The Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza will bring hundreds of vehicles and local music to downtown Moncton this week, with portions of Main Street closed for outdoor street parties on Friday and Saturday.
What to expect and when
Organizers say the show will include a broad range of antique cars, trucks, hot rods and unique custom vehicles, with pre-registered entries coming from across Canada and the United States. Bill Doherty, who has coordinated the event for more than two decades, said the organisers anticipate close to 2,000 cars in this year’s display.
“This is more than a car show, this is a car and music festival with live music every day,”
The festival opens on Thursday evening, running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. that night with a new free-admission component at MacDonald Pontiac Buick on Baig Boulevard. Activity continues through the weekend, with downtown street closures scheduled to accommodate street parties and live performances.
Event schedule (high-level)
| Day | Main activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Opening show, MacDonald Pontiac Buick | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; free admission |
| Friday | Downtown street parties, live music | Main Street closures in effect |
| Saturday | Downtown street parties, live music | Main Street closures continue |
Local impacts
Residents and businesses along Main Street should expect changes to vehicle access and increased pedestrian traffic during the weekend. The event’s combination of car displays and scheduled live music is being promoted as a festival atmosphere rather than a conventional static show, which could draw larger evening crowds.
- Attendance: Organizers expect close to 2,000 vehicles.
- Music: Live performances every day of the event.
- Traffic: Sections of Main Street closed Friday and Saturday.
The Atlantic Nationals has been staged in the region for many years and remains one of the larger automotive gatherings in Atlantic Canada. Moncton residents planning to travel downtown this weekend are advised to check local traffic notices and allow extra time for detours and pedestrian-congested areas.
Photo credit: Alan Cochrane/Brunswick News (file)
