Festival Fun

Join New Brunswick’s own Before the Mast for an evening of song, story, and sweet treats! Discover the fascinating world of sea shanties — the work songs that once powered tall ships across the waves. You’ll learn about the different types, the history behind them, and the sailors who sang them. Singing along is heartily encouraged (no experience required!). And yes, dessert is on the menu too, including blueberry cheesecake and a variety of other treats! All homemade and served with coffee and tea.

(90 min)

Join us for our first Shanty Pub at O'Leary's Pub on Thursday evening where you'll enjoy live music from Northern Voice and the 790's - Come ready to sing!

This is a Walk-n-Talk presentation with legendary local author, folklorist and storyteller, David Goss.

Participants will walk the Harbour Passage and a bit of Prince William Street, explore the exploits of sea going men, and perhaps a woman or two from the era when Saint John was a leading shipbuilding port. There are many tales of violent gales, treasure hunts, sea monsters, ghosts and fortunes made and fortunes lost.

(90 min) (1 of 3 events at this time)

Explore over 400 years of history on this stroll through the streets of Saint John with local bilingual tour guide, Stephen Wilson. Discover the people and places that have shaped the oldest incorporated city in Canada. Highlights will include several prominent landmarks and attractions such as the shortest, steepest main street in Canada, King’s Square, and the Old Loyalist Burial Ground. Also learn about the devastating fire of 1877 that swept through the city and visit the Old City Market, a National Historic site which features various local vendors.

(90 min) (1 of 3 events at this time)

We’re thrilled to welcome back Daryl Caines for another hands-on workshop — perfect for anyone who loves coastal crafts and creative fun!

Daryl will teach you how to make a decorative Half Hitch Rope Mat using reclaimed fishing rope to create a sustainable piece of nautical décor that will add a touch of seaside charm to your home.

No experience needed — just bring your sea spirit and we’ll show you the ropes (literally)!

(90 min)

(1 of 3 events at this time)

Join us for a delicious meal featuring music from Frantically Atlantic and Pressgang Mutiny, followed by an exclusive preview of Come All Ye… and Dance.

This dance creation is a fusion of sea shanties and contemporary dance. August 2026 will see the world premiere of this new creation in St. Martins, NB, and you can grab a sneak peak of the first half of the production 5 months early. 

Through the power of dance Come All Ye… and Dance honours the work done by sailors and explores their lives at sea. Choreographed by New Brunswick born-and-raised artist Liam Caines, and featuring an all-Maritime cast of performers, this production will inspire and thrill audiences, while preserving the rich tradition of shanties.

Dinner will include a classic Caesar salad, bacon-wrapped chicken breast with vegetable rice, sautéed carrots and spinach, followed by blueberry pavlova, assorted treats, and coffee or tea.

(90 min)

Join us for our Friday Night Shanty Pub at O'Leary's Pub where you'll enjoy live music from our headliners, Pressgang Mutiny and local faves, Dram and A Draw. Get ready to sing along and have a toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time!

This is a Walk-n-Talk presentation with legendary local author, folklorist and storyteller, David Goss.

Participants will walk the Harbour Passage and a bit of Prince William Street, explore the exploits of sea going men, and perhaps a woman or two from the era when Saint John was a leading shipbuilding port. There are many tales of violent gales, treasure hunts, sea monsters, ghosts and fortunes made and fortunes lost.

(90 min) (1 of 4 events at this time)

Explore over 400 years of history on this stroll through the streets of Saint John with local bilingual tour guide, Stephen Wilson. Discover the people and places that have shaped the oldest incorporated city in Canada. Highlights will include several prominent landmarks and attractions such as the shortest, steepest main street in Canada, King’s Square, and the Old Loyalist Burial Ground. Also learn about the devastating fire of 1877 that swept through the city and visit the Old City Market, a National Historic site which features various local vendors.

(90 min) (1 of 4 events at this time)

Shanties were meant to be sung together, but it can sometimes be daunting to join in a social sing or pub sing - particularly if you're new to singing and harmony. What notes should you sing? When do you join in? What kind of songs are appropriate?

The members of Pressgang Mutiny are all avid social singers and have helped new and experienced singers alike discover the joy of joining in the chorus and even leading songs. In this workshop, they'll teach some harmony basics, social singing expectations and etiquette, repertoire-building and how to sing the right song at the right time. And of course they'll get everyone singing together too!

(60 min) (1 of 4 events at this time)

We’re thrilled to welcome back Daryl Caines for another hands-on workshop — perfect for anyone who loves coastal crafts and creative fun!

Daryl will teach you how to make a decorative Half Hitch Rope Mat using reclaimed fishing rope to create a sustainable piece of nautical décor that will add a touch of seaside charm to your home.

No experience needed — just bring your sea spirit and we’ll show you the ropes (literally)!

(90 min)

(1 of 4 events at this time)

Join Harold Wright for this informative presentation.

Saint John was eastern Canada’s principal shipbuilding site for both the 19th and 20th centuries. Shipyards rimmed the inner harbour and Courtenay Bay, as well as the Indiantown waterfront. More than 6,000 ships were built in NB with the majority in Saint John. The 20th century saw shipbuilding concentrated in Courtenay Bay.

The oldest surviving wooden ship still in the water is a 1859 Saint John ship. The first ship built at the Saint John shipyard in 1923 is still in the water. Along with the stories of these two ships and the yards which built them, other Saint John related vessels will be explored including the SS Saint John, the warships HMCS Saint John and HMS Jervis Bay. The 19th century shipbuilding Troop family story will be explored and where part of its namesake ship still survives in California.

This presentation will also talk about the Marine Lot at Fernhill cemetery where 445 mariners are buried, many having died in Saint John Harbour and on the Bay of Fundy.

This presentation will include historic and contemporary images and film.

(60 min)

Enjoy a hearty bowl of seafood chowder from Steamers Lobster Company while tapping your toes to Sara & James Nelson and their take on traditional Celtic and Maritime tunes — a perfect pairing of coastal flavour and local sound!

Please email us at ahoy@fundyseashantyfest.com if you have dietary issues. Minestrone Soup is another option but we need some advance notice.

Join Salisha Tatton, sea glass artist and founder of Salisha’s Sea Gems, for a hands-on workshop where you’ll design and create your very own piece of sea glass jewellery.

All materials are provided — but feel free to bring along a special piece of your own sea glass to make your design extra meaningful. Kids, parents, and ocean lovers of all ages are welcome. Children may need a little help — parents assisting don’t need to register separately.

(90 min) (1 of 2 events at this time)

Shanties were meant to be sung together, but it can sometimes be daunting to join in a social sing or pub sing - particularly if you're new to singing and harmony. What notes should you sing? When do you join in? What kind of songs are appropriate?

The members of Pressgang Mutiny are all avid social singers and have helped new and experienced singers alike discover the joy of joining in the chorus and even leading songs. In this workshop, they'll teach some harmony basics, social singing expectations and etiquette, repertoire-building and how to sing the right song at the right time. And of course they'll get everyone singing together too!

(60 min) (1 of 2 events at this time)

Join whiskey and rum enthusiast Graham MacKenney as he presents a variety of whiskeys from around the Atlantic Provinces!

(90 min) (1 of 2 events at this time)

Step into the lively world of Irish social dancing with Emily Peacock from Celtic Roots Dance Academy! This engaging and fun-filled workshop is designed to introduce you to the vibrant and communal spirit of traditional Irish dance. In this workshop, participants will learn popular group dances such as the Ceili and Set dances, which are the heart of Irish social gatherings. Dancers will experience the joy of dancing in a group, moving in sync with others, and enjoying the lively music. No experience necessary and open to all ages.

**Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move freely. No special dance attire is required.

(60 min) (1 of 2 events at this time)

Raise your voices, and your glasses! Our final event will be a rousing shanty sing-a-long with Toronto's Pressgang Mutiny. With lyrics projected for all to join in, you can belt out the choruses like a true sailor or simply sit back with a beverage and soak up the energy. Either way, it’s the perfect way to close out the weekend — loud, lively, and full of maritime spirit!