Canada's East Coast : Festivals and Events



Canada’s Irish Festival on the Miramichi July 14-16, 2006 Every year, thousands of people gather on the Miramichi for three days of jam-packed entertainment! There is plenty of Irish music, dance, cultural and musical workshops, family reunions, storytelling and something for the little ones.		www.canadasirishfest.com

Lamèque International Baroque Music Festival July 23-30, 2006 Come enjoy a musical experience unique in Canada! The International Baroque Music Festival in Lamèque is the only one of its kind in the country devoted exclusively to music of the Baroque era (1600-1750). All of the musical selections are performed on period instruments and some of the concerts take place in historic churches.		www.festivalbaroque.com

Festival acadien de Caraquet August 1-15, 2006 The largest annual celebration of Acadian culture is bigger and better than ever this year. The program is jam packed, including a spectacular musical fireworks show and many other artistic events. From August 1 to 15, crowds will flock to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Caraquet! Over 200 artists – singers, musicians, actors, dancers, writers and more – from Acadia and the francophone world, will present their talents.		www.festivalacadien.ca

Atlantic Balloon Fiesta September 8-10, 2006 A hot air balloon festival that is the only one of its kind in the Maritimes. Balloons launch twice each day, weather permitting, and are a glorious sight. Other events include craft fair, live music, at the bandstand, car show on Sunday, midway, information booth with merchandise for sale, plus many other activities.		www.atlanticballoonfiesta.ca

Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival September 13-17, 2006 This fall event brings together world-class musicians and up-and-coming Atlantic Canadian artists for five days and nights of slick jazz, gritty blues, spicy Cajun, world beat music and more. There are events for all ages staged in a number of indoor and outdoor venues… in bars, theatres, under tents, in parks, on the streets… the capital city comes alive at the sound of jazz and blues!		www.harvestjazzandblues.com



RISING TIDE THEATRE - NEW FOUNDE LANDE TRINITY PAGEANT & SEASONS IN THE BIGHT Trinity, Trinity Bight - Mid-Jun to Mid-Oct, 2006 Relive our history on a magical journey through the roads, lanes & historic sites of Trinity. A festival of plays, dinner theatre & music in one of our most significant settings.		www.risingtidetheatre.com

STEPHENVILLE THEATRE FESTIVAL Stephenville - July 1 – August 21, 2006 Since 1979, the Stephenville Theatre Festival has produced professional plays of the highest quality in Newfoundland. The theatres ability to make magic happen on stage with little money has become what Stephenville Festival is known for globally. The works of Shakespeare, Broadway, twentieth century classics, new Canadian works, all kinds of music, and unique Newfoundland creations have hit the stage in Stephenville. Come by for a wonderful theatre experience this summer.		www.stf.nf.ca

EXPLOITS VALLEY SALMON FESTIVAL Grand Falls-Windsor- Jul 13 – 17, 2006 Annual Salmon Festival features Newfoundland's premier outdoor concert, a craft fair, stadium dances, Salmon dinner, and Newfie Night. One of the Top 100 events in North America, Salmon Festival is truly a Small Wonder. Continues to be a Must See for tourist and locals alike.		www.salmonfestival.com

ROYAL ST. JOHN'S REGATTA St. John’s - Aug 2, 2006 Unique fixed seat rowing on Quidi Vidi Lake with the shoreline crowds of 40 - 50,000 people enjoying the biggest garden party fun imaginable. Held the first Wednesday in Aug. since 1828 – the oldest continuing sporting event in North America.		regattamuseum@nf.aibn.com

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR FOLK FESTIVAL St. John's - Aug 4 - 6 The festival promotes & preserves the cultural traditions of the province through music, dance and crafts. One of the largest festivals in the province. The folk music event of the summer, featuring performers from all over Newfoundland & Labrador.		www.sjfac.nf.net



The 2006 Juno Awards Halifax, March 31 – April 2 Halifax plays host to the 35th annual celebration of Canadian Music - and when those doors are thrown open, someone with a fiddle, a guitar, and a well-crafted song will be there to offer a drink and some food!		www.junoawards.ca

Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival Kentville, May 31 - June 5 The valley’s in full bloom and celebrating the traditions and agricultural heritage of the area with concerts, barbecues, art shows and a grand street parade.		www.appleblossom.com

Changing of the Guard Halifax, July 17-25 A celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the departure of the last British miliary troop to leave North America will represent the largest historical re-enactment event in Canada. It will feature performers from all over North America and Europe, as well as feature a diverse, family-oriented program that includes a historical military encampment with more than 1,000 participants and volunteers.		www.changingoftheguard.ca

Grou Tyme Acadian Festival, Halifax September 19-24 One of the most talked-about events each year, the Festival is a hot'n spicy, foot stomping, feast for the senses featuring the best of Acadian artists from Nova Scotia, the Atlantic Provinces and Louisiana.		www.groutyme.com

Celtic Colors International Festival Cape Breton October 6-14 Autumn is the time when the sounds of fiddles, pipes and voices in song echo over the island with Celtic Colours International Festival. An event to remember with over 250 musicians, dancers, singers, and storytellers at venues across the Island.		www.celtic-colours.com



THE CHARLOTTETOWN FESTIVAL June 19 - September 30 Home to the original stage production of Anne of Green Gables - The MusicalTM, the Festival features professional musical theatre, free outdoor performances, art gallery, licensed bistro with outdoor dining, and shopping.		www.confederationcentre.com

INDIAN RIVER FESTIVAL FINE MUSIC SERIES July - August St. Mary’s Church, Indian River, Rte 104, 5 km north of Kensington. As featured on CBC Radio, fine performances of classical, jazz, maritime and international music within the acoustical splendour of the historical setting of St. Mary=s Church. Twenty performances, Friday and Sunday evenings. Check website and brochure for complete details		www.indianriverfestival.com

ATLANTIC SUPERSTORE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS June 30 - July 3 Historic Charlottetown Waterfront. The Festival of Lights has become Canada=s biggest birthday bash east of Ottawa. Come join us in Canada's Birthplace for nightly concerts, International buskers, midway and the largest fireworks display in Atlantic Canada. Charlottetown rocks this Canada Day weekend_		www.visitcharlottetown.com/ lights

PEI INTERNATIONAL SHELLFISH FESTIVAL September 15-17 Historic Charlottetown Waterfront. A celebration of PEI shellfish including oysters, lobster, mussels and clams. Featuring great Maritime entertainment, the PEI/Eastern Canadian Oyster Shucking Championships, the PEI/International Chowder Championships, culinary demos/seminars and much more.		www.peishellfish.com

North Cape Coastal Ride Next September cyclists will line up at Prince Edward Island’s dramatic North Cape to head out on a two-day event that will end almost 200 kilometres later in the city of Summerside. This brand new cycling road race will take riders into some of the least-known corners of the province, passing along rugged red cliffs and through villages with names like Pleasant View, Miminegash and Skinner’s Pond, home of Stompin’ Tom Connors. As the name would suggest the route hugs the coastline for the most part and cyclists will enjoy invigorating sea breezes to speed them on their way. The starting point is at the fascinating Atlantic Wind Test Site and Wind Energy Interpretive Museum; the midpoint overnight rest stop is the relaxing Mill River Resort; and the tour ends at the home of the Canadian College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts— no doubt bagpipes will herald the arrival of the winners.