Celebrate Charlottetown’s 166th Birthday

Join the City of Charlottetown in celebrating its 166th birthday by participating in Natal Day Weekend Celebrations taking place Friday, July 30 to Monday, August 2.

From Morning Yoga in the Park and self-guided tours to musical theatre shows and surprise giveaways by Mayor and Council, there is lots to do in the Capital City during Natal Day Weekend.

“As we celebrate the 166th birthday of Charlottetown, we as a city have lots of activities and events planned for all ages. Be sure to get out and take in as many festivities as possible,” said Mayor Phillip Brown. “Now that we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I am thrilled to see an increased number of events taking place, offering residents and visitors alike even more opportunities to explore the Birthplace of Confederation,” said Brown.

Morning Yoga in the Park will be held on Saturday, July 31. Local yoga instructor Cynthia Dennis will lead two 45-minute classes beginning at 8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. at the field in front of the Cultural Pavilion in Victoria Park. The classes are free, but pre-registration is required to participate. Registered participants should bring a yoga mat and reusable water bottle.

Young at Heart Musical Theatre for Seniors will present Fascinating Maritime Ladies on Sunday, August 1, and Monday, August 2, at 2 p.m. at Trailside Music Hall (155 Kent Street). This celebration of female singers and songwriters from Atlantic Canada and Quebec stars Nadine Haddad, Kelley Mooney, and Catherine O’Brien and will feature tight harmonies, choreography, and delightful banter. Pay-what-you-wish tickets will be available beginning Friday, July 23 and can be reserved in advance through Trailside Music Hall at trailside.ca. These shows have been made possible through funding support from the Rotary Club of Charlottetown.

Sidewalks in the downtown core will come alive with chalk-art designs from local artists Bing Yiao, Jeff Kelly, Abby Hyndman, Anna Vail, Melissa Peter Paul, Ashley Anne Clark, Damon Roberts, and Bella Grant. Artists will begin creating their artwork on Friday, July 30 (weather permitting). A map of artwork locations will be made available online in advance.

Citizen Recognition Awards will be announced on Friday, July 30 to honour extraordinary Charlottetown residents who have gone above and beyond to positively impact the people and community around them. The recipients of the Mayor’s Citizen Awards and Forbes Kennedy Volunteer of the Year Award will be featured on the City’s website and social media platforms beginning Friday, July 30 until Monday, August 2.

“Its an exciting time to be celebrating the incorporation of the City of Charlottetown. We are committed to the safety of our citizens, and we are very pleased to be in a position where we can get back to increased events in a safe manner,” said Councillor Julie McCabe, chair of the Economic Development, Tourism, and Events Management committee. “We would like to encourage everyone to come out, participate, support and take in all that our local artists, businesses and partners have to offer this Natal Day weekend,” said McCabe.

As part of Natal Day Weekend celebrations, Mayor Brown and members of City Council will be visiting locations around downtown Charlottetown handing out summer swag and treats. The public is encouraged to be on the look out for them and remember to physically distance. Details on exact locations and times will not be released to avoid crowding.

Natal Day Weekend Celebrations will operate in accordance with COVID-19 gatherings guidance. 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).

For more information on Natal Day Weekend Celebrations, including a detailed schedule of both City-led and partner activities, visit www.charlottetown.ca/NatalDay.