Summer Events and Destinations in Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick
by Heather Ferguson
Southeastern New Brunswick is fast becoming the summer vacation destination of the Maritimes with lots to do and see, places to go, and events to make memories! Breathtaking scenery, dynamic history, vibrant city centres, sumptuous feasts, exciting shopping, and world class concerts and festivals are all geared to make this summer one to remember.
The Greater Moncton Area is the perfect stop along the way for visitors to our region. Not only is it a gateway to the lovely island province of Prince Edward Island and all of its delights and to Nova Scotia with its perfect blend of history and modern charm, it is also a vital link to indelible experiences in its very own backyard.
Filled with every accommodation from sleek hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, the city also offers a smorgasbord of culinary temptations from a global arena – Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Greek, Mexican, and, of course, delicious Maritime seafood with lobster as the focus!
The thrills of Magic Mountain Water Park and Magnetic Hill Zoo, championship golf courses at Royal Oaks hosting the Canadian Ladies Golf Championship at the end of July, and The Moncton Golf and Country Club, proximity to sandy beaches at Parlee and Bouctouche Dunes, fishing and sailing, kayaking at Hopewell Rocks, hiking and camping at Fundy Park, and whale watching in the Bay of Fundy are all perfect day trip activities to mount from a base of operations in Moncton.
For seekers of unique regional handicrafts and art, the Fundy Studio Tour is a must, as is the Artisans At Work locations. Into photography? Love history? June 12 kicks off the summer season at the historic Thomas Williams House on Park Street in Downtown Moncton. Take a tour of life in yesteryear and enjoy a musical luncheon on Fridays.
Don’t forget to visit the university Town of Sackville just a 20-minute drive away from Moncton. It’s home to Mount Allison University, Campbell’s Carriage Factory Museum, the historic Marshlands Inn and Restaurant, the Waterfowl Park and a host of world class art galleries including the Owen’s Art Gallery at the university and Fog Forest Gallery in Downtown Sackville.
In the Greater Moncton Area, the month of June will kick off an exciting schedule of events certain to appeal to a wide audience with something to quell every taste. The Atlanticade Motorcycle Festival runs from June 24 to 28 attracting biking enthusiasts from across the Maritimes to our fair city with displays of bike power!
The Fifth Annual Rendez-vous Festival will showcase Metro Moncton’s cultural diversity in crafts, foods, dancing, and costume. Sponsored by the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA), this wonderful festival will celebrate the various ethnic groups that make up our population. Enjoy this event which will take place from June 25 to July 1 at Victoria Park.
The highlight of this month is most certainly Bon Jovi in Concert at the Magnetic Hill Concert Site on June 27. Call 1-888-720-5800 or go online at www.tickets.moncton.ca for tickets! Do you love dance? Visit the Atlantic Dance Festival from Jun 25 to 28 with shows, workshops, films and demos.
July’s Canada Day celebrations will be marked on the first with the Downtown Moncton Canada Day Festival at City Hall, and at Riverview’s Caseley Park a noon to 6pm extravaganza for the whole family. Drop in for BBQ’s, face painting, games, and crafts culminating with fireworks at 10pm marking the end to a week-long Sunfest Festival. This promises to be a fun gathering for all! The Shediac Lobster Festival will take place from July 8 to 12 in beautiful Shediac by the Sea. Also in Shediac the Flea Market will feature acres of displays of wonderful treasures for the collector in us all. Of course, July would not be complete without the popular Atlantic National Automotive Extravaganza from July 9 to 12. Of course, every Saturday in July and August, the Marché Moncton Market will host Artists at the Market, featuring song, dance, and drama, and the Victoria Park Concert Series, also running throughout July and August will feature concerts every Tuesday at 7pm. There will also be a concert series at Centennial Park with shows every Sunday at 2pm.
August is ushered in by New Brunswick Day celebrations in Downtown Moncton on August 4 and continues with Fete des Acadiens on August 15. Turner’s Victoria Park Arts and Crafts Fair will take place from August 7 to 9 with the talents of local artisans and visiting vendors from as far afield as Ontario and Nova Scotia in attendance.
August is also all about the Atlantic Seafood Festival which will take place at various venues around the city and will showcase the best in Maritime seafood. August wraps up with a bang with AC/DC in Concert at the Magnetic Hill Concert Site! This world class event is sure to attract record crowds to our region, all keen to sample the finest Moncton has to offer. This August the spotlight will most certainly shine on our region as we play host to visitors.
In fact, right across the Maritime, concerts in almost every province have attracted big names in entertainment, ranging from Blue Rodeo and Matt Minglewood at the Miramichi Cultural Fest on Jun 26 and Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, and others at Cavendish, P.E.I. from July 10 to 12 to Sir Paul McCartney at the Halifax Common on July 11, followed by Kiss in Concert at the same venue on July 6. See below for a complete listing of concert destinations throughout the Maritimes for Summer 2009!
The sheer variety and quality of events taking place across the Maritimes this summer means that vacationers can create their own experience from a range of choices whether it be a lazy, languid, sun-drenched stay at a seaside retreat, an exciting, heart-pounding, revved-up concert run, or a combination of both. Whatever you choose, make summer 2009 one filled with memorable experiences! Enjoy!