There are still a couple of weeks left to squeeze some serious fun out of New Brunswick before Labour Day weekend arrives. From live music and international culture to medieval adventures, lumberjack competitions and sea glass, the province’s late-August festival calendar is packed with reasons to get out for one more summer adventure.
Here are eight New Brunswick festivals and events happening after August 18, 2026 that are worth adding to your late-summer bucket list.
1. Paquetstock Festival — Paquetville
August 20–23, 2026
If live music and a good old-fashioned summer festival are your idea of a perfect weekend, head to Paquetville for Paquetstock.
Running Thursday through Sunday at the Paquetstock recreation centre, the festival brings local and regional performers together for several days of music, dancing and community fun. The 2026 lineup includes artists such as David Pineau and All Access ShowBand, with country, folk, rock and pop on the schedule.
Bucket-list appeal: A great excuse to make a road trip to the Acadian Peninsula and discover some homegrown musical talent.
2. African Festival Canada — Moncton
August 21–22, 2026
Looking for something colourful, energetic and different? The African Festival Canada returns to Downtown Moncton for a celebration of African, Caribbean and Latino cultures.
Expect cultural performances, music, dancing, traditional crafts, food vendors and community activities. Friday’s programming includes street jams and community performances, while Saturday features exhibitions and cultural performances. Admission is free.
Bucket-list appeal: Come hungry and bring the family—you’ll get a chance to experience music, food and traditions from cultures across the African diaspora.
3. Canadian Lumberjack Championships — Mactaquac
August 21–22, 2026
For something completely different, make your way to Centennial Park in Mactaquac for the Canadian Lumberjack Championships.
Watch top lumberjack and lumberjill athletes compete in chopping and sawing events showcasing speed, strength and skill. The event is free to attend, with a barbecue and raffle prizes also planned.
Bucket-list appeal: It’s quintessentially New Brunswick—and much more exciting in person than watching lumberjack competitions on television.
4. Shediac Renaissance Faire — Shediac
August 22–23, 2026
Grab your best medieval-inspired outfit and head to Shediac for a weekend of knights, artisans, live entertainment and fantasy-themed fun.
The Shediac Renaissance Faire takes place at the Neptune Drive-In Theatre and features knightly combat, field competitions, merchants and artisans, live music, magic, fire shows, workshops, storytelling and costumed competitions.
Bucket-list appeal: It’s a fun choice for families, history buffs, fantasy fans—or anyone who wants an excuse to dress like a medieval noble for a day.
5. YQM Country Fest — Dieppe
August 27–29, 2026
Country music fans have a major late-August date to circle on the calendar.
YQM Country Fest takes over the MusiquArt site in Dieppe for three days, with Post Malone, Eric Church and Zach Top among the headliners. The festival runs Thursday through Saturday, with doors opening at 1 p.m. and music beginning at 3 p.m.
Bucket-list appeal: If you’ve been waiting all summer for one big concert weekend, this could be it.
6. Crankworx Summer Series — Sugarloaf
August 27–30, 2026
Prefer your festivals with a little more adrenaline?
The Crankworx Summer Series at Sugarloaf Bike Park in Atholville brings four days of mountain-biking action to northern New Brunswick. The program includes downhill and cross-country racing, Dual Slalom, XCO, Enduro, Slopestyle, Kidsworx and the World Championship of Pond Crossing. There will also be live music and games for spectators.
Bucket-list appeal: You don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy this one. The combination of spectacular riding, outdoor scenery and festival atmosphere makes it an excellent day-trip destination.
7. Saint John Sea Glass Festival — Saint John
August 28–29, 2026
If your perfect weekend involves the Bay of Fundy, local artists and hunting for beautiful treasures, put the Saint John Sea Glass Festival on your list.
Taking place at Market Square, the festival celebrates sea glass and features vendors from throughout the Maritimes showcasing collections and creations. It’s family-friendly and includes activities for children.
Bucket-list appeal: Pair the festival with a walk along the waterfront and turn it into a full Saint John day trip.
8. Rogersville Bluegrass Festival — Rogersville
August 28–30, 2026
Close out August with some East Coast music and hospitality at the Rogersville Bluegrass Festival.
The three-day festival features bluegrass musicians, live performances and jam sessions in a welcoming community setting. It’s a laid-back alternative to the province’s larger music festivals—and a great opportunity to discover performers you may not have heard before.
Bucket-list appeal: If you prefer your festivals intimate, musical and community-focused, this one deserves a spot on the list.
Make the Most of the Last Days of Summer
The calendar may be edging toward September, but New Brunswick isn’t ready to put summer away just yet.
From Paquetville and Moncton to Mactaquac, Shediac, Dieppe, Atholville, Saint John and Rogersville, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out, explore somewhere new and enjoy a festival before the summer season winds down.
So pick a weekend, gather your friends or family, fill up the gas tank and make one more summer memory.
Which New Brunswick festival will you be checking out before Labour Day?
