Those who live on the East Coast of Canada know there is no place like Prince Edward Island in the summer.
Summer and PEI go together like adventure and the Ferries! When you visit the Island this summer, here are a few of the events you have to check out.
Those who live on the East Coast of Canada know there is no place like Prince Edward Island in the summer. The province comes alive and draws in tourists from all over the world. But it’s not just the natural beauty and red sand beaches that draw people here — it’s also the amazing events for the entire family! If you’re looking for things to do during your PEI summer vacation this year, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some events you can jam-pack into your season between sunny days spent on the patio and lobster boils:
Belfast Tulips: May 20-June 10
Stop and smell the tulips! The tulip is a short-lived flower, around 21 days in fact, and Belfast Tulips make the most of its season. Just a 20-minute drive from the Wood Islands Ferry Terminal, you’ll discover sprawling fields of colourful blooms. A $10 admission fee allows you to stroll the grounds and take beautiful photos with your friends, family and pets. Check out their website for more details and top tips on tulip picking season.
PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls: June 14-23
The PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls brings music, dance and story-telling to over 40 small halls across the Island. Explore the Island by driving through rural communities and stopping to catch an excellent show. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in culture, landscape and history.
Charlottetown Festival: June 19-Sept 21
The Charlottetown Festival is back for another season of action with an incredible line-up of productions as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. This year’s festival is headlined by an iconic favourite: Anne of Green Gables the Musical. A staple on PEI stages in the summer, this musical tells the story of everyone’s favourite precocious redhead. At once touching, dramatic and exhilarating, Anne of Green Gables the Musical is sure to leave you feeling inspired (and with a few unforgettable songs stuck in your head!). But Anne isn’t the only one taking the stage this summer. The festival’s line-up also includes Jersey Boys, Becoming Dolly, 70 Mile Yard Sale (a comedy inspired by the annual PEI event) and Rhymes and Stories of the Red Earth. This is a season of extraordinary talent you won’t want to miss.
Island Tides Yoga and Wellness Fest: June 20-23
If you’re looking for a summer to relax, escape, breathe the salt air and connect with nature, the Island Tides Yoga and Wellness Fest is the event for you. Pack your yoga mat and make your way to Charlottetown for the largest health and wellness festival in the Maritimes. Activities include Sunset Yoga, Pilates & Pinot and Tides Penthouse Poetry Social.
Cavendish Beach Music Festival: July 5-7
For many country music fans — and folks who simply love a good time — the Cavendish Beach Music Festival has become a summertime staple. And it’s easy to see why! Taking place in the family favourite location of Cavendish, this is the largest outdoor music festival in Atlantic Canada. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or staying in nearby accommodations, you can enjoy some great tunes as well as beautiful beaches with some of the warmest waters on the East Coast of Canada. This year’s roster of performers just might be the best yet, and you can expect to hear performances from Brothers Osborne, Tyler Childers, Zac Brown Band and many more.
Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival: July 19-20
Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival was created to preserve the music traditions of Prince Edward Island, and this summer, the event celebrates its 48th year. This is the perfect festival if you’re travelling with family. You will find trad workshops, a music camp for kids, square dancing and a beer garden. Bring your RV or camping gear aboard the ferry to PEI and set up your site for the weekend amongst other traditional music lovers. If you are looking for a true Maritime experience, this is the one!
Sommo Fest: Sept 13-14
The Cavendish Beach Music Festival isn’t the only big weekend for music on PEI! Sommo Fest is a celebration of music, food and drink on the Island that has locals and visitors alike buzzing over its return. Take one look at the line-up and it’s easy to understand why! This year, the festival will treat you to performances by up-and-coming superstar Noah Kahan, rockers Greta van Fleet and Canada’s own The Beaches. Plus, this year, the culinary stage welcomes Chef Laurent Degenais, Mary Berg and more. Get your tickets before they are sold out.
It’s bound to be a busy summer vacation, and there is no better way to travel to and from the island than by ferry. Allow yourself some time to kick back and relax in transit, grab a bite to eat and smell the ocean breeze. After all, there’s no better way to relax after such an event-filled vacation than to take the ferry home.
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