FAQs

AREA 506 exists to celebrate everything New Brunswick. It’s the music we make and the music we listen to. It’s the culture that surrounds us and that makes us who we are. It’s the amazing art, craft, goods and services that are created right here at home. Since 2016, AREA 506 has brought all of these things together to create engaging experiences and engaged New Brunswickers. 

Yes, we are. You can buy tickets and everything!

As always, it’s on the New Brunswick Day long weekend — it seems fitting for a celebration of everything NB. For 2023, that’s August 4, 5 & 6.

We’ll be popping up beside the Waterfront Container Village. The AREA 506 Festival will take place at Pugsley Terminal, immediately adjacent to the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village at 85 Water St. and continuing to Pugsley Slip.

Our all-Canadian lineup includes Billy Talent, Metric, The Sheepdogs, The Beaches, The Blue Stones, Crown Lands, Sam Roberts Band and lots more, including a tonne of New Brunswick-based talent. Check out the full lineup.

Well, that depends — who’s your favourite band? You can see the lineup by day, but your pass works all day long. Come when the gates open and check out a band that you don’t know that well — some people have even discovered new favourites that way!

Easy, now. On Friday night (August 4) the gates open at 6PM. On Saturday & Sunday (August 5 & 6) the gates open at 2PM. 

Yes, for sure. The site is recently paved and relatively flat to help with getting around, and we’ve done our best to create space for anyone with mobility challenges. If you have specific questions, email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Well, there are loads of options – everything from single day tickets to Ultra VIP weekend passes. Just keep in mind that all pricing is plus tax & fees! Check out all of the details here.

VIP tickets include access to a preferred viewing area to the side of the stage (along the waterfront!) that provides great sight-lines, dedicated VIP washrooms and VIP bar access. Note that VIP passes are for those 19 years of age and older.

Yes! We’ve made a select number of pods available within the VIP area because we heard somewhere that you really like the pods. Pods are 10’ x 14’ and can hold up to ten people comfortably – they include all of the VIP amenities, plus private seating. Think of it like your own little party cabana.

Yes, there’s a GA section and a VIP section. Within the VIP section, there are some pods, along with the regular standing room.

Our apologies, but we do not currently have an in-person option for purchasing tickets. All tickets are sold online at area506​.ca.

Sorry, no chairs. As always, we’ll have some seating options available around the concert site, but you should leave folding/​portable/​camp chairs at home. If you need to take a break from the action, you can also visit the Container Village where you’ll find additional seating.

We always do our best to create an event and experience that is safe and comfortable for everyone. Our commitment is to align with Public Health directives and, at this time, no specific COVID-19 operational plan is required. We encourage all attendees to use their best judgement to make themselves and those around them as comfortable as possible.

Uh, YES. Some might even go as far as to say ​‘encouraged’. We’ll try to make sure our photographer gets a snap.

Great question. Past experience says that it’s best to just let them go and hope that they head for the exit. It’ll be a game-time decision.

Nope! This experience is open to anyone, and if you’re under the age of 12, you can even attend for FREE in General Admission as long as you’re with your grown-up! The exception is the VIP area — that’s only for those 19+. Everyone receives a wristband at the gate to identify those under the age of 19. 

Absolutely, yes. Check out the ​‘Contact’ section, select VOLUNTEER in the drop-down and fill out the form. We’ll touch base with more details.

It’s a rain or shine event. You won’t melt, and — as they say — the show must go on. It’s actually one of the reasons we get that big tent. As long as it’s safe, we’ll be here. May we recommend picking up some ​‘weather-appropriate attire’? Ask your mom for details — she’ll know what to do.

PRO TIP: get one of those fold-up ponchos, and be sure to get a clear one so everyone can still see your ​‘fit.

Yes, you can re-enter with your ticket and a wristband.

Well-behaved pets are welcome in the Waterfront Container Village (with a leash) but unfortunately, we need to push back on furry/​fluffy/​scaly friends in the licensed, ticketed area. Unless they have their own ticket, maybe? And how would they even get that — does your dog have a credit card?

Lots of places! Our first suggestion is always with our friends at the Delta Saint John, but there are lots of other options – try the hotel tool at Discover Saint John here.

You’re probably looking for a newschaser group, or the comment section of any given CBC article. Twitter’s usually great for that too — make sure tag us! @area506fest

Well, if you got in on it, Early Bird Weekend Passes were just $199 and the very best bang for your festival-going buck, but you’ve got other options that start at $99. Check out all of those options here.

No. All pricing is + tax & fees.

Plus. As in, ​‘in addition to’.

OK, but for real, how much stuff do you need for one day? You can bring a reasonably-sized bag with you — a purse or a small backpack. Security will check it at the gate. Bring a sweater, it’s the waterfront and it’ll get chilly at night. You can bring one (sealed) bottle of water and/​or your (empty) refillable water bottle to use at the Refill Station.

Things you’ll want to leave at home: folding chairs, umbrellas, the aforementioned pets, and bad vibes.

You’re a little late on this one. We had a limited number of Early Bird Weekend Passes available specially priced for early supporters, but that pricing expired. The Weekend Pass is now the best bang for your buck.

All pods are in the VIP section, are 10’ x 14’ in size and can accommodate up to 10 people. They’ve got some seating in them. They’re pretty good! Reminder: the VIP section is reserved for those 19+.

No.

Also no. That’s not a real thing. 

Hmmm, how about courier? They’re bonded, it’s safe, it just depends how long you want to wait. What about one of those Harry Potter owls? That might be faster if you can get your hands on one. We’ve also heard stories from days long, long ago of people going to banks, making withdrawals, and then paying their friends with actual cash. Or, you could send an e‑transfer. There’s options, just ask around. Wait, do you want Dogecoin?

Nope. Your purchase will give you 10 tickets, and you can distribute them how you like.