EDMUNDSTON, N.B. — The New Brunswick Botanical Garden will receive federal support to stage two popular autumn events that organisers say draw families, artisans and performers to the region outside the garden’s regular summer schedule.
“We are thrilled to support the cultural vitality of Edmundston and the surrounding region through two much-anticipated events at the New Brunswick Botanical Garden,”
That message accompanied an announcement on Aug. 10 from Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska–Restigouche, and Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families and MP for Vimy. They announced funding of more than $31,000 to the New Brunswick Botanical Garden Society through the federal Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
Two events extend the cultural season
The funding will support the Grande Grouille d’automne, scheduled for Oct. 1–4, 2026, and the 7th edition of Jardin emballé, set for Nov. 6–8, 2026. Organisers say both events transform the garden with illumination, themed decorations and a program of music and entertainment designed for visitors of all ages.
According to the Department of Canadian Heritage release, the Grande Grouille d’automne has become an annual attraction in the region. The event brings together community partners and volunteers to produce illuminated displays and family activities. Jardin emballé, meanwhile, acts as a seasonal market and holiday kick-off, featuring local artisans, musicians and food and beverage offerings.
Local impacts and opportunities
Organisers say the two events do more than entertain: they create opportunities for artists, artisans, performers and volunteers while helping extend visitation into the fall and early winter months. The federal program that provided the grant is intended to support local festivals, events and projects that build community through arts and heritage.
For Edmundston and the surrounding area, the events offer a platform for small businesses and makers to showcase and sell their work to residents and visitors. They also rely on volunteer labour and partnerships with community groups, which organisers say enhances local engagement and helps share costs.
- Grande Grouille d’automne: Oct. 1–4, 2026 — illuminated displays, musical performances and family activities.
- Jardin emballé (7th edition): Nov. 6–8, 2026 — artisans’ market, live music, festive food and beverages, holiday-themed lighting.
About the funding
The announcement identified the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program as the source of the grant. That federal initiative helps finance local cultural festivals and projects that preserve and promote arts and heritage at the community level.
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick Botanical Garden Society | Support for Grande Grouille d’automne and Jardin emballé | More than $31,000 |
Officials and bilingual context
The federal announcement featured both English and French elements, reflecting New Brunswick’s official bilingualism and the city of Edmundston’s francophone-majority character. The event names — Grande Grouille d’automne and Jardin emballé — are French, while the federal statement was delivered by MPs from both francophone and anglophone ridings.
Local cultural stakeholders have in recent years sought to lengthen the tourism season beyond summer months by investing in off-peak programming. Support from federal arts and heritage funds helps offset production costs for lighting, staging and promotion, organisers say, while creating an economic boost for nearby hotels, restaurants and retailers during typically quieter months.
Practical information
Organisers have not yet released a detailed schedule or list of participants for either event. Visitors interested in attending are advised to check the New Brunswick Botanical Garden’s official channels for ticketing, volunteer opportunities and vendor application details as the dates approach.
With the federal contribution confirmed, the Botanical Garden Society will continue planning and securing additional partners and volunteers to deliver the two seasonal events and their programming in the coming months.
— Reporting from Edmundston.
