The City of St. John's hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Event details are added as they are confirmed.
 
Spring/Summer Events
St. John's Days Celebrations
Canada Day Celebrations
Music @ Concert Series
Party in the Park
Youth Week

Fall Events
National Child Week Activities
Pumpkin Walk

Winter Events
Festival of Music and Lights
New Year's Eve Celebrations
ChillFest

St. John's Days Celebrations
June 19-21, 2020

The health and safety of St. John’s residents is our top priority. Given the current pandemic, our annual in-person St. John’s Days activities have gone virtual as we all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. In order to celebrate with our city while practicing physical distancing, we will host our first-ever virtual St. John’s Days celebrations! Please join us as we celebrate the incorporation of one of North America’s oldest cities, together. We've prepared three days of events and activities including virtual concerts, video premiers, story readings, online workshops and family fun. All of our virtual St. John's Days events and activities are free and appropriate for all ages. Additional events may be added as details are confirmed. 

Friday, June 19

Virtual Storytime with City Councilor Maggie Burton
Reading: Double Trouble at the Rooms, by Lisa Dalrymple
11:30 a.m.
Tune-in to the City's YouTube channel as Councilor Maggie Burton reads us a children’s story featuring a local author. The story reading will be prerecorded so that Storytime may be enjoyed at any time throughout the day. A different councilor and story  will be featured each of the 3 days.  All of the stories will feature local authors.
 
 
St. John’s Days: Virtual Music @ Harbourside
12:30 p.m.
Grab your lunch, take a break and invite your co-workers and friends to tune in to the City's YouTube channel and watch our first ever Virtual Music @ Harbourside, prerecorded outdoor concert.
This special edition of Music at Harbourside with youth performer Luke Mercer on accordion and featuring Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne. We are bringing you some of the finest musical talent St. John's has to offer, in the comfort of your own home.  

 
St. John’s Day Concert with Duo Concertante: Tuckamore Festival
7:30 p.m.
Join Tuckamore Festival for the annual St. John's Day Concert and the official launch of their 2020 season! This year, they're bringing the music to you with a special Facebook Live performance, direct from Nancy and Tim's very own living room in St. John's, Newfoundland.
With a nod to their 20-year history and the piece for which they were named, they'll be performing the gorgeous "Kreutzer Sonata", Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 9, Op. 47 in A major. There might be a special surprise (or two) as well!
Join us on Facebook at Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival.
 
 
Saturday, June 20
 
Virtual Container Gardening Workshop
10 a.m.
Join St. John's Food Policy Council and special guest Tim Walsh Nursery Manager and Horticulturalist at MUN Botanical Gardens for this virtual gardening workshop!
Tune in as Tim creates an edibailce container planter, then sign up for the SJFPC email list to win it.
We will discuss the elements to make your garden shine - soil, seeds & plants, watering, harvesting, and the wide range of containers you can use.
Preregister on Eventbrite.

 
Virtual Storytime with City Councilor Hope Jamieson
Reading: Jelly Bean Row, by Susan Pynn Taylor
11:30 a.m.
Tune-in to the City's YouTube channel as Councilor Hope Jamieson reads us a children’s story featuring a local author. The story reading will be prerecorded so that Storytime may be enjoyed at any time throughout the day. 
 
 
CO-VIDeo Collective: St. John’s Days Video Premier
2 p.m.
It started off with friends Ritchie Perez & Brian Downton wanting to continue to make music over the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve now collaborated with over 30 people online to revive some timeless 80's & 90's music to help sooth self confinement and self isolation.
Every week a different group of performers collaborate by each creating video recordings on their own from various locations. Ritche, a musician, photographer and multimedia whiz, weaves the individual videos into a fantastic video collaboration. 
This week, in honour of St. John’s Day’s CO-VIDeo Collective bring us their version of 142 Thru by the St. John’s band, Thomas Trio & the Red Albino, 1992. 
Watch it on the City's YouTube channel.
 
 
Films Where You’re At: watch party, St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival.
8-10 p.m.
Since we need to stay in, St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival are bringing their annual Films On The Go screening tour to you! Aptly renamed Films Where You're At, they are presenting an exciting lineup of local short films from last year’s Festival for you to enjoy from home!
This year, the focus is on highlighting and sharing local talent. All films were written and/or directed by women from across Newfoundland and Labrador.
During the St. John’s Days Watch Party you’ll have a two hour window to watch Films Where You’re At on their website womensfilmfestival.com. All you have to do is enter the password provided on the day of the film screening and voila! Just like Cinderella, you’ll get two hours to have a ball.
 
 
Sunday, June 21
 
Virtual Storytime with Mayor Danny Breen
Reading: The Secret of Bowring Park, by Christine Gordon Manley
Sunday, June 21, 11:30 a.m.
Tune-in to the City's YouTube channel as our Mayor Danny Breen reads one of his favorite children’s stories by a local author. The story reading will be prerecorded so that Storytime may be enjoyed at any time throughout the day. 
 

Wonderbolt Circus Watch Event
Sunday, June 21, 2 p.m.
Our friends at Wonderbolt Circus have created a special virtual St. John’s Days show for the entire family.  Don’t miss out on the excitement including tricks, aerials, juggling and they’ve even included some circuis skill tips for budding performers. The show has been prerecorded so that it may be enjoyed throughout the day. Tune in on Wonderbot's Facebook page  or YouTube channel. 

Virtual Storytime with Councilor Debbie Hanlon
Reading: The adventures of Gus & Isaac, Backyard Bullies, written by Debbie Handlon
Sunday, June 21, 6:30 p.m.
Tune-in to the City's YouTube channel as Councilor and children’s author, Debbie Hanlon, reads us her very own children’s story. The story reading will be prerecorded so that Storytime may be enjoyed at any time throughout the day. 

 
Monday, June 22

Spirit of NL St. John’s Days Video Release
Monday, June 22
The folks at Spirit of Newfoundland have created a video for us, set to Ron Hynes song, St. John’s Waltz and featuring people celebrating in their bubbles.
Everyone is singing and dancing; on their porches, in kitchens, in the streets, and at our favorite St. John’s places including the city’s many iconic and historic landmarks.
Stay tuned to the City's YouTube channel for the official launch of the video.

Mayor’s Contest
Children of St. John’s are encouraged to think creatively about their city and to respond by posting pictures or videos on the City’s Facebook or Twitter pages or by emailing communications@stjohns.ca. All submissions received between June 10 and 21 will also be eligible to win a gift prize full of fun family activities and adventures for the summer. Entries are accepted daily during this period. Only residents of St. John’s are edible to win the prize.

Families are encouraged to challenge their creative skills by using different items you have available within your household. Items to consider include drawing or painting a picture, building with Lego blocks, making a chalk image outside, using recyclables or outdoor items like rocks and sticks to create a collage, singing a song or writing a poem or story.

The contest winner will be announced on June 23 as part of the regular Council meeting. 

Canada Day Celebrations
July 1, 2020

The health and safety of St. John’s residents is our top priority. Given the current pandemic, our annual in-person Canada Day activities have gone virtual as we all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Join us for virtual Canada Day Celebrations.  We will celebrate Canada Day together with local and national celebrations taking place throughout the day. Wherever you are across the country, you will be able to enjoy National Canada Day afternoon and evening shows on Canadian Heritage’s social media sites, and on CBC and Radio-Canada.

Virtual interactive activities as well as online content especially crafted for Canada Day available at the Government of Canada website.

Locally, we will be broadcasting on City of St. John’s social media sites and featuring a special Canada Day Program at 6:30 p.m on NTV.
 

Music @ Concert Series

Music @ is an an exciting mix of sights and sounds in St. John’s.

Many different musical styles are featured in the Music @ concert series including jazz, blues, folk, pop and more. Each concert opens with a youth performer coordinated through a partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society. These opening acts and our headliners showcase the incredible and diverse musical talent the city has to offer.

Kick back with family, friends or co-workers to enjoy your lunch break or weekend activity. It’s like running through a sprinkler on a hot day – refreshing, fun and sure to make you smile!

Music @ Harbourside has become a staple of the St. John’s summer. Every Friday at 12:30 p.m. some of the province’s best performers are joined by rising young stars to present a concert in the sun.

We also have concerts in the works for other wonderful City parks and locations! Check back for updates as more details become available.

Please visit the Arts & Culture pages for a schedule of upcoming concerts.

Party in the Park
July 2020

The City of St. John's Seniors Program hosts Party in the Park.  This is an annual event, held in mid July, and an opportunity for older adults to gather in Bowring Park for an afternoon of free entertainment, light refreshments and socialization. Visit the Recreation pages for further information on Seniors Programs.

Youth Week
May 2020

The City of St. John's Recreation Division celebrates Youth Week May 1 to 7 annually by offering a variety of events and activities for local youth, 12 to 18 years of age. 
Past events and activities have included:

• Youth Art Exhibit
• Free swims
• Carnivals
• Youth of the Year award presentation

Please visit the Recreation pages for further information on Youth Week.

Pumpkin Walk
November 1, 2020
6 to 8 p.m.

After Halloween bring your carved pumpkin to Bannerman Park and help us light up The Loop with a huge Jack O'Lantern display. Bring a flameless light source if you'd like your pumpkin to shine! Costumes are welcomed.
This is an Earth friendly event. Pumpkins will be collected and composted. Let's cut waste - bring a reusable mug for your FREE hot chocolate
Inclement weather date: November 2

National Child Week Activities
The Government of Canada designated November 20 as National Child Day to commemorate the adoption and convention of the rights of the child.
The key objective is to increase awareness and understanding of the rights of the child that contribute to healthy child development, particularly in the early years of life and to take effective action to help children reach their full potential.

Festival of Music and Lights
Saturday, December 5, 2020

Ring in the holiday season with our annual celebration of bright lights, festive music and free hot chocolate! Enjoy musical performances as we officially switch on the beautiful light display. Don't forget to bundle up and bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank.

This event includes a wheelchair accessible viewing area. A limited number of noise reducing headphones are available to sign out at the Bowring Park Lodge. A photo ID including name and address is required.

New Year's Eve Celebrations
December 31

Join us for a full day of FREE activities to ring in the New Year.

ChillFest
February 13 - 17, 2020