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.
Photo Credit: Fredericton Tourism
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 27, 2026
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 3 – 5, 2026
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 3 – September 4, 2026
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.
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 6 – 10, 2026
8. Fredericton Geocaching Trail – Fredericton
Geocaching is the perfect way to explore the paths less travelled 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 are a local favourite. During the summer months, the beach is supervised. There are 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.
11. Fredericton Disc Golf – Fredericton
Disc golf is very similar to regular golf, but instead of hitting a golf ball into the hole, you throw a disc into a metal basket. There are no fees; you just need a Frisbee and head to the park for a fun game of disc golf. The Odell Disc Golf Course, where many Frederictonians play this fairly young sport, is located in 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 artisans, culinary and musical talent. Thursdays, June 11 to September 10, 2026
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. July3, 2026
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 24 – August 3, 2026
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.
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 a full day of events. August 13 to 15, 2026
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 fastest. August 21-23, 2026
18. Main Street Summer Concert Series- Fredericton
Spending your summer evening enjoying free outdoor concerts has become a wonderful way to feature talented, local musicians. 7 pm every Wednesday from June 24 to August 26, 2026.
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 7 – 9, 2026
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 24 – 26, 2026.
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 11-20, 2026, with diverse events including bingo, nature walks, a block party, panels, trivia night, board games, poetry readings, fashion and comedy shows, brunch, a 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.
26. Kidfest – Fredericton
A new weekend festival for families is set to bring extra energy to Downtown Fredericton in August. Kidfest takes over Officer’s Square on August 29 and 30 with free hands-on fun, from live entertainment and creative activities to music, crafts, theatre, and more
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 tranquillity and magic of one of Canada’s premier art galleries.
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. Trail Folk Music Festival – Minto
Music, trails, and outdoor adventure come together in Minto for the third annual Trail Folk Music Festival, running August 13 to 16. Set along the area’s historic coal mine trail system, the festival blends live folk music with camping, biking, hiking, family activities, food, and time in nature, creating a summer weekend built for both music lovers and outdoor explorers.
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 the Lighthouse on the Green, you can see the breathtaking views of the Saint John River.
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.
35. King’s Landing – Prince William
This historical experience aims to push the boundaries of 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.
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 centuries, up to the 1950s. The museum has re-enactments that take place during the summer.
39. Kids Day – Oromocto
Sunbury Oromocto Park is bringing back its popular Kids Day for a third year on July 18, with a full day of summer fun planned for families. From 10 AM to 4 PM, the park will be packed with activities including a petting zoo, bouncy castles, face painting, art stations, food vendors, races, games, music, swimming, slip-and-slide fun, and kayak and canoe rentals.
40. FredRod Show ‘n Shine – Fredericton
Classic cars will take over Downtown Fredericton as FredRod Show ’n Shine returns to Officers’ Square from August 6 to 9. This summer showcase will feature more than 400 classic, vintage, and specialty vehicles, along with live music, celebrity guests, vendors, food trucks, and an expanded show area with room for 100 additional cars.
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.
42. New Brunswick Summer Music Festival
Celebrate 33 years of the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival with the music of Ludwig van Beethoven and renowned Nova Scotia composer Peter Allen. The program will celebrate both classical masterworks and outstanding Canadian compositions. August 4–15, 2026
43. Bard in The Barracks – Fredericton
Bring your blanket or chair to see Love Labour’s Lost of Windsor downtown at Christ Church Cathedral or The Winter’s Tale at the Fredericton Botanical Gardens.
Photo Credit: Bard in The Barracks
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 the Saint John River
Do not let the summer go by without seeing Fredericton via the 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 travelling 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. Summer Soulsa – Fredericton
Fredericton’s downtown will be filled with music, colour, and carnival energy during Summer Soulsa, running September 3 to 6 at Soldiers’ Barracks. Celebrated as Atlantic Canada’s largest Afro-Caribbean, Latin, and African music festival, the event brings together a downtown parade, guest DJs, live artists, bands, and vibrant cultural performances for all ages to enjoy.
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 15 – 20, 2026
50. Drifters Tubing on the Nashwaak River
Cool off on a hot day by tubing down the Nashwaak River on an inflatable tube from Drifters Tubing. This lazy river float is relaxing and is a great way to spend 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 of years ago and what it may look like in a million years from now.
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