STREET DANCE 

+ Opening Ceremony

Friday Night Kickoff: Opening Ceremony & Street Dance

Location: Goodie Shop Parking Lot, Downtown Newcastle
Date: Friday, July 25th, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Admission: FREE

The river’s calling—and so is the dance floor!

Join us in the heart of Downtown Newcastle as Rockin’ River Fest 2025 kicks off with a high-energy celebration that sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend. Gather your friends, bring your family, and head down to the Goodie Shop Parking Lot for a full night of live music, dancing, and riverfront magic.

Rock the Look: Dress-Up Contest

STREET DANCE + OPENING CEREMONY DETAILS

Date: Friday, July 25th, 2025
Time: During the Street Dance at the Goodie Shop Parking Lot
Categories: Best Dressed Adult & Best Dressed Kid
Prizes: Epic bragging rights + Rockin’ River Fest swag & more!

It’s time to channel your inner rock legend!
Whether you're going full Elvis, bringing Bowie back, or rocking out as your favourite KISS member, we want to see your best rock ‘n’ roll look hit the pavement during our Friday night street dance.

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Come dressed as your favourite rock ‘n’ roll icon—from any era. Think 50s greasers, 60s hippies, 70s glam rockers, 80s hair bands, or 90s grunge stars.

  • Judges will be roaming the crowd between 7:30 and 9:00 PM.

  • Winners announced before the final set of the night!

AWARDS:

  • Best Dressed Adult

  • Best Dressed Kid (12 & under)

What to Expect:

  • 7:00 PM – Welcome to Rockin’ River Fest! Our official Opening Ceremony begins with remarks from organizers and community leaders.

  • Immediately after – The street comes alive! Enjoy an all-ages Street Dance with Short Sweet Ride performing live—get ready to dance the night away.

  • Food & Treats: Local food trucks and vendors will be on site, so come hungry!

  • 8:30 PM (approx.) – The Parade of Boats lights up the water! Decorated vessels cruise the river in a dazzling waterfront procession.

  • At Dusk – Fireworks Finale over the river, launched from Ritchie Wharf, lighting up the sky to end the night with a bang.

This is more than a party—it’s a celebration of Miramichi, its people, and the spirit that brings us together. Don’t miss the official launch of Rockin’ River Fest 2025—it all starts here!

Parade of Lights

The Parade of Boats lights up the water and passes by Ritchie’s Wharf at roughly 8:30pm! Decorated vessels cruise the river in a dazzling waterfront procession.

Fireworks at Dusk

Ritchie’s Wharf will be the best viewing site