredericton
Celebrate Pride Week from July 12-21, 2025, with diverse events including bingo, nature walks, block party, panels, trivia night, board games, poetry readings, fashion and comedy shows, brunch, sweat lodge, and the Community and Creators’ Market.
25. Charlotte Street Arts Centre– Fredericton
One of Fredericton’s most cherished cultural locations, the Charlotte Street Arts Centre houses various workspaces for local artists. The centre also houses the Charlotte Glencross Gallery and a performing arts stage. You can choose to watch a performance or make your art at one of the many workshops.
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26. Experience a Day in a Soldier’s Life– Historic Garrison District
The Historic Garrison District allows you to step back in time and spend a day experiencing the life of a soldier in the early 1800s. You will be able to dress in the eye-catching red tunics of the British regiment, and other ‘re-enactors’ will guide you through the Guard House, restored Barracks, and prisoner cell block. A souvenir photo is taken at the end of Experience a Day in a Soldier’s Life. This summer, Officers’ Square will host the following FREE outdoor weekly programming from June 26 to September 4, 2025.
27. Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours
Wabanaki Tree Spirit offers medicine walks, workshops and culinary experiences with the hope of creating dialogue that leads to a more harmonious world. During our medicine walks, we share our knowledge of Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms, Medicinal Plants, Wild Foods, Wabanaki History & Culture, Storytelling, and Wabanaki Values.
28. Beaverbrook Art Gallery
Experience a world-class collection of visual arts with diverse exhibitions featuring renowned and emerging artists at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and magic of one of Canada’s premier art galleries.
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29. Capital City Paintball– Fredericton
Blast your way to victory at Capital City Paintball. If you are over 12, you are good to go, so grab your gear and head outside. Don’t worry if you have never played paintball before, Capital City Paintball encourages everyone to try out paintball.
30. No Escape by Unplugged Games Café – Fredericton
Test your skills at Unplugged Games Café in one of their three unique rooms. Work together with your friends and family and reach the goal within the time limit, or it’s game over. If you are having problems, you can ask for a clue. You are sure to have a great time and get your adrenaline pumping at No Escape.
31. Five Alarm Funk – Fredericton
Don’t miss Five Alarm Funk’s only Maritime performance of the summer on July 5 at Officer’s Square in Fredericton, presented by Big Fun Productions in partnership with the City of Fredericton and Capital Region Tourism. This free, all-ages event will feature high-energy sets by Five Alarm Funk, local band Weak Size Fish, DJ Cirkatyan, and a full day of festivities including vendors and family-friendly activities.
32. Explore the Guard House and Soldiers’ Barracks– Fredericton
If you visit the Historic Garrison District, make sure that you explore the Guard House and Soldiers’ Barracks. Each building has been furnished to show what it would have been like when it was in use. You can take an English or French tour, which are offered in July and August. The tour of the Guard House includes a visit to a restored Orderly Room, a Guard Room, and a Cell Block as they would have looked in the 1800s, so you would see old muskets, uniforms and equipment on display.
33. Lighthouse on the Green– Fredericton
From the observation deck of Lighthouse on the Green you can see the breathtaking views of the Saint John River.
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34. Woolastook Family Park – Upper Kingsclear
Located just 30km south-west of Fredericton is nature at its best, so pack the car and take the family to Woolastook Family Park. You can spend a day relaxing at the Woolastook Park’s beach, or hike or bike the trails around the park. The park also has a 9-hole pitch and putt, along with canoe and kayak rentals available.
35. King’s Landing – Prince William
This historical experience aims to push the boundaries about how history is told. The King’s Landing is a 300-acre living museum, which offers over 40 exhibits and 70,000 artifacts for visitors to view. The 19th century village comes to life in the summer with fully costumed characters and farm animals.
36. Hartt Island– Fredericton
Go camping without having to leave Fredericton at Hartt Island. You can stay at one of the 120 camping sites with electricity, water, picnic tables, fire pits and free Wi-Fi. During the day, take a dip at the Hartt’s Water Park and slide down the water slides. You can also challenge your family to a rousing round of mini golf to help pass the time.
37. Fredericton Botanic Garden– Fredericton
Fredericton Botanic Garden opened to the public in 1990. Today, you can walk through the garden and see a good variety of foliage and plants. The garden hosts garden parties, plant sales, and more. There are tours available or you can explore the park on your own.
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38. School Day Museum – Fredericton
While you may not want to think about school in the summer, the School Day Museum is a great place to learn about how school was back in the 19th and 20th century, up to the 1950s. The museum has re-enactments that take place during the summer.
39. Chess Piece Patisserie & Café – Fredericton
The only true Parisian style café in Fredericton that offers amazing desserts, savoury pastries, macarons and other delectable offerings. Chess Piece Patisserie & Café was featured on The Baker Sisters on Food Network Canada. Sweet for both the taste buds and the eyes, Chess Piece Patisserie & Café is the perfect place for a date or to just take a break from doing other activities.
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40. The Abbey Café & Gallery – Fredericton
While you are in Fredericton, you can enjoy a quick, fresh and healthy meal at The Abbey Café & Gallery. They specialize in vegetarian and vegan meals that even meat lovers enjoy. After your delicious meal, you can enjoy a cup of smooth Whitney coffee along with a delectable vegan dessert. The café overlooks the Officers’ Square, and you can enjoy concerts from the café.
41. Delish Gourmet Rolled Ice Cream– Fredericton
You can enjoy over 20 flavours of ice cream at the Delish Gourmet Rolled Ice Cream in Downtown Fredericton. Each flavour of ice cream is hand-rolled right in front of you, so it makes a great social media video. Along with amazing ice cream, they also make yummy dessert waffles for you to enjoy.
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42. New Brunswick Summer Music Festival
Celebrate 32 years of the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival with “The Roaring 20’s – Classical Style” music. Many styles will be represented, from the traditions of the late romantic period to new sounds infused with rhythmic drive from the influence of jazz. August 4–16, 2025
43. Bard in The Barracks – Fredericton
Bring your blanket or chair to see The Merry Wives of Windsor downtown at Christ Church Cathedral or The Tragedy of Macbeth at the Fredericton Botanical Gardens.
Bard in The Barracks Theatre Company
44. Unplugged A Board Games Café- Fredericton
You can head inside and play some board games while you get some coffee. Unplugged A Board Games Café offers unlimited gameplay time for their over 700 games that you can pick from. If you get hungry during your game, you should try their gourmet grilled cheese or the bacon BBQ dog because they are amazing.
45. Explore Saint John River
Do not let the summer go by without seeing Fredericton via Saint John River. Contact Second Nature Outdoors for kayak, canoe rentals or guided tours. They offer fun themed tours like Pint & Paddle, SUP Tours. If you are traveling with kids, then there is the Voyageur Canoe Tours that will take you on a journey down the Wolastoq (Saint John River) taking time to stop at one of the many islands along the way.
46. NB Sports Hall of Fame- Fredericton
You can learn what it takes to be a sports legend at the NB Sports Hall of Fame. Test your skills on the 5-in-1 interactive virtual sports system, which is one of a kind in New Brunswick. The NB Sports Hall of Fame is a fun and educational place for all ages to enjoy.
47. Connexion ARC – Fredericton
This artist-run centre, Connexion ARC, promotes experimental visual arts practices including video, performance, installations and much more. The centre operates without a fixed location to present permanent and temporary projects sited in spaces outside of traditional gallery settings, generating new venues for artists to discuss their practices. You can see the latest work of local artists for free.
48. Cap City Tattoo Festival – Fredericton
Get ready for a bold new take on what a tattoo festival can be at Cap City Tattoo Festival. Expect killer artists, walk-up availability, on-site beer garden and restaurants, a 2-day entertainment lineup, an immersive vendor market, hands-on workshops, and an afterparty you won’t want to miss. September 6 – 7, 2025
49. Harvest Music Festival – Fredericton
The Harvest Music Festival, Atlantic Canada’s premier music experience, spans six days with over 150 performances on 20+ stages in historic downtown Fredericton. Enjoy acclaimed international artists, top regional acts, and emerging Canadian talent for an unforgettable festival experience! September 9 – 14, 2025
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50. Nashwaak Tubing– Durham Bridge
Cool off on a hot day by tubing down the Nashwaak River on an inflatable tube from Nashwaak Tubing. You can choose between the Sterling’s Wharf package (between 1 – 1.5 hour long) and the Gilligan’s Ride package (around 3 hours long). This lazy river float is relaxing and is a great way of spending a day with friends and family.
51. Quartermain Earth Science Centre– Fredericton
Located at the University of New Brunswick in the historic Forestry & Geology building, the Quartermain Earth Science Centre explores the beauty and excitement of geology with displays, programs, exhibits, and events. You can take a geological journey through Earth’s evolution and learn what New Brunswick looked like millions ago and what it may look like in a million years from now.
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