What's Happening in St. John's - August 2025
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From world-class athletes and unforgettable live music to vibrant markets, street performers, and pop-up entertainment, the city will be alive with energy all month long. Whether you're here to cheer on the 2025 Canada Games, rock out at the George Street Festival, or take in the buzz along the Downtown Pedestrian Mall, there’s something remarkable happening around every corner in St. John’s this summer.
2025 Canada Games
From August 8 to 25, the 2025 Canada Games will bring together over 5,000 athletes, managers, and coaches, across 19 different sports for the largest multi-sport event in the country. The Canada Games showcase the best of the best in sport and highlight the immense talents of our youth.
Torch Relay
The Canada Games Torch Relay is coming through town! Starting at noon on Friday, August 1, the flame will make its way through St. John’s, carrying the spirit of the Games and the energy of the nation. The relay begins at the Orangestore on Water Street and ends with a celebration at Bannerman Park starting at 2 p.m. Join us for a vibrant afternoon as we come together to celebrate the Torch’s journey and the spirit of the Games!
ARTA VISTA
The 2025 Canada Games ARTA VISTA Artistic Festival and Cultural Program is a vibrant celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador's rich arts and culture, while also honouring the diverse cultures of Canada, including its Indigenous and Francophone heritage. From August 10 to 24, the festival will feature a wide variety of free, family-friendly entertainment, experiences, community initiatives, activities, and more taking place across the Avalon.
Downtown Pedestrian Mall
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall daily from noon to 10 p.m. as Water Street, from Adelaide Street to Prescott Street, transforms into a hub of patios, pop-ups, and people!
Markets on Water, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.:
Spanning from Ayres Cove to Prescott Street, the market will feature vendors hosted by The Mom Market. Each week, you’ll discover a rotating lineup of carefully curated small businesses — from handcrafted goods and artisan products to one-of-a-kind art, fashion, jewelry, home décor, sweet treats, and so much more.
- Thursday, August 7
- Thursday, August 14
- Sunday, August 17
- Thursday, August 21
- Thursday, August 28
Pop-up Entertainment, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.:
Each Friday throughout the summer, the Downtown Pedestrian Mall hosts various pop-up events from 2 to 4 p.m. in front of the Scotiabank building featuring local entertainers:
- Friday, August 1 - Cirque'etics: Cirque’letics is a community-based educational facility where all individuals, regardless of age, skill or ability, can safely learn and develop circus and acrobatic-based skills as a means of personal growth and enrichment. They strive to contribute to the artistic community of Newfoundland and Labrador through the learning and creation of circus-based educational programs and performances.
- Friday, August 15 - De La Paz Quintet: This quintet aims to share with the public the joy and flavour of Latin culture through its music. It is comprised of Mario Miranda, Liam Kovich, Julien Bouchard, Estefania Arreguín and Beto de La Paz.
- Friday, August 22 - East Coast Rhythm Project: East Coast Rhythm Project is a collective of teachers, choreographers, and performers dedicated to the percussive art of tap dance. Based in St. John's, NL, they offer workshops and perform city wide with the hope of spreading love and knowledge of all things tap.
- Friday, August 29 - Port-Aux-Poutines: a two-time MusicNL Award winning French-Canadian duo based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, formed by Jenna Maloney and Axel Belgarde. Since 2022, Port-Aux-Poutines fuses French-Canadian and Newfoundland musical traditions. Through original songs, folk songs, as well as translations of Newfoundland songs, the band celebrates the diversity of French-Canadian culture, tells stories and legends of the province, and celebrates the heritage of Francophonie in Newfoundland.
Urban Light Show
In celebration of the Canada Games, from August 14-20, CBC will light up the Downtown Pedestrian Mall with a vibrant four-minute urban light show, updated daily. Catch this dazzling celebration of athletes, fans and everyone in between, playing on a loop from dusk until 11 p.m. adjacent to 154 Water Street.
Music @ Concert Series
Enjoy incredible musical performances spanning folk, rock, pop, traditional, and country as part of our Music @ Concert Series! Each concert opens with a talented youth performer from our partner, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society.
The August 15 and August 22 concerts will be part of the ARTA VISTA Artistic Festival and Cultural Program for the 2025 Canada Games.
August Schedule:
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Friday, August 1 – De La Paz Latin Band
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Friday, August 8 – Mick Davis & Thin Love
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Friday, August 15 – Grosse Isle
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Friday, August 22 – Morgan Toney
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Friday, August 29 – With Violet
- Saturday, August 30 - Baraka
George Street Festival
Since its debut in 1985, the George Street Festival has been a cornerstone of summer in St. John’s. Now celebrating 40 incredible years, this iconic festival continues to unite generations through music, culture, and unforgettable street party vibes. This year's festival runs from July 31 to August 6!
Downtown St. John’s Busker Festival
From August 8 to 10, the streets come alive with national, international, and local talent featuring jugglers, magicians, acrobats, comedians, visual artists, and more. The festival runs daily from noon to 9 p.m. and it’s free!
HOLD FAST Contemporary Arts Festival
From August 5 to 9, join this celebration of contemporary performance, interdisciplinary art, and community engagement in St. John’s, Ktaqmkuk/NL.
Other Community Events
Check out what else is happening on our Community Events Calendar. Don’t forget, you can also submit your own events to be included!
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