The 76th edition of the Shediac Lobster Festival (Festival du Homard de Shediac) is making a grand return in July, promising an even more spectacular celebration of Atlantic Canada’s most iconic crustacean. Following the tremendous success of last year’s 75th event, organizers are refining every aspect to deliver a festival that seamlessly blends cherished traditions with fresh, exciting experiences for guests of all ages. This year’s festivities will once again showcase the vibrant heart of Acadian culture through mouthwatering food, lively music, and a strong sense of community.
A Glimpse at the 75th Shediac Lobster Festival
The 2024 festival welcomed over 40,000 attendees, all eager to savour some of the region’s finest seafood. Thanks to the long-standing support of The Shediac Lobster Shop, an impressive 2,000 pounds of lobster were served throughout the event. Festival-goers were treated to outstanding performances from acclaimed artists like Salebarbes, Les Hay Babies, Signal Hill, The Mellotones, and Melanie Morgan. Adding a fresh and dynamic twist, the introduction of Mixbus—a mobile stage spotlighting local talent and emerging artists—infused the festival with energy and spontaneity.
The launch of the ANBL Safe Ride program enabled 1,150 festivalgoers to enjoy the evening concerts responsibly, offering complimentary shuttle service on July 12th and 13th. A highlight of last year’s festivities was the renewal of the twinning agreement between Shediac and Breaux Bridge, Louisiana—celebrating over 50 years of shared cultural and culinary heritage. This milestone was marked in the Grousse Tent with lively performances by Cajun band T’Monde and local favorite Hert LeBlanc, while The Kilted Chef delighted attendees with authentic gumbo served alongside visiting delegates from Louisiana.
Additional highlights included the return of Campbell Amusements and an expanded festival ground to host the brand-new Culinary Stage, where renowned chefs gave live cooking demonstrations. The inaugural Lobster Roll Challenge made a splash, with Chef Jordan Holden of Atelier Tony in Dieppe claiming top honors. Food enthusiasts were treated to memorable culinary experiences such as Corks & Claws, Ales & Tails, and The Succulent at Parlee Beach, featuring celebrated chefs like Dennis Prescott and Chef Gene Cormier. To cap off the festivities, La Grande Table welcomed over 400 guests to Main Street for a communal lobster feast, providing a perfect finale to the event.
The Shediac Lobster Festival is Back for Its 76th Year
From July 5th to 13th, 2025, the town of Shediac will once again be filled with the unmistakable energy of the Shediac Lobster Festival. This annual tradition, known for its perfect blend of fresh seafood, Acadian hospitality, and lively entertainment, continues to be a highlight of summer in New Brunswick. With a packed schedule of events for all ages, festival-goers can look forward to a week of exceptional dining experiences, thrilling performances, and family-friendly activities.
photo by Craig Silva
Once again, attendees can look forward to thousands of pounds of fresh lobster being served, made possible through strong partnerships with local seafood suppliers. From classic lobster dinners to creative, lobster-inspired culinary creations, there will be endless ways to savour this iconic regional delicacy. The popular Lobster Roll Challenge is expected to make its return, drawing talented chefs from across the Maritimes to compete for top honours.
A Spectacular Lineup of Musical Acts
New Brunswick, Canada. photo by Craig Silva
Live performances remain a key highlight of the festival, and this year’s lineup is set to be just as extraordinary. Organizers will bring back fan-favourite acts while also introducing new performances that highlight the region’s rich musical diversity. With multiple stages spread across the festival grounds, attendees can enjoy a wide range of genres, from folk and rock to Acadian and Cajun rhythms.
Pretty in Pink and The Mellotones: Your Ultimate 80s Dance Party!
Get ready to sing, dance, and relive the unforgettable energy of the 80s at Pretty in Pink and The Mellotones: Your Ultimate 80s Dance Party! This high-energy event invites you to rock your best retro outfit and hit the dance floor for a night full of non-stop excitement.
Pretty in Pink, an eight-piece powerhouse band, will take you on a nostalgic journey with their electrifying setlist of iconic 80s hits, guaranteed to have you singing and dancing all night long. Alongside them, The Mellotones bring their dynamic blend of R&B, funk, and soul, lighting up the stage with vibrant horns, smooth vocals, and infectious grooves that evoke the golden age of Motown and disco.
Whether you’re a die-hard 80s fan or just looking for a fun night out, this event promises an atmosphere full of nostalgia, amazing vibes, and endless dancing! Tickets are available here.
Expanded Gastronomic Experiences
photo by Craig Silva
After the overwhelming success of last year’s culinary events, the festival’s fine dining and tasting experiences are set to return with even more excitement. Ales & Tails and Corks & Claws have quickly become fan favourites, while The Succulent at Parlee Beach proved that Shediac is ready for high-end dining. This year, even more top chefs are joining the lineup to create extraordinary menus that celebrate the finest flavors of Atlantic Canada.
The Culinary Stage
Launched last year, the Culinary Stage added a thrilling new element to the festival, featuring live cooking demonstrations by acclaimed chefs like Dennis Prescott and The Kilted Chef. This year, attendees can look forward to even more captivating demos, showcasing both traditional and innovative techniques for preparing lobster and other seafood dishes.
Ales and Tails
This event is a paradise for craft beer enthusiasts and seafood lovers. Guests will have the chance to sample a curated selection of New Brunswick’s famous craft beers and ciders, each perfectly paired with delicious lobster bites. The event will be held at the Shediac Multipurpose Centre. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Corks and Claws
An elegant experience designed for wine lovers, this event offers the chance to savor eight unique lobster dishes, each thoughtfully created by local chefs and paired with exquisite wines. Set to the backdrop of live music, this culinary journey promises to delight all the senses. The event will take place at the Shediac Multipurpose Centre, and tickets are available here.
La Grande Table
The festival’s grand finale, La Grande Table on July 13th, gathers hundreds of guests at a communal table along Main Street for a memorable dinner that embodies the heart of Shediac’s seafood culture. This grand feast features a classic lobster dinner, creating a sense of unity and celebration of Shediac’s rich culinary traditions. Tickets for this unforgettable dining experience are available here.
Cultural and Community Celebrations
The festival is more than just a celebration of food; it’s a tribute to Acadian heritage, local traditions, and community spirit. Last year’s twinning ceremony with Breaux Bridge was a memorable highlight, and this year promises even more cultural collaborations and partnerships with visiting groups. Expect to experience traditional music, storytelling, and hands-on activities such as Acadian cooking workshops, all adding depth to the festival’s cultural programming.
Family-Friendly Activities
While the festival’s evening concerts and culinary events attract food lovers and music enthusiasts, the daytime activities are perfect for families and visitors of all ages. Campbell Amusements, a long-time partner, adds excitement with thrilling rides and carnival games across the festival grounds. This year, organizers are focusing on expanding interactive experiences for children, including lobster-themed crafts, educational exhibits, and lively performances designed to entertain younger audiences.
The Essence of Atlantic Canada’s Lobster Culture
The Shediac Lobster Festival continues to be one of the most anticipated events in New Brunswick, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. With its perfect mix of exceptional seafood, live entertainment, and rich cultural heritage, the festival captures the region’s deep love for lobster and strong sense of community. The 76th edition is set to build on past triumphs, promising an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
For those looking to experience the true flavours of Atlantic Canada, the festival offers a chance to indulge in top-tier seafood, immerse in vibrant Acadian culture, and enjoy some of the best entertainment the region has to offer. Whether savouring a freshly cracked lobster, dancing to live music, or discovering the talents of local chefs and artisans, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
by Craig Silva
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