The Kiwanis Music Festival of St. John's was started in 1952, two years after the formation of the first Kiwanis Club in Newfoundland.

The first of these clubs - the Kiwanis Club of St. John's - comprised of members who had a strong interest in music and were very keen on the idea of starting a proper music festival. This first festival proved to be the foundation for the Music Festival movement within the province.

The 1952 Festival consisted of a two day event, featuring 193 entries and two adjudicators. Since then, the Festival has achieved exponential growth, and now includes a full 12-day schedule features well over 6,000 participants and 9 adjudicators. It is the largest festival in Eastern Canada.

The Kiwanis Music Festival has continued to grow with a strong history and a rich tradition within the greater St. John's area. After 50 years (and counting...) musicians young and experienced have come to appreciate this annual event. The enrichment provided to all involved makes this event a true and living entity and the Festival can look forward to many more years of bringing - through music - greater joy and happiness to the land.