Festivals & Events

St. John’s and surrounding areas offer an abundance of festivals and events year ‘round. Below are some highlights to expect for 2022. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates and announcements!

Due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, we recommend contacting festivals and events individually to confi rm details before making any plans.

Snow & Ice in Paradise

February 2-6 Town of Paradise www.paradise.ca

At the Snow & Ice in Paradise Winter Carnival there will be events for the whole family. Ranging from dances to sporting events, the carnival offers residents and visitors a wide variety of both indoor and outdoor activities.

ChillFest 2022: St. John’s Winter Festival

February 13-17 City of St. John’s www.stjohns.ca

A series of free, action-packed winter events to get you out and moving. There’s something for everyone, including outdoor and indoor events. Sharpen your skates or tune your instruments and join us for a great time.

Mount Pearl Frosty Festival

February 5-16 City of Mount Pearl T: 709.748.1008 www.frostyfestival.ca

The Annual Mount Pearl Frosty Festival is the largest winter event in Atlantic Canada. With 80+ events over 12 days, there’s something for everyone. Celebrate with family, friends, and neighbours.

Conception Bay South Winterfest

February Town of Conception Bay South T: 709.834.6500 ext. 601 www.conceptionbaysouth.ca/winterfest

Events for all ages at Winterfest in Expect events for the whole family at Winterfest in Conception Bay South. This event features activities for all ages. Keep up to date on all things Winterfest on our website or follow us on social media. Please note that all events are subject to current COVID-19 guidelines.

Avalon Expo

April 29-May 1 Holiday Inn, 180 Portugal Cove Road St. John’s www.avalonexpo.com

A sci-fi , fantasy, gaming, technology, art, literature, pop-culture convention/ comic con. Highlighting sci-fi , comics, fantasy, cosplay, games and more. Expect dozens of vendors showcasing local hand-crafted products and art works, authors, and collectibles.

Opera on the Avalon 2022 Summer Festival

June 2-4 LSPU Hall T: 709.738.1322 www.operaontheavalon.com/festival

Our summer festival is the highlight of Opera on the Avalon’s Season! For 2022, we are pleased to be hosting 3 performances of Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers, happening on June 2nd, June 3rd, and June 4th.

Lawnya Vawnya: An Exposition of Independent Art and Culture

June 8-11 St. John’s www.lawynavawnya.com

This non-profi t music and art festival is named for a Newfoundland expression that, according to the Dictionary of Newfoundland English, means “having a good time at a dance or party with plenty to eat”. Lawnya Vawnya takes place each spring in colourful downtown St. John’s.

Nickel Independent Film Festival

June 13-19 LSPU Hall T: 709.576.3378 www.nickelfestival.com

The Nickel Independent Film Festival celebrates and inspires independent fi lm in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since 2001 we have been giving people opportunities to see independent short and feature fi lms that are engaging, challenging and which offer fresh perspectives which audiences would otherwise not be able to see. Our week-long festival runs each June and features a selection of fi lms from here and around the world.

Sci-Fi on the Rock

June 24-26 Sheraton Hotel, St. John’s www.scifi ontherock.com

“Sci-fi on the Rock” is NL’s premiere science fi ction & fantasy convention. We celebrate all things Geeky – fi lm, television, comics, books, gaming, cosplay, and more!

Canada’s Big Birthday Bash

June 30 George Street, St. John’s T: 709.722.7634 www.georgestreetlive.ca

Join the festivities and be amongst the fi rst citizens in Canada to celebrate our national birthday. In addition to its traditionally strong entertainment line-up, plans typically include activities such as outdoor barbecues, busker performances, children’s programming, and fi reworks.

Canada Day Celebrations — St. John’s

July 1 St. John’s T: 709.576.8106 www.stjohns.ca

Each July 1st, when the sun rises over Signal Hill, the people of St. John’s become the fi rst in Canada to celebrate this country’s birthday. Enjoy outdoor entertainment throughout the day capped off by fi reworks at Quidi Vidi Lake. Happy Birthday Canada!

Canada Day Celebrations — Mount Pearl

July 1 City of Mount Pearl T: 7709.748.1008 www.mountpearl.ca

Residents and visitors are invited to come along and enjoy Canada Day Celebrations in the City of Mount Pearl. Many activities are planned, including children’s entertainment and birthday cake. Wear your red & white!

Canada Day Celebrations — Paradise

July 1 Town of Paradise T: 709.782.3570 www.paradise.ca

Come out and join in the fun with a full day of activities to celebrate Canada Day! The celebrations typically feature a free BBQ, bouncy castle, rides, and games. There will also be a concert and closing fi reworks.

Canada Day Celebrations — Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s

July 1 Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s T: 709.895.8000 www.pcsp.ca

The annual Canada Day celebrations take place as a part of the Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Regatta Festival. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates and announcements on the celebration plans for this year!

Reel Downtown

July Downtown St. John’s www.downtownstjohns.com/ play/reel-downtown

Downtown St. John’s presents an outdoor movie screening series, free of charge. Together with local businesses, we offer you the chance to watch the “stars under the stars” in the historic atmosphere of downtown. All you need to do is bring your own chair! Screenings take place every Monday in July, weather permitting.

Kelligrews Soiree

July Town of Conception Bay South T: 709. 834.6500 ext. 601 www.conceptionbaysouth.ca

There are events for all ages at the world-famous Kelligrews Soiree. This festival features activities for all ages. Keep up to date with festival information on our website or follow us on social media. Please note that all events are subject to current COVID-19 guidelines.

Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival

July 8-10 Bannerman Park, St. John’s T: 709.576.8508 www.nlfolk.com

The good times in St. John’s keep roaring in August with the annual Provincial Folk Festival featuring musicians, dancers, and storytellers from around the province and beyond! It is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of the traditional Newfoundland lifestyle with music, dancing and storytelling plus extra late-night shows and youth events around town, all presented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society.

Mount Pearl City Days Celebrations

July 15-17 City of Mount Pearl T: 709.748.1008 www.mountpearl.ca

Come out and enjoy Mount Pearl’s Birthday during the Mount Pearl City Days Celebrations! The weekend will be jam-packed with family activities, events and outdoor concerts. Many events are free with a non-perishable food donation to the local food bank.

Southern Shore Folk Arts Council

July 23-24 Ferryland T: 709.432.2052 Toll Free: 888.332.2052 www.ssfac.com

Organizers of the annual Southern Shore Shamrock Festival which takes place during the 4th weekend of July. The very purest in traditional Irish/Newfoundland music, song, and dance. Other special events throughout the summer.

Victoria Park Lantern Festival

July 30 (rain date of July 31) Victoria Park, St. John’s www.lanternfest.ca

2022 marks the 20th anniversary of this annual festival that highlights the historical and natural features of the park, including the annual lighting of the buried Bennett’s Brook with a river of glowing glass jar lanterns and the installation of a spectacular paper lantern display among the majestic trees of the upper park. This day-long celebration typically concludes with an amazing fi re and light show performance!

Downtown Pedestrian Mall

July-September Downtown St. John’s www.stjohns.ca

Since its start in 2020, the Downtown Pedestrian Mall has quickly become a highlight of the summer for locals and visitors alike. Portions of the downtown area are closed to vehicle traffi c and many businesses have added patios to extend their space and offer outdoor dining. Stroll, shop, and dine downtown during this well-loved summer experience.

Photo:ChrisCrockwell

Signal Hill Tattoo

July – August Signal Hill, St. John’s T: 709.772.7982 (summer) T: 709.364.9240 (off-season) www.signalhilltattoo.org

During the Signal Hill Tattoo, the sound of musket and cannon fi re boom across St. John’s like ghostly echoes from bygone days. This exciting battle re-enactment performed by the Royal Newfoundland Companies commemorates the fi nal battle of the Seven Years’ War, which was fought on Signal Hill on September 16, 1762. Typically held Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting.

George Street Festival

July 28-August 3 George Street, St. John’s T: 709.722.7634 www.georgestreetlive.ca

George Street, in downtown St. John’s, is home to a number of popular events. The pubs and taverns lining this historic cobblestone street offer everything from traditional Newfoundland music to the latest rock music. This festival offers live outdoor entertainment featuring some of our province’s top acts. The George Street Association is proud to provide an exciting, entertaining, and safe experience for residents and tourists alike.

Royal St. John’s Regatta

August 3 (weather permitting) Quidi Vidi Lake, St. John’s T: 709.576.8921 www.stjohnsregatta.org

The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest organized sporting event in North America. It has been a part of Newfoundland history for over 200 years, and it is held on the fi rst Wednesday in August (weather permitting). Regatta Day is probably the only Municipal Holiday in Canada that is dependent on the weather. If the weather is unfavourable, the holiday is simply postponed until the next suitable day.

Downtown St. John’s Busker Festival

August 5-7 Downtown, St. John’s T: 709.726.8244 www.downtownstjohns.com

Every year clowns, magicians, and musical talent come out into the streets to perform. The Busker Festival is a highlight of the summer for many, hosting a number of great acts all around the downtown area.

The Tuckamore Festival

August 8-21 T: 709.330.4599 www.tuckamorefestival.ca

The Tuckamore Festival offers an outstanding two-week chamber music series featuring internationally acclaimed artists alongside an educational program for emerging young musicians. The 2022 festival will be presenting a rich compliment of classical music performers from across Canada. Expect concerts, lunchtime recitals, open rehearsals, master classes, workshops and more. You won’t want to miss this exciting season!

SunSplash — Paddle in Paradise

August 17-21 McNamara Drive, Town of Paradise www.paradise.ca

SunSplash offers fun for the whole family. Bouncy castles, games, food vendors and more are sure to entertain you as you cheer on your favourite dragon boat team! SunSplash offers a variety of events, including an outdoor movie and community concert.

Doors Open

Typically held in September Various locations throughout St. John’s T: 709.739.6592 www.historictrust.ca/doorsopen

Doors Open is a unique opportunity for the citizens and visitors of Newfoundland & Labrador to celebrate our architecture and heritage through the exploration of some of our hidden historical, architectural, and cultural gems. Buildings that are normally closed to the public, or that charge an entrance fee, welcome visitors to look around for free.

Roots, Rants & Roars

September 16-17, Elliston www.rootsrantsandroars.ca

Each year, during the third weekend of September, Tourism Elliston hosts this event, a regional celebration of the natural gifts of Newfoundland and Labrador. This two-day food festival is a celebration of our province’s food, culture, land, and sea. Since its inaugural event in 2009, Roots, Rants and Roars has grown to become a premier culinary event in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Cooper Dav i d P h o t o : Sh a y K ueb l e r .

St. John’s International CircusFest

September 22-25 St. John’s www.stjohnscircusfest.com

The St. John’s International CircusFest is an exciting comprehensive showcase of Circus Arts. Featuring top national and international circus performers and troupes, CircusFest includes a multitude of performances, workshops, professional development sessions and, of course, incredible circus shows!

Chefs for Trails Food Hike

Annually on the fi rst Saturday of October Manuels River www.manuelsriver.ca

Join us for a unique culinary experience on the scenic Manuels River trails. Renowned local Chefs will prepare small plates made with local ingredients at various points along the river trails. This event will highlight both the culinary talent we have in the region as well as the fall harvest.

On your hike, you will taste small plates from 9 food stations; sip on some local micro-brews, wine, and hot cider; and listen to incredible live music while you enjoy the scenes along the river.

Festival of New Dance

October 3-8 St. John’s

T: 709.722.3663 www.neighbourhooddanceworks. com/festival-of-new-dance

Neighbourhood Dance Works is proud to be the primary presenter of contemporary dance in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Each year we present celebrated local, national and international dance artists in the Festival of

New Dance and through artistic residencies and special projects. We engage the community with professional development workshops and artistic collaborations.

Cape to Cabot 20K Road Running Race

October 16 Cape Spear to Cabot Tower, St. John’s www.capetocabot.com

The Cape to Cabot 20K Road Race is NLAA sanctioned and is part of the Championship Series. Hosted by Athletics NorthEAST, it was fi rst held in 2007. The course is tough with steep hills and suspect weather but offers beautiful views from North America’s most easterly tip to one of its most famous landmarks atop Signal Hill. An extremely well-organized event with transport to the start, a grand buffet-reception, and a unique sand-blasted Newfoundland slate fi nishers’ medal. Registration opens August 1.

St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival

October 19-23 St. John’s T: 709.754.3141 www.womensfi lmfestival.com

St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival is Canada’s longest-running women’s fi lm festival. The festival will be celebrating its 33rd annual edition from October 19-23, 2022, with a program of short and feature-length fi lms of all genres, directed and/or written by women fi lmmakers from around the world.

Christmas at the Glacier, Festival of Craft & Art

October 19-23 The Glacier, Mount Pearl www.christmasattheglacier.com

With almost 200 craft producers and artists from 7 provinces, you don’t miss this year’s Christmas at the Glacier. The largest and highest attended event of this type in the province. It’s become a Christmas shopping tradition!

Annual St. John’s Halloween Mardi Gras

October 28-29 George Street, St. John’s T: 709.722.7634 www.georgestreetlive.ca

If you thought you had to go to New Orleans to experience a real Mardi Gras, then you have not been to the annual St. John’s Halloween Mardi Gras. This is an event of all-out fun with spectacular costumes, good music, good fun and good times on George Street.

City of St. John’s Pumpkin Walk

November 1 Bannerman Park, St. John’s www.stjohns.ca

Bring your carved pumpkin to Bannerman Park and help us light up The Loop with a huge Jack O’ Lantern display. This is an earth-friendly event. Pumpkins will be collected and composted after the event. Let’s cut waste—bring a reusable mug for your FREE hot chocolate.

Christmas Craft Fair

Annually in November—Dates TBA Jack Byrne Arena, Torbay www.craftcouncilnl.ca/craft-fair

This four-day event will feature an eclectic offering of fi ne crafts, demos, and entertainment for lovers of local fl air and world-class creations. Shoppers will fi nd works in metal, clay, wood, paper, fi ber, bone, stone, and glass that have been crafted with skill and care. They’ll also have the opportunity to meet the makers, hear their stories, and bring fi ne crafts home to their families and friends with stories to last a lifetime.

Torbay Spring and Summer Markets

June through August Torbay T: 709.765.5299 www.torbay.ca/event We are excited to offer three markets in 2022: a Community Spring Market, a Community Yard Sale-Style Market, and an Outdoor Artisans and Farmer’s Market! Browse over 80 vendors and local businesses selling arts and crafts, Christmas gift ideas, and fresh fruit and vegetables along with a wide variety of Torbay-based small and medium sized businesses.

Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade

Annually in November—Date TBA Downtown, St. John’s T: 709.579.4139 www.downtownstjohns.com

With over 100 entries and a crowd estimated at 40,000 people, the parade is the largest in the province. It features zany clowns, marching bands, colourful cheerleaders and fantastic fl oats. A food drive is included in the festivities benefi ting the community food sharing association.

Mummers Festival

November 26-December 10 Various locations throughout St. John’s T: 709.728.6824 www.mummersfestival.ca

A two-week long series of events that lead up to (and build momentum for) the Mummers Parade. Events include workshops, touring program, lectures, the parade, and more.

Mun Botanical Garden Merry & Bright Festival

December 2-21 MUN Botanical Garden 306 Mt Scio Road, St. John’s www.mun.ca/botgarden/register/ specialevents/merrybright It’s St. John’s newest holiday tradition! The Garden will be glowing once again with a spectacular light display. Take a winter evening stroll, sip hot chocolate and warm yourself by the fi re. Come see the Garden in a new light and leave merry and bright!

Festival of Music & Lights 2022

December Bowring Park, St. John’s www.stjohns.ca

Ring in the holiday season with our annual celebration featuring bright lights, festive music, and free hot chocolate. Enjoy musical performances as we offi cially light up the trees and paths surrounding the Duck Pond in Bowring Park.

North America’s First New Year

December 31 T: 709.576.8106 www.stjohns.ca

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the people of St. John’s are the fi rst in North America to celebrate the New Year. The New Year’s Eve celebrations include an outdoor concert and a spectacular display of fi reworks at Quidi Vidi Lake.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS If you are travelling to Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, keep these special events in mind.

Find all 2022 festival & event schedules at www.spm-tourisme.fr

Festival Jambon Beurre

February 9 concerts, 5 shows: 8 artists from France and 6 artists from Saint Pierre

Carnaval du Mardi Gras

March

Music Festival 2022

June As everywhere in France on the summer solstice, musicians take to the streets and perform in various public squares and bars.

Half Marathon Race in Miquelon/Langlade

June www.miquelon-langlade.com/25km

Come and participate in this half marathon race in Miquelon-Langlade! In a friendly atmosphere, this race brings together as many runners present for the performance as people wishing to complete the race within the four-hour time, whether running or walking. It is also an opportunity for families, groups of friends and visitors to come together for a weekend to participate in the race and the méchoui (barbecue) that punctuates the festive evening that follows!

Fête Nationale - Bastille Day

July 14 Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon www.mairie-stpierre.fr

On July 14th, our national day commemorates the taking of the Bastille of 1789. On this occasion, the Public places come alive and most of the population is at this rendez-vous! Games and meals will be served and the day ends with traditional fi reworks and a popular ball. Come and meet our locals and dance to the sound of the accordion!

Dunefest

July (date dependent on tides) Langlade www.dunefest.fr

The Eklectik association is proud to present the Dunefest, which will take place on the sand dune of Langlade. In the program of this festival, musical animation by local artists (French music, Rock, Electro) there will be a barbecue with a campfi re and various animations during the day and the evening. There will be something for all tastes and all ages, so come breathe an air of freedom!

The Seafood Festival in Miquelon

August Enjoy hundreds of dishes made from seafood in a friendly atmosphere, all enjoyed by a local music group. For more information please contact the Visitor Information Centers. Tickets will be also sold online.

The Basque Festival

August Saint-Pierre www.cheznoo.net/zazpiak-bat

This 100% Basque sporting and cultural event takes place every year in August, for a full week. Throughout the week, there will be traditional ball games (pelotta, pelone gum pleone, jokogarbi) which take place by a different team every evening. An occasion for the local seniors to compete with the pelotaris invited from France and Canada and for the young generation to show off their know-how.

The highlight of the event is Sunday, where locals and visitors celebrate the music and gastronomy of the Basque country, participate in Basque games of force and they also offer demonstrations of Basque dance. The day closes with a popular ball in the square of Zazpiak Bat. Discover our identity through our Basque roots!

The Salon des Métiers d’Art et du Terroir

November www. cacima.fr

This is a unique opportunity to admire the talent, know-how and creativity of the archipelago’s exceptional artists and artisans. The show will again highlight the richness, the quality requirement and the passion of the trade of the exhibitors in various fi elds such as cabinet making, leather goods, porcelain, sewing, jewelry and more.

For a full list of things to do and see on St. Pierre and Miquelon, and for ferry information, please visit our website: www.spm-tourisme.fr.

For more information, please call the visitor information centre in Saint Pierre: 011 508 410200.

ST. JOHN’S AND AREA St. John’s and Area

Being the most easterly point in North America has its advantages. For starters, we have our very own time zone. In Canada, the sunrise shines fi rst on Newfoundland and Labrador.

We’re the closest province to Europe, which means St. John’s harbour is a safe haven for transatlantic travellers and a bustling commercial port. We’re the youngest—and coolest—province in Canada, home to the oldest street in North America, and we’ve been welcoming adventurers from all corners of the world for over 500 years. A city rich in culture, we honour tradition while embracing eclectic sophistication.

When in St. John’s, you hear your fair share of tall tales and yarns, and that’s not all. As you walk through the winding alleyways of our vibrant downtown, you’ll encounter fashionistas, chefs, musicians, and more, all elements of a colourful tapestry of experiences unfolding before your eyes.

Have a thirst for adventure? It’s easily quenched by skirting the dramatic coastline on foot or enjoying a day on a boat on the bay having close encounters with humpback whales, puffi ns, or icebergs (and maybe all three!).

Spectacular vistas, extraordinary culinary pleasures, and unique architecture are just tiny slices of an urban experience that will feel like no other. But it’s the colourful characters who are most memorable, in a place where strangers quickly become friends, and the local vernacular will delight and puzzle you all at once. Performances abound: sing along. Toe tapping is welcome.

Colourful experiences. Colourful characters. Colourful encounters. Make your destination St. John’s—you’ll be glad you did.