Moncton's Summer Events and Destinations 2010
by Heather Ferguson
The Greater Moncton Area eagerly awaits the summer season with its lazy days spent on the deck, balmy breezes whispering softly, and the allure of sun-kissed beaches beckoning in the distance. A time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends, the summer also offers area residents attractions and events to make their vacations truly memorable!
This year in particular, the season opens to the great news that the Neptune Drive-in Theatre in Shediac will re-open. Due to begin a summer of fun n’ film on May 28, this popular venue makes a comeback after an absence of three years. Regarded as a rite of passage to generations of area residents and seasonal cottagers alike, the drive-in is a special place for memories and movie buffs.
One of only two remaining drive-in theatres in New Brunswick – the other one is in Sussex – the drive-in theatre is a concept that enjoyed a heyday in the 50's and 60's before the giant 4 and 8 ‘plexes with their glitzy appeal and surround sound captured the imaginations of moviegoers. The resurgence of the Neptune Theatre will appeal to the nostalgic among us as well as to new fans, and is destined to become a summertime trend in Shediac by the Sea!
Another landmark entertainment destination celebrating a milestone is the Crystal Palace Amusement Park in the City of Dieppe. Twenty years old this year, it continues to offer all-season entertainment to generations of kids of all ages, and as the only indoor amusement park – and the largest – in Atlantic Canada, it is a definite draw for hours of fun. Featuring just 6 rides at its inception in 1990, it has grown to encompass 13 rides today, and its Game Arcade continues to attract the 12 to 15 age demographic in droves. The number one attraction for area families and visitors to our region alike, its proximity to the highly rated Ramada Plaza Hotel, McGinnis Landing Restaurant, Chapters Bookstore, and Empire Theatre’s 8 ‘plex Cinema makes it a one-stop, all-under-one-roof draw for many.
Of course, the new Casino NB Complex with its hotel and convention centre capable of hosting world class acts makes our city the entertainment of New Brunswick! The perfect spot for the vacationer to enjoy the other attractions in the region, its proximity to the Magnetic Hill Golf Course, Magic Mountain Water Park, Magnetic Hill Zoo, and the restaurants and gift shops of Magnetic Hill Wharf Village makes it a vacationer’s delight. (Other golf courses / golf clubs in the Moncton region)
In fact, the Greater Moncton Area is replete with hotels and motels just right for visitors to our region to stop and stay and discover nearby attractions such as New Brunswick’s pristine beaches, Fundy National Park, the seaside towns of Shediac, which hosts the largest lobster in the world, the University Town of Sackville with its museums, Waterfowl Park and heritage homes; and the architectural wonder of the Confederation Bridge, which opens up the lovely Province of Prince Edward Island to the world.
Summer is also the time to celebrate local festivals and shows that offer colour and rhythm. The annual Rendez-Vous Multicultural Festival celebrates the rainbow of peoples of the world that has come to call Moncton home. This year, from July 22 to 24, a carnival of dance, crafts, presentations, and foods of the world will be showcased and on that weekend, extra musical presentations will augment the already international flavours to be found at the Marché Moncton Market.
On June 21, the Fete de la Musique will celebrate a world of talent both local and international, and Canada Day celebrations on July 1 will honour Canada’s birthday with fireworks at the Riverfront Parks in both Riverview and Moncton. The Town of Riverview will host a special Canada Day party at Caseley Park and this day will also kick off their 4-day extravaganza Sun Fest Festival.
From July 8 to 11, the Atlantic National Car Show will rev you up as will the Summer Concert Series every Tuesday at Victoria Park and Saturday afternoons at Centennial Park! In Riverview, their Concert Series will be held on Wednesdays at their landmark Bandstand at Riverfront Park. The Atlantic Seafood Festival will take place in August and will feature a smorgasbord of Maritime offerings from the sea, including our famous lobster!
The Moncton Coliseum will host a number of shows including highlights such as Celtic Women on July 14, and Canadian Carnage on July 27. The Capitol Theatre in Downtown Moncton has a summer schedule with Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa on July 5 topping the list of impressive acts. Consult Know Moncton’s Calendar of Events for more detailed information.
Our Maritime summers are unique! Not of a long duration, they are nevertheless chock full of things to do and places to see. This summer, take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds our region has to offer and whether you want to spend time just smelling the roses or hiking the Fundy Trail, summer in the Maritimes creates its own charm! Enjoy!
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