Arts and Entertainment
Newfoundland and Labrador is among the best places in Canada for arts and entertainment. Many artists — painters, sculptors, writers, comedians, musicians, filmmakers and others — have made NL their home; and, many come to NL through various organized events, to the delight of both the tourists and local population.
Theatres, cinemas, galleries, concert halls, community centres and other public places hold events to satisfy a wide range of entertainment interests, for people of all ages. Towns and cities organize eventful festivals throughout the year.
Many of the provincial entertainment facilities stay open throughout the year, but some operate only in summer and early fall.
Here are some ideas on how to find out what is going on:
- Listen to the radio
- Visit a tourist information office
- Read a local newspaper such as the Telegram
- Look at signs, posters and announcements around entertainment venues and in other public places
- Look for current events on the Internet
Annual Festivals
Most NL festivals are organized over the summer months and early fall, but some are held in the winter. They attract both tourists and local people. Visit newfoundlandlabrador.com to see upcoming festivals and events near you. Below are a few of the most popular festivals in NL.
George Street Festival – This festival located in St. John’s is most famous for its Rock The Block band-battle musical extravaganza! This week-long festival culminates on Canada Day with a massive celebratory party and great live music.
Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival – One of the biggest festivals of the summer in Newfoundland is the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival. This festival welcomes thousands to Bannerman Park in St. John’s for two days of fantastic folk music — many of Scottish or Irish origin, a testament, and homage to Newfoundland’s Scottish and Irish heritage.
Royal St. John’s Regatta – The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest sporting event in North America. The rowing races take place on Quidi Vidi Lake usually on the first Wednesday of August each year and draws around 50,000 spectators. The festival is centered around rowing and boat races more generally; but, there are also a number of shops and confectionery stands open to the public.
Exploits Valley Salmon Festival – Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest five-day festival takes place each July in Grand Falls-Windsor. The first Salmon Festival took place in 1985 as a modest Atlantic Salmon tribute, but today has international acclaim. In addition to salmon dinners, the event highlights traditional Newfoundland music and food during Newfie Night and attracts some of the world’s best-known musicians during the day-long Splash Concert.
The Iceberg Festival – Visit Newfoundland’s famous Iceberg Alley for the Iceberg Festival, which takes place every June on the northern peninsula. Grab your cameras and zoom lenses and take in the enthralling icebergs as they float by. Enjoy interactive, theatrical dining with Vikings in a replica Viking sod hut restaurant, the only one of its kind in North America at The Great Viking Feast. The Iceberg Festival traditionally starts on the first Friday of June and runs 10 days to the following Sunday.
Bakeapple Folk Festival – The bake apple, Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial berry, is celebrated during this annual Labrador Coastal Drive summer fair. Visitors can sample these orange-red delicacies for themselves in pies, jellies, and syrups during this two-day festival in early August filled with traditional music, crafts, dancing, games, and other entertainment.
Related Resources
- iExplore
- ToDoCanada
- Entertainment and Nightlife
- St.John’s Tourism
- The Newfoundland Herald
- The Telegram
- Media in NL
- Community Groups and Organizations