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Sandpiper Festival 2025
Sandpiper Festival 2025 Brochure
Celebrate the magic of migration in Dorchester!
Join us from August 8–10, 2025, in the heart of Tantramar as Dorchester welcomes visitors to the annual Sandpiper Festival. Experience three unforgettable days filled with family fun, arts, heritage, and the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of migrating sandpipers along the shores of the Bay of Fundy.
Festival Highlights:
Opening Ceremonies with Fundy Ceilidh
- Date: Friday, August 8
- Time: 6:45 PM–8:00 PM
- Location: Village Square
- Details: Start the festival off with some amazing live music and family fun lawn games!
Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Interpretive Centre 25th Anniversary Open House
- Date: Saturday, August 9
- Time: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Location: Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Interpretive Centre
- Details: Celebrate 25 years of conservation with interactive exhibits and remarkable views of migrating sandpipers.
Fibre Arts Display
- Date: Saturday, August 9
- Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Location: Dorchester Veterans Community Centre, 4955 Main St, Dorchester, NB
- Details: Explore the work of talented local artists! The display will feature rug hooking, counted crossstitch, needlework, quilts, knitting, crochet, and more. This is a free event!
Jailbird 10KM Run
- Date: Saturday, August 9
- Time: 9:00 AM
- Start Location: Dorchester Consolidated School
- Finish Location: Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Interpretive Centre
- Details: Scenic riverside race with transport provided back to the start line. Registration required by August 7.
Traditional Artistry Festival
- Dates: August 9–10
- Time: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Location: 4974 Main Street, Dorchester, NB
- Details: Discover local artists preserving traditional crafts. Free entry with hands-on demonstrations and unique handmade goods.
Sandpiper Street Fair
- Date: Saturday, August 9
- Time: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
- Location: Cape Road, Dorchester, NB
- Details: Family fun with bouncy castles, petting zoo, face painting, BBQ, local vendors, and live music featuring Christine Gilroy, Drowsy Maggie, and Stacey Read & Students. Don’t miss the kids’ foam party at 1:00 PM!
Outdoor Movie Night
- Date: Saturday, August 9
- Time: 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Location: Dorchester Veterans Community Centre (4955 Main Street, Dorchester, NB)
- Details: Free outdoor screening of “Migration” with complimentary popcorn. Bring your own seating!
Paddle on the Pond
- Date: Sunday, August 10
- Time: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
- Location: Palmer’s Pond, Dorchester, NB
- Details: Canoe races, face painting, BBQ, and fun activities hosted by Dorchester Beavers and Cubs.
- $20 per canoe; register on-site or via email.
Participate in our photo contest! Email photos to recintern@tantramarnb.com or tag #SandpiperFestival25.
Important Tips:
- Bring cash; there are no ATMs in Dorchester.
- Remember to bring your own chairs for outdoor events.
For questions, please contact Recintern@tantramarNB.com.