Canada’s Maritime provinces have long been a summer travel destination for their amazing scenery, sandy beaches, and fantastic seafood. But more and more visitors are coming to the region to add songs and sociables to that list, as the Maritimes play host to some amazing music festivals. So come for the scenery and seafood and stay for the sun, songs, and sociables this summer.
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All the music festivals spotlighted in our Sounds of Summer list this year are multiple-day events and are in addition to the festivals like the Cavenish Beach Music Festival and Boxcar Country Music Festival, which were featured in our last issue. Other than festival dates, there is no particular order as we believe they all offer amazing artists and venues with an intimate and interactive experience for concertgoers. We are confident that you, our readers, will find that perfect Maritime music festival that is just right for you this summer.
SUSSEX FUNDY FEST
When: July 18th & 19th, 2025
Where: Sussex Drive-In – KOA Campground | Sussex | New Brunswick
About the Festival: The Sussex FundyFest is proud to host its 3rd annual celebration in the charming town of Sussex. Known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant community, Sussex provides the perfect backdrop for a country music festival that offers two nights, one stage, and a weekend full of music, food, and good vibes.
Watch the headliners light up the main stage and the drive-in movie screen — bringing the full festival experience to every corner of the grounds.
Plus, there of some cool activities close by to take advantage of, like Sussex River Tubing if you are looking to add a little adventure into your weekend. Maybe you head over to The Mule Bar & Grill, one the Sussex’s favourite watering holes, to grab a bite and a few sociables before heading back to enjoy the night of music.
FundyFest brings together a diverse lineup of talented artists, both local and national, creating a unique musical experience for all attendees. As we enter our third year, we’re excited to continue our tradition of showcasing local emerging talent alongside the hottest acts, offering a platform for fresh voices in country music. Join us in Sussex for a memorable weekend filled with music, community, and the beautiful spirit of the East Coast.
FundyFest has carved out the perfect space between the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Saint John’s Boxcar Country Music Festival, and the YQM Country Fest in Dieppe so country fans can get their fix of country and keep the party going all summer long.
Only in its third the word is just out about this amazing festival, but that means it’s very affordable and accessible, with camping right on site. FundyFest offers a level of entertainment and convenience that is very hard to find at any price or other venue, making it a unique experience for festival goers and one that you need to experience this summer.
They’ve got a jam-packed schedule for an amazing weekend of country fun.
ARTISTS (Main Stage Lineup and Schedule subject to change)
FRIDAY, JULY 18TH
Gord Bamford, Riley Taylor, Farewell Town, and Amber Walls
SATURDAY, JULY 19TH
Jade Eagleson, Elyse Saunders, Josh Norrad, Steve Maillet, Sean Michael Ryan, and Taylor Jensen
See y’all in Sussex!
For more information or tickets to this event, go to https://www.sussexfundyfest.com/
CHURCHILL PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: July 25th – 29th, 2025
Where: Churchill Park | St. John’s | Newfoundland
About the Festival: Located in the heart of St. John’s, Newfoundland, is the Churchill Park Music Festival, set in beautiful Churchill Park, with wide open views, surrounded by mature trees and greenery, and is easily accessible from all parts of the city.
Last year, Churchill Park saw an array of iconic names visit St. John’s for one of the largest concerts of the year—such artists include Pitbull, Shania Twain, and Nickelback.
Good news for festivalgoers for this year’s festival is that some of the biggest and iconic names in Rock and Country are coming to the island this summer for three nights of amazing shows, making Newfoundland the place to be in July for music lovers.
Churchill Park Music Festival is dedicated to creating a fun, memorable, and accessible concert experience for all.
ARTISTS (Main Stage Lineup and Schedule subject to change)
FRIDAY, JULY 25TH
Def Leppard, Sam Roberts Band, Honeymoon Suite, with more to come
SATURDAY, JULY 26TH
Blake Shelton with more to come
TUESDAY, JULY 29TH
The Killers, The Beaches, Matt Mays, with more to come
For more information or tickets to this event, go to https://churchillparkmusicfestival.com/
GEORGE STREET FESTIVAL
When: July 31st – August 6th, 2025
Where: George Street | St. John’s | Newfoundland and Labrador
About the Festival: Since it began in 1985, the George Street Festival has been a flagship event of summer located in the center of the historic downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland. Now celebrating an incredible 40 years, this iconic summer festival has become a staple of Newfoundland culture. It transforms downtown St. John’s into a
week-long celebration of music, energy, and community. This year’s milestone event promises to be the biggest and most memorable in festival history.
“This year marks a huge moment for our festival and our city – for 40 years, the George Street Festival has been a highlight of summer in Newfoundland and Labrador—and 2025 will be no exception. We’re ready to welcome fans back to the Street for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration.” – the George Street
Association board.
The George Street Festival is unlike any other festival. It’s a celebration of our community’s love for live music and good times — on the biggest little street in North America. Don’t miss out on the music and moments that make the George Street Festival an incredible annual tradition in St. John’s.
At the time of publication, The George Street Association and its partners were hard at work finalizing an exciting lineup featuring a mix of local legends and international performers. But will let you know that full details on the lineup and ticket sales will be released
soon through the festival’s official website and social media channels in the coming weeks.
No matter which night you choose, you’ll be part of 40 years of festival history on the most famous street in Newfoundland.
For more information or tickets to this event, go to https://georgestreetlive.ca/festival/
THE JUBILEE
When: August 1st – 3rd, 2025
Where: Glasgow Square Theatre | New Glasgow | Nova Scotia
About the Festival: Pictou County borders the Northumberland Strait, which is famous for its amazing beaches and, because of the strait’s shallow depths, home to the warmest ocean water temperatures in Canada and some of the warmest ocean water temperatures on the Atlantic coast north of Virginia. It is also home to ‘The Jubilee’ which for over 27 years has built its reputation of allowing today’s rising stars and up-and-coming artists to share the same stage with iconic and award-winning Canadian Artist headliners as they develop their performance skills while building their fan base so one day, they might be headlining the Jube or another great festival across Nova Scotia or anywhere for that matter.
Each year, ‘The Jubilee’ runs the long Natal Day weekend, offering three days of amazing Canadian music talent on the banks of the East River. If I were you, I would circle Friday, August 1st through Sunday, August 3rd as the Jubilee gets ready to rock the river with three days of music featuring the best in Canadian and East Coast music, at the beautiful outdoor amphitheatre on the New Glasgow riverfront. This unique venue provides music lovers with one of the most engaging and fan-focused music experiences available on the East Coast. Offering all genres of music; Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, and even Hip Hop, the Jubilee’s incomparably eclectic line-up and a flavour all its own, while being regarded in the industry for its top-notch production quality and attention to detail.
The Jubilee is so lucky to have a business community that cares so much about supporting this event and you can thank them by visiting their stores to do some shopping, dropping into their restaurant for a meal during the day, or maybe stopping in for a couple of drinks and an appetizer at before the show or after when you’re not ready to call it a night.
Each night gets rolling at 6.00pm when the gates open with shows starting at 7:00pm which gives you lots of time to explore all the amazing things that Pictou County has to offer before heading to Glasgow Square located on the scenic East River for a music experience that has offering great music and memories for more
than a quarter of the century.
See you at THE JUBE this Summer!
ARTISTS (Main Stage Lineup and Schedule subject to change)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1ST
Arkells, Fefe Dobson, Roxy & The Underground Soul Sound, and Daniel James McFadyen
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2ND
Wintersleep, JJ Wilde, and Loviet
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3RD
54•40, Odds, and Carole Pope of Rough Trade
For more information or tickets to this event, go to: https://thejubilee.ca/
SOMMO FESTIVAL
When: September 13th & 14th, 2025
Where: Avonlea Village | Cavendish | Prince Edward Island
About the Festival: PEI’s Sommo Festival is heading into its third year and after hosting the likes of Maggie Rogers and Mumford & Sons for headliners in its inaugural year, then Noah Kahan and Greta Van Fleet for headliners in 2024, the bar was set high for the organizers of this celebration of music + food + drink in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
But Whitecap Entertainment is always up for a challenge, and one thing we know about this talented team is that they always deliver, bringing some of the biggest musical artists from around the world, across Canada, and from here in the Maritimes to the beachside town of Cavendish, PEI.
“We are beyond excited to present the full main stage lineup for this year’s Sommo Festival,” Whitecap Entertainment CEO Ben Murphy said in a press release. “Featuring globally recognized talent alongside rising stars, this year’s lineup showcases the best talent across genres, including some of my personal favourites. We’re certain this will be a year to remember — and we can’t wait to celebrate with the fans in September!”
This year’s festival boasts an absolutely stacked bill, as big-name superstars make their way to Canada’s tiniest province this September. Between going to the beach to catch the last rays of summer, getting a COWS ice cream, or grabbing a beverage at the Lone Oak Beer Garden, Cavendish has something for everyone, and Sommo offers artists to meet all of your live music needs.
MAIN STAGE ARTISTS (Main Stage Lineup and Schedule subject to change)
SATURDAY, September 13th
Alanis Morissette, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Michael Marcagi, Alice Merton, Ducks Ltd, and Campbell & Johnston
SUNDAY, September 14th
Hozier, Alex Warren, Pvris, Hollow Coves, Chiara Savasta, and Brooks and Bowskill
SANDBAR STAGE ARTISTS (Sandbar Stage Lineup and Schedule subject to change)
SATURDAY, September 13th
Cameron Whitcomb, Valley, Jamie Fine, Rich Aucoin, Goodnight Sunrise, and Gizmo
SUNDAY, September 14th
Hunter Metts, Ichi-Bons, King Cruff, Billianne, Charlie Houston, and Customer Service
And don’t forget about the Culinary Stage lineup also happening on Saturday and Sunday, hosted by Chef Michael Smith, that allows festival goers to interact with amazing celebrity chefs and mixologists, while enjoying live food demonstrations, and dabbling in the best local cocktail scene available on the Island and beyond.
CULINARY STAGE CHEFS & MIXOLOGISTS (Culinary Stage Lineup and Schedule subject to change)
SATURDAY, September 13th
Cuminary Experiences
Old Time Hawkey, Lauren Toyota, and Kyle Campbell
Cocktail Experiences
Emily Duggan
SUNDAY, September 14th
Cuminary Experiences
Andrea Buckett, Chef Michael Smith, and Guy Pratt
Cocktail Experiences
Shane Beehan
For more information or tickets to this event, go to: https://sommofest.com/
When attending the festival on your bucket list this summer, remember to tag us on social media (Facebook | Twitter | TikTok @spotlightbizmag and Instagram @spotlightonbizmag) so that we can share your experience with our readers and get your favorite festivals on our radar for 2026.
Here’s to SUN, SONGS & SOCIABLES and enjoying the sounds of the Maritimes all Summer long!
by Ryan Myson