Fredericton's downtown is often lively with university students and young professionals after hours. Your best bet is the Lunar Rogue, 625 King St. (tel. 506/450-2065), which features more than 100 single-malt whiskeys and a dozen draft beers in a comfortable, pubby atmosphere. It was anointed "Greatest Whisky Bar in the World" by Whisky magazine, who should know what they're talking about. Tuesday remains nacho night, which lures out the local folks in droves; other light-food specials are available Mondays and Thursdays. The pub is open 9am to 1am weekdays, from 10am Saturdays and from 11am to 10pm Sundays.
Dolan's Pub, 349 King St. (tel. 506/454-7474), is the place to go for live Maritime music, which is on tap most Thursdays through Saturdays. Also on tap is the city's largest selection of microbrews. Don't miss the barrel of free peanuts, either.