Visitor Guide & FAQs

(Updated July 2026)

Céud Mìle Fáilte! (A hundred thousand welcomes!) Whether you are joining us for our high-energy evening parties or spending the day taking in traditional piping, dancing, and heavy athletic events, here is everything you need to know to make the most of your festival weekend.

📅 Quick Look: Venues & Hours

Please refer to schedule of events for full event/show times: Schedule

☀️ Daytime Events at Government House

(Saturday & Sunday Cultural Festival & Competitions)

📍 Location & Entrances

• Address: 51 Woodstock Road, Fredericton.

• Main Gate: Opens at 8:00 AM and stays open throughout the day.

• Woodstock Road Gate: Open for limited hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

🧒 Kids Admission & Kids Corner

• Free Admission: Children under 12 enter daytime events at Government House for FREE!

• Kids Corner Activities: Includes mini-golf, face painting, magic shows, balloon art, mini heavy events for children, and interactive cultural activities.

🅿️ Parking

• Accessible Parking: Located in a designated area near the Main Gate.

• On-Site Parking: Located beside Government House / Victoria Health Centre (fills up early!).

• Free Street & Overflow Parking: Free street parking along O’Dell Avenue and Rookwood Avenue (next to Wilmot Park), or overflow parking at the NB Exhibition Grounds (361 Smythe St.).

🍻 Food, Refreshments & Beer Garden

• Food Vendors: Multiple vendors offering meals, snacks, and treats throughout the day.

• Alcohol Policy: Alcohol service is available in designated areas only — specifically inside the Ceilidh Tent and Beer Garden. 19+ patrons require an ID check and security stamp.

• Payment Methods: Debit and Credit are preferred across official festival terminals, but cash is also accepted at Government House. (Note: No ATM on site).

🌙 Evening Shows at Officers’ Square

(Friday Night Kickoff & Saturday Night Kitchen Party)

📍 Location & Entrances

• Address: 575 Queen St, Downtown Fredericton.

• Main Entrance: Located on Queen Street with dedicated lines for ticket holders, pass holders, and ticket purchasers.

• Accessible Entrance: Located on Queen Street for guests using wheelchairs, mobility devices, or requiring step-free access (along with their party).

🚧 Street Closures & Parking

• Carleton Street Closure: From Queen St. intersection to behind the Fredericton Public Library (6:00 AM Friday – 11:30 PM Saturday).

• Queen Street Closure: Between Regent St. and Carleton St. (3:00 PM – 11:00 PM Friday; 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM Saturday).

• Accessible Parking: Available  after 6:00 PM behind the Fredericton Public Library. Please note: a limited number of accessible spaces are available, and must display a valid permit to security at Carleton St.

• General Parking: Ample parking is available behind City Hall (York Street Lot) and in nearby downtown parking garages.

🎟️ Tickets, Admission & Cashless Policy

💳 IMPORTANT — Cashless Venue: Gates and bars accept Debit or Credit ONLY. Private food vendors may set their own payment preferences (no ATM is provided on site).

• Admission: All attendees require a ticket. Children 5 and under enter for free on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Digital Check-In: Have your digital or printed QR code tickets ready to scan at the gate.

🍻 Food, Drinks & Licensing

• Licensed Site: The entire Square is licensed — feel free to roam with your beverage!

• Bar & ID Check: 19+ patrons must present ID to receive a wristband before purchasing drink tickets or alcohol.

• Food Vendors: Food stalls are located behind the main stage in the parking area. Plenty of local dining options are also steps away in Downtown Fredericton.

🪑 Seating & Lawn Chairs

• Limited bleachers and tables are provided. First come first serve.

• You are welcome to bring personal lawn chairs. Personal chairs may only be set up in designated grassy areas on a first-come, first-served basis, and must not block walkways or emergency routes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Festival FAQs)

What’s new this year? 🌟

We are excited to announce that this year we will be hosting concerts on Friday, July 24 AND Saturday, July 25 at Officers’ Square. The Friday night show will feature Mary Frances Leahy and Jimmy Rankin, and the Saturday night show will feature Vishtèn, The Stanfields, and Joel Plaskett Emergency.

🌧️ What happens if it rains?

All festival events run rain or shine! In the event of extreme, unsafe weather. Schedule updates or safety notices for nighttime shows will be posted to our official social media channels starting at 4:30 PM on show days.

💧 Can I bring water or non-alcoholic drinks?

• Officers’ Square: Outside bottled beverages are not permitted. However, you can bring an empty refillable water bottle to fill at our free water access points.

• Government House: You are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle! The City of Fredericton Hydration Station will be on site all weekend.

🐶 Are pets allowed on site?

No pets are allowed. Only certified service animals are permitted at both Officers’ Square and Government House.

🛍️ Are souvenirs and festival merchandise available?

Yes! Official festival merchandise, clan gear, tartans, and Celtic artisan goods are available at the Information & Souvenirs Tent on site.

🎟️ Do family of competitors get in for free?

👜 Bag Search & Security

For guest safety, security personnel may conduct bag searches at entry gates across both venues.

📸 Photo & Video Notice

Festival photographers and videographers will be documenting the event. By entering festival grounds, attendees consent to being photographed or recorded for promotional use.