8 Iconic Festivals to Celebrate Summer in Atlantic Canada
Filled with culture, live music, and local delicacies, Atlantic Canada comes alive in the summer. Each of the four provinces, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island offer unforgettable festival experiences that bring each of their unique traditions and festivities to life. Here are 8 must-visit festivals to incorporate into your next Atlantic Canada adventure.
New Brunswick
1) Harvest Music Festival – Fredericton (pictured here)
In early September, Fredericton’s downtown comes alive for a transformational celebration featuring world-class and up-and-coming performers of all genres. With top-notch blues, jazz, rock, and indie artists, plus local food and craft beer, this six-day event is one of the best international festival experiences on Canada’s east Coast.
2) Festival acadien de Caraquet – Caraquet
Make your way to the flagship event of acadia in the Atlantic provinces, which celebrates its 63rd anniversary this year (2025). Celebrate the heart of acadian and French culture with vibrant parades, traditional music, storytelling, and joyful community spirit.
Newfoundland and Labrador
3) Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival – St. John’s
Regarded as the province’s premier summer cultural event, the NL Folk Festival is held in Bannerman Park each summer and is geared towards a celebration of traditional music and culture, storytelling, and community. Expect fiddles, folk songs, local talent, and a welcoming vibe that captures the spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador.
4) Iceberg Festival
Newfoundland & Labrador's annual Iceberg festival is held on the first friday of June annually and spans 10 days. The 17th Annual Iceberg Festival, taking place from June 6–15, 2025, celebrates Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula with a vibrant mix of nature, culture, and community. Visitors can enjoy daily boat tours to witness majestic icebergs, whales, and seabirds, participate in Viking-themed activities, savor traditional Newfoundland cuisine, and immerse themselves in local music and crafts.
Nova Scotia
5) Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo – Halifax (pictured here)
This iconic summer event running since 1979 showcases historical medleys and features military bands, cultural performers, acrobats, and dancers from around the world. Held indoors in Halifax, it’s a dazzling display of tradition that finds new ways to inspire.
6) Celtic Colours International Music Festival – Cape Breton Island
In October, Cape Breton hosts a celebration of Celtic music and culture. Set against the backdrop of fall foliage, performances are held in communities across the island, connecting music, heritage, and storytelling in an unforgettable way. Here you will find world-class concerts, community cultural events designed to enlighten, and the late-night festival club, an opportunity to hear your favorite festival artists in a closer setting.
Prince Edward Island
7) Fall Flavours Festival – Island-wide (pictured here)
Running through late summer and into early fall, this foodie festival brings together PEI’s top chefs, and culinary personalities. For three weeks attendees can explore seafood feasts, immersive food tours, and experience the best of local music talent. It’s a delicious and picturesque way to experience the Island’s warmth and hospitality.
8) Sommo Festival
Back this September (2025) with big-name headliners Alanis Morisette and Hozier, the two-day Sommo festival held in the beachside town of Cavendish, PEI is the ultimate celebration of music, food, and drink. Watch the sunset, sip on refreshing beverages from on-site popup stands, and enjoy some of some of the world’s biggest musical artists and culinary acts.
Let the Celebrations Begin
Whether you're tapping your toes to Celtic tunes in Cape Breton, enjoying a lobster dinner in PEI, or dancing to indie beats in downtown Fredericton, Atlantic Canada’s festivals are full of culture, character, and connection.
Want to experience it all? We’ll help you build a seamless, customized itinerary around the festivals and regions you want to explore—so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to Book?
For more information or to start planning, contact our team at bookings@andersonvacations.ca or call 1-866-698-6377