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Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events

From the rhythmic pulse of céilidhs, theatre and live music to the rugged thrill of guided hikes and coastal adventures, Cape Breton Island’s culture takes center stage. Savour the Island through harvest events and local markets, or explore our Mi’kmaq, Gaelic and Acadian roots at galleries and artisan shows. Whether joining a seasonal festival, community sport or hands-on workshop, you will find a welcoming spirit where every event makes you feel like a local.

147 Results

man on stage playing guitar and singing
Featured

May

14

Open Stage with Brian Cathcart at Daniel’s Taphouse

Sydney & Area

Oct 2 – Dec 18

text
Featured

Sep

04

13th Acoustic Roots Festival at Two Rivers Wildlife Park

Louisbourg & Area

Sep 4 – Sep 6

Poster

May

09

Célébration Isle Madame – Acadiaville Community Centre

Isle Madame

May 9

Exterior of Building

May

09

Sydney Public Market

Sydney & Area

Apr 18 – May 1

painting of two men on a sailboat

May

09

Saturday Afternoon Fiddle Matinee at the Doryman

Chéticamp & Area

Aug 16 – May 30

Poster

May

09

from
$15

Célébration Isle Madame – Janvrin’s Island Community Centre

Isle Madame

May 9

fiddler and piano player plauing to a crowd in a pub setting

May

09

from
$5

Céilidh Matinee at the Frolic’n Folk

Iona & Area

Feb 8 – Dec 19

Poster

May

09

from
$25

Célébration Isle Madame – La Picasse Cultural Community Centre

Isle Madame

May 9

Poster

May

10

from
$12

Célébration Isle Madame – D’Escousse Civic Improvement Society Hall

Isle Madame

May 10

man and woman onstage playing fiddle and piano for dancers offstage

May

10

Sunday Ceilidhs at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre

Judique

Mar 22 – Dec 6

a group of people playing musical instruments

May

10

Trad Sessions at the Doryman

Chéticamp & Area

Aug 17 – May 31

text

May

10

Open Mic at The Club

Sydney & Area

Jan 4 – May 31

poster

May

10

from
$30

Célébration Isle Madame – Little Anse-Samson Cove Social Action Center

Isle Madame

May 10

an assortment of lego bricks

May

12

Lego Tuesday at the North Sydney Library

North Sydney & Sydney Mines Area

Jan 27 – Dec 29

knitting and a cup of tea

May

12

Knitting Group at the New Waterford Library

Glace Bay & Area

Jan 27 – May 26

a man playing guitar next to a christmnas tree in a pub setting

May

12

Open Mikey at Governors Pub & Eatery

Sydney & Area

Mar 4 – May 26

illustration of people sitting at a table with with tea

May

13

Tea & Trivia at the New Waterford Library

Glace Bay & Area

Jan 28 – May 27

text with a graphic of a record

May

13

Wednesday Night Blues Jam at The Club

Sydney & Area

Dec 18 – May 27

text

May

13

Wednesday Sessions at the Admiral

Port Hood

Jun 4 – May 27

large crowd of people playing instruments

May

13

The Kimberley Fraser Sessions at the Old Triangle

Sydney & Area

Aug 27 – May 27

people on stage playing instruments and dancing

May

13

Wednesday Ceilidhs at Colaisde na Gàidhlig

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

Aug 20 – May 27

image with text

May

13

Unplugged Open Mic at the Diamond with Shane O’Handley

Sydney & Area

Apr 2 – May 27

yarn and knitting

May

14

Fibre Lunch at the North Sydney Library

North Sydney & Sydney Mines Area

Jan 29 – Dec 17

a man playing guitar

May

14

Daniel Leblanc at The Island Nest

Isle Madame

Jan 22 – May 28

a group of people playing fiddles gathered around a piano

May

14

Traditional Thursday Session at the Blue Mist

Bras d'Or & Boularderie Area

Jan 9 – Jun 25

illustrations of various crafts

May

15

Friday Crafternoon at the Baddeck Public Library

Baddeck & Area

Jan 23 – Dec 19

Poster

May

16

Mary Frances at Big Spruce

Baddeck & Area

May 16

Poster

May

16

Music at Mayflower Mall celebrating ECMA 2026

Sydney & Area

May 16

Poster

May

16

from
$1

“Buth-obrach Orain Ghaidhlig”

Iona & Area

May 2 – May 30

Poster

May

17

Daytime DJ at Highwheeler Cafe

Baddeck & Area

May 17

Poster

May

18

Road to the ECMAs – First Stop Eskasoni First Nation

Eskasoni

May 18

text with a stylized illustration of cape breton island

May

20

2026 East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference

Sydney & Area, Membertou

May 20 – May 25

Poster

May

20

Gateway to the ECMA Stage Presented by J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport

Glace Bay & Area

May 20

Poster

May

20

ECMA All-Star Charity Basketball Game

Sydney & Area

May 20

Poster

May

20

from
$44

ECMA 2026 Kickoff Party Presented by Atlantic Lottery

Sydney & Area

May 20

Poster

May

20

Flocase

Sydney & Area

May 20 – May 24

Poster

May

21

from
$20

Canadian Music East Coast Style: Thursday Export Showcase

Sydney & Area

May 21

Poster

May

21

The 38th East Coast Music Awards Red Carpet Presented by Rogers

Sydney & Area

May 21

Poster

May

21

from
$69

The 38th East Coast Music Awards Gala Presented by Rogers

Sydney & Area

May 21

Poster

May

21

from
$15

ECMA Full Volume Late Night Showcase

Sydney & Area

May 21 – May 22

Poster

May

21

from
$15

ECMA Kindred Voices Showcase

Sydney & Area

May 21 – May 22

Poster

May

21

ECMA Rocking Cape Breton

Sydney & Area

May 21 – May 22

Poster

May

22

Songs & Stories Stage

Sydney & Area

May 22

Poster

May

22

from
$20

Canadian Music East Coast Style: Export Showcase Presented by TIXR

Sydney & Area

May 22

Poster

May

22

ECMA Jazz Showcase Presented by Cape Breton Beverages

Membertou

May 22

Poster

May

22

from
$25

ECMA Friday Concert

Sydney & Area

May 22

Fall

May

22

Deep Space Stargazing at Grand River with Stan Williams

St Peter's & Area

May 22

Poster

May

22

from
$25

ECMA Black Vibes Showcase Presented by ANSMA

Sydney & Area

May 22

Poster

May

22

from
$20

ECMA Friday Songbook Showcase

Sydney & Area

May 22 – May 23

Poster

May

22

from
$20

ECMA Riffs & Rebels Showcase Presented by HOT 101.9

Sydney & Area

May 22 – May 23

Poster

May

22

from
$20

ECMA Hip Hop Showcase

Sydney & Area

May 22 – May 23

Falls

May

23

Guided Hike to Lower North River Falls and Uisge Ban Falls

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

May 23

Poster

May

23

Dairy Farmers of Canada ECMA Fan Fest

Sydney & Area

May 23

Poster

May

23

from
$20

ECMA Blues Matinee Presented by East Coast Blues Society

Sydney & Area

May 23

Poster

May

23

from
$25

ECMA Classical Showcase Presented by Canadian Music Centre and Debut Atlantic

Sydney & Area

May 23

Poster

May

23

ECMA Queer Brunch Presented by Pride Cape Breton

Sydney & Area

May 23

Waterfall

May

23

Waterfall Season Seniors Hike to MacIntosh Brook Falls

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

May 23

Poster

May

23

from
$20

Canadian Music East Coast Style: Export Showcase

Sydney & Area

May 23

Poster

May

23

Celtic Cousins Stage Presented by ECMA, Showcase Scotland, Cultural Ireland & Wales Arts International

Membertou

May 23

Poster

May

23

ECMA Rocks Presented by Nova Scotia Loyal

Sydney & Area

May 23

Poster

May

23

from
$25

Moncton 2027 Spotlight Stage Sponsored by the City of Moncton

Sydney & Area

May 23

Poster

May

23

from
$25

ECMA Voices & Melodies

Sydney & Area

May 23 – May 24

Poster

May

23

ECMA Indigenous Showcase Presented by Membertou First Nation and Eskasoni First Nation

Membertou

May 23 – May 24

Poster

May

23

from
$20

ECMA Saturday Songbook Showcase

Sydney & Area

May 23 – May 24

Poster

May

23

ECMA Country Showcase Presented by New Country 103.5

Sydney & Area

May 23 – May 24

Poster

May

23

from
$20

ECMA Vibes Presented by NS Spirit Co

Sydney & Area

May 23 – May 24

Poster

May

24

from
$44

38th East Coast Music & Industry Awards Presented by Needs

Membertou

May 24

Falls

May

24

Medicine Walk to Greenlink Rotary Trail Falls with Jeff Ward

Sydney & Area

May 24

Poster

May

24

from
$54

SOCAN Songwriters’ Circle Presented by Midland

Membertou

May 24

Poster

May

25

from
$60

The Alan Jackson Experience

Glace Bay & Area

May 25

snapshots featuring gaming, cosplay, and vendors with text and logos

May

29

from
$5

CaperCon 2026 at Centre 200

Sydney & Area

May 29 – May 31

Gairloch

May

30

Guided Hike to Gairloch Mountain Falls and Egypt Falls

Margarees

May 30

Paint

May

30

Plein Air Painting at Beulach Ban Falls with Emily Madinsky

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

May 30

Concert

May

30

Waterfall Season Concert at Egypt Falls with Rose Morrison and Graham Marshall

Margarees

May 30

closeup shots of people playing bass, guitar and drums

May

30

3 Way Stop at Carriage House

Port Hawkesbury & Area

Jan 24 – Jan 1

Waterfall

May

31

Live Life in Tents – Waterfall Season hike to North River Falls

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

May 31

Moon

May

31

Grand Mother Moon at Still Brook Falls with Mary Louise Bernard

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

May 31

Poster

Jun

04

from
$45

Jeff Leeson: Only Gonna Say This Once Tour

Glace Bay & Area

Jun 4

Cape North Farmers’ Market

Jun

06

Cape North Farmers’ Market

North Highlands

Jun 6 – Oct 10

yoga

Jun

06

Yoga at Embree’s Brook Falls

Port Hawkesbury & Area

Jun 6

Falls

Jun

06

Waterfall Season – Guided Hike to Still Brook Falls and Jack Pine Trail

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Jun 6

closeup shots of people playing bass, guitar and drums

Jun

06

3 Way Stop at the Main Event

Glace Bay & Area

Jan 10 – Dec 27

Waterfall

Jun

07

Live Life in Tents – Waterfall Season Hike to Fiset Falls

Chéticamp & Area

Jun 7

Mabou Farmers’ Market

Jun

07

Mabou Farmers’ Market
4.4

Mabou & Area

Jun 7 – Oct 11

photo

Jun

07

Medicine Walk to McNaughton’s Falls with Loretta Isadore

Baddeck & Area, Whycocomagh & Area

Jun 7

a building with flowers in the foreground

Jun

07

The Louisbourg Market

Louisbourg & Area

May 4 – Dec 6

text superimposed on a choir singing

Jun

10

Men of the Deeps at the Miners Museum

Glace Bay & Area

Jun 10 – Sep 16

kids dancing in a circle outside

Jun

11

Roots to Boots Festival des Racines et Bottines in Chéticamp

Chéticamp & Area

Jun 11 – Jun 15

Poster

Jun

12

from
$18

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.

Glace Bay & Area

Jun 12 – Jun 13

Poster

Jun

12

from
$44

The Little Church Concert Series – Lynn Miles

Baddeck & Area

Jun 12

Poster

Jun

13

Inverness Sea Glass Festival

Inverness

Jun 13

falls

Jun

13

Waterfall Season Closing Concert at Lower North River Falls

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

Jun 13

Poster

Jun

13

from
$30

Island Speed & Style Car Show

Membertou

Jun 13

Baddeck Gathering Céilidh

Jun

13

Baddeck Gathering Céilidh

Baddeck & Area

Jun 13 – Oct 18

Mary Ann

Jun

14

Watefall Season Group Hike – Mary Ann Falls Trail Grand Opening

Ingonish & Area

Jun 14

a group of people playing musical instruments

Jun

14

Cape Breton Celtic Trad Sessions at the Frolic

Iona & Area

Jun 22 – Dec 27

3 men posed with musical instruments

Jun

19

3 Way Stop at the Ashby Legion

Sydney & Area

Jan 17 – Dec 4

Crystals

Jun

21

Summer Solstice Magick Market

Mabou & Area

Jun 21

Poster

Jun

21

from
$59

Green River Revival – A CCR Tribute Concert Experience with Opening Act BORN WILD, the Steppenwolf Story

Glace Bay & Area

Jun 21

Exterior of Building

Jun

24

from
$15

The KitchenFest! Wednesday Night Ceilidh Tune Up

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

Jun 24

KitchenFest! | Feis a Chidsin!

Jun

26

KitchenFest! | Feis a Chidsin!

Port Hood, St Peter's & Area, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Judique, Sydney & Area, North Highlands, Port Hawkesbury & Area, Mabou & Area, Baddeck & Area, Margarees, Bras d'Or & Boularderie Area, Whycocomagh & Area, North Sydney & Sydney Mines Area, Louisbourg & Area, St. Ann's Bay & North Shore, Chéticamp & Area, Inverness, Glace Bay & Area

Jun 27 – Jul 5

Fiddler

Jun

26

from
$20

Blas Math Lunchtime Céilidh

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

Jun 26

Fiddler

Jun

26

from
$12

Getting Primed: Afternoon Pub at the College

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

Jun 26

Milling Frolic

Jun

26

Milling Frolic at the Highland Village

Iona & Area

Jun 26

Fiddler

Jun

26

from
$10

Pub Night at Daniel’s Alehouse

Sydney & Area

Jun 26

Fiddler

Jun

26

from
$15

KitchenFest! Pub Night at the Admiral Lounge

Port Hood

Jun 26

Fiddler

Jun

26

from
$17

KitchenFest! Pub Night at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn

St Peter's & Area

Jun 26

Music

Jun

26

from
$15

KitchenFest! Pub Night at the Red Shoe

Mabou & Area

Jun 26

Poster

Jun

26

from
$22

The ‘Old Time’ Concert

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

Jun 26

Music

Jun

26

from
$20

Concert at the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre

Whycocomagh & Area

Jun 26

Guitar

Jun

26

from
$2

KitchenFest! Concert at the Normaway Inn

Margarees

Jun 26

Grandmother Moon at Freshwater Lake

Jun

27

Grandmother Moon at Freshwater Lake

Ingonish & Area

Jun 27

West Mabou Family Square Dances

Jun

27

West Mabou Family Square Dances

Mabou & Area

Jun 14 – Oct 11

Mabou Tuesday Night Ceilidhs

Jun

30

Mabou Tuesday Night Ceilidhs

Mabou & Area

Jun 30 – Aug 18

text

Jun

30

Port Hawkesbury Ceilidh at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre

Port Hawkesbury & Area

Jun 30 – Oct 6

text and pictures of three bands

Jun

30

KitchenFest! – The Big Bash: Signal Hill / Beech Hill / Coastline

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

Jun 30 – Jul 1

Acadian Evenings

Jul

01

Acadian Evenings

Chéticamp & Area

Jul 1 – Aug 26

text

Jul

01

Summer Concert Series at The Frolic and Folk Pub

Iona & Area

Jul 1 – Aug 26

three women sitting on the floor sharing a bottle

Jul

02

Theatre Baddeck Presents Myth of the Ostrich by Matt Murray

Baddeck & Area

Jul 2 – Jul 25

illustration of a an acoustic guitar headstock plus text

Jul

04

Summer Concert Series at Two Rivers Wildlife Park

Louisbourg & Area

Jul 4 – Aug 29

Ross Ferry Farm Gate Market

Jul

05

Ross Ferry Farm Gate Market

Bras d'Or & Boularderie Area

Jul 5 – Sep 27

an audience looks toward an outdoor stage at dusk

Jul

05

Granville Green in Port Hawkesbury

Port Hawkesbury & Area

Jul 5 – Aug 9

Central Park Ceilidhs in Port Hood

Jul

06

Central Park Ceilidhs in Port Hood

Port Hood

Jul 7 – Aug 31

audience in lawn chairs watching musicians on bandshell stage

Jul

09

Makin’ Waves at Wentworth Park Bandshell

Sydney & Area

Jul 9 – Aug 6

The Little Church Concert Series – Dave Gunning & Mark Lang

Jul

17

from
$51

The Little Church Concert Series – Dave Gunning & Mark Lang

Baddeck & Area

Jul 17

Mabou School of Cape Breton Step Dance

Jul

20

Mabou School of Cape Breton Step Dance

Mabou & Area

Jul 21 – Jul 24

Sydney Mines Heritage Festival

Jul

24

Sydney Mines Heritage Festival

North Sydney & Sydney Mines Area

Jul 24

crowd gathered in front of outdoor stage

Jul

26

70th Broad Cove Scottish Concert

Jul 26

Grandmother Moon at Broad Cove Beach

Jul

28

Grandmother Moon at Broad Cove Beach

Jul 28

festival mascot dressed in hat and acadian themed t-shirt

Jul

30

Festival de l’Escaouette in Chéticamp

Chéticamp & Area

Jul 30 – Aug 3

a man and woman in formal dress with glasses of champagne looking very unhappy against a backdrop of celebratory balloons

Aug

06

Theatre Baddeck presents The Golden Anniversaries by Mark Crawford

Baddeck & Area

Aug 6 – Sep 4

Poster

Aug

07

from
$25

A Century of Music – The Barra MacNeils

Chéticamp & Area

Aug 7 – Aug 8

Poster

Aug

11

from
$45

Donair: The Musical

Glace Bay & Area

Aug 11

five people gathered around an upright piano playing musical instruments

Aug

11

from
$50

Barra MacNeils 40th Anniversary Tour at The HAT

Sydney & Area

Aug 11

Star Party at Mkwesaqtuk / Cap-Rouge

Aug

12

Star Party at Mkwesaqtuk / Cap-Rouge

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Aug 12

Star Party at Bog Trail

Aug

13

Star Party at Bog Trail

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Aug 13

Star Party at Black Brook

Aug

14

Star Party at Black Brook

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Aug 14

The Little Church Concert Series – John McDermott with Drew Jurecka & Jason Fowler

Aug

15

from
$68

The Little Church Concert Series – John McDermott with Drew Jurecka & Jason Fowler

Baddeck & Area

Aug 15

illustration of carnival rides with text

Aug

19

The Cape Breton Exhibition

North Sydney & Sydney Mines Area

Aug 19 – Aug 22

Grandmother Moon at Chéticamp Campground

Aug

28

Grandmother Moon at Chéticamp Campground

Chéticamp & Area

Aug 28

The Little Church Concert Series – Valdy

Sep

10

from
$50

The Little Church Concert Series – Valdy

Baddeck & Area

Sep 10

Candles

Sep

20

Autumn Equinox Magick Market

Mabou & Area

Sep 20

blue and green logo on white background

Oct

09

Celtic Colours International Festival

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

Oct 9 – Oct 18

Candles

Oct

25

Samhain Magick Market

Mabou & Area

Oct 25

The Little Church Concert Series – Harry Manx

Nov

20

from
$44

The Little Church Concert Series – Harry Manx

Baddeck & Area

Nov 20

poster

Nov

27

from
$1

Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

Glace Bay & Area

Nov 27 – Nov 29

Poster

Live Music at Ziggy’s Pub & Grill

Sydney & Area

Mar 7

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