Summer has almost officially arrived across the country. While some of you may be planning your vacation, others may be deciding what to do on a day-to-day basis. One thing is certain: there are a lot of festivals taking place in Canada in 2022 and many of them deserve to be on your activity list.

Ultramar has compiled a list of summer festivals in six provinces to help you have unforgettable summer holidays!

Festivals to Discover in Ontario

Ontario’s Best Butter Tart

Do you dream of eating as many butter tarts as your heart desires? Now you can, at Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival! On June 11, participating vendors will set up their booths downtown in Midland and Harbourside parks to give you a taste of their best butter tart recipe.

There will also be a contest on the day of the event at the Midland Cultural Centre. The best part is that admission to the festival is free. There’s truly something for everyone—even butter tarts for those with dietary restrictions.

Luminato Festival

From June 9 to 19, the city of Toronto will come alive with Luminato, a large-scale art festival. This 10-day event features several Canadian and international artists. You can enjoy a multitude of dance, literature, music and theatre performances, as well as master class presentations.

Some activities are free, while others require you to purchase admission online. For more details about the scheduled events and artists, visit the festival website.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival will parade through the streets of Ontario’s capital a little later in the summer. This fun, colourful four-day event features body-shaking Latin music.

The festival happens from July 28 to 31 near Lake Ontario and is chock full of fun activities and shows. Some are free while others require paid admission.

Iconic Festivals in Ontario

Mariposa Folk Festival

• This folk music festival has been around since 1961.
• Location: Orillia, near Lake Simcoe
• Date: July 8 to 10 
• Paid admission

TD Toronto Jazz Festival

• This well-attended jazz music festival has been happening for 35 years.
• Location: Downtown Toronto
• Date: June 24 to July 3
• Free and paid admission

Kempenfest

• This arts and crafts festival features live music and activities for children and adults.
• Location: Barrie
• Date: July 29 to August 1
• Free and paid admission

Festivals to Discover in Quebec

Saint-Honoré Dans L’Vent
 

This festival is all about celebrating the wind! Therefore, everything kites and aviation are on the menu. It’s free to admire the flying kites. However, there are two paid shows on June 17 and 18. This international festival is held over three days, from June 17 to 19.

International Garden Festival at Jardins de Métis

The International Garden Festival at Jardins de Métis is a must-attend event for plant and art enthusiasts. It takes place in Grand-Métis in the beautiful Lower St. Lawrence region. In fact, it’s the largest contemporary garden festival in North America. 

You must purchase admission to attend this grandiose festival, which takes place from June 4 to October 2. The good news is there’s plenty of time to choose when to want to go during your vacation. Get your mental and electronic cameras ready to capture beautiful memories of the spectacular gardens and installations.

Festival de Cirque des Îles

Are you fascinated by circus arts? If so, you’re in luck! This summer, you can attend several colourful shows on the Magdalen Islands, or more precisely, in Cap-aux-Meules.

Two breathtaking shows will be presented in collaboration with the École de Cirque des Îles. From July 21 to 26, you can sit back and enjoy one of the many circus performances for young and old alike. Discover the artistic talent of the Magdalen Islands. Please note that you must pay an admission fee to attend the shows.

Iconic Festivals in Quebec

Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

• This is the world’s biggest jazz festival. It’s been attracting large crowds and the greatest artists in the industry for over 40 years.
• Location: Place des festivals in downtown Montreal
• Date: June 30 to July 9
• Free and paid admission

International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

• This festival features international hot air balloon shows and four large outdoor shows.
• Location: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
• Date: August 13 to 21
• Paid admission except for certain types of tickets for children four years old and under

Festival d’été de Québec

• This 10-day event brings together international and national artists on three different stages. 
• Location: the stages are located on the Plains of Abraham in the Parc de la Francophonie and at the Place de l’Assemblée nationale in Quebec City
• Date: July 6 to 17
• Paid admission

Festivals to Discover in New Brunswick

Rogersville Country Festival

The Rogersville Country Festival is a country music fan’s dream! It takes place in a large field in the heart of the village for two jam-packed days of music. Dozens of artists take turns performing their best hits. You must pay admission to attend.

The same organizing committee is behind the Bluegrass Festival, which takes place from August 26 to 28. Many artists have already confirmed their attendance.

Grand Falls Regional Potato Festival

The Grand Falls Regional Potato Festival turns 60 this year! From June 30 to July 3, the town of Grand Falls will host several activities for toddlers, teenagers and adults.

During the day, circus acts, inflatable games and parades are on the menu. There are three evening shows every night: one free and two that require paid admission. There’s something for everyone!

Festival Acadien de Caraquet

From August 5 to 15, the Festival Acadien de Caraquet takes includes 11 paid shows near the water. The festival, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, will once again welcome thousands of people from across the country.

You can also attend a beater car race along Portage Street. Get ready for 11 days of exciting shows and activities.

Iconic Festivals in New Brunswick

Blues d’La Baie Festival 

• This festival features blues shows under a big top and in the streets of Petit-Rocher.
• Location: Petit-Rocher
• Date: July 21 to 23
• Free and paid admission

New Brunswick’s Highland Games

• This event features music and dance performances, as well as arts and sports competitions related to Scottish culture.
• Location: Fredericton
• Date: July 22 to 24
• Free and paid admission

Miramichi Folk Song Festival

• This festival showcases folk music in all its glory, including fiddling, singing and guitar playing.
• Date: Miramichi
• August 4 to 7
• Paid admission

Festivals to Discover in Nova Scotia

Buskerfest

For the first time in its history, the Halifax Busker Festival will be held in two separate locations: Halifax and Dartmouth. There will be a total of six stages—three on each side of the water. Guests can enjoy circus artists, dance and music performances. 

The event takes place from July 27 to August 1. You can enjoy numerous shows on-stage and in the streets. If you have children, there will be a small amusement park. Admission is free. However, you’re encouraged to donate what you can to keep the festival running.

Roots and Boots Festival

The Cheticamp Roots and Boots Festival boasts an impressive lineup of cultural activities. This summer, attendees can enjoy storytelling and songwriting circles, as well as guided hikes on several trails in the region. Musical and dance performances are also part of the program in 2022.

Get ready to enjoy three full days of festivities and discoveries! 

Nova Scotia Summer Fest

Reserve August 19 and 20 for Nova Scotia Summer Fest. This year, the event will bring together a dozen artists for 12 shows.

You can attend these shows in downtown Antigonish and at Columbus Field by purchasing individual tickets or multi-show passes. This festival is perfect for road trippers as you can also pay for on-site camping.

Iconic Festivals in Nova Scotia

Full Circle Festival

• This three-day festival takes place in Avondale and features 20 different artists. There are various children’s activities, a bustling vendor market and a campground.
• Location: Newport Landings
• Date: June 17 to 19
• Paid admission

Paint Peggy’s Cove | Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of The Arts

• This three-day event brings several artists together to paint and draw at Peggy’s Cove. The public is graciously invited to visit and watch the artists at work.
• Location: Peggy’s Cove
• Date: July 8 to 10
• Free admission

Stan Rogers Folk Festival

• This year, 20 artists will come together to celebrate the 25th annual Canada songwriters’ festival.
• Location: Canso, Guysborough County
• Date: July 22 to 24
• Paid admission

Afrifest

• This festival promotes inclusion and cultural diversity through arts, crafts and African culture. The event features many performances by
• African artists from different parts of Canada and beyond.
• Location: Lower Water Street (Halifax Waterfront), Halifax
• Date: July 21 to 24
• Free admission

Festivals to Discover in Prince Edward Island

STAGES Theatre Festival

In 2022, the STAGES festival will celebrate its last year in its twenties. The organizing committee has decided to offer a varied program with different styles of shows and artistic disciplines.

Circus, drag, music, comedy and many other genres will be featured on stage at Alderney Landing Theatre in downtown Dartmouth. Mark your calendars for June 7 to 12!

Charlottetown Festival

The Charlottetown Festival will blow your mind and ears with musical theatre shows galore. It’s the largest festival of its kind in Atlantic Canada and has been around since 1965.

You’ll have plenty of time to take in several shows, as the festival runs from June 14 to September 24. There are multiple showings of the same performances, so you can catch one while on vacation.

The performances take place at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and you must pay an admission fee.

Tyne Valley Oyster Festival and Rock the Boat MusicFest

There aren’t many festivals that celebrate oysters quite like the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival. Over five days, festival-goers will be treated to a Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship and many other activities related to this tasty mollusk.

Starting August 6, the Rock the Boat MusicFest hosts six shows over two nights! You must purchase admission for both events.

Iconic Festivals in Prince Edward Island

Cavendish Beach Music Festival

• This three-day festival features about 30 performances on two different stages. There’s also a shuttle service for spectators.
• Location: on Cavendish Road in Cavendish
• Date: July 7 to 9
• Paid admission

PEI Potato Blossom Festival

• This informal seven-day festival features parades, performances, a potato peeling contest and car show.
• Location: O’Leary
• Date: July 18 to 24
• Free and paid admission

Festivals to Discover in Newfoundland and Labrador

Lawnya Wawnya

From June 8 to 11, downtown St. John’s will host a horde of artists from all walks of life for an exhibition of independent art and culture.

This three-day non-profit festival features panels, fairs, film screenings, workshops and more! Please note that there’s an admission fee.

Harbour Lights Festival

The City of Rocky Harbour invites you to this electrifying festival on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence for four days of family-friendly activities. You can browse the wares of local artisans, participate in community meals and enjoy food and fireworks in a festive atmosphere. Some activities are paid while others are free.

Ochre Fest

You still have time to buy a pass to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s literary, musical, culinary and artistic prowess. The Ochre Fest will host a dozen artists who will participate in a variety of activities such as book readings, wine tastings, concerts and more. 

Attend this enriching event where you can discuss works and discover new artists, all in a beautiful and enchanting setting!

Iconic Festivals in Newfoundland and Labrador

Brigus Blueberry Festival

• This event is the perfect blend of blueberry pies and a friendly atmosphere. The festival lasts for four days and features raffles, pie-eating contests and fireworks.
• Location: Brigus
• Date: August 11 to 14
• Paid admission

Shamrock Festival

• If you’re a fan of Irish and Newfoundland music and dance, you can’t miss the Southern Shore Shamrock Festival. This two-day event features several performances that will dazzle audiences of all ages.
• Location: Ferryland
• Date: July 23 and 24

Ramea Rock Island Music Festival

• This festival is held on a small island named Ramea, south of Newfoundland. Children, teens and adults can enjoy several fun activities throughout the three-day festival.
• Location: Ramea
• Date: August 12 to 14

Are you thinking of attending one or more festivals during your summer vacation? Which ones are you most looking forward to? One thing is for sure, you have a lot of choices!