Red barn-like building of Rising Tide Theatre with white trim, set by a calm body of water in a rural landscape. A small stairway leads to the entrance. Greenery in the foreground, hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Unforgettable Festivals and Events in Eastern Newfoundland.

By Newfoundland & Labrador

Around here, there's music on the wind and a spree around every corner. Events that celebrate our food, crafts, folklore, and especially our sense of fun. All are welcome and you won't have to look too far before one of our local festivals draws you in.
Here are four unique festivals and events in the eastern region that are worth checking out:

Bird Island Puffin Festival, Elliston

The town of Elliston offers the closest land view of puffins in the world. So it’s easy to appreciate the fact that the Bird Island Puffin Festival is well named. If you're near the Bonavista Peninsula in July, come enjoy eight days of live entertainment, booths of crafts from local artisans – not to mention the distinctive food and drink showcasing what the area has to offer. Elliston is known as the Root Cellar Capital of the world and some of the local ingredients in these distinct and delicious dishes have been aged to perfection in these 200-year-old underground coolers.

Feller from Fortune International Festival, Fortune

This four-day event typically takes place in August and it features a glimpse into crafts, culture, and cuisine from local and international vendors. The street side market features culinary delights and wares from countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, India, and beyond, alongside homemade local cuisine and handicrafts. And the entertainment is just as varied, as performers from here and away delight visitors in this historic town.

Burin Heritage Weekend, Burin

The Burin Peninsula is known for its unique boot shape. And if you find yourself on the heel in August, you'll have a chance to experience a weekend festival featuring over 90 performers. The Burin Heritage Weekend is a four-day community event full of sporting events, food, live music, song, and dance, culminating in a huge fireworks show. This festival is typically held on the second weekend in August.

Rising Tide Theatre, New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant, Trinity

The historic village of Trinity on the Bonavista Peninsula features heritage properties, narrow lanes, and a beautiful harbour. These provide the magnificent backdrop for Rising Tide Theatre's award-winning blend of history, drama, and culture. The province's finest professional artists are featured nightly and in their flagship outdoor production The New Founde Lande Pageant. The box office is typically open from April to October.

Basque Festival

A large crowd gathers outdoors to watch a man pulling a rope in a tug-of-war against a suspended hay bale. The hay bale is tied with a net, hanging from a structure. Spectators include adults and children, with a sunny sky overhead.

Teams compete in games of strength at the annual Basque Festival in Saint-Pierre.

The people of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon have a strong Basque heritage, which is celebrated for a week in August every year. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique culture, this is the place to do it! The festival features traditional Basque games of strength (think Highland games – Basque style!), Basque music and dancing, and food! Festivities take place on the Zazpiak-Bat Fronton, a court and bright red wall used for traditional Basque games.