Charlottetown is celebrating its 171st birthday with four days of free, family-friendly events during Natal Day Weekend, taking place from July 30 to Aug. 2.
The public is invited to take part in activities including an outdoor pancake breakfast, youth and older adults programming, a musical event in partnership with the PEI Symphony Orchestra, a birthday party for Charlottetown mascot “Charlie Town” and more.
"Charlottetown's 171st birthday is an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes our city such a vibrant and welcoming place," said Mayor Philip Brown. "Natal Day weekend brings residents and visitors together to enjoy local traditions, spend time with family and friends, and experience the events that showcase the spirit of our city. I invite everyone to join us as we celebrate another year of Charlottetown's history and continued growth."
"This year's program offers something for everyone, from family activities and live entertainment to community traditions that have become a cherished part of the long weekend," said Councillor Terry Bernard, Chair of the Economic, Tourism and Cultural Development Committee. "These celebrations are made possible through the contributions of our community partners, volunteers and local organizations, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the celebrations."
Here’s a full list of events planned for Natal Day weekend:
Citizen Recognition and Make Our Hometown Beautiful Awards (Closed Event)
• Date: Thursday, July 30
• 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 30 to Sunday, Aug. 2 (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 led by Bike Friendly Communities
• Date: Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m.
• Location: Start and end point – Confederation Landing Park Gazebo
• Details: Participants are invited to join a guided bike ride through downtown and along the Confederation Trail. The ride is open to all ages and cycling abilities and will conclude with a complimentary sweet treat for participants. Helmets are required. Additional details, including the full route, will be announced in the coming weeks.
PEI Symphony Orchestra presents Music Under the Summer Sky
• Date: Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m.
• Location: Confederation Landing Park
• Details: Relax and enjoy a captivating outdoor performance by the members of the PEI Symphony Orchestra at Confederation Landing Park.
Natal Day Pancake Breakfast
• Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 8:30 to 10 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. 1, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Location: Simmons Pool
• Details: Make a splash at our evening pool party at Simmons Pool! Enjoy an evening of swimming, music from a live DJ, yard games and a BBQ. Swimming will be offered in one-hour sessions throughout the evening, with a new session beginning every hour on the hour, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Island Tides Yoga & Wellness Festival presents Rise and Grind: Café Yoga
• Date: Sunday, Aug. 2, 9 to 10 a.m.
• Location: Victoria Park Cultural Pavillon
• Details: Start Sunday morning off right at an energizing outdoor yoga class led by Erika Killam at Victoria Park, followed by complimentary coffee.
Charlie Town’s Birthday Party
• Date: Sunday, Aug. 2, 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. 2, 4 to 6 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. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Confederation Landing, and the
PEI Pride Festival from July 24 until Aug. 2.
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.