June 28, 2022

Summer in the Maritimes

Are you ready to start planning your summer adventures but not sure where to start? Here are some of the most noteworthy and exciting events you’ll find in the Maritimes this summer!

Summer in the Maritimes is special, and the perfect time to add exciting events to your must-do list. From the rolling hills of Prince Edward Island to unique land and sea excursions in Nova Scotia and unforgettable events that showcase New Brunswick culture and community, there’s no shortage of ways to have an incredible summer in the Maritimes. If you have your heart set on a Maritime summer adventure to remember, here are a few events that can help make it happen.

Summer in Nova Scotia

Halifax Seaport Cider & Beerfest (August 5 – 6)

Ready to raise your glass? Head to the Halifax Seaport Beerfest to taste and savour craft beers and ciders from around the world. This annual Beerfest includes 300 beers, imports, and seasonal ciders from 20 countries. While you’re on the hunt for new flavours, enjoy the awesome live music that this year’s lineup will bring. You may just find your new favourite drink this summer!

Bras d’Or Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta Week (August 7 – 13)

Fall in love with Cape Breton Island’s famous saltwater lake as you attend the annual Regatta Week, also known as Baddeck Race Week, this summer. From August 7 – 13, the town of Baddeck will transform into every sailor’s paradise as a series of racing kicks off on the Bras d’Or Lakes. Affectionally called Canada’s Island Sea, this lake is home to hundreds of coves and islands, and over half a dozen welcoming marinas. Surrounded by lush, forested hills and nestled along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake, Baddeck is a favourite stop for anyone looking to admire the tranquil beauty in the heart of the Island. Hosted by the Bras d’Or Yacht Club, enjoy night after night of live music and the traditional Cape Breton kitchen party atmosphere of this exciting, annual event.

Jazz Fest (July 13 – 17)

After two long years of waiting, the oldest Jazz Festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada is finally returning to Nova Scotia! Kicking off on July 13, the TD Halifax Jazz Festival attracts over 65,000 attendees each year — delivering a diverse and incredibly talented range of musical talent to the Maritimes. Created to preserve and celebrate the art of Jazz in Halifax, this festival ensures opportunities for all levels of musicians to become renowned performers in a city that loves to come together. Get your tickets today!

Explore even more events happening in Nova Scotia this summer.

Summer in New Brunswick

New Brunswick Highland Games (July 22 – 24)

Looking for a fun-filled family weekend? Held on the historic grounds of the Government House, a Celtic infusion of traditional music, highland dancing, food and, of course, Scottish games! Not of Scottish descent? No problem! The New Brunswick Highland Games are a chance to participate in an exciting and vibrant culture. After days filled with cultural athletics, celebrate during a true Ceilidh fashion as groups of New Brunswick Scottish dancers tell a story through traditional and captivating movements. Interested in throwing your kilt into the ring? Registration opens during the morning of the games — so get there early if you’re looking to participate!

Area 506 Festival (July 29 – 31)

Set to take place over the New Brunswick Day long weekend, the Area 506 Festival is the biggest party event of any Saint John summer! This year, the event is taking place in the 506 Waterfront Container Village — a brand new venue for Saint John! The shipping container village creates the perfect backdrop for vendors, brands, and cultural groups to showcase the energy of New Brunswick’s artisans and musicians. Get ready for three days of incredible musical performances and family-friendly experiences, including a culture stage, experiential activities, food trucks, and even a vendor market!

Summer Soulsa 2022 (Sept 2 – 3)

Dance your way through downtown Fredericton as Atlantic Canada’s biggest Afro Caribbean, Latin and African music festival makes its way to the Maritimes! Summer Soulsa will be held on Labour Day weekend. While this long weekend may traditionally be known for barbecues, picnics, and cottage trips, this year in New Brunswick, it’s all about music, dancing, and carnival. This free event features parades, concerts, and artists that will fill the downtown area, offering the perfect backdrop to your long weekend and the best way to cap off the summer.

Discover even more ways to spend your New Brunswick summer.

Summer on Prince Edward Island

Anne of Green Gables–The Musical (June 18 – September 3)

After two long years, PEI’s favourite redhead is finally returning to The Charlottetown Festival! The Anne of Green Gables–The Musical is the world’s longest-running annual musical theatre production, presenting a humorous, touching musical that is sure to inspire your imagination. Described as “overflowing with talent” and “vibrant, exciting, and heartwarming”, this performance has been created through a company of 28 amazing talents and a 14-member live orchestra. It should absolutely be on your Prince Edward Island itinerary this summer!

Day for Night (July 19 – 21)

Are you a passionate photographer or interested in learning more about this creative medium? July 19 to 21, join astrophotographer Paul Zizka and award-winning astro, landscape, and portrait specialist Dave Brosha as they take participants through a weekend photography class. Drawing inspiration from the rolling hills of rural Prince Edward Island, this event mixes classroom learning with hands-on techniques for night exploration and daytime photography in one of Canada’s most scenic provinces!

Old Home Week (August 12 – 20)

You won’t find a more quintessential Charlottetown experience than Old Home Week — or the Exhibition, as it’s known by locals. This long-standing tradition showcases harness racing, livestock shows, equestrian programs, and amusement park rides while celebrating the Island’s deep agricultural roots and rich history. As Old Home Week comes to a close, the great Island tradition brings it home with The Gold Cup Parade. Known to be the largest parade east of Montreal, this is a celebration of the strength and spirit of Islanders in the community — with over 100 entries from businesses, communities, and organizations across the Maritimes. It’s a must-see event during this exciting week!

There’s plenty more happening on Prince Edward Island this summer – see for yourself.

Your maritime escape awaits, but it’s not just the destination you should be excited about. Travelling is half the fun, especially when you journey by Ferry!

Take MV Confederation or MV Holiday Island to PEI as the kickoff to your Island adventure, or conveniently cross between Digby and Saint John aboard MV Fundy Rose. Going international in 2022? There’s no better way to travel than aboard The CAT, which sails across the Gulf of Maine between its new port in Bar Harbor, Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. No matter where you’re headed, you’re sure to have plenty of fun as you Explore the Maritimes this summer!