The International Homecoming Festival is a beloved annual celebration that brings together the neighbouring communities of St. Stephen, New Brunswick and Calais, Maine for a unique cross-border experience. Held each August, this long-standing festival showcases the strong cultural ties and friendships between the two towns, welcoming residents and visitors alike to take part in a vibrant lineup of events on both sides of the border.
From lively street fairs and live music to family-friendly activities, parades, and artisan markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the St. Croix River—symbolizing the unity and shared spirit of this international community.
Rooted in over 50 years of tradition, the International Homecoming Festival is a celebration of connection, community pride, and the enduring bonds that bring people together—no matter which side of the border they call home.
The Municipal District of St. Stephen is proud to support the festival with these events:
Join us for the 4th Annual Municipal District of St. Stephen’s Kids Fun Day as part of the 53rd International Homecoming Festival!
Bring the whole family out for a day of FREE fun filled with games, activities, prizes, and entertainment for all ages.
We’re excited to celebrate our 4th year of bringing the community together for this fun-filled event, and we can’t wait to see everyone there!
Are you a business, organization, or community group interested in hosting a game or activity at the event?
Please complete the application form here
Think you have what it takes to solve a murder?
Gather your friends, sharpen your detective skills, and prepare for an afternoon of mystery, puzzles, and competition as Breakout Saint John brings Dying to Retire to St. Stephen for one day only.
In this immersive mega-mystery experience, teams will work together to uncover clues, solve puzzles, unlock evidence, and piece together the truth behind a suspicious death. But be warned—every clue leads to more questions, and only the most skilled investigators will crack the case.
Teams will solve challenges at their tables and travel throughout the room to unlock stations, retrieve evidence, and advance through the investigation. Communication, teamwork, and critical thinking will be essential if you hope to become the top investigative team in the province.
And what's better than solving a murder mystery?
Solving it with a cold drink and a basket of poutine!
The upstairs canteen and licensed bar at the Garcelon Civic Center will be open throughout the event, so grab your favorite snacks and refreshments while you crack the case. Who says detectives have to work on an empty stomach?
Limited Availability
Only 10 teams (up to 6 players) per session.
Event Details
Friday, August 7, 2026
Session 1: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Session 2: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Only 10 teams per session.
Registration
Team of 6: $120 + HST ($138.00)
Individual Registration: $25 + HST ($28.75)
We'll place you on a team.
In Person: Garcelon Civic Center
Online: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/.../search
Championship Faceoff
At 8:00 PM, the winning team from each session will return for a special winner-takes-all showdown.
Grand Prize: $500 Cash
Important Information
Participants should be 13 years of age or older to participate without parental supervision due to the game's difficulty level and theme.
Can your team solve the mystery before time runs out?
No refunds. Tickets may be transferred.
For more information, please email: events@chocolatetown.ca
The MDSS Street Fair is Back!
Join us for one of the biggest family events of the summer as the MDSS Street Fair returns as part of the 53rd Annual International Homecoming Festival!
Saturday, August 8, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
King Street (from Briggs Plumbing to Pizza Delight)
Spend the day exploring local vendors, enjoying delicious food, and taking in live entertainment with DJ Pete. Kids can enjoy inflatables, axe throwing, a foam pit, face painting, games, and so much more.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Power Wheels Show & Shine, Mini Parade & Obstacle Challenge
Get ready for an exciting new family event coming to downtown St. Stephen! MDSS and The Boulevard Early Learning Centre are thrilled to introduce the Power Wheels Show & Shine, Mini Parade & Obstacle Challenge on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Taking place as part of the MDSS Street Fair during the 53rd International Homecoming Festival, this exciting new event adds even more family fun to one of the community's biggest annual celebrations.
Designed for children of all ages, this fun-filled event gives young drivers the chance to show off their favourite ride-on vehicles, cruise through downtown in a mini parade, and put their driving skills to the test on an exciting obstacle course. Whether your child's Power Wheels is brand new, customized, decorated, or a well-loved favourite, every participant is welcome to join the fun.
Event Highlights
Mini Parade
Kick off the day with a parade through downtown St. Stephen! Participants will line up at Brigg's Plumbing at 11:00 AM, with the parade beginning at 11:15 AM. The route follows King Street and ends at the Show & Shine area.
Show & Shine
Starting at 11:30 AM near the 5 Kings area, children can proudly display their Power Wheels vehicles. There are no strict judging categories—this event is all about celebrating creativity, enthusiasm, and community while giving kids a chance to shine.
Obstacle Challenge
Young drivers can test their skills on our fun obstacle course on King Street. Participants will compete within their age groups:
Ages 2–5: 1:00 PM
Ages 6–10: 2:00 PM
Prizes will be awarded for the fastest times in each age category.
Registration
Registration will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Boulevard Kids Tent. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to register, prepare their vehicles, and get ready for the parade.
Don't forget to stick around for the Homecoming Parade and enjoy everything this exciting community celebration has to offer.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and make a day of it—we can't wait to see you there!
Vendor spots are FULL at this time. To be added to a waitlist, please email Pamela.Williams@chocolatetown.ca