Canada Games Host Society unveils cultural festival to showcase N.L. during competition

With just 50 days to go until the start of the 2025 Canada Games, the local host society unveiled a full schedule of events to showcase provincial culture during the Games. 

The Arta Vista Festival is a part of the Canada Games Artist Festival and Culture Program, created to provide people with ways to experience as much of the province's culture as possible.

Arta Vista was announced on Wednesday with performances from local artists, Indigenous groups and dancers. 

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Elvis Loveless said Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich, unique, and diverse culture.

The Games will bring a celebration of youth, sport, and Canadian spirit, all against the stunning backdrop of St. John's, he said.

"Just as sport will shine, so to will our arts and culture," said Loveless. "From music to storytelling, dance to visual art — it's a reflection of who we are."

WATCH | 50 and counting (down) to the 2025 Canada Games in St. John's:

A kitchen party at the Canada Games? It’s just one of the non-athletic aspects to the event

13 hours ago

Duration 1:29

The 2025 Canada Games will showcase athletic prowess, but there will also be opportunities to participate in arts and culture events, too. The CBC’s Ella Burke reports.

St. John's Mayor Danny Breen said he was excited the festival will build on programming that is already offered throughout the summer, such as the downtown pedestrian mall. 

"These are places where people gather, connect, and experience something memorable together," Breen said. "This festival program also complements the incredible lineup of things happening in our city this summer."

The Arta Vista Festival includes concerts featuring artists such as Morgan Toney, Rum Ragged, and Salt Beef Junkies. There will also be light shows, kitchen parties, night markets and even a circus. 

Carl Smith, co-chair of the Canada Games Host Society, said some acts are lesser known, and will be able to showcase themselves through the Canada Games. 

"They're fabulous entertainers. We saw some examples there today, for instance," said Smith. "It's just going to be so, so exciting."

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.