Note: Here you will find our recommendations for things you can do over the upcoming month to experience the best Fredericton has to offer. While this is far from a complete list, we try to provide a well-rounded mix of everything from shows to attend, places to go and things to try.
Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival
When: Sept. 11–16
Where: Downtown, Various Locations
One of Atlantic Canada’s top music festivals returns this month with another strong and diverse lineup of performers. Among this year’s headliners are Grammy Award winner Sturgill Simpson, former Great Big Sea frontman Alan Doyle, The Sheepdogs, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mavis Staples. A plethora of local talent will also be on display, including The Hypochondriacs and Grand Theft Bus.
If you were not lucky enough to get your hands on main show passes, have no fear! There will be several free shows and activities open to the public so you can explore why Harvest is one of Fredericton’s most highly-anticipated annual events.
Any Given Moment
When: Sept. 12–16
Where: TNB Open Space Theatre, 55 Whiting Road
Any Given Moment is a premiering co-production between Theatre New Brunswick and Nova Scotia-based Ship’s Company Theatre. Written by New Brunswick playwright Kim Parkhill, it tells the story of three strangers from diverse backgrounds who are trapped together during a police lockdown. Assumptions are challenged and dangers of the outside world are debated in this timely tale which aims to present “a touching, hilarious and unexpected look into the culture of fear”.
Tickets are available through The Playhouse box office and cost $31 for the general public and $15 for students. There will also be a “pay what you wish” performance on Sept. 12 at 7:30 PM. For more information on the play, check out the Theatre New Brunswick website.
New Brunswick Open Farm Day
When: Sept. 16
Where: Various locations
Each year, many farms across the province open their doors to the public and offer a first-hand look into the operation of modern farms. Regardless of your dietary choices, everyone can benefit from becoming further informed on how our food is sourced and produced. By taking advantage of N.B. Open Farm Day, you will have the opportunity to discuss issues related to food production with farmers while observing the steps being taken to address those issues.
You can find the full list of participating farms and their open times on the Agricultural Alliance of N.B. website.
Pavilion Sessions: Womb to Tomb
When: Sept. 20
Where: Beaverbrook Art Gallery, 703 Queen St.
In celebration of the organization’s 10th anniversary, Feels Good is hosting the Pavilion Sessions: a series of events featuring live music, beer provided by Graystone Brewing, dessert specials from Chess Piece Café and art workshops. The fourth and final session will take place this month with music by Womb to Tomb, an alternative folk group from Saint John. The best part? Admission is free!
Sister Act
When: Sept. 20-22
Where: Tom Morrison Theatre (Fredericton High School)
Local theatre company Branch Out Productions is bringing the musical adaptation of Sister Act, one of the highest-grossing comedy movies of the 1990s, to Fredericton in a production that promises “catchy disco beats and nonstop laughs.” With a cast led by Kayla-Renee Ossachuk as Deloris Van Cartier, this musical tells the story of an aspiring musician who is forced to flee to a covenant after witnessing a murder.
Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at Westminster Books or at BranchOutProductions.ca. They can also be purchased at the door 30 minutes prior to the show.
Football – UNB vs Dalhousie
When: Sept. 22, 7:00 PM
Where: BMO Field
Looking for a chance to show off your school spirit? Gather some friends and watch the UNB Red Bombers play their first home game of the season! The defending Atlantic Football League champions will face off against the Dalhousie Tigers in a rematch of last year’s incredible championship game. Even if you aren’t a sports fan, it’s still a good opportunity to get a little rowdy with your fellow students and keep the party going after the game.
Entry is free for all UNB students with the presentation of your student ID.
Delish Gourmet Rolled Ice Cream
When: Open daily, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Where: 349 King St.
Make the most of the final days of summer by treating yourself to rolled ice cream. Despite being a new business to the city, Delish has quickly established itself as one of the most popular dessert locations in Fredericton. Part of their success may have something to do with their convenient location in The Tannery near several drinking establishments, but it is mostly because their ice cream is really, really good.
Delish offers a wide variety of flavours ranging from unique and interesting combinations (such as Canadian Maple Bacon or Crispy BBQ) to new takes on ice cream classics (including Cookies and Cream and Banana Blitz). It’s also interesting to see how rolled ice cream is made, especially if you are coming from one of the aforementioned drinking establishments!