Bridgewater’s 13th annual Multicultural Festival returns to Pijinuiskaq Park on Canada Day with a full day of free family fun and a new twist: the Old Bridge will close to traffic so residents can gather for a community picnic.
The South Shore Multicultural Association and the Town of Bridgewater are teaming up for the event on July 1, 2026, with the overall Canada Day festivities running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Multicultural Festival itself takes place from 10:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Pijinuiskaq Park. The picnic area on the bridge will be open all day, giving people a rare chance to slow down, share a meal, and connect with neighbours.
Donna Hatt, the town’s Economic Development Officer, said the picnic is about creating space for community bonds. “We are always looking for new, fun ways to bring our community together. On top of all the amazing things we have scheduled for the day, we wanted to offer a chance to slow down, have a chat and maybe even make a new friend or two.”
The festival will feature performances from the Nova Scotia Chinese Culture & Arts Club, the Lunenburg Tharangam Chenda Group, and the Three Wishes Youth Band. For kids, there will be bouncy castles, face painting by the South Shore Waldorf School, a 70-foot obstacle course, and fire truck tours hosted by the Bridgewater Fire Department.
Free transit runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and free parking is available at the South Shore Centre. The Michelin Bridgewater Outdoor Pool offers free swimming from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and HB Studios will screen the movie GOAT for free starting at 5 p.m. If rain threatens, organizers will announce an indoor backup plan on Monday, June 29.
