Community festival aims to reconnect neighbours across New Sudbury
The 11th annual New Sudbury Days returns to neighbourhood parks this weekend, offering free family activities, live entertainment, food and community services from Aug. 28 to 30. Organizers say the three-day event is designed to encourage residents to get outdoors, meet neighbours and make use of local gathering spaces.
The festival will operate at four locations across New Sudbury: Adanac Park, Twin Forks Park, Cedar Park and Place Hurtubise Park. Activities include a community barbecue, movie night, pancake breakfast, vendor market, sport demonstrations and visits from local animal therapy groups.
“New Sudbury Days is about bringing neighbours together, whether you’re from New Sudbury or a neighbouring community,” said Spenser McCall, co-chair of the New Sudbury Days organizing committee. “We celebrate everything that makes our community special, and everyone is welcome.”
Schedule and highlights
Organizers have staggered the programming so families can choose a mix of evening and daytime activities. A detailed look at the schedule:
| Location | Date | Key activities |
|---|---|---|
| Adanac Park, 744 Beatrice Cres. | Friday, Aug. 28 | Music from 6:30 p.m.; Movie Night Under the Stars at 8:45 p.m. or dusk (Moana 2) |
| Twin Forks Park, 1475 Gary Ave. | Saturday, Aug. 29 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: free community barbecue (while quantities last), family activities, live entertainment, vehicle displays, cricket demonstrations, Pop-Up Market |
| Cedar Park, 47 Normandy Crt. | Sunday, Aug. 30 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.: free pancake breakfast (while quantities last), family activities, visit from Go-at for a Walk |
| Place Hurtubise Park, 1966 Lasalle Blvd. | Sunday, Aug. 30 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: family activities and community programming |
Access and community supports
GOVA Transit will again provide free transportation for people who use the bus service to attend New Sudbury Days events, a practical step organisers say helps remove a common barrier to participation. The festival also runs a charitable component called “New Sudbury Gives,” a local food and donation initiative that extends community connection beyond scheduled activities.
Organizers thanked volunteers, local businesses, community organisations and sponsors for making the free events possible and acknowledged support from the City of Greater Sudbury through the Healthy Community Initiatives (HCI) grant. That municipal funding is credited with helping keep programming free for attendees.
Why the festival matters locally
Neighbourhood festivals like New Sudbury Days play a distinct role in a city where urban and suburban neighbourhoods can otherwise feel disconnected. By concentrating programming in small community parks and offering transit help, the event aims to reach families who might not typically travel across town for entertainment or civic engagement.
Elements such as free food, low-barrier activities and vendor markets also provide an economic lift for small local enterprises and community groups. The popular Pop-Up Market, for example, gives local vendors a platform to connect directly with residents, while sport demonstrations and interactive displays encourage outdoor activity and cross-cultural exchange.
- Dates: Aug. 28–30
- Locations: Adanac Park, Twin Forks Park, Cedar Park, Place Hurtubise Park
- Transit: Free GOVA service for riders attending events
For residents planning to attend, organisers recommend arriving early for popular features such as the barbecue and pancake breakfast, both of which are offered while quantities last. The festival’s mix of evening and daytime programming is intended to make participation accessible for families with different schedules.
New Sudbury Days has run annually for a decade-plus, and this year’s organisers say they hope the weekend will continue to deepen neighbourhood ties and highlight the capacity of local volunteers and community partners to stage free public programming.
