Fredericton, NB — The New Brunswick Highland Games Festival is turning up the volume in 2026, expanding its downtown concert series at Officers’ Square to two full nights of live music following the overwhelming success of last year’s show featuring Alan Doyle.
The expanded concert series marks a significant evolution for the Festival, pairing nationally recognized East Coast talent with the full Highland Games experience in the heart of Fredericton.
The 2026 Festival takes place July 24–26th and features traditional Highland athletics, piping and drumming, cultural programming, food vendors, and family-friendly activities at Government House throughout the day, alongside evening entertainment at Officers’ Square. The Festival draws visitors from across Canada, the Eastern United States, and beyond, and continues to grow as one of New Brunswick’s signature summer events.
“We are thrilled to bring two nights of world-class music to downtown Fredericton,” said Devin Patterson, Chairman of the New Brunswick Highland Games Festival. “This year’s lineups celebrate the best of Atlantic Canada’s musical talent — from legendary icons like Jimmy Rankin to rising stars like Mary Frances Leahy, and the powerhouse energy of Joel Plaskett Emergency, The Stanfields, and Vishtèn. It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend for everyone.”
Friday, July 24
Headlining Friday night is Cape Breton icon Jimmy Rankin, one of Atlantic Canada’s most enduring and respected songwriters. With his acclaimed album Harvest Highway, Rankin continues to blend Celtic tradition, rich storytelling, and the warm East Coast sound that has earned him 5 JUNO Awards, 7 Canadian Country Music Awards, and 27 East Coast Music Awards.
From solo favourites like “Followed Her Around” and “Morning Bound Train” to helping define East Coast folk as a member of The Rankin Family — including beloved classics “Mull River Shuffle” and the JUNO Award-winning “Fare Thee Well” — Rankin’s music remains woven into the fabric of Maritime culture.
Joining him in the Friday night lineup is rising star Mary Frances Leahy, one of Canada’s most exciting next-generation musicians. By age twenty, Leahy has already performed more than 800 shows across Canada and internationally. Rooted in Celtic tradition but boldly expanding her artistic voice, she fuses driving fiddle and piano with Latin rhythmic influences. Her debut album First Light showcases a vibrant and contemporary take on traditional music.
Saturday, July 25
Headlining July 25: Joel Plaskett Emergency — Nova Scotia songwriter, rock architect, and one of the most influential voices in Canadian music. From Thrush Hermit to Joel Plaskett Emergency, from Massey Hall to orchestral stages, Joel has spent over 30 years evolving while staying proudly anchored in East Coast tradition. In 2025, some of Canada’s biggest artists — including Arkells, Sloan, Bahamas and City and Colour — honoured his songwriting on Songs From The Gang – A Celebration of Joel Plaskett.
Also performing Saturday are East Coast favourites The Stanfields, known for their high-energy blend of hard rock and traditional roots, and award-winning Acadian group Vishtèn, whose fiery mix of tradition and innovation continues to carry Acadian culture forward.
Early bird passes and tickets will go on sale on February 25th at highlandgames.ca
MEDIA CONTACT
Devin Patterson, Chairman
New Brunswick Highland Games Festival
506-292-3093
devin@highlandgames.ca