Not to Miss June Events!

June on Cape Breton Island is when music fills the air, feet find rhythm on wooden floors, and communities come together in celebration of culture, heritage and shared joy. From fiddle tunes echoing in village halls to Gaelic songs sung in cozy pubs, the Island comes alive with traditional sounds. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning home for a taste of nostalgia, the month is packed with ceilidhs, square dances, and storytelling sessions in venues as iconic as the Red Shoe Pub and as intimate as the Doryman in Chéticamp. Here’s your guide to the most vibrant traditional music, arts, hiking and dance events this June.

🎻 Music & Culture Highlights

KitchenFest! | Féis a’ Chidsin!

Dates: June 27 – July 5
Locations: Island-wide, including St. Ann’s, Baddeck and Judique
Kick off the summer with this Island-wide Gaelic celebration featuring concerts, céilidhs, pub nights and square dances. Experience the heart of Cape Breton’s music and culture in a festive atmosphere.

Roots to Boots Festival

Dates: June 12–15
Location: Chéticamp
Immerse yourself in Acadian culture with live music, storytelling and community events set against the stunning backdrop of the Cabot Trail.

Baddeck Gathering Céilidhs

Dates: June 14–29
Location: Baddeck
Enjoy traditional Cape Breton music in an intimate setting, featuring performances by local artists such as Rachel Davis and Buddy MacDonald.

Adult Square Dance

Date: June 30
Location: Brook Village
Kick up your heels at this lively traditional square dance featuring live fiddle music and all the summer energy you’d expect from a classic Cape Breton ceilidh.

Daily Lunch Céilidh at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre

Dates: June 2–6
Location: Judique
Enjoy authentic traditional music during lunch at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. Savour $15 lunch specials while tapping your toes to live performances. No admission or reservations needed.

Doryman: Live Fiddle Music with Shelly Campbell & Allan Dewar

Date: June 7
Location: Chéticamp
Enjoy a lively Saturday afternoon of classic Cape Breton fiddle music with two of the Island’s finest traditional musicians.

Ceilidh Matinee at The Frolic ‘n’ Folk

Date: June 7
Location: Iona
Delight in local Celtic music and culture during Saturday ceilidhs at The Frolic ‘n’ Folk. Featuring world-renowned talent and budding entertainers from across Cape Breton Island. General admission seating ranging from $5–$10.

🌿 Outdoor Adventures

Waterfall Season Group Hikes

Dates: June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Locations: Various scenic trails across the Island
Join guided hikes to explore Cape Breton’s breathtaking waterfalls and lush landscapes. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Island Speed & Style

Date: June 8
Location: Cape Breton Dragway, Sydney
Experience the thrill of autocross racing, car shows and family-friendly activities in this high-octane event.

🎉 Community Festivals

Àros na Mara World Oceans Day Festival

Dates: June 1–7
Location: Iona
Celebrate our oceans with a week of educational exhibits, live music and family-friendly activities highlighting marine conservation.

Mira Gala 50th Anniversary

Dates: June 26 – July 6
Location: Marion Bridge
Marking its 50th year, the Mira Gala offers a variety of events, including parades, concerts, and fireworks, celebrating community spirit along the Mira River.

🎭 Arts & Entertainment

The Men of the Deeps at the Louisbourg Playhouse

Date: June 2025 (specific date TBA)
Location: Louisbourg
Experience Cape Breton’s renowned Men of the Deeps choir as they bring to life the stories and songs of mining communities. Clad in authentic mining gear, their performances are both moving and memorable.

Theatre Baddeck Summer Season

Dates: Starting June 27
Location: Baddeck
Enjoy live performances of comedies like “The Fly Fisher’s Companion” and “The Company Store” in a charming theatre setting.

Four Old Broads on the High Seas

Date: June 1
Location: Louisbourg
Set sail with the Foggy View Players in this comedic play by Leslie Kimbell. Join the adventurous crew from Magnolia Place on a cruise filled with laughter, mystery and unexpected twists. Audience participation is encouraged—dress in your best tourist attire! Tickets are $15. For reservations, call 902-733-2996 or text 902-574-0823.

Little Church in Big Baddeck Concert Series

Date: June 14
Location: Big Baddeck
Experience an evening of blues and roots music with six-time ECMA winner Charlie A’Court in an intimate venue.

Whether you’re clapping along at a kitchen party, dancing at a community hall, or soaking up fiddle tunes by the ocean, Cape Breton Island offers unforgettable experiences rooted in tradition. June is more than just the start of summer here—it’s a musical homecoming, a celebration of who we are and where we come from. So grab your dancing shoes, bring your curiosity and let the music of the Island move you. We’ll see you on the dance floor.