Capital City Canada Day will return to in-person celebrations this year with an all-day schedule of free activities including musical performances, an art installation, and family activities.
“As the Birthplace of Confederation, Canada Day is a very special celebration to us in Charlottetown,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “This Canada Day, it is important that we, as a City, come together to celebrate our diversity and our multiculturalism, two cornerstones of our Canadian cultural fabric. We are looking forward to showcasing local talent that is representative of our diverse and growing communities.”
In lieu of an all-day musical celebration in Victoria Park, Coastal Vibes Stages presented by Gemini Promotions will take over downtown Charlottetown and will feature more than 20 local performers across 4 stages. Don’t miss Dockside: A Fusion of Global, Tropical Sounds on the new Peake’s Wharf gazebo featuring DJ Jane Blaze, Obembe, Montuno Cubano, and Pepeto Pinto (Noon – 4PM); I’m with She/Her: A Celebration of Women’s Voices on the new Founders’ Food Hall & Market outdoor stage featuring Ava & Lily, Jill Chandler & Maureen Trainor, Kierrah, and Meaghan Blanchard (Noon – 4PM); New Kids on the Block: A Showcase of Emerging Local Talent on Victoria Row featuring Arsenal Mills, Brandon Howard Roy, Brooke MacArthur, David Woodside, Inn Echo, Jenna-Marie Gallant, Lawrence Maxwell, and Logan Richard (Noon – 8PM); and The Main Event at Confederation Landing (5PM and 7:45PM).
The Main Event featuring Paper Lions, Andrew Waite and the Firm, and Vince the Messenger has been approved under Public Health guidance for 3 cohorts of 50 people, per show time. Complimentary tickets in groups of 2, 4, and 6 can be accessed through Eventbrite beginning at NOON on Thursday, June 24 at https://capitalcitycanadaday.eventbrite.ca.
“Across the country, artists, arts and culture workers, and organizations have been hit hard by the pandemic,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “Nevertheless, cities such as Charlottetown continue to support creators and celebrate Canada's diversity. Canadian Heritage is pleased to collaborate with these communities on Canada Day to showcase talented performing artists and entertainment industry artisans from coast to coast to coast.”
An outdoor photo exhibit featuring backlit works from 20 Island artists will line lampposts on Queen Street (between City Hall and Water Street) and Grafton Street (between Great George and Queen Streets) from June 29 through July 4. Imagined and curated by local artists Patrick Brunet and Kelly Caseley, Common Things will seek to explore what unites us by capturing everyday items, moments, places, and expressions through participating artists’ eyes, experiences that we share as a collective and evolving nation. Artist statements and information will be available via Instagram, @city_of_charlottetown.
The Confederation Centre Art Gallery will host a Family Art Activity creating unique pencil crayon and watercolour artworks inspired by wildflowers native to PEI. Participants will take inspiration from unique centrepieces, as well as identification cards which will also help attendees explore and learn about these special flowers. This activity is suitable for ages 3+. One-hour sessions will begin at 11AM and 2PM. Tables must be pre-booked through the Confederation Centre Art Gallery by emailing
[email protected] or calling 902.628.6111.
Emerald Isle Carriage Tours will also be offering horse & wagon rides around the historic downtown. Rides will depart from Founders’ Food Hall & Market between Noon – 6PM. Pre-booking is required. To book a complimentary ride, contact Emerald Isle Carriage Tours at 902.313.1000.
“The City of Charlottetown recognizes that Canada Day is more than just a day for concerts, decorating and barbecues,” said Councillor Julie McCabe, Chair of the City’s Economic Development, Tourism and Event Management Committee. “It is a day to celebrate our strengths - such as our diversity - but it is also a day to reflect. The City is committed to hosting an inclusive,
COVID-friendly Canada Day program this year. To do so, we have sought programming input from various groups, including the Black Cultural Society, Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean, L’nuey, PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada, and Pride PEI. It is our hope that these consultations result in our most diverse and entertaining Canada Day celebrations to date.”
As previously announced, the City of Charlottetown will also be featured during this year’s National Canada Day Evening Program which will air live across the country from 8pm – 10pm EDT on July 1. The broadcast, which will feature local artists Inn Echo, Irish Mythen, and Paper Lions in addition to 25 other diverse Canadian acts, can be viewed locally on CBC and Radio-Canada and will also be live streamed to Canadian Heritage’s YouTube channel.
All Capital City Canada Day celebrations will operate in accordance with COVID-19 gatherings guidance and under operational plans approved by the Chief Public Health Office. Outdoor activities are weather permitting. Weather-related announcements will be issued through local media and the City's social media channels. Stay up to date on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CityofCharlottetown) and Twitter (@ChtownPE).
Capital City Canada Day celebrations are funded in part by the Government of Canada. For more information on Capital City Canada Day, including a detailed schedule of performances, visit www.charlottetown.ca/CanadaDay.