The Fredericton Capital Region knows how to throw a party. Beyond arts and entertainment, our incredible communities are known for celebrating culture, sport, food and drink. Here are some fantastic festivals to check out in 2025.
Looking for even more events? Check out our Calendar of Events to get your planning started.
Travelling to Fredericton for an upcoming Event? Check out our Accommodations page.
Beer on the Bridge
July 5, 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable event in Atlantic Canada’s Craft Brewing Capital! Enjoy an evening of drinks, fun, and good vibes; Beer on the Bridge 2025 is happening July 5 on the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. Indulge in a wide variety of craft brews while enjoying the stunning views of the city as the iconic walking bridge turns into a lively beer festival.
Big Axe Beer Fest
July 11-12, 2025
Escape to Nackawic for Big Axe Craft Beer Fest! Atlantic Canada's largest outdoor craft beer festival, this event features dozens of craft beer producers from the Maritimes and beyond. Held on the grounds of the World's Largest Axe, shuttle service is offered from Woodstock, Saint John and Fredericton, and a free water taxi service is provided for patrons staying at any of Nackawic's waterside campgrounds! Check out Big Axe B&B or River Valley Escape for accommodations, or take advantage of the water taxi service when you camp at Bear Island Kingdome Glamping, Sunset, or Mariner's Point campgrounds!
NotaBle Acts Summer Theatre Festival
Jul 23 - Aug 2, 2025
NotaBle Acts features nightly mainstage performances by acclaimed and emerging dramatists, free outdoor street theatre, and readings by New Brunswick playwrights in Downtown Fredericton! With endless amounts of entertainment, there is a performance for everyone to enjoy at this festival.
New Brunswick Highland Games
July 25-27, 2025
Visit the historic Government House grounds for a weekend of award-winning music, piping and drumming, highland dance, traditional Scottish athletics, food and craft vendors, and more! The New Brunswick Highland Games were established in 1981 to celebrate the Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage in the province. This event is open to all, welcoming everyone to learn more about Scottish history and traditions. Book your stay at the Delta Fredericton by Marriott to stay close to the action!
Nashwaak Music Fest
August 1-3, 2025
Celebrate New Brunswick Day's long weekend with Naswaak Music Fest, a family-friendly music festival! Enjoy music, camping, an arts and crafts village, food vendors, a children's play area, and jam tents. This not-for-profit event gives back to the community while providing a safe and clean festival for all ages. Showcasing up-and-coming East Coast talent, Nashwaak Music Fest attracts people from across North America. RV and tent camping are available on the festival grounds, so you won't miss a beat!
NB Summer Music Festival
August 4-16, 2025
This two-week festival celebrating classical chamber music at various Fredericton venues features the works of selected composers played by Canada’s most talented classical musicians. The NB Summer Music Festival includes multiple concerts and free community performances.
Future Forest
August 7-11, 2025
A one-of-a-kind experience, Future Forest is an outdoor camping arts festival featuring over 140 musicians in Albrights Corner. With world-renowned international musicians playing alongside local and up-and-coming artists, this unique music festival is focused on electronic music and is described as an adult playground. Not only do they have music, but Future Forest presents a wide diversity of other artists and performers, including live painters, acrobatic dancers, hula hoopers, fire spinners and aerial performers.
FredRod Custom Car Show
August 8- 10, 2025
FredRod is a major car event featuring hundreds of classic and custom cars, a scenic cruise, and special guests from popular automotive TV shows. Alongside the car action, enjoy live music, a pin-up pageant, and family-friendly entertainment all weekend long!
Acadian Day
August 14-16, 2025
Celebrate Acadian language and culture with the annual Acadian Day celebration! Visit downtown Fredericton for family-friendly activities, including Acadian food, a flag-raising ceremony and a boisterous tintamarre (parade). All are welcome to partake in the celebration of Acadian history and joie de vivre!
Trail Folk Music Festival
August 14-17, 2025
Trail Folk and nature lovers, you’re invited to experience Minto in a whole new way this summer. Tiny Trails and the town of Minto are excited to announce the inaugural Trail Folk Music Festival. Enjoy the hospitality and rich history of music and culture that Minto is renowned for and explore the world class trail system created by their Historical coal mine.
Whether you like to mountain bike, hike, ATV, forest bathe or just enjoy good music and nature, this is sure to be the perfect setting for your summer outdoor adventure. Come for the Trails, Stay for the Music!
Summer Soulsa
August 28- 31, 2025
On Labor Day Weekend, downtown Fredericton comes alive with Atlantic Canada's biggest Afro Caribbean, Latin and African music festival. Experience performances and vibes from guest DJs, artists and bands from far and near, a parade, and much more.
Cap City Tattoo Festival
September 6- 7, 2025
The Cap City Tattoo Festival will bring together high-level tattooing and a vibrant festival atmosphere that will extend throughout downtown Fredericton. Featuring a large walk-up artist section for tattoos without pre-booking, an outdoor beer garden, on-site restaurants, a two-day entertainment lineup, an interactive vendor market, and more, this event promises a bold new take on what a tattoo festival can be, offering something for everyone.
Harvest Music Festival
September 9-14, 2025
Every September, Fredericton shuts down the street and turns up the volume for Harvest Music Festival, Atlantic Canada's Best Festival Experience. Founded in 1991, Harvest has welcomed performers from around the world to perform across several stages in the heart of downtown Fredericton. Celebrating music across several genres, Harvest offers programming for all ages, with daytime kids' shows, late-night afterburners, and everything in between. Take advantage of the festival's free safe ride program to get you back to your Fredericton hotel after the show!
Silverwave Film Festival
November 6-13, 2025
Experience the homegrown talent and spectacular features being made in New Brunswick. For 25 years, the Silver Wave Film Festival has celebrated films shot in the province and those produced by New Brunswick filmmakers. Also showcasing films from Canada and worldwide, this annual festival is held each November at the University of New Brunswick (UNB).
With screenings on the UNB Campus, this festival is a short walk from downtown Fredericton's hotels or B&Bs like Quartermain or Carriage House.
New Brunswick Spirits Festival
November 18-22, 2025
Take part in Canada's oldest whisky and spirits Festival! Hosted in Fredericton at Delta by Marriott, the New Brunswick Spirits Festival was established in 1995. The festival now spans five days, offering pairing dinners, master classes, and special tastings on whiskies and spirits led by world authorities. This prestigious event attracts whisky and spirits enthusiasts from around the world!
Missed out on a festival or event? Plan ahead and see below for upcoming festivals and events coming up in 2026 below.
FROSTival 2026
January 22 - February 8, 2026
Save the date for FROSTival 2026! Experience Atlantic Canada's largest winter celebration from January 22 to February 8, 2026. With three fun-filled weekends of indoor and outdoor wintery experiences to explore, the Fredericton Capital Region is transformed into a winter wonderland like no other.
Fredericton Craft Beer Festival
March 6-7, 2026
The Fredericton Craft Beer Festival is coming back to town, bringing together the largest selection of craft beer available on the East Coast. Celebrate Atlantic Canada's Craft Brewing Capital and get ready to sip, savour, and socialize at the Fredericton Convention Centre.
With fantastic brews, good vibes, and great company, it's no surprise this event sells out each year.
Honouring culture, music, food, drink and history all year round, the festivals are endless and offer plenty of reasons to come celebrate in the Fredericton Capital Region. With a diverse population, buzzing entertainment and arts scene, and rich cultural experiences, the Fredericton Capital Region fills the calendar with festivals all year round. You're invited to come party with us!