The Shediac Lobster Festival (Festival du Homard de Shediac) is back for its 76th edition, promising an unforgettable celebration of Atlantic Canada’s most iconic crustacean. Following the success of last year’s event, organizers are refining every detail to deliver an even more spectacular experience. This year’s festival will blend cherished traditions with fresh, exciting attractions, ensuring something for everyone. From mouthwatering seafood to vibrant Acadian music and community spirit, the heart of Shediac comes alive once again for a festival like no other.
Reflecting on the 75th Anniversary of the Shediac Lobster Festival
The 2024 Shediac Lobster Festival welcomed over 40,000 attendees, all eager to savor some of the region’s finest seafood. Thanks to long-time partner The Shediac Lobster Shop, an impressive 2,000 pounds of lobster was served, delighting festivalgoers. The event featured outstanding performances from renowned artists such as Salebarbes, Les Hay Babies, Signal Hill, The Mellotones, and Melanie Morgan. Adding to the excitement, the Mixbus — a mobile stage showcasing local and emerging talent—brought a dynamic and spontaneous energy to the festival.
A key highlight of the festival was the introduction of the ANBL Safe Ride program, which provided free shuttle service on July 12th and 13th, allowing 1,150 attendees to enjoy the evening concerts responsibly. Another significant moment was the re-signing of the twinning agreement between Shediac and Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, celebrating over 50 years of cultural and culinary exchange. This milestone was marked in the Grousse Tent with lively performances from Cajun band T’Monde and local favourite Hert LeBlanc, while The Kilted Chef prepared authentic gumbo alongside Louisiana delegates, further strengthening the bond between the two communities.
Additional festival highlights included the return of Campbell Amusements and an expanded festival ground, which made room for the brand-new Culinary Stage. This exciting addition featured live cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs, drawing food enthusiasts eager to learn from the best. The festival also introduced the first-ever Lobster Roll Challenge, where Chef Jordan Holden of Atelier Tony in Dieppe claimed the top prize.
Culinary experiences were a major draw, with events like Corks & Claws, Ales & Tails, and The Succulent at Parlee Beach—each curated by top chefs, including Dennis Prescott and Chef Gene Cormier—leaving a lasting impression on seafood lovers. To close out the festival in grand style, La Grande Table brought over 400 guests together on Main Street for a communal lobster feast, creating an unforgettable final celebration of food, community, and tradition.
The Shediac Lobster Festival Celebrates Its 76th Year
From July 5 to 13, 2025, the town of Shediac will come alive once again with the vibrant energy of the Shediac Lobster Festival. This beloved annual tradition, celebrated for its perfect mix of fresh seafood, warm Acadian hospitality, and dynamic entertainment, remains a summer highlight in New Brunswick. With a diverse lineup of events for all ages, attendees can expect a week filled with unforgettable dining experiences, exciting performances, and fun-filled activities for the whole family.
Once again, festivalgoers can indulge in thousands of pounds of fresh lobster, made possible through partnerships with local seafood suppliers. Whether enjoying a classic lobster dinner or sampling creative, lobster-inspired dishes, there will be no shortage of ways to savour this regional favourite. The popular Lobster Roll Challenge is expected to make a comeback, with top chefs from across the Maritimes competing for the title of best lobster roll.
A Spectacular Music Lineup
Live performances continue to be a key feature of the festival, and this year’s lineup promises to be just as exciting. Organizers plan to bring back fan favourites while also showcasing new acts that celebrate the region’s diverse musical talent. With multiple stages spread across the festival grounds, attendees can enjoy a wide variety of genres, from folk and rock to Acadian and Cajun beats.
Enhanced Culinary Offerings
Building on the tremendous success of last year’s culinary events, the festival’s dining and tasting experiences are set to return with even more excitement. Ales & Tails and Corks & Claws have become essential events, while The Succulent at Parlee Beach demonstrated that Shediac is capable of hosting world-class dining experiences. This year, even more top chefs are expected to join the lineup, crafting exceptional menus that highlight the finest flavours of Atlantic Canada’s culinary scene.
The Gourmet Stage
Debuting last year, the Culinary Stage added an exciting new element to the festival, featuring live cooking demonstrations from acclaimed chefs like Dennis Prescott and The Kilted Chef. This year, festivalgoers can look forward to even more captivating demonstrations, showcasing both classic and innovative techniques for preparing lobster and other seafood delicacies.
Ales & Tails: A Perfect Pairing of Beer and Seafood
This event is a paradise for both craft beer enthusiasts and seafood lovers. Attendees will have the chance to savour a carefully curated selection of New Brunswick’s finest craft beers and ciders, each expertly paired with mouthwatering lobster dishes. Held at the Shediac Multipurpose Centre, tickets for this popular event are available for purchase here.
Corks & Claws: A Celebration of Wine and Lobster
An elegant event designed for wine lovers, Corks & Claws offers the chance to savour eight unique lobster dishes, each expertly crafted by local chefs and paired with specially selected wines. Set against the backdrop of live music, this culinary experience elevates all the senses. The event will be hosted at the Shediac Multipurpose Centre, and tickets are available for purchase here.
Pretty in Pink & The Mellotones: The Ultimate 80s Dance Party!
Get ready to sing, dance, and relive the best of the 80s at Pretty in Pink and The Mellotones: Your Ultimate 80s Dance Party! This high-energy event invites you to don your most stylish retro gear and hit the dance floor for an unforgettable night of fun.
Pretty in Pink, an electrifying eight-piece band, will transport you straight back to the 80s with a setlist packed with classic hits, ensuring you’ll be singing along and dancing all night. Joining them, The Mellotones will bring their infectious mix of R&B, funk, and soul, igniting the stage with powerful horns, smooth vocals, and grooves that pay tribute to the golden days of Motown and disco.
Whether you’re an 80s music lover or just in the mood for a night of pure nostalgia, this event promises a vibrant atmosphere full of great tunes, good vibes, and non-stop dancing! Tickets are available for purchase here.
La Grande Table: A Feast of Community and Lobster
The grand finale of the festival, La Grande Table on July 13th, invites hundreds of guests to gather around a communal table stretching along Main Street for an unforgettable dinner that embodies Shediac’s rich seafood culture. This spectacular feast features a classic lobster dinner, creating a sense of community and celebrating the town’s culinary heritage. Tickets for this memorable dining experience can be purchased here.
Cultural and Community Festivities
The festival has always been about much more than just great food; it’s a vibrant celebration of Acadian heritage, local traditions, and community spirit. Last year’s twinning ceremony with Breaux Bridge was a standout moment, and this year promises even more exciting collaborations with cultural groups and visiting delegations. The festival’s cultural offerings will be enriched with traditional music, storytelling, and interactive experiences like Acadian cooking workshops, further deepening the connection to the region’s rich heritage.
Fun for the Whole Family
While the festival’s evening concerts and culinary events attract foodies and music enthusiasts, the daytime activities are designed with families and visitors of all ages in mind. Longtime partner Campbell Amusements will once again provide exciting rides and carnival games on the festival grounds. This year, organizers are expanding interactive experiences for children, including lobster-themed crafts, educational exhibits, and fun performances tailored to younger audiences.
Improvements to Safety and Accessibility
Building on the success of the ANBL Safe Ride program, the initiative will return for another year, ensuring festivalgoers can enjoy the festivities in Shediac responsibly. Additionally, enhancements to site accessibility and seating options are expected, making it easier for more visitors to comfortably enjoy the celebrations.
The Core of Atlantic Canada’s Lobster Heritage
The Shediac Lobster Festival continues to be one of New Brunswick’s most anticipated events, attracting visitors from across Canada and beyond. With its perfect mix of exceptional food, live entertainment, and deep cultural heritage, the festival truly embodies the region’s passion for lobster and community. The 76th edition promises to build on previous successes, offering an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.
For those seeking an authentic taste of Atlantic Canada, the festival offers a chance to savour world-class seafood, immerse in lively Acadian culture, and enjoy top-tier entertainment from the region. Whether you’re cracking into a freshly cooked lobster, dancing to live music, or exploring the skills of local chefs and artisans, visitors are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
The countdown to another extraordinary Shediac Lobster Festival has begun, and the excitement is already building!
Craig is a passionate and seasoned travel, food, and lifestyle writer, whose words paint vivid pictures of the world's most captivating destinations. His work not only inspires others to embark on their own adventures but also fosters a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our world. He captures the essence of each locale, offering readers a glimpse into the cultures, landscapes, cuisine, and experiences that make travel so enriching. Craig is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Travel Writers Alliance (ITWA).
