Festivals & Events of Newfoundland
Known for its hospitality, vibrant culture, unique food and traditions, as well as “kitchen parties,” it is not surprising that Newfoundland and Labrador hosts countless fun-filled festivals and events. The accordions, fiddles, and guitars are always at hand, and there is hardly a family that hasn’t a singer, dancer, or musician in their midst. Of course, all Newfoundlanders are known for their fast wit and sense of humor, inspired by generations of struggles, triumphs, defeats, and always the music – a reflection of the spirit of the people.
There’s Always Something to Celebrate in Newfoundland and Labrador!
Cupids 400
In 2010, Cupids is celebrating its 400th anniversary as the first English-speaking settlement in the land that became Canada. Cupids 400 is a year-long event. To launch the year’s festivities, their Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, arrived in Cupids on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009.
The calendar of events for Cupids 400 is jam-packed and includes a Concert in the Park on July 18 (2 pm-4 pm) and August 29 (2 pm-4 pm), and the Cupids Cove Soiree (August 17-August 22), as well as numerous other events. An outdoor exhibit entitled - Portraits in the Street – is being displayed during the year’s celebrations. The exhibit features reproductions of portraits of prominent Canadians. Check out the full slate of festivities for Cupids 400.
One-Of-A-Kind-Events
- Gros Morne Summer Music
In 2010, Gros Morne Summer Music (July 21-August 22) marks the 8th anniversary of a unique event. Musicians from around the globe gather in a world-class setting in Gros Morne Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Performers for the 2010 season include tenor Michael Barrett with his wife, Quebecois soprano Marcelle Boisjoli, the duo of local fiddler Daniel Payne and Taiwanese violinist Min Tze Wu, and much more amazing talent.
Music lovers can always find music in Gros Morne. The Glynmill Inn has unforgettable performances on Wednesday nights. The audience can enjoy the musical theatre talents of Jim Parsons, Nicholas Fleming, Yvette Coleman and Wendy Woodland, with Gary Graham and his band. On Friday night, the music is in Woody Point (July 23-Aug 20), and on Saturday night, Norris Point (July 24-Aug 21) comes alive with the tunes and songs. On Sunday evenings, the sounds of music resonate through Corner Brook (July 21-Aug 22). All shows start at 8 pm.
- Rising Tide Theatre - Seasons in the Bight Theatre Festival
Rising Tide Theatre - Seasons in the Bight Theatre Festival is award-winning theatre – theatre with a difference. The Rising Tide troupe (40 of the island’s fine professional artists) takes the production out into the community. Theatre lovers can follow the show (June 11-Oct 15, 2010) through the town of Trinity. Follow the drama through the meadows and roads of the town. A unique theatrical performance!
- A St. John’s Time
A St. John’s Time is a true Newfoundland ‘time’ (celebration with music, song, and dance) lasting 11 days, and including four major festivals, and other activities. The ‘Time’ (July 29-August 8) refers to the combination of the George Street Festival, Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, The Buskers Festival, and the Royal St. John's Regatta, and other events.
- Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival
The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, held in St. John’s, (August 5-August 7, 2011 – 35th Annual) is one of the largest festivals in the province. This three-day event in Bannerman Park features different musical genres and various performers across the province. The musicians play traditional music, banjo tunes, country and rock music, and “everything in between,” and the festival showcases talent from master guitarists to fascinating story tellers. Canada's second-oldest folk festival is spread out over 3 exciting days and is attended by thousands of loyal supporters and visitors. Whether you are looking to sing, dance, hear a Newfoundland traditional story or just sit back and enjoy the music, this event is not to be missed.
- Royal St. John’s Regatta
The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest continuing sporting event in North America. Held the first Wednesday of August (or the next day with suitable weather), this rowing competition is unlike any other event anywhere in the world. The day centers on rowing races and culminates in the evening with a championship race.
Yet this event is about more than a competition. Regatta Day (August 4, 2010 – if weather is good for rowing) is the social event of the summer. Everyone meets to watch the races, enjoy all kinds of food (traditional and fast food), play games of chance, meet old friends and make new ones.
With cotton candy, teddy bears, games, ice cream, and much more, children always look forward to this event. The Royal St. John’s Regatta attracts more than 50,000 spectators every year. Other communities in Newfoundland hold annual regattas including Harbour Grace and Placentia.
- George Street Festival
The George Street Festival, a six-night festival, takes place in early August on George Street in St. John’s. The festivities conclude on the Tuesday night before the planned Regatta Day. This festival takes place at the Prince Edward Plaza and is the largest celebration of the year on George Street. That’s a huge celebration as George Street is ‘rockin’ at any time of year. George Street has the most bars and pubs per square foot of any street in North America.
Labrador Festivals and Events
- Labrador Canoe Regatta
Held 15 km from North West River on Gosling Lake at Gosling Park, the Labrador Canoe Regatta takes place the first weekend in August (July 31-August 2, 2010). During this 3-day event, teams from all over Labrador compete in 6-man freighter canoe races. The teams use replicas of traditional voyager canoes and they paddle around a diamond-shaped course on the lake.
- North West River Beach Festival
In 2010, the North West River Festival will celebrate its 24th anniversary (July 24-July 25). Held at the Waterfront Park, this festival offers more than 25 hours of live music, delicious food including traditional Labrador recipes, an arts and crafts sale, and other events for the entire family.
- Bakeapple Folk Festival
The Bakeapple Folk Festival (August 6- August 8, 2010), a Labrador Coastal Drive annual event, celebrates the Newfoundland and Labrador berry – the bakeapple. Besides bakeapple delicacies, this festival has folk singing, dancing, music, games, and crafts, as well as more food and entertainment.
- Charlottetown Shrimp Festival
The Charlottetown Shrimp Festival, in Charlottetown, Labrador, includes the Blessing of the Fleet, a traditional breakfast, live entertainment, and a barbecue, as well as children’s games. Water sports, such as sea-dooing and water skiing, add even more ‘fun in the sun’ to the festival. The 2010 festival (August 17-August 18) will be the 9th annual Charlottetown Shrimp Festival.
- Mary’s Harbour Crab Festival
Mary’s Harbour Crab Festival celebrates the end of the crab fishery for the season. A fun-filled weekend of events (August 6-August 8, 2010) for all ages with live entertainment, dances, and prizes!
