We are right in the thick of the best travel weeks of the year. The summer season moves quickly in Atlantic Canada, and the community calendars for late July and August are completely packed. Whether you want to catch a massive stadium concert, enjoy world-class street performers, or take in some live East Coast music, there is plenty of motivation to pack a bag and hit the highway.

Planning a quick weekend trip is an ideal way to make the most of the season. Our teams at Coastal Inns are ready to welcome you after a day of exploring. Here is a look at some of the fantastic events and activities happening near our locations over the next several weeks.

Moncton and Dieppe

The Hub City area has a massive lineup of music and culture scheduled for the rest of the summer. If you are staying at Coastal Inns in Moncton/Dieppe, you are just a short drive away from several major outdoor celebrations.

  • Moncton Buskers Festival (July 24 to 26): This free outdoor event brings incredible street performers from all over the world to the downtown core for a weekend of acrobatics, comedy, and magic.
  • Jonas Brothers at Moncton Stadium (August 8): One of the summer’s biggest pop concerts is coming to the Croix-Bleue Medavie Stadium for a massive outdoor show.
  • Fricot Franco Festival (August 12 to 16): Located in Dieppe, this festival celebrates Acadian culture with live music, comedy shows, and fantastic local food.
  • YQM Country Fest (August 27 to 29): Country music fans will be taking over the MusiquART site in Dieppe for three days of major performances by some of the biggest names in the genre.

Halifax

The Halifax waterfront is the place to be during late summer, hosting major festival milestones and unique exhibitions. Staying at our Bayers Lake location gives you a quiet place to retreat after a full day in the crowds.

  • Halifax Busker Festival (July 29 to August 3): This year marks a huge milestone as the festival celebrates 40 years of show-stopping entertainment along the Halifax Waterfront. Expect six days of fire breathers, acrobats, and world-class street theatre.
  • Jurassic Quest (July 31 to August 2): If you are traveling with kids, this massive dinosaur exhibition is coming to the Halifax Exhibition Centre in Goodwood. It features lifelike, animatronic dinosaurs and plenty of interactive activities.
  • Great Outdoors Comedy Festival (August 6 to 8): Laugh the night away at this popular outdoor comedy event held right on the waterfront.
  • Rock the Harbour (August 14 to 16): This annual classic rock festival takes over the Alderney Landing waterfront plaza in Dartmouth, featuring a great lineup of iconic classic rock acts.

Sackville

Sackville shows off its incredible community spirit and love for the arts through late July and August. It is the perfect destination for a creative, community-focused getaway.

  • National Music Festival (July 25 to 29): The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals is bringing the Grand Award Competition to Mount Allison University’s Brunton Auditorium, showcasing incredible classical talent from across the country.
  • SappyFest (July 31 to August 2): This internationally renowned independent music and arts festival takes over downtown Sackville for a weekend of independent music, art installations, and community gatherings.
  • Acadian Day Celebrations (August 14): Head just down the road to Fort Beauséjour in Aulac for a beautiful afternoon of music and history to celebrate Acadian Day.

Antigonish

Live music fans have a brand-new reason to visit the area this August. Staying at our Antigonish location keeps you close to the heart of the town’s newest summer event.

  • Antigonish Music Festival (August 7 and 8): This is Nova Scotia’s newest live music experience, bringing top talent to the community. Country star Steven Lee Olsen headlines the festival, alongside a great lineup of regional talent including Charlie A’Court, Campbell & Johnston, and Sean Michael Ryan. It is a fantastic weekend option for anyone looking to enjoy incredible performances in a welcoming local setting.

Digby

If you are pointing the car toward the Annapolis Valley and the Bay of Fundy this August, you can catch the town’s biggest celebration of the year.

  • Digby Scallop Days (August 6 to 9): As the longest-running festival in the Digby area, this annual four-day event honours the local scallop fishing industry and the people who harvest the world-famous catch. Running from Thursday through Sunday, it features plenty of family-friendly activities, heritage events, and local flavours. It is the perfect weekend to experience the community’s maritime traditions firsthand.

Simple Comforts for Summer Travels

A busy day of festivals and sightseeing is a lot of fun, but it can also take a lot out of you. We believe that your hotel stay should be the easiest part of your summer road trip.

At Coastal Inns, we focus on providing the practical amenities that help you recharge for the next day’s adventures. You can count on a clean and comfortable room, fast and free Wi-Fi, ample parking space, and our “Coastal Plus” breakfast to get your morning started right.

Rooms fill up quickly for these major festival weekends, so do not wait too long to lock in your travel dates. Book your stay directly with the team at Coastal Inns to guarantee the best available rates and experience our signature Authentic Maritime Hospitality.

Safe travels on the summer roads, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Call us toll free: 1 800 665-STAY (7829)