The leaves turn golden as the summer heat slips away. The big white tents are going up and the wide-brimmed hats and flannel shirts are coming out in full force - it’s fall in the Fredericton Capital Region and the Harvest Music Festival is here! Regarded by many as the most wonderful time of the year in the Fredericton Capital Region, Harvest brings Downtown Fredericton to life with world-class music performances, outdoor beer gardens and colorful street experiences. Happening September 10-15, this year’s lineup positions Harvest Music Festival 2024 to be one for the books.
To kick off the festival, enjoy a performance of Kulasihkulpa - A Wolastoqey Welcome at the Mojo tent on Tuesday September 10 at 6pm. Performances by indigenous artists and knowledge keepers include; Grass Dancers, The Muskrat Singers, Judie Acquin and Wolastoqey Grand Chief Ron Tremblay. With a performance by DeeDee Austin to finish off the welcoming before people head over to The Playhouse to catch Skydiggers with support from Catherine Kennedy.
This year’s headliners will set the stages ablaze with unforgettable performances. Brittney Spencer, fresh off a feature recording on Beyoncé’s latest album, will ignite the Coors Light Blues Tent on Wednesday, September 11, at the Harvest Music Festival with a performance that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Following her, the night will feature a highly anticipated return from Colin James & The Little Big Band, bringing their signature blend of blues and swing to the stage. To cap off the evening, the incredible July Talk will take over the headline Afterburner slot, delivering their show-stopping energy that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on the festival's opening night. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and indie rock giants Spoon are primed to bring world class performances to the festival with their dynamic sounds and impressive catalogs combined with their legendary performance history. The magic continues with an extraordinary double bill featuring Feist and Broken Social Scene, promising an evening of pure musical brilliance. Festival-goers can also look forward to the legendary Warren Haynes Band and Canadian rock icons Big Sugar, who are expected to deliver an epic, improvisational jam session that could become one of Harvest’s most iconic moments.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. The lineup features a dazzling array of talent, including the virtuoso Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, the electrifying July Talk, and the beloved Jim Cuddy Band. Notable performances also include Sarah Harmer, Colin James & The Little Big Band, and Matthew Good. Meanwhile, Kylie Fox will pay tribute to Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark on its 50th anniversary. Emerging and established artists like Too Many Zooz, Friends of the Brothers, Maggie Rose, Half Moon Run, and many more will ensure that every music lover finds something to enjoy.
The Blues Tent will host some of the festival’s most anticipated acts, including Spoon, Brittney Spencer, and Laney Jones & The Spirits. The Barracks Stage and Mojo Tent will also come alive with performances by artists such as Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, Jim Cuddy Band, Matthew Good Band GA-20, Pretty in Pink, and Too Many Zooz. Additionally, intimate performances at Wilmot Church and the Fredericton Playhouse will offer a unique listening experience.
Harvest Music Festival 2024 isn’t just about the music; it’s a celebration of community and education. This year, the festival proudly introduces the Blues in the Schools initiative, which will see the legendary Victor Wooten host a master class, free of charge, for over 70 public schools across New Brunswick and the greater Fredericton area. This initiative underscores Harvest’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts.
The Harvest Street Experience will once again transform Queen Street into a vibrant festival village, bustling with food trucks, local vendors, talented buskers, and craft breweries. This family-friendly environment is where the community comes together to celebrate music, culture, and creativity in a truly dynamic setting.
For those planning to attend, staying at one of the partner hotels in downtown Fredericton is highly recommended. The Hilton Garden Inn, Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook, and Delta Fredericton offer unparalleled convenience, placing you just steps away from all the action and ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the festival. A short walk to and from all festival venues, as well as dozens of pubs, breweries and restaurants, this option allows you to park for the weekend and enjoy Harvest to its fullest! If you’ve missed the opportunity to book a downtown stay, there are still plenty of rooms available in the region.
Though you may not be within walking distance from the festivities, the Free ANBL Safe Ride Program provides a free ride home from the festival anywhere within the Fredericton city limits! The ANBL Safe Ride will offer patrons safe rides home all night long, simply hop on a shuttle bus at a designated pick-up spot, and let the driver know where you are resting your head.
Showcasing the best of Fredericton’s live music scene and vibrant community, there’s no doubt that Harvest 2024 is shaping up to be a festival to remember. Squeeze the most out of your Harvest by purchasing your tickets and booking your stay early and get ready to experience life well crafted in the Fredericton Capital Region. For the complete lineup, artist bios, and to plan your festival experience, download the Harvest Festival app or visit the official Harvest Music Festival website.