With just 50 days to go until the nation’s top young athletes arrive in St. John’s, the 2025 Canada Games Host Society is thrilled to unveil ARTA VISTA Festival presented by Celebrate NL, a 14-day celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich arts and culture, while also honouring the diverse cultures of Canada, including its Indigenous and Francophone heritage.

The announcement was made today at the St. John’s Convention Centre, one of the main festival sites. From August 10-24, 2025, ARTA VISTA will feature a wide variety of free, family-friendly entertainment, experiences, community initiatives, activities, and more taking place across the Avalon.

“ARTA VISTA is a meaningful expression of who we are and what makes this province so special,” said Kim Keating and Karl Smith, Co-Chairs of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society. “With just 50 days until we welcome the country, ARTA VISTA will offer unforgettable moments that spark pride, connection, and celebration.”

‍ARTA VISTA Festival at a Glance

‍ARTA VISTA @ SJCC

The go-to spot for ARTA VISTA excitement! ARTA VISTA @ SJCC is your daily destination for fun and engaging entertainment. Whether you're a visitor or a local, come explore ongoing activities, live performances, interactive workshops & demonstrations, 2025 Canada Games merchandise, visual arts and live streaming of the Games. Also, mark your calendars for Friday evening concerts!

ARTA VISTA @ Water Street

During the two weeks of the Games, the Pedestrian Mall on Water Street will be home to daily afternoon cultural events as well as free concerts on George Street and a bustling Night Market on Thursday evenings.

‍ARTA VISTA @ Harbourside Park 

Treat yourself to free lunchtime concerts on Fridays in downtown St. John’s’ Harbourside Park — part of the City of St. John’s Music @ Harbourside Park series, which runs all summer long. Gather with friends and enjoy great music in a relaxed atmosphere. All visitors and residents are welcome!

ARTA VISTA @ CBS Games Day in the Park

On Friday, August 15, celebrate the spirit of the 2025 Canada Games at the CBS Community Park! Play interactive sports-themed gaming stations and inflatable games, fun for all ages. Collect tickets as you play for a chance to win exciting prizes. Enjoy music, delicious food, and cap it all off with an evening concert by Those Beautiful Ugly Sticks.

‍ARTA VISTA @ Mount Pearl City Days - Youth Festival and Kitchen Party

On Saturday, August 16, join us at Mount Pearl City Days for a day of family-friendly events and the biggest Kitchen Party of the summer. Stop by in the afternoon for music, dance, and vocal performances by talented youth artists from across the city, province, and country. Take part in family-friendly demonstrations, crafts, and interactive cultural activities for all ages. Then, cap off the day with a Kitchen Party celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador culture. 

‍ARTA VISTA @ The Killick Coast Games - Opening Ceremony

On August 17, celebrate the 2025 Canada Games and the kickoff of The 2025 Killick Coast Games with a celebration of the athletes, special visits from Canada Games Alumni and Gusty, the 2025 Canada Games mascot, musical entertainment by Kitchinparti and a spectacular fireworks display.

‍ARTA VISTA @ Paradise SunSplash Music Festival

On August 23, the music kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and continues all afternoon with an exciting lineup. You’ll hear Newfoundland and Labrador’s own Salt Beef Junkies, the powerful rhythms of Latin American group De La Paz (in collaboration with SARfest), and Juno-nominated Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney. Experience the high-energy Ukrainian rock of The Kubasonics and wrap up the day with the foot-stomping Acadian fusion of Francophone group Beauxmont.

This vibrant event will also feature a festival street market with music, buskers, puppets, art, face painting, food trucks, multicultural crafts, and “try-it” mini sports and games from around the world—fun for all ages!

ARTA VISTA @ Banished Brewery

Every Tuesday evening during the 2025 Canada Games, Banished Brewing in Paradise will be alive with a traditional tune session as an energetic backdrop to the Games live streaming and customer appreciation events. 

‍ARTA VISTA @ The Rooms

Every Wednesday of the Games, join the renowned Newfoundland fiddler Kelly Russell as he shares songs, stories and fiddle tunes from his extensive repertoire learned over his long career as a cultural keeper of the flame. 

‍Quotes

“With 50 days to go, excitement is building for the St. John’s 2025 Canada Games. These games will bring Canadians together as we cheer on the next generation, celebrate our pride, and highlight the culture and spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador. From the competition venues to the ARTA VISTA Festival, this will be an unforgettable moment with a lasting impact on athletes and communities.”
- The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)

‍“With just 50 days to go until the 2025 Canada Games arrive in St. John’s, the excitement across Newfoundland and Labrador is palpable. These Games represent more than athletic excellence - they are a celebration of youth, culture, and the enduring spirit of our province, brought to life through years of planning, dedication, and community spirit. We can’t wait to cheer on Team NL as they compete with heart, grit, and hometown pride on the national stage,” Honourable Fred Hutton,  Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

“ARTA VISTA will bring our vibrant arts, culture, and community spirit to life across the city and surrounding region during the 2025 Canada Games,” said Mayor Danny Breen, City of St. John’s. “This festival is a wonderful way to showcase the best of who we are and to warmly welcome visitors from across Canada to experience it with us. We can’t wait to celebrate together this August.”

Explore the full schedule at 2025CanadaGames.ca/artavista or download the 2025 Canada Games app to plan your ARTA VISTA experience.