The City of Saint John has been abuzz lately, full of speculation for what might develop on the city’s waterfront property following the demolition of the site’s Coast Guard Building. One major concern for the location is the possibility of any new development displacing the AREA 506 music festival. Today AREA 506 organizers announced that, at least for the time being, they’ll be staying put through 2020.
Having moved this year from the nearby Long Wharf to Fundy Quay, the new location placed AREA 506 right at the edge of Saint John’s Uptown core. Festival-goers largely appreciated the move as it placed AREA 506 directly adjacent to hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. The smaller grounds were also lauded for concentrating the energy of the festival’s atmosphere.
“AREA 506 has always had the luxury of fantastic waterfront locations, whether it was at Long Wharf for our first three festivals, or our 2019 location at Fundy Quay,” says Ray Gracewood, Chair of the AREA 506 Committee. “Working with a partner who clearly understands the value of an event like AREA 506 makes the process incredibly easy, so we’re humbled and proud to once again call our city’s historic backdrop home for the province’s best party.”
The event’s popularity has nearly guaranteed that the festival will grow over the coming years, and likely to expand beyond the space of the Fundy Quay location. Festival organizers and city officials agree, however, that having the festival in such close proximity to the uptown core has proven essential and will remain at the location until development progresses.
“AREA 506 is a top destination event and showcase for our city and our province,” says Saint John Mayor Don Darling. “Our uptown was a fantastic backdrop to an amazing weekend in 2019. When the AREA 506 team came back to us to discuss the possibility of returning to the Fundy Quay location, we were more than happy to find a solution that supports the event, supports our local businesses, and keeps it in the heart of the uptown in the middle of the popular New Brunswick Day celebrations.”
AREA 506 announced today that it will be celebrating its fifth anniversary over the New Brunswick Day long weekend as usual, taking place from July 31 – August 2, 2020.
“We’re putting together another amazing line-up for our fifth year,” says Gracewood. “We’re excited to share more information about next year’s event in early 2020.”