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Small Festival & Event Award 2026

Award Overview

The Small Festival & Event Award recognizes a festival or event with an annual operating budget under $250,000 that demonstrates excellence in planning, execution, visitor experience, and community impact while contributing to the growth and success of New Brunswick’s tourism industry.

This award celebrates festivals and events that create memorable experiences for attendees, showcase innovation and creativity, foster strong community engagement, and inspire visitors to return to New Brunswick. It recognizes organizations that maximize their resources to deliver high-quality events that generate meaningful tourism and economic benefits.

Past Winners

2025 Pays de la Sagouine
2024 Fundy Sea Shanty Festival

Eligibility Criteria: 

Nominees must demonstrate excellence in the following areas:

Event Planning and Management – Successfully plans, organizes, and delivers a well-executed event that reflects industry best practices.

Visitor Experience and Satisfaction – Creates engaging, welcoming, and memorable experiences that meet or exceed visitor expectations.

Innovation and Creativity – Demonstrates innovative approaches to event programming, operations, marketing, or audience engagement.

Community Engagement – Builds strong partnerships and actively involves local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and residents in the success of the event.

Economic and Tourism Impact – Contributes positively to the local economy and attracts visitors who support New Brunswick’s tourism sector.

Destination Promotion – Showcases New Brunswick as a desirable destination and encourages visitors to return and explore more of the province.

To recognize and celebrate a broader range of individuals, businesses, and organizations within the community, the same recipient may not win the same award category in two consecutive years. This policy is intended to promote greater diversity among award recipients while continuing to recognize excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions throughout the community.

Judging Considerations:

Nominees will be evaluated based on:

  • Demonstrated excellence in event planning, execution, and overall management.
  • Evidence of visitor satisfaction and the creation of memorable experiences.
  • Innovative and creative approaches that enhance event delivery and audience engagement.
  • Community involvement, collaboration, and local impact.
  • Measurable contributions to tourism, economic development, and destination awareness.
  • Success in encouraging repeat visitation and strengthening New Brunswick’s reputation as a vibrant destination for festivals and events.

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Ideal Recipients:‍

Community festivals, cultural celebrations, music festivals, sporting events, culinary events, seasonal events, and other tourism-related festivals or events with an annual operating budget under $250,000 that exemplify excellence in visitor experience, innovation, and community impact.

Nomination Requirements:

Each nomination package must include:

  1. A completed nomination form.
  2. A written summary (max 750 words) describing the event and how it meets the criterias for this award.
  3. Supporting documents (e.g., analytics reports, visuals, links to campaigns, testimonials).
  4. Optional: 1–2 letters of support from industry partners or clients.
Form link
Congratulations to the 2025 Finalists!