Fredericton, the charming capital city of New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, there is always something exciting happening in Fredericton.
You can even take a look at our post on the best things to do in Fredericton for even more ideas.
Let’s take a look at some of the must-see events in Fredericton for 2023.
Shivering Songs Festival
- Date: February 2-5, 2023
- Website: https://www.shiveringsongs.com/
The Shivering Songs Festival is a celebration of music and winter, bringing together a diverse range of musicians from all over the world.
The festival features over 20 acts performing in various venues across the city, including churches, bars, and theatres.
Fredericton Frostival
- Date: February 17-19, 2023
- Website: https://www.tourismfredericton.ca/en/events/frostival
Fredericton Frostival is an annual winter festival that celebrates the beauty of the season.
This winter festival features a variety of activities, including ice skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. There are also food and drink vendors, live music, and other entertainment.
Fredericton Craft Beer Festival
- Date: March 11, 2023
- Website: https://frederictoncraftbeerfestival.com/
The Fredericton Craft Beer Festival is a one-day event that showcases the best craft beers from New Brunswick and beyond.
This craft beer festival features over 60 breweries, food vendors, and live music.
Fredericton Women’s Show
- Date: April 1-2, 2023
- Website: https://www.frederictonwomensshow.ca/
The Fredericton Women’s Show is an annual event that celebrates women’s health, wellness, and lifestyle.
The show features over 100 vendors, including health and wellness professionals, beauty experts, and lifestyle products.
Folly Fest
- Date: June 23-25, 2023
- Website: https://follyfest.ca/
Folly Fest is a three-day music festival that celebrates local and international talent.
This interesting Fredericton festival features over 30 acts performing on three stages, as well as food vendors, art installations, and other entertainment.
Canada Day in Fredericton
- Date: July 1, 2023
- Website: https://www.tourismfredericton.ca/en/events/canada-day
Canada Day is a national holiday that celebrates the country’s birthday.
Fredericton hosts a variety of events to mark the occasion, including a parade, live music, and fireworks.
New Brunswick Highland Games Festival
- Date: July 22-23, 2023
- Website: http://www.highlandgames.ca/
The New Brunswick Highland Games Festival celebrates Scottish culture and heritage through a variety of events, including traditional games, music, dance, and food.
Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival
Date: September 12-17, 2023
Website: https://www.harvestjazzandblues.com/
The Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival is one of the most popular events in Fredericton, attracting thousands of music lovers every year.
The festival features over 400 musicians performing on multiple stages across the city.
NBEX (New Brunswick Exhibition)
- Date: August 21-26, 2023
- Website: https://www.nbex.ca/
The NBEX is an annual agricultural fair that features a variety of attractions, including animal exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides, and food vendors.
Fredericton Poutine Festival
- Date: October 14-15, 2023
- Website: https://www.tourismfredericton.ca/en/events/fredericton-poutine-festival
The Fredericton Poutine Festival celebrates the classic Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
The festival features a variety of poutine vendors, as well as live music and other entertainment.
Christmas at Government House
- Date: November-December 2023 (exact dates TBA)
- Website: https://www.gnb.ca/gbh/
Christmas at Government House is a festive holiday event that features decorated rooms, live music, and other seasonal entertainment.
The event is open to the public and free of charge.
Fredericton Christmas Market
- Date: November 17-19, 2023
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/Fredericton-Christmas-Market-104233135266183/
The Fredericton Christmas Market is an annual event that features over 60 vendors selling handmade crafts, art, and food.
The Fredericton Christmas market is held at the Fredericton Exhibition Grounds and is free to attend.
New Brunswick Spirits Festival
- Date: November 24-25, 2023
- Website: https://www.nbspiritsfestival.com/
The New Brunswick Spirits Festival celebrates the province’s growing craft spirits industry, featuring a variety of local distilleries, as well as international brands.
This festival also includes educational sessions and other activities.
Fredericton Frostival Kickoff Weekend
- Date: January 20-22, 2023
- Website: https://www.tourismfredericton.ca/en/events/frostival
The Fredericton Frostival Kickoff Weekend marks the start of the winter festival season, featuring a variety of activities and events, such as a polar bear dip, snow sculpture contest, and a parade of lights.
Finding the Best Fredericton Events
Fredericton offers a diverse range of events catering to different interests and age groups.
Popular events include the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, Fredericton Frostival, and New Brunswick Highland Games Festival.
Smaller events such as the New Brunswick Spirits Festival and Fredericton Poutine Festival also attract crowds.
Visitors can enjoy art exhibitions, film screenings, farmers’ markets, and much more.
Fredericton is a city that truly has something for everyone.