Atlantic Canada has long been a summer travel destination for its amazing scenery, sandy beaches, friendly people, and fantastic seafood. But just because we are heading into September doesn’t mean that the fun and adventure have to end. In fact, we think it is only beginning as there is still a lot to do and experience in the region as we stretch Summer into September, like these four great upcoming events.
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Atlantic Balloon Fiesta takes place in Sussex, New Brunswick. Onlookers can watch 30+ hot air balloons lift off twice daily (early morning and early evening), plus explore bustling indoor and outdoor markets, savour a variety of delicious eats, and enjoy music all weekend in the bandstand. Most activities are free—perfect for a family-friendly getaway!
Harvest Music Festival offers 6 incredible days, with over 150 performances across 27 Stages, located in the beautiful historic downtown of Fredericton, New Brunswick, with acclaimed international performers, top regional acts, and emerging Canadian artists all sharing the stage for a festival experience like no other!
Sommo Festival is a two-day celebration of music + food + drink in the beachside town of Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, bringing top multi-genre musical performances to the festival’s main stage, along with live culinary demonstrations by celebrity chefs and mixologists on the secondary stages for everyone to enjoy.
Nova Scotia Stampede is gearing up to deliver an even bigger and better event at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Complex in Truro, Nova Scotia. So get ready, as the event offers 4 action-packed days of world-class rodeo action during the day and unforgettable concerts each evening, and is one event that you do not want to miss.
With so many exciting events happening, September is the perfect time to explore Atlantic Canada. Cooler temperatures make it the perfect time of the year for hiking, apple picking, or checking out a scarecrow display or corn maze. Regardless of what brings you to Atlantic Canada this September, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the early fall season, so get out there and make the most of the last warm days of the summer!
ATLANTIC BALLOON FIESTA: Atlantic Canada’s Most Colourful Festival
On September 19, 1783, a hot air balloon took off from Versailles with a few small farm animals as passengers, with the first person free ascent happening about a month later in November.
In 1985, several people in the local area were presented with an opportunity to extend the local tourist season and celebrate this historic event by hosting a Hot Air Balloon Event. As local pilots knew of the great flying in the Sussex Area, it was suggested that the Sussex Balloon Festival Inc. be started. Balloonists were invited to the area for a weekend, and although it was rather informal, it was to become the first annual Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Get ready to soar to new heights at Atlantic Canada’s most colourful celebration — the 39th Annual Atlantic Balloon Fiesta happens at Princess Louise Park (52 Perry Street) in the beautiful Sussex, New Brunswick, when the skies above this charming small town transform into a floating gallery of vibrant hot air balloons. Whether you are mesmerized by the sight of these majestic balloons inflating and drifting through the blue sky, or daring enough to climb aboard for the ride of a lifetime, this four-day festival is filled with family fun, mouth-watering food, live music, a huge indoor market, amusement rides, vendors, and so much more for endless opportunities to make unforgettable memories. Most activities are free—perfect for a family-friendly getaway!
“We have close to 30 balloons coming to the fiesta this year. This year features a few new shapes that have never been before, so that’s always exciting, and of course, some of our friends that have been coming for years and years,” said Alannah Pearson, pilot coordinator.
Watch 30 vibrant hot air balloons lift off twice daily (early morning and early evening) from Princess Louise Park to glide over some of Canada’s most picturesque countryside. However, hot air balloons require nearly perfectly still air conditions to launch safely. While the upper Kennebecasis River valley provides near-ideal conditions for flying, Mother Nature has a large say in whether the balloons go up on a particular day.
For those ready to add a hot air balloon flight to their bucket list: flights cost $350 per person, and reservations can be made at the on-site information booth, as pre-booking is not available, so arrive early to secure your spot, as thousands of people attend this event.
While many balloon launches take place from Princess Louise Park, prevailing winds will sometimes prompt the pilots to start from a neighbouring property. Event organizers post regular updates on the location of these launches, so check in before heading out.
The balloons steal the spotlight, but there is plenty of fun on the ground, too. Take in live entertainment at the bandstand, shop the bustling indoor market, and wander through the amusement park. Car lovers will enjoy the Show & Shine event, while foodies can indulge in local flavours from countless vendors or visit the quaint shops and cafés, or local watering hole like The Mule Bar and Grill.
Just remember to head back to the launch field on Friday and Saturday evenings, because once the balloons return after their flight to the launch field, pilots inflate them again but keep them tethered to the ground. As night falls, the burners ignite in perfect coordination, turning the balloons into giant glowing lanterns against the dark sky. The Magic Night Moon Glow is a breathtaking spectacle of light and colour that feels almost otherworldly.
Whether it is for the first Atlantic Balloon Fiesta or you have been coming for the 39th time, it’s a feast for the eyes and an experience that stays with you long after the balloons have drifted away in the Sussex sky.
BALLOON EVENTS (Schedule Subject to Change & Weather Permitting)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH
6:30am & 5:30pm: Balloon Launch & Paid Balloon Ride
8:00pm: Magic Night Moon Glow at the Launch Field
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH
6:30am & 5:30pm: Balloon Launch & Paid Balloon Ride
8:00pm: Magic Night Moon Glow at the Launch Field
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH
6:30am & 5:30pm: Balloon Launch & Paid Balloon Ride
See you in Sussex!
For more information or tickets to this event, go to https://www.atlanticballoonfiesta.ca/
HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL: Atlantic Canada’s Best International Festival Experience!
The Harvest Music Festival is the largest festival of its kind east of Montreal. With a musical selection ranging from jazz, folk, rock, funk, hip-hop, and R&B, we offer something for everyone. The Festival features a range of free and paid programming for all ages, family-friendly events, and interactive workshops.
Since 1991, Fredericton has come alive for six days each September as hundreds of world-class performers appear on dozens of stages, all conveniently located in Fredericton’s beautiful and historic downtown.
As the Best International Festival Experience on Canada’s East Coast, founded in 1991, spanning 4 days, 25 musical acts, and with 9,500 patrons heading to 17 venues around downtown Fredericton. Now in its 35th year, the Harvest Music Festival offers 400+ Musicians, 150 Performances, 20+ Venue Stages, covering 6 City Blocks for 6 Incredible days of music that brings over 100,000 attendees into Fredericton’s beautiful and historic downtown.
Whether you want to dance all night at a spicy Cajun party, listen to the raw sounds of electric blues, sway to some smooth jazz, or just get your funk on, you’ll find something to tempt every musical taste – all at a price that’s easy on the wallet.
Known internationally for presenting the best in established international talent, up-and-coming discoveries from the East Coast and abroad, great musical memories, a friendly community, and a touch of the unexpected are what the Harvest Music Festival is famous for.
ARTISTS (Various Venue Stages Lineup and Schedule subject to change)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH
The Last Waltz Harvest
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH
The Revivalists, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, Conner Fox, Judie Acquin, Kahtolin, M3D14, The Muskrat Singers, and more
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH
Classified, The Pure Joys, The Head and the Heart, Capital 6, David Shaw, Jah’Mila, and more
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH
Gob, Goose, Eddie 9V, Nate and the Busy Boys, Elisapie, Sussex, Colin Fowlie, Miss Emily, Jon Hines, Joel Plaskett Emergency, and more
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH
Pineo and Loeb, LOTUS, Prince Bowie Project, Karina Rykman, Joce Reyome, Blackburn Brothers, Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, and more
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
Bravener & The Hypochondrics, Kylie Fax, and more
For more information or tickets to this event, go to https://harvestmusicfest.ca/
NOVA SCOTIA STAMPEDE: Getting Back in the Saddle
It’s that time to dust off your boots and get ready to kick up some serious fun at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre Foundation’s 2nd Annual Nova Scotia Stampede Kick-Off Barn Dance, at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Complex in the Somebeachsomewhere Pavilion on Saturday, September 13th before saddling up and getting ready for three straight nights world-class live music followed by three straight afternoons and evenings of pro rodeo entertainment. The afternoon and matinee rodeo events start around 2pm, with evening rodeo events starting around 7pm, with concert events kicking off on the LIBCAN Main Stage around 9pm until roughly midnight.
After a historic first year, Central Nova Scotia Sports and Entertainment is gearing up to deliver an even bigger and better Nova Scotia Stampede! From September 18 – 21, 2025, at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Complex in Truro, Nova Scotia, for an action-packed weekend of world-class rodeo action and unforgettable concerts. With flexible ticket options, on-site camping, VIP experiences, and more, you can enjoy the Nova Scotia Stampede your own way – on your terms, your style, your adventure.
When most think of stampedes, they probably picture the wide-open plains of the West Canada, not the Maritimes. But the Nova Scotia Stampede brings all the excitement of bull riding, barrel racing, gymkhana, and the rodeo culture right here to the East Coast. It’s a unique opportunity to experience a slice of country-western life without leaving the province.
The event’s onsite RV sites and many of the area’s accommodations, like the Inn on Prince, are filling up fast or are completely booked. Matt Moore and his team are working with the community to announce additional nearby lodging locations. Plus, some local campgrounds, like the KOA Elm River RV Park and Campground, had some availability when we spoke with them a few days ago. We should also point out that it’s not unreasonable to make the trip from Halifax, Dartmouth, Enfield, or other towns like Amherst and New Glasgow if you choose to.
Even if you’re new to the world of rodeos, this is an event worth checking out. From the impressive skills of the riders to the live music performances by Canadian artists, there’s plenty to enjoy. Grab some food from local vendors, take in the atmosphere, and experience something a little different to close out September in Nova Scotia
MAIN STAGE ARTISTS (Main Stage Lineup and Schedule Subject to Change)
Get ready for an incredible mix of the best Canadian talent, bringing the energy all weekend long
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th
Concert Gates Open 5:00pm | Start 7:00pm
Matt Andersen, Jimmy Rankin, Jodi Guthro, and Maggie Andrew
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th
Concert Gates Open 7:00pm | Start 9:00pm
James Barker Band and Emerson Drive
SATURDAY, September 20th
Concert Gates Open 7:00pm | Start 9:00pm
Brett Kissel and Jason Benoit
RODEO (Event Lineup and Schedule Subject to Change)
This fully sanctioned international rodeo will showcase some of the most talented competitors from around the world! Experience thrilling events like Bull Riding, Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Gymkhana, and Barrel Racing – this is your chance to witness these athletes in a qualifying stop for international competitions.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th
Rodeo Gates Open 5:00pm | Start 7:00pm
SATURDAY, September 20th
Afternoon Matinee Rodeo Gates Open 12:00pm | Start 2:00pm
Evening Rodeo Gates Open 5:00pm | Start 7:00pm
SUNDAY, September 21st,
Afternoon Rodeo Gates Open 12:00pm | Start 2:00pm
For more information or tickets to this event, go to https://www.novascotiastampede.com/
SOMMO FESTIVAL: A Celebration of Music + Food + Drink
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/
With so many exciting events happening, September is the perfect time to explore Atlantic Canada. Cooler temperatures make it the perfect time of the year for hiking, apple picking, or checking out a scarecrow display or corn maze. Regardless of what brings you to Atlantic Canada this September, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the early fall season, so get out there and make the most of the last warm days of the summer!
by Ryan Myson