New Brunswick Day 2026: What’s Open and Closed on Monday, August 3

New Brunswick Day falls on Monday, August 3, 2026, bringing widespread closures across the province. Walmart, Sobeys, Real Atlantic Superstore, Costco, major malls, liquor stores, government offices and municipal transit systems will not operate as usual.

The practical impact will depend on where residents live and what they need. Garbage collection will continue in the three largest cities, several major attractions will open, and communities from Grand Falls to Saint John have planned free public celebrations.

Shopping: what residents should buy before Monday

Real Atlantic Superstore, Sobeys and Walmart stores will be closed across New Brunswick. Costco warehouses in Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John will also close.

Regent Mall in Fredericton, McAllister Place in Saint John and CF Champlain in Dieppe will not open. NB Liquor and Cannabis NB locations will be closed.

Some Shoppers Drug Mart stores will operate, but hours depend on the location. Pharmacy counters may close earlier than the main retail area, making it important to check prescription-service hours separately.

The Saint John City Market is an exception and will open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Residents travelling elsewhere in Canada can compare the provincial schedule with the broader Civic Holiday 2026 opening and closure guide. Holiday rules are not identical across provinces, so local confirmation remains important.

Transit stops, but garbage collection continues

There will be no service on Fredericton Transit, Saint John Transit or Codiac Transpo. People travelling to work, attractions or public celebrations will need another transportation option.

Regular garbage collection will continue in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John. Fredericton residents should place garbage and recycling at the curb by 7 a.m. because route times may vary.

Service New Brunswick, Service Canada and public libraries will close. City halls and civic administrative offices in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John will also be unavailable.

Similar service interruptions occurred during other national observances, as detailed in the Canada Day 2026 closures and transit guide.

Fredericton keeps several recreation facilities open

Fredericton arenas and indoor and outdoor pools will follow regular operating hours. The Fredericton Indoor Pool will offer an extended public swim from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Killarney Lake Beach supervision and the Marysville, Henry Park, Royal Road and Queen Square outdoor pools will continue normally. Walking tracks will open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., while rinks will follow regular summer hours.

The Visitor Information Centre at 494 Queen Street will open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Fredericton Senior Centre, Nashwaaksis Field House and Northside Youth Centre will be closed. The Zig Zag and Afternoon Adventure Crew programs will not operate.

Five major attractions staying open

• Beaverbrook Art Gallery: Noon to 5 p.m., with free admission for New Brunswick residents
• Fredericton Region Museum: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Magnetic Hill Zoo: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Kings Landing: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fundy Discovery Aquarium: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Families should verify admission availability and final entry times before making a long trip.

Grand Falls hosts the official provincial event

The main New Brunswick Day celebration will take place on Broadway Boulevard in Grand Falls. The host municipality was selected after a provincial call for proposals and will receive $30,000 to support the event.

The program begins at 1 p.m. with an official ceremony and flag raising. Family activities and amateur performers run from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by a barbecue and cake from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Amateur performers return on the small stage from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jean-Guy Dominique performs at 7 p.m., Big Shiny Maple takes the main stage at 8:30 p.m., and a Broadway light show closes the evening at 10 p.m.

Visitors can check the official New Brunswick Day program for event information.

More celebrations around the province

Shediac: Stage performances, face painting, inflatables and food trucks begin at Pascal-Poirier Park at 2:30 p.m.

Sussex: A barbecue, bouncy castles, axe throwing, face painting, live music and an open mic run at O’Connell Park from noon to 3 p.m. Poor weather will move the event to the 8th Hussars Sports Centre.

Bathurst: Live music, food trucks and activities take place at Youghall Beach from noon to 4 p.m.

Saint John: Culture Fest on Water Street will offer international food and performances from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Privately operated pharmacies, restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations may use reduced hours. Outdoor events may also change because of weather, so residents should check directly before leaving home.