The best in family fun: New Brunswick

Regional Potato Festival June 28-July 1 In honour of the potato and the region’s agriculture industry, Grand Falls hosts this celebration for the whole family. A massive street dance gets things swinging, the tractor pull event has everyone cheering, and a musical bistro has them smacking their lips. Admission free for most events. Broadway Boulevard, E. & P. Senechal Centre, Downtown Grand Falls. 506-475-7760; grandfalls.com

Shediac Lobster Festival July 11-15 Since 1949, Shediac has been celebrating its reputation as the Lobster Capital of the world. So naturally, this fest is all about, well, the lobster. It features a lobster-eating contest, lobster dinners and meet-and-greets with the Mr. Lobster mascot. Don’t miss the colourful children’s parade, where little ones get a surprise loot bag. Free admission and events. Festival Grounds on Belliveau Avenue, Shediac. 506-532-1122; shediaclobsterfestival.ca

The Scallop Festival July 15-22 Savouring fresh scallops in a variety of dishes is definitely a high point of this festival. Even non-culinary types, however, will find something to do — there’s the nightly parade of illuminated boats, musical performances, a youth dance, a bazaar and a fireworks show that will be a feast for the eyes. Free admission and events. Richibucto. 506-523-7843; Richibucto. www.richibucto.org

La Foire Brayonne August 1-5 This celebration of Acadian culture is one of the largest Francophone festivals outside of Quebec. Share in its joie de vivre by sampling the Acadian cuisine (a must-try is the ploye, or buckwheat pancake), learning about its history (characters will be in period costume) and appreciating its culture (live concerts take place every day). Stop by the children’s village for games, face painting and various activities, and say hello to Typique, the festival’s porcupine mascot. Prices TBA. 95 Victoria St., Edmundston. 506-739- 6608; foirebrayonne.com

Chocolate Fest August 6-12 St. Stephen is the home of Ganong chocolates and Canada’s Chocolate Museum. Fill up on chocolate cake, mousse, pudding and other chocolatey delights. Kids can watch handmade chocolate being crafted, decorate their own chocolate chip cookies, sign up for a treasure hunt and take in a musical concert. Prices vary. Locations in St. Stephen. 506-465-5616; chocolate-fest.ca

Dieppe Kite International Festival August 15-19 The world’s best kite flyers converge at this event, which showcases kite-flying manoeuvres, community activities and a diverse range of cultural experiences. The whole family can learn to make their own kites soar with free demonstrations and kite-making workshops. Children’s entertainers appear throughout the fest on the youth stage. Prices vary; some events free for kids 12 and under. Dover Park, 2093 Dover Rd., Dieppe. 506-877-7878; cerfvolantdieppe.ca