MEDIA RELEASE 

Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. launches the 2026 downtown summer season!

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 – Downtown Moncton – Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. (DMCI) launched the 2026 summer season today in downtown Moncton at a press conference held at the Crowne Plaza. Many exciting activities will take place in the heart of our downtown during this summer season.

Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault highlighted the strong collaboration between the City of Moncton and Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. (DMCI), emphasizing the role of partnerships in creating a vibrant and welcoming downtown. She also recognized the ENVIRO team for their ongoing efforts to maintain a clean, safe, and inviting environment.

Looking ahead to the summer season, she noted that downtown Moncton will once again feature a dynamic lineup of events that bring the community together.

Among the highlights:

  • The FIFA World Cup 2026™ “Canada Celebrates” event on June 18 at Downtown Place.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds on June 28 at Parc du Mascaret.
  • Canada Day celebrations on July 1 at Riverfront Park, featuring Half Moon Run, Les Hay Babies, and Lisa LeBlanc.
  • The new “Quinzou à Moncton” event on August 15 at Downtown Place.

The City will also collaborate on major events including Atlantic Nationals (July 16–19), the Jonas Brothers concert (August 8), and the NORCECA Men’s Continental Volleyball Championships (September 11–19).

She concluded by reaffirming that downtown Moncton is the heart of the city, where culture and community continue to thrive through strong partnerships.

Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc.’s Executive Director, Patrick Richard, noted that the summer season is about more than a calendar of events. “Our focus is on creating connection,” he said, underscoring the role of shared experiences in bringing people together and building a strong sense of community in the heart of downtown.

There are countless events and activities taking place in our downtown this summer season.

  • Patio Fest, hosted by DMCI, will officially kick off its 5th season, beginning on June 4, each Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at a different patio throughout the downtown.
  • The Moncton Buskers Festival, hosted by DMCI, will return for its 4th season on July 24 to 26 in downtown’s Riverfront Park.
  • Downtown Moncton Gift Cards are a great way to shop local, give local, and celebrate local—perfect for the summer season, and ideal gifts for Mother’s Day or any special occasion.
  • The Miroir/Mirror Festival, taking place June 4 to 7 in downtown Moncton, brings contemporary art and interactive cultural experiences that explore identity and community through performances and installations.
  • The East Coast Classic, taking place July 9 to 12 in Moncton, welcomes softball teams from across Atlantic Canada, bringing exciting competition and a lively atmosphere to the city.
  • Festival de danse en Atlantique, running August 14 to 18 in downtown Moncton, showcases the region’s vibrant dance community through performances, workshops, and artist engagement.
  • The African Festival 2026, taking place August 21 to 22 in downtown Moncton, celebrates the richness of African cultures with music, dance, food, and community-focused activities.
  • FÉCA, held August 22 to 23 in downtown Moncton, highlights Acadian and Francophone culture through music, performances, and festive celebrations.
  • Ribfest will return to downtown Moncton from June 18 to 21 at Riverfront Park, in partnership with the inaugural Hub City Motorcycle Rally. The four-day event will feature award-winning ribbers, live entertainment, vendors, and family-friendly programming, bringing together food, music, and tourism activity in the heart of the city.

Kathryn Basham of Bright & Brine, speaking on behalf of the Accent! program, highlighted the growth of Downtown Moncton’s public art initiatives, which bring creativity and energy to the downtown core. She noted the success of the mural program, with increasing artist participation and new locations expanding its reach, as well as the introduction of Accent Mini—rotating micro-galleries in local businesses that support artists through direct sales. Basham thanked partners and encouraged property owners and businesses to get involved as the program continues to grow.

Sophie Auffrey of Resurgo Place highlighted a dynamic lineup of summer programming, including the exhibition Dinosaurs Among Us running from May 9 to September 6, which explores the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Visitors can also enjoy daily Tidal Bore interpretations at Bore Park, guided Riverfront Walks, and the refreshed iTour Moncton, offering an interactive way to explore the city’s history throughout the downtown core.

Alix Caissie of Good Day Gifts & Housewares is excited to announce a series of events at the shop this season. The second annual Shop Hop will take place on May 16, featuring 18 participating businesses and encouraging visitors to explore Downtown Moncton. On May 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the shop will host a Spring Market with local vendors both in-store and in Oak Lane. Additional markets are planned for June 20 and July 18, along with a lineup of in-store workshops throughout the summer, offering opportunities for the community to connect, get creative, and support local businesses.

Jenna Morton of the Greater Moncton Scottish Association announced that the 20th annual Greater Moncton Highland Games & Scottish Festival will take place June 9 to 13, 2026. This milestone year will also mark the first Highland Games in Canada to host all Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation championships, including the Men’s Masters Championships.  The main event on June 13 at the Hal Betts Sportsplex will feature traditional competitions, cultural demonstrations, live music, and family-friendly activities, along with free community concerts leading up to the event.

Don Gaudet of MAGMA highlighted MOSAÏQ 2026, presented by MAGMA, which celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Greater Moncton through inclusive, community-focused events. Highlights include the Parade of Nations on June 27 at Riverfront Park, marking the official kickoff to Multiculturalism Day weekend, as well as the Cultural Village & Family Zone, presented with SparkFest, featuring workshops, crafts, storytelling, and youth performances. The program also includes Heart of Moncton, a community celebration with Sistema’s Pops NB on June 26 at Victoria Park, and the Voices – Story Lab Series, running from February to June, which amplifies diverse voices through storytelling and public showcases.

Jonathan Astley of Sistema NB shared that Pops NB is Moncton’s own music festival celebrating the young musicians of Sistema NB and the music of the orchestra. Over one week, the festival will fill the Greater Moncton area with free, accessible concerts that everyone can enjoy, featuring diverse ensembles and performances that reflect the spirit of New Brunswick. The 2026 festival will take place June 22 to 26, with the Main Stage concert on Friday, June 26 at Victoria Park.

Halima Rahil of BGC Moncton highlighted the return of SparkFest, taking place June 27 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Riverfront Park. Now celebrating its fourth year, the free, family-friendly event brings the community together to celebrate Multiculturalism Day through live performances, international cuisine, cultural exhibits, and interactive activities for all ages. Rahil noted that SparkFest has grown significantly since its launch in 2022, welcoming more than 10,000 attendees over the past four years. This year’s event will also feature a collaboration with MOSAÏQ, with SparkFest following the Parade of Nations and continuing the celebration throughout the afternoon and evening.

Michael Grant of the Jamaican Canadian Association of New Brunswick (JCANB) highlighted the continued growth of Atlantic JerkFlava, a cultural festival that brings together community, cuisine, and entertainment. Following a successful inaugural year that welcomed over 1,400 attendees, the 2026 event will take place July 31 to August 1 at Riverfront Park, featuring authentic Jamaican food, live performances, and an expanded lineup of vendors and programming. Free and open to all, the festival aims to foster cultural connection and celebrate diversity while continuing to grow as a vibrant community event.

Victor Escobedo of River of Pride highlighted the upcoming festival, which will feature more than 40 events taking place throughout the region. This year’s programming places a strong emphasis on bilingualism and regional collaboration, with activities extending into partner communities across Greater Moncton. The festival will also mark the 45th commemoration of the first 2SLGBTQIA+ gathering in Moncton, celebrating the community’s history and progress. Organizers expressed their appreciation to sponsors and contributors, and noted their continued collaboration with Fierté Dieppe Pride to deliver an inclusive and impactful festival experience.

Eric Effinger of BRIX Experience is excited to announce a full lineup of experiences and new initiatives for the summer season as the business enters its third year, continuing its mission of bringing people together through hospitality, food, and drink. New this year, BRIX will open a second location inside Chapters/Indigo in Dieppe in late summer or early fall, offering espresso-based drinks and house-made baked goods, while also expanding its international programming with plans for a 2027 culinary and wine experience in the south of France. Locally, BRIX will offer an expanded schedule of classes and workshops featuring new instructors and global themes, alongside the return of its Kids Summer Camps, including an eight-week Young Chef series, as well as ongoing private bookings and public events hosted at the Saint George event space and wine boutique.

Melissa Drisdelle of DMCI brought the press conference to a close by encouraging everyone to support local businesses and discover the charming retail vendors that make downtown Moncton such a vibrant and welcoming destination.

About DMCI

Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. (DMCI) is an independent, non-profit organization funded by the commercial building and property owners located in the Business Improvement Area (BIA). DMCI aims to foster a vibrant downtown that everyone can be proud of.

Media contact: 

Melissa Drisdelle
Membership Engagement Coordinator
Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc.
(506) 859-7536
mdrisdelle@downtownmoncton.com