Thanksgiving weekend in Fredericton is almost here. The leaves along the Saint John River are turning, and the grocery store is about to be very busy.
If you're wondering what to do in Fredericton this Thanksgiving weekend, here's the short answer. Shop the Boyce Farmers Market on Saturday morning, book a dinner you don't have to cook, and get outside for the fall colour before it's gone. Thanksgiving Monday is October 12, 2026, so you've got three days to work with.
Here's how I'd spend them 🍁
1. Saturday morning at the Boyce Farmers Market
If you're hosting, this is where your table starts. The Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 7 am to 1 pm at 665 George Street (City of Fredericton).
Go early for the best pick of local squash, apples, fresh bread and pies. Thanksgiving Saturday is one of the busiest market days of the year, so parking fills up fast. Bring your own bags, and a little cash never hurts.
Not hosting? Grab a coffee and breakfast there anyway. It's one of the best Fredericton traditions there is.
2. Let someone else cook: Thanksgiving dinner at Kings Landing
If the idea of roasting a turkey isn't your idea of a holiday, Kings Landing is serving Thanksgiving dinner at the King's Head Inn again for the 2026 season. Dinners run October 10, 11 and 12, with seatings at 11 am and 4 pm. It's $80 per person plus booking fees, which covers a three-course meal, gratuity and taxes, and comes with admission to Kings Landing (Kings Landing, Thanksgiving at the King's Head Inn, 2026 season).
Book ahead. Holiday seatings tend to go quickly, and the cancellation policy needs 72 hours' notice. The drive up the river from Fredericton is about half the fun this time of year.
3. Get outside for the fall colour
Fredericton doesn't make you drive far to see the leaves.
- Odell Park. Real forest trails right in the city, and quiet enough to hear your kiddos crunching through the leaves.
- The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge and the river trails. An easy loop between the Southside and the Northside, with the whole river view in colour.
- Killarney Lake. A short drive from Nashwaaksis, and a good spot for a walk before dinner.
Plan the walk for Saturday or Sunday. Monday afternoons usually belong to the turkey.
4. A slow afternoon downtown
Downtown Fredericton is made for a slow fall afternoon. Wander Queen and King Street, pop into the local shops, and grab something warm to drink. If the weather turns, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery on the waterfront is a good rainy-day plan for the whole family.
5. Check holiday hours before Monday
Thanksgiving Monday is a statutory holiday in New Brunswick, so a lot of things close or change their schedule. In past years, City Hall and Fredericton Transit have been closed on Thanksgiving Day, while garbage and recycling kept running (City of Fredericton, Thanksgiving hours notice, 2021). The City posts an updated notice each year, so give it a quick look before Monday, along with your grocery store's hours.
A few things that make the long weekend easier:
- Shop by Saturday. Sunday stores get busy and Monday hours are limited.
- Thaw the turkey early. A big bird can take a few days in the fridge, so Thursday or Friday is the move.
- Plan for the drive. If you're heading to family in Oromocto, Saint John or beyond, expect more traffic on Friday afternoon and Monday evening.
A little thank you from me
This time of year always makes me grateful for the people who've trusted me with their homes, their moves and their big life decisions. Fredericton has been home for over 30 years, and it's still my favourite place to spend a fall weekend.
What's one Thanksgiving tradition your family can't skip? I'd love to hear it 🧡
Hi friend 👋🏼 If we haven't met yet, I'm Megan Gallant. Fredericton local, girl mom x2, and a REALTOR® with eXp Realty helping families buy and sell across Fredericton, Oromocto, and the CFB Gagetown corridor 🌸
Sources referenced in this post:
- City of Fredericton, Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market listing (Saturday hours and address, 2026)
- Kings Landing: Thanksgiving at the King's Head Inn (2026 season)
- City of Fredericton: City hours of operation for Thanksgiving Day (2021 notice)
