Let’s Celebrate! Lunenburg’s Annual Festivals & Events
Lunenburg is bustling with incredible events and festivals that draw attendees from far away.
Read on to learn more about some of the annual events you will find in Lunenburg each year.
Heritage Bandstand Summer Concerts
The Heritage Bandstand is an exact replica of the 1889 original and was built by the Lunenburg Heritage Society in 1987. Centrally located in the heart of Old Town, the Bandstand sits on a lovely green space at the junction of Cumberland and King Streets, adjacent to the Town Hall. Throughout the summer there are many concerts here – a great way to spend a sunny afternoon!
Annual Dory Races
Every year in June, elimination races take place in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, with the winners from each category earning the right to represent Canada in the International Dory Races in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
In August, elimination races take place once again in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, with the winners from each category earning the right to race against Gloucester, Massachusetts when they join us for our International Dory Races in Lunenburg.
Pride Week Celebration
The Town conducts a ceremony and reception in recognition and support of the local LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) community.
Canada Day
Join the Town of Lunenburg to celebrate Canada’s Birthday each year with a BBQ, music, children’s activities, and more at the 250th Anniversary Park or Community Centre (weather depending).
Lunenburg Street Festival & Art Walk
For over 30 years, the Lunenburg Street Festival and Artwalk has given Lunenburg the chance to step outside and offer a fun-filled day of entertainment, music, art, crafts, and culture to our community and visiting tourists. Many talented artists and artisans perform and show their work. Many great deals will be offered by our Lincoln Street businesses!
The Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival
The Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival is a fund-raising initiative of the Lunenburg Heritage Society. This juried event showcases the art of 50+ Nova Scotian folk artists working in wood, metal, fibre, paint, pencil and found items. A volunteer committee oversees the festival on behalf of the Heritage Society and the artists. The place to be if you love colourful, quirky art!
The Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
The Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival is a 4-day music festival. Get your toes tappin’, grab your camera and get ready for four days of folk music fun for the whole family! Some of the best artists representing traditional and contemporary folk music, from both near and far, will grace stages throughout picturesque Lunenburg. Between salty breezes and sweet harmonies, you will quickly discover why we’re Nova Scotia’s longest running folk music festival.
Lunenburg Doc Fest
Meet the filmmakers, share the experience, take part in Q&As and discover the beauty and wonder of factual films. Lunenburg Doc Fest is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing documentary films that entertain, educate, inspire, and enrich the lives of Lunenburg citizens and visitors. The Lunenburg Doc Fest endeavours to create a diverse program that covers a broad range of form, subject, styles, and points of view while creating a cultural experience and place of connection between filmmakers and film enthusiasts in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
Fishers’ Memorial Service
Every year the community gives thanks for those seafaring residents returning safely and to remember those through the years who have not made home. An annual event is held in September.
Lunenburg Craft & Food Festival
The Lunenburg Craft & Food Festival celebrates a holiday craft festival in 3 buildings with 100 vendors. This show brings some of the finest artisans and craftspeople together to allow people to shop local for Christmas!
Christmas by the Sea
Christmas by the Sea is an outdoor Christmas market in the timeless Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Booths of local crafts, food, arts, and many other unique vendors will line King Street in Lunenburg – remember to dress warm!
