(Please note: All  square dances are listed under the Events section of side menu.)

There can’t be too many countries in the world where a highway is named after a house party. But in Cape Breton, nothing could be more natural. There’s no place in the world that loves a party more, especially if a fiddler or two should happen to turn up. In Gaelic, ‘ceilidh’ (pronounced kay - lee) means “kitchen party” or informal gathering , so it’s perfectly fitting that one of the highways which snakes through Cape Breton’s fiddle country be called the Ceilidh Trail.

2010 schedule of ceilidhs & concerts is under construction.   Please check back soon.

Spring/Summer 2009:

Mabou Spring Concert

Mabou, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)
Date(s):  May 17

Concert features local musicians, dancers and singers.

Sunset Ceilidhs

Port Hood, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)
Date(s):  Mondays,  7pm - to be announced

On the outdoor stage by the sea, overlooking Port Hood Island.

On the grounds of the Al MacInnis Sports Centre. (Alternate

location:  Sports Centre Mezzanine)

Tuesday Night Ceilidhs

Mabou, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)
Date(s): Tuesdays, June – September
Mabou Community Hall. Traditional Cape Breton fiddle music. In-house musicians include fiddler, Karen Beaton, pianist, Joey Beaton & a guest fiddler each night. Every Tuesday night in July & August from 8 to 9:30 pm.
Admission: $6

Wednesday Night Ceilidhs

Judique, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)
Date(s): Wednesdays, July -  August
Judique Community Centre. Traditional Cape Breton fiddle music. In-house musicians include fiddler, Karen Beaton, pianist, Joey Beaton & a guest fiddler each night. Every Wednesday night

in July & August from 8 to 9:30 pm.
Admission: $6

Three Fiddler Concert, Ceilidh & Dance

Margaree Valley, Cabot Trail
Date(s): Wednesdays July & August and Fridays: June, September & October
"The Barn", Egypt Road, Margaree Valley. Best of Cape Breton fiddlers entertaining ceilidhs and family dances. Concert 8pm-10pm, Dance 10pm-12am.
Admission: $8/adults, $4/students.

Kitchen Ceilidhs, Every 2nd Wednesday

Glendale, Hwy 105 Trans Canada
Date(s): Every 2nd Wednesday, June - October

Ceilidhs held at the Father John Angus Rankin Cultural Centre.

Various musicians.  Start time 7pm

Thursday Night Ceilidhs

Inverness, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)
Date(s): Thursdays, June to September
Inverness Fire Hall. Ceilidhs held every Thursday night. Local entertainers perform. All traditional music. A non-profit event. All monies turned over to performers and the community.
Admission: $6

Come Home Celebrations

Glendale, Hwy 105 Trans Canada
July 11 & 12
10th Anniversary, Fr. John Angus Rankin Cultural Centre

53nd Annual Broad Cove Scottish Concert

Broad Cove, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)
Date(s): July 26  3pm
The 53rd Annual Broad Cove Scottish Concert on the grounds of St. Margaret of Scotland’s parish. Concert starts at 3pm. Largest outdoor Scottish concert in Cape Breton. Entertainment includes, piping, fiddlers, dancing & vocals, ample parking, canteen, washrooms, professional security. Always the last Sunday in July.
Broad Cove is located 3 km north of Inverness on Route 19, the Ceilidh Trail.

Annual Ceilidh on the Wharf

Mabou Coal Mines, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)
Date(s): Sunday, August
Located at Mabou Coal Mines. Take the Mabou Harbour Road off of Highway 19 in Mabou and follow the signs. Fun for the whole family. Runs from 1 to 4pm. Lots of local talent and musical entertainment, boat rides, and beautiful scenery all included in the price of admission. Canteen facilities on site.
Admission: $6, with reasonable family rates available.

Kintyre Farm Scottish Concert

Judique, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)
Date(s): Sunday, August    2pm
Outdoor Scottish concert at Kintyre Farm, River Denys Road, Judique. Featuring Judique’s and Inverness County’s famed fiddlers, singers, dancers, pipers and Celtic guitarists. Canteen, BBQ, washrooms and free parking. Pack a blanket or chairs & head for this scenic country farm setting. Following the concert head over to the Community Centre and take in a ceilidh from 7-9 pm and adult square dance 9 pm .  For information call 902 787 2434.

Inverness County Performance Venues:

Inverness County Centre for the Arts

Inverness, Ceilidh Trails (Highway Route 19)

For information on performances held at the centre

visit www.invernessarts.ca or call 902 258 - 2533

Strathspey Place Performance Centre

Mabou, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)

For more information visit  www.strathspeyplace.com

or call 902 945 - 5300

Celtic Music Interpretive Centre

Judique, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)

For more informaion visit  www.celtimusicsite.com

or call 902 787 - 2708

Place des arts Pere Anselme Chiasson

Cheticamp, Cabot Trail

For more information visit www.festivallescaouette.com/conseildesarts

Tél : (902) 224-2642

Celtic Colours Concerts

Cape Breton Island Wide
Date(s):  October 9 - 17
Artists and venues to be announced July 2009.

Check website www.celtic-colours.com