New Brunswick Day - It's not often that a birthday party is held for an entire province!

New Brunswick Day 2024 – August 5, 2024

It’s not often that a birthday party is held for an entire province, but that’s New Brunswick for you. Each year, the first Monday of August is celebrated as New Brunswick Day. Entire communities get together to participate in cake cutting, musical events, and sporting tournaments — all done to foster the spirit of togetherness. There are all-day barbecues, too, organized by many, and even an annual beer run. When there is food, drink, and a statutory holiday, we don’t think anybody is complaining.

New Brunswick Day timeline

1867
We Have a New Member

The British make New Brunswick a part of the Canadian Confederation together with Canada and Nova Scotia.

1976
New Brunswick Day is Established

New Brunswick Day is celebrated for the first time to foster the spirit of community in the city's residents.

1991
New Brunswick Day Awards are Introduced

New Brunswick Day Awards are given to residents and organizations who have made a significant impact in improving the quality of life in the city.

New Brunswick Day Activities

  1. Participate in the Fredericton Beer Run

    A New Brunswick Day staple is a 12k run that goes through the city's gorgeous trails. You even get to enjoy local craft beer at the finish line. It's anybody's guess as to whether that makes you run faster — or not.

  2. Learn to cook New Brunswick staples

    Food is a big part of any celebration. Pick your favorite authentic New Brunswick dish — Atlantic salmon, fiddleheads, dulse, or lobster — and master the art of cooking it, if you haven't already.

  3. Invite your neighbors

    The idea behind the day is to foster the spirit of community and togetherness. Take this opportunity to invite your neighbors over for lunch or dinner. Maybe use your newly acquired culinary skills to floor them (not literally!)

5 Amusing Bylaws In New Brunswick

  1. No Snakes, Please

    According to Fredericton's bylaws, it is illegal to carry around a snake or any other reptile in a public space.

  2. No Circuses Either

    The law in the town of Sackville states that it is illegal to hold a circus or a fair in a public park.

  3. You Can Only Trick or Treat Until You Turn 16

    If you are in Bathurst, you can only go trick or treating if you are 16 years old or younger — and only until 8pm.

  4. You Can be Fined for Splashing Pedestrians in Moncton

    You can be fined $175 for splashing pedestrians with mud, snow, or water in Moncton — so press that gas pedal at your own risk.

  5. You can Hold Only Two Garage Sales a Year in Edmunston

    No word on whether that law includes yard sales.

Why We Love New Brunswick Day

  1. It's so much fun

    Almost every town in New Brunswick holds events to celebrate the day. From live music events to cutesy family activities, such as facepainting and dunk tanks, there's a whole lot to choose from. Woodstock even has a boat parade on the day.

  2. Let them eat cake

    Yup, almost every community has a giant-sized cake to celebrate the birthday of the province. Most cakes feature the colors of New Brunswick, and they're generally tasty, or so we have been told by various factions.

  3. It rewards residents

    New Brunswick Day Awards are given on this day to recognize exceptional contributions made by individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in the province.

New Brunswick Day dates

Year Date Day
2021 August 2 Monday
2022 August 1 Monday
2023 August 7 Monday
2024 August 5 Monday
2025 August 4 Monday