Charlottetown turns 170! Celebrate with four fun-filled days of free, family-friendly Natal Day events taking place from July 31 to Aug. 3.
The public is invited to take part in activities including an outdoor pancake breakfast, youth and older adults programming, a new musical event in partnership with the PEI Symphony Orchestra, a birthday party for Charlottetown mascot “Charlie Town” and more.
“Charlottetown’s 170th birthday is a time to come together as a community and celebrate all that makes our city such a special place to live, work and feel at home,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “I encourage everyone to take part in the festivities and enjoy the music, food and fun that reflect the vibrant and welcoming spirit of Charlottetown. It’s a celebration for people of all ages and backgrounds, and I look forward to seeing our whole community come together to enjoy it.”
“Natal Day has always been about bringing people together — and what better way to mark 170 years than with events that welcome families, neighbours and visitors to share in the spirit of Charlottetown,” said Councillor Terry Bernard, Chair of the Economic, Tourism and Cultural Development Committee. “It’s a celebration of who we are and everything we’ve built together.”
Here’s a full list of Natal Day weekend events planned:
Citizen Recognition and Make Our Hometown Beautiful Awards (Closed Event)
• Date: Thursday, July 31
• Details: Charlottetown residents will be honoured at the Citizen Recognition and Make our Hometown Beautiful awards ceremony. Recipients of the awards, including the Forbes Kennedy Volunteer of the Year Award and the David “Eli” MacEachern Bursary, will be announced following the event.
Chalk Art
• Date: Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 3 (weather permitting)
• Locations: Rochford Square, Connaught Square, Kings Square, Hillsborough Square, Founders' Food Hall and Market, Victoria Row, Confederation Landing Park, and Charlottetown City Hall.
• Details: Throughout Natal Day weekend, vibrant chalk art installations will be featured at several locations across downtown Charlottetown, all created by talented local artists.
Group Bike Ride
• Date: Friday, Aug. 1, 6 p.m.
• Details: Join us for a guided bike ride through downtown and along the Confederation Trail to Confederation Landing where participants will be treated to a free ice cream. This event is open to all ages and cycling abilities. Helmets are required. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
In Harmony: Island Voices & Orchestral Sounds
• Date: Friday, Aug. 1, 7 p.m.
• Location: Confederation Landing Park
• Details: This new event, in partnership with the PEI Symphony Orchestra, will feature Noah Malcolm, Lawrence Maxwell, Kinley Dowling and Tiffany Liu along with members of the PEI Symphony Orchestra.
Natal Day Pancake Breakfast
• Date: Saturday, Aug. 2, 8:30 to10 a.m.
• Location: Rochford Square
• Details: Join Mayor Brown and City Council for a traditional pancake breakfast and entertainment by Adam MacGregor and The Foes.
Simmons Pool Glow Party and BBQ
• Date: Saturday, Aug. 2, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Location: Simmons Pool
• Details: Make a splash at our evening pool party at Simmons. Enjoy swimming, music from a live DJ and a BBQ!
Island Tides Yoga & Wellness Festival presents Rise and Grind: Café Yoga
• Date: Sunday, Aug. 3, 9 to 10 a.m.
• Location: Victoria Park Cultural Pavilion
• Details: Start Sunday morning off right at an energizing outdoor yoga class led by Erika Killam at 9 a.m. in Victoria Park, followed by complimentary coffee.
Charlie Town’s Birthday Party
• Date: Sunday, Aug. 3, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Location: Founders’ Food Hall & Market Green Space
• Details: Join Charlottetown mascot, “Charlie Town” for a fun afternoon at Founders’ Food Hall & Market Green Space. Activities will include bounce houses, mini putt, face painting, balloon twisting and more. Beginning at 1 p.m., the Parkdale Sherwood Lions Club will be serving free hotdogs, cupcakes and ice cream sandwiches while quantities last.
Mayor & Council’s Older Adults Social
• Date: Sunday, Aug. 3, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Location: Jack Blanchard Hall, 7 Pond St.
• Details: Join Mayor Brown and City Council for refreshments and live entertainment.
Also taking place during the weekend are several public events, the Sounds of the Waterfront music series, which runs daily, the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Confederation Landing, and the PEI Pride Festival from July 25 until August 3.
All outdoor Natal Day Weekend Celebrations events are weather permitting. Cancellations or weather-related announcements will be shared on the City’s Facebook page:
facebook.com/CityofCharlottetown
Visit
charlottetown.ca/natalday for more information, including a detailed schedule of events.