2026 Concerts & Special Events
What's Happening on the Island!
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Cost: $23 for concerts and separate pricing for Bath House Events (plus HST & booking fees)
Includes access to Estate buildings, trails, and event
(with exceptions of July 3rd, July 27th & September 12th
events as these three special events take place during closed hours).
Location: Ministers Island Event Tent
Saturday, June 13th
Roots & Remedies Walk & Talk
4:00 pm
Did you know there are probably 15-20 medicinal plants growing right in your very neighborhood? Nature provides and wild medicines grow everywhere! Don't miss your opportunity to learn from Jessika Gauvin who has been foraging and making plant medicine since she was a child. Come take a guided walk on Ministers Island with Jessika and learn how to identify some body supporting herbs that grow in abundance almost everywhere. After the walk, see how you can prepare wild teas and learn how to make some easy, wild medicinal preparations for your home apothecary.
Sunday, June 28th
The Chickahominy Mountain Band
5:00 pm
Chickahominy has the frame of a traditional country blues band that isn't afraid to let go and let the music do the talking. Based in Charlotte County, NB, this rhythm and country band has been captivating audiences since 2017 with their unique blend of styles and infectious on-stage chemistry. The band features members from some of the Maritimes’ most beloved groups, including Acres & Acres, Earthbound, Montgomery Street Band, and The Sticky Bandits. Led by the talented Sam Astorino, who crafts exciting melodies and heartfelt stories about life in small-town New Brunswick from a Maritimer’s point of view, the band’s music is elevated by Mike Humble’s groovy percussion and Ian Sherwood’s solid basslines. Don Flatt adds a delightful presence with his keyboard skills, while Patrick Gushue brings flair with blazing solos on fiddle, mandolin, and the electric mandolin. This event is supported by grant funding from Explore St. Andrews.
Friday, July 3rd
Saint John String Quartet
Island Open for Concert at 7 pm, Concert starts at 8 pm
Renowned for its musical energy and seamless ensemble work, the award-winning Saint John String Quartet (SJSQ) has been a cornerstone of Symphony New Brunswick for over three decades. With remarkable versatility, SJSQ effortlessly bridges genres, collaborating with artists across classical, blues, and rock, continually expanding the boundaries of chamber music. A seasoned ensemble, SJSQ has captivated audiences worldwide, touring extensively throughout Europe, the Far East, and South America. Their impressive discography includes numerous recordings, earning them a Juno Award nomination, as well as prestigious honors such as the East Coast Music Award and the Music NB Award. Please note that this special event is presented when the rest of the island is closed. Access to the heritage buildings is limited to access for washrooms in Covenhoven only. This event is supported by grant funding from Explore St. Andrews.
Sunday, July 12th
Dave Gunning
4:00 pm
With over two decades on the road and fifteen albums to his credit, Nova Scotia’s Dave Gunning has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most engaging and respected folk singer-songwriters. A Juno nominee and a multiple East Coast Music Award and Canadian Folk Music Award winner, Gunning is celebrated for his warm stage presence, razor-sharp wit, and songs that honour everyday heroes while tackling hard truths. Known for his ability to connect with audiences through both laughter and reflection, Gunning’s live shows balance heartfelt storytelling with moments of perfectly timed humour. His rapport with listeners—equal parts genuine, self-effacing, and deeply human—has made him a beloved fixture on stages across Canada and beyond. In June 2025, Gunning travelled to Point Lonsdale, Australia, to record his latest release Field Notes. Stripped-back and emotionally rich, the new collection returns to the heart of what he does best: telling stories that remind us who we are, where we come from, and what matters most. This event is supported by grant funding from Explore St. Andrews.
Friday, July 17th
Vincenzo Ravina
Island Open for Show at 7 pm. Show starts at 8 pm
Vincenzo Ravina is an award-winning magician from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has performed on stage in Las Vegas for the CW's hit show, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and performed for Canada's Got Talent. He has made appearances on CTV, Global TV, and CBC Radio. His live show, Actual Wizard, is Halifax's first monthly magic show, now in its fourth year. It regularly sells out and is acclaimed by critics and audience members. Vincenzo's Fringe shows have won the overall Audience Choice Awards at the 2023 and 2025 Halifax Fringe Festival. His magic is surreal, mystifying, and absurd. At his show, you may end up wearing Mind-Reading Glasses, bestowing luck to the unlucky, trying to the divine the future, testing out a Coincidence Machine, or cowering in fear at the might of the Ancient and Mystical Balloon of Ultimate Power. No matter what, you'll end up laughing and amazed. This event is supported by grant funding from Explore St. Andrews.
Saturday, July 25th
Bouhala with Isaac & Blewett & Ryan LeBlanc
4:00 pm
Join us for a one-of-a-kind musical experience featuring three New Brunswick acts known for their unique musical stylings. Bouhala is a Moncton based duo blending Acadian and North African “roots” music creating an exotic blend of rhythms and melodies. Isaac and Blewett’s guitar and cello driven folk, blues and swing compositions more than captures the imagination, it puts a permanent smile on your face. Ryan LeBlanc’s percussive guitar stylings are not only counter-intuitive but sonically mesmerising and full of groove. Each on their own offer something satisfying, when they play together, you’ll experience something completely different.Winner. Please note that your ticket is good for island admission one hour prior to the event. This event is supported by grant funding from Explore St. Andrews.
Sunday, August 9th
Songwriter's Circle featuring Jessica Rhaye, Hilary Ladd & Maggie Savoie
3:00 pm
Songwriter's Circles are almost like multiple shows at once. A chance to hear multiple artists at one time often offering a range of musical styles and a mix of personal stories. Ministers Island will host an all female songwriters event featuring three unique New Brunswick songstresses. Jessica Rhaye has been performing her brand of folk a pop music for more than 25years. A multi award winning performer and graphic artist she has performed her original composituons and select cover tunes across North America and overseas. Over the years, Rhaye has collaborated with a distinguished group of co-writers, including Ron Sexsmith, the late Ken Tobias, Steve Poltz, Brent Mason, Royal Wood, and Matt Andersen. She has performed on many renowned stages and festivals such as the National Arts Centre, Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival, Area 506 Festival, Shivering Songs, Canadian Music Café, Hugh’s Room, Hotel Café, and Half Moon Putney. Hilary Ladd is a dynamic musician, actor, writer, and educator with more than 30 years of stage experience. Known for her powerful vocals and unflinching storytelling, she draws audiences into deeply human experiences through music and performance. As a singer-songwriter, Ladd has built a reputation for transforming raw personal stories into resonant, uplifting songs. Over the past two years, Ladd has become a familiar presence across New Brunswick stages appearing at Hullabaloo, Paddlefest, Harvest, Pride, Moonlight Bazaar, and the Sussex Balloon Festival, while also performing regularly at O’Leary’s, Kennedy House, Fusion East, and the Foghorn. Maggie Savoie is an award winning francophone who performs in both French and English. Her musical style might be considered folk, but upon closer listening, a very diverse musical background can be heard. A guitarist first and foremost, her music is a blend of simple and complex melodies, thanks to musical arrangements that combine a folk foundation with bluesy, sometimes soulful, and occasionally rock influences. Her voice, like her lyrics, resonates with both the heart and the mind through their simplicity and authenticity. Alone on stage, the artist creates an intimate and enveloping atmosphere. This event is supported by grant funding from Explore St. Andrews.
Sunday, August 23rd
Catherine MacLellan with Lucy Farrell
3:00 pm
Catherine MacLellan has been captivating audiences around the world with her music for over two decades. The Juno, Canadian Folk Music and multiple ECMA Award winner was born and raised in the idyllic province of Prince Edward Island. Her songs reflect a deep connection to the land and the people that call it home. Her passion for songwriting runs in the family; her father, Gene MacLellan, wrote beloved hits like "Snowbird" and "Put Your Hand in the Hand." While Catherine's music is rooted in folk and roots, her sound has evolved to embrace a wider range of influences over the course of her 7 albums. From heart-wrenching ballads to uplifting anthems, her music has a universal appeal that speaks to the struggles, triumphs, and joys of life. Through it all, Catherine remains committed to the craft of songwriting and the art of connection. Whether she's playing to a packed theatre or an intimate gathering, Catherine's warm presence and heartfelt music create an unforgettable experience for all who hear her. She brings with her on this visit to St Andrews the talented Lucy Farrell. UK born and now Canada based Farrell brings odd, unconventional melodies, poetic, sophisticated song-writing and the bewitching clarity of a voice made elegant with sparse, careful accompaniment on tenor guitar and occasionally viola. She has definitely carved out a unique niche for an artist at the forefront of contemporary English folk music. Finding an international audience among artists like Julia Jacklin, Emily Portman, The Weather Station, The Unthanks and Eliza Carthy, Farrell was the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner.
Saturday, August 29th
Fredericton Society of St. Andrew Pipe Band
6:00 pm
The Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew Pipe Band (FSSAPB) has been a vital part of the Fredericton community since its establishment in 1927. Starting with just three pipers and three drummers, the band has grown significantly over the decades. From the outset, the FSSAPB has proudly worn the Gordon tartan. Uniforms were initially borrowed from ex-soldiers of the First World War, with some kilts even sourced from a local army surplus store, bearing bullet holes from the battlefield. The band's presence has been a fixture at parades, concerts, and social gatherings throughout Fredericton, deeply embedding it in the community's cultural life. The mid-1960s saw the FSSAPB enter the arena, persistently fielding a competition band every year since. This commitment has solidified its status as one of the oldest piping and drumming organizations in North America. Over the years, the band has evolved into a dynamic organization with a teaching academy and two pipe bands, earning numerous Atlantic Canadian Champion Supreme titles. Renowned for its innovative spirit, the FSSAPB consistently achieves competitive success both domestically and internationally. Members have performed across North America and Europe, with appearances in Ontario, the United States, Scotland, and France. The band's trips to France include performances at the Festival Interceltique in Lorient. In addition to its performance and competitive achievements, the FSSAPB is dedicated to education through its teaching program, the Fredericton Academy of Piping and Drumming. This program nurtures the next generation of pipers and drummers, ensuring the continuation of this rich tradition.
Sunday, September 6th
Bill Stevenson & Friends
3:00 pm
The inimitable Bill Stevenson returns to Ministers Island to present an eclectic array of blues, jazz and swing. What can be said about Bill Stevenson that hasn’t been said before? A favourite of the Ministers Island concert series for years, Bill is a consummate performer. He has toured the world and been performing live for more than 5 decades. Among those he has worked and recorded with include John Lee Hooker, Amos Garrett, Tom Rush, David Grisman, Joel Plaskett, Bahamas (Afie Jurvanen), Matt Andersen, Garrett Mason and Owen Steel. For a number of years he hosted his own radio show “The Ocean Limited” and has been a “go to” piano man for many in the Halifax music scene.
Saturday, September 12th
Bath House Wellness Evening
6:00 pm
Step into a restorative two-hour wellness journey designed to gently shift you out of the busyness of everyday life and into a state of calm, connection, and renewal. Take part in an experience in an incredible historic venue - Ministers Island's Bath House. The evening unfolds in three immersive parts, beginning with a grounding, ocean-inspired rhythm circle where shared percussion creates an immediate sense of presence and collective energy. This experience is thoughtfully guided by Sebastián and Daniela, founders of Rhythms by the Sea, whose work along the Fundy Shore is rooted in the belief that rhythm is a universal language - one that helps people reconnect, release, and feel lighter together. From there, you’ll be invited to settle into a deeply restorative sound bath led by Dana Planetta of Rhythms Sound Therapy. Using crystal singing bowls and tuning forks, Dana creates a rich, resonant soundscape that encourages full-body relaxation and heightened awareness, allowing participants to drift into a meditative, restorative state. The evening concludes with a guided breathwork session led by Jackie Johnstone, founder of Respoire. With a practice that is clinically informed, trauma-aware, and accessible to all, Jackie creates a safe and supportive space to explore the power of breath - helping participants release tension, build resilience, and leave feeling both grounded and renewed. Together, these three experiences create a seamless and memorable evening—one that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and carry a sense of calm and clariThis is an immersive wellness experience designed to support relaxation, emotional release, connection, and mindfulness through drum circle, guided breathwork, and sound healing.