Question 1

Where is the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival taking place?

Accepted Answer

In the beautiful seaside community of Fundy-St. Martins, New Brunswick, Canada. The village is located just 30 km east of the Saint John Airport.

Question 2

When is the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival?

Accepted Answer

We drop anchor from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Question 3

What IS a sea shanty festival anyway?

Accepted Answer

The festival is a celebration of the songs that were sung by sailors during the age of sail. These songs, and the stories they tell, need to be shared and kept alive! With a strong connection to shipbuilding and seafaring in the rich local history, what better place to do this than the stunning seaside community of St. Martins!?

While these types of festivals are huge in Europe, we are one of only three such festivals held in Canada. The many activities we offer are related to the sea, and for our mainstage music we strive to achieve a minimum of 70% shanties and songs of the sea.

Check our About Page for even more info, or better yet...Join us this summer!

Question 4

What are the hours of the festival?

Accepted Answer

On Friday, August 7, we'll kick-off at 5:00pm with Seafood Chowder & Shanties at the Caves Restaurant. We've got a few other activities lined up, followed by our Shanty Pub at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #63 on Main Street in St. Martins at 8:00 PM. Our workshops and Main Stage performances are on Saturday and Sunday with the final performance ending at 6:30 PM on Sunday. Check our schedule for all the performance and event times and locations.

Question 5

Who will be performing at the festival?

Accepted Answer

We have sixteen performers and groups joining us from as close as the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario - to as far away as New Zealand! For the complete list of performers, click here.

Question 6

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Lawn chairs for the Main Stage performances are a great idea or, if you like, you can sit on the grass.
This is an outdoor festival and the weather will have to be torrential for us to move indoors, so bring any necessary gear for wet weather; however, we will have a number of tents set up just in case.
Water, hat & sunscreen – Stay hydrated and protected from the sun!
Your tickets – remember to bring along your proof of purchase.

Question 7

How do I become a vendor?

Accepted Answer

To inquire about becoming a vendor at the festival, send a short pitch about your product/business via email to Barb at fundyseashantyfest.vendors@gmail.com. Please submit your applications early as vendor placements are determined well in advance of the event; in fact, we might already be at capacity - just sayin’.

Question 8

How do I become a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

So happy you asked! We need many volunteers – they are essential to our success. If you’re interested in joining our team, please email fundyseashantyfest@gmail.com with your interest and availability. And there are benefits to being a volunteer, depending on the number of hours you commit, but at least you get a free music pass for the day(s) you are on task, plus a festival t-shirt!

Question 9

How much are tickets?

Accepted Answer

Early Bird Pricing runs until June 30. Once that date has passed, the price remains the same up until the festival begins. You can purchase:

Our Prince Leopold Pass (Friday to Sunday plus swag).
A Weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) for the Main Stage.
Individual, Saturday or Sunday, music passes.
*New this Year* Our Heather Rankin only passes.
If you wish to participate in workshops/activities you will need to register for them individually. You can actually participate in most of our activities without having a music pass, but, hey, you’ll be missing out on some great music.

For more details on tickets and their prices,  please click here .

Question 10

Where can I purchase tickets?

Accepted Answer

Tickets for Fundy Sea Shanty Festival can be purchased online through Locarius or by visiting our Tickets page.

If you are not comfortable purchasing online, contact us by phone or e-mail using the contact form or contact information at the bottom of the page.

Question 11

Are day passes available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, single-day passes are available and prices can be found by visiting our Tickets page.

Question 12

Is there a child/senior discount?

Accepted Answer

Any child aged 12 or younger can enter the festival grounds at no cost. Any individual over 12 can purchase a regular ticket. We have given the senior discount to everyone – it’s part of the pricing.

Question 13

Are VIP tickets and/or seating available?

Accepted Answer

VIP passes are reserved for representatives from our major festival sponsors, and yes, they have preferred seating in our VIP tent. If you see someone sporting a VIP pass, please give them a thank-you. It is through their generous support that we are able to offer the programming we do.

Question 14

How are my tickets delivered?

Accepted Answer

Tickets bought online are sent to the purchaser electronically. Those details are provided at time of purchase.

Question 15

What happens if I lose my ticket?

Accepted Answer

Not to worry, we do have your name on a list but we ask that you bring along proof of purchase if at all possible to avoid wait times during the admission process.

Question 16

Can I purchase tickets when I arrive on festival weekend?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tickets will be available assuming we don’t sell out.
If it is August and you don’t have your tickets but plan to attend, contact us through our website to ensure we still have some.

Question 17

Can I get a refund if I do not use my ticket?

Accepted Answer

This fabulous event is happening rain or shine. If you can’t use your ticket we can’t give you a refund, but please feel free to pass it along to someone who can enjoy it. A credit for next year’s festival is also a possibility, but you’ll need to contact us.

Question 18

If I leave the venue can I return later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once your ticket is scanned at the Main Stage site you will receive a wristband. This will allow you admittance at any point throughout the day(s) for which you have purchased a ticket.

Question 19

What if I'm hungry?

Accepted Answer

St. Martins is home to a number of restaurants and, of course, seafood is readily available. We will also have food vendors on site, featuring a wide variety of options.

Question 20

Will there be a Vendor’s Village?

Accepted Answer

Indeed there will be and we’re calling it Harbour Bazaar, and you don’t need a ticket to access the site. It will be located just outside the Main Stage gates, close and convenient!

Question 21

Will water be available?

Accepted Answer

That be true, matey.  We’ll have water available for pass holders at the amphitheater, courtesy of one of our wonderful sponsors: Costco.

Question 22

Where is the Lost & Found?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s located at the Merch Tent inside the main entrance gates.

Question 23

Will there be washrooms?

Accepted Answer

We will have several portable toilets at the music venue and Vendors Village. Washroom facilities are also located at the 4 Seasons Complex and the Visitor Information Center as well as the various workshop locations.

Question 24

Are animals allowed in the Main Stage area?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but they must be properly harnessed and exercised well away from the seating area. Please clean up after your pets. If your dog tends to howl during fo’c’s’le shanties then perhaps this is not the right festival for your pet.

Question 25

Where is the nearest community?

Accepted Answer

Our festival is located about 40 km from the east-side of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. The towns of Quispamsis and Hampton are approximately the same distance from St. Martins.

Question 26

Where can I find directions to St Martins?

Accepted Answer

You can find directions to the festival site by visiting our Visitors Info page. It has a Google Map embedded too.

Question 27

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

We’ve got that taken care of for you! Parking at the Main Stage festival site is extremely limited, so in order to cut down on busy traffic flow and to maintain safety, only vehicles belonging to vendors, performers, and support personnel will be permitted at the site. Parking is available at the 4 Seasons Complex at the west end of the village and a shuttle will be making regular runs to and from the site on Saturday and Sunday. Find shuttle info here.

Question 28

Is there a shuttle service available?

Accepted Answer

Indeed there is. Our shuttle will be running continuously on Saturday and Sunday and will be making stops throughout the village. A special thanks to ANBL for making this happen! Find the shuttle schedule and stops throughout the village here.

Additionally, we will offer free shuttles from Saint John on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for those holding festival passes. You do need to register, which you can do here.

Question 29

What accommodations are available in the area?

Accepted Answer

St Martins is home to historic Inns, campgrounds and a variety of AirBnB’s, but accommodations fill up early. If you are having trouble securing a place to stay, contact us through the website, we might be able to help out. Our sponsor accommodations include special rates at the Delta Saint John, and we also have our friends at Fundy Woods Campground and Century Farm Family Campground. You can also check a list of local accommodations here.

Question 30

Are the festival grounds and the various venues accessible to those using wheelchairs or with mobility challenges?

Accepted Answer

Yes they are. Our Main Stage area as well as the Vendors Village are flat green spaces with gravel paths. Our workshop venues are also wheelchair friendly.

Question 31

Is there accessible vehicle parking on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have limited accessible parking next to the fence by the Main Stage area.  This is available for those who possess a government issued handicap parking pass. It might be a good idea to let us know you are coming to ensure we have enough spaces.

Question 32

Is the trolley/shuttle service wheelchair compatible?

Accepted Answer

Sorry it is not, but as mentioned above, we have reserved parking by the Main Stage area.

Question 33

Can I bring my service animal?

Accepted Answer

Of course, registered service animals are permitted on the festival grounds, as long as they are properly harnessed.

Question 34

Will there be a First Aid station?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in the Vendors Village next to the gazebo. Also, ANB (Ambulance NB) has a station in St Martins.

Question 35

What about security?

Accepted Answer

We have that covered. Shadow Security, a professional service, will be on-site and supported by numerous volunteers. They will be wearing easily identifiable shirts. If you need help, look for Shadow Security or a member of our crew.

Question 36

What am I allowed to bring on site?

Accepted Answer

Bags and backpacks are permitted, as well as food, travel mugs, sports bottles, etc. Any non-alcoholic beverages are permitted also; however, they should be unopened.  NO alcohol or drugs are permitted. Festival gate security and event staff have the right to search any items brought on site.,

Frequently Asked Questions