Throughout our website and literature you will often see the word "ceilidh". This word is pronounced  'kay - lee'.  Ceilidh is a Gaelic word.  Translated into English it means visit, informal gathering, or “kitchen party” usually with a mix of traditional fiddle and piano music, guitar, step dance and singing.  Be sure to fit at least one ceilidh into your visit to Inverness County!

Inverness County’s Summer/Fall Events Brochure publishes a brochure with festival schedules, special events, dances, concerts & ceilidhs and outdoor events.  These brochures will also be available at all visitor information centres on Cape Breton Island  in May.  Click here to request a copy with the Sunset Side of Cape Breton visitors guide.

There's a new festival in town!!  "Right Some Good" is a foodie adventure festival taking place across Cape Breton Island in late August - early September. 

Scroll down to August for more details on two locations in Inverness County.  Tickets on sale now!  For island-wide details go to www.rightsomegood.ca

JULY:

NE Margaree Firefighter’s Fun Days

NE Margaree, Cabot Trail
Date(s): June 30 - July 3, 2011

Community celebration includes variety concert at Cranton's Crossroads Community Centre, parade, children’s activities, ball tournament, adult dance and duck race.  Fun for the whole family!

Festival De L'Escaouette

Cheticamp, Cabot Trail
Date(s): July 1 – August 28, 2011

Le Festival de l'Escaouette is the only Acadian summer festival in Inverness County. It is a celebration of Acadian culture and traditions in the Acadian region of Chéticamp. This year Cheticamp will be commemorating the 225th anniversary of Chéticamp will a special concert and activities. We hope these festivities will provide an opportunity to discover our cultural heritage, to renew old acquaintances and to develop closer bonds of friendship.

Information 902-224-2642 / 902-224-1876 or www.festivallescaouette.com

Lake Ainslie Firemen's Ceilidh Days

Scotsville, Highway 395 Date(s): July 4 - 9, 2011

On the grounds of the Lake Ainslie Fire Hall, located near beautiful Lake Ainslie. Activities include an adult square dance, merchandise bingo, a pub night featuring local talent, Maragh & Ham supper, parade, followed by fun and games.

Frolig A'Bhraigh - Glendale Come Home Days

Date(s): July 9 - 10, 2011

Port Hood Annual Lobster Picnic

Port Hood, Ceilidh Trail (Hwy 19)
Date(s): July 9, 2011

Email: lobsterpicnic@hotmail.com

Website: www.porthood.ca

Phone: 902 787 - 3050

Come bring your whole family to our 3rd Annual Lobster Picnic. The picnic will take place on the grounds of the Al MacInnis Sports Centre "by-the-sea".  Take a boat or zodiac tour to Port Hood Island or just sit back and listen to the Ceilidh, all while taking in ur beautiful breath taking scenery. Lots to do for the whole family, including children's games, horseshoe tournament, tug-of-war, boat tours, musical entertainment, a farmers market and of course delicious lobster! A day designed for all ages!!

Whycocomagh Summer Festival

Whycocomagh, Bras d’Or Lakes Scenic Drive (Highway 105 TC)

Date(s): July 11 - 17, 2011
Situated at the head of the Bras d'Or Lakes, it is ideal for water activities, boat tours and ceilidhs featuring traditional Scottish and Mi'kmaq talent. There are ceilidhs, milling frolic, ances, canoe races, ball, hockey, soccer tournaments, street fair, street parade, bike

challenge and concert. For more information on specific events call 756-2617.

Mabou Ceilidh Festival

Mabou, Ceilidh Trail (Hwy Route 19)
Date(s): July 21 - 24, 2011
Various activities throughout the community including teen dance, outdoor family movie, boat parade, square dance, road race, street parade, ecumenical service, children’s games, old fashioned tea, outdoor gala, crafts, beer garden, milling frolic,open mic/jam ession, farmer's market, Pioneer Mass, roast beef dinner, and special concert at Strathspey Place to wrap the week's activities. 

Inverness Gathering

Inverness, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19)
Date(s): July 25 -31, 2011

This lovely community by-the-sea celebrates their annual week long festival with fun for all ages. Dances, street parade, children’s activities, golf tournament, special art exhibit, princess pageant, casino night, fishermen’s picnic on the waterfront, pancake breakfast, pecial horse races and much more. Something for the whole family! Take a stroll on the local boardwalk, beachcomb for mermaid tears along the sandy beaches and experience some of Inverness County's awesome sunset's.  Broad Cove's outdoor, scottish concert rounds out the week on Sunday July 31.

Belle Cote Days

Belle Cote, Cabot Trail
Date(s): July 27 - 31, 2011
Where the Margaree River meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this coastal community elebrates their annual community festival the last week of July. Activities include a golf and horseshoe tournament, senior's card plays, triathlon, ecumenical service and outdoor concert, seniors card play, crab & corn boil, and wraps up on Sunday with a Chicken BBQ.

Annual Broad Cove Scottish Concert (55th!)

Broad Cove, Ceilidh Trail, (Highway Route 19

Date:  Sunday, July 31, 2011  3pm

Open air concert.  The people of Broad Cove invite you to celebrate their 55th Annual road Cove Scottish Concert. On the grounds of St. Margaret's Parish just off Route 19, the Ceilidh Trail, 3km north of Inverness.  The best of Scottish talent including violins, stepdancing, singing, highland dancing and much more. Ample parking, canteen, washrooms, professional security. Always the last Sunday in July.  Tickets at the gate only.

AUGUST:

Chestico Days Summer Festival

Port Hood, Ceilidh Trail (Highway Route 19) Date(s): August 2 - 7, 2011
Week-long summer festival with events such as golf tournament , horse race, road race, dances, concerts, ceilidhs, BBQ, beer gardens, boat and street parades, boat rides, lobster supper, games, fireworks, dancing festival, traditional Celtic music, children's clown show, sand sculpture competition, beach volleyball tournament, food and craft show, strong man competition, and teen dance.  The festival wraps up with fireworks on Sunday at dusk.

Dancing Festival - Sunday, August 6

Margaree Summer Festival

Margaree Forks, Cabot Trail
Date(s): August 6, 2011
Don't miss a unique and entertaining event "Anything That Floats" race at Doyles Bridge, judging of floats, canoe race, BBQ and live music. Bring the whole family. Lots of fun for all ages!

August 13 - Outdoor dance on the library grounds

Marble Mountain Annual Family Festival and Poker Run

Marble Mountain, Bras d'or Lakes Scenic Drive (off Hwy 105 TransCanada)Date(s):  August 12 -14, 2011

Marble Mountain is a small picturesque village that perches high above Clark Cove on the Bras d'Or Lakes between Port Hawkesbury and the 105 Trans Canada Hwy.  Games Night at the Marble Mountain Communty Hall on Friday. On Saturday enjoy a day at the beautiful marble chip beach and treat the family to a Potluck Supper at the Community Hall.  Take in games night, potluck supper and on Sunday the Poker Run begins at noon at the Marble Mountain Wharf with family day all day long.  A great time for the whole family.  Events sponsored by the Marble Mountain Wharf Preservations Society.

Judique On the Floor Days

Judique, Ceilidh Trail (Hwy Route 19)
Date(s): August 19 - 21, 2011

Judique Recreation Grounds, River Denys Rd. Activities include the amazing race, street parade, children’s games, barbeque dinner, pub and softball tournament. Outdoor dances at the tennis court (19 and over – IDs required) both Friday and Saturday night. In case of inclement weather, dances will be held at the Judique Community Centre. The weekend wraps up with the Kintyre Farm Outdoor Scottish Concert on Sunday, August 21 at Kintyre Farm on River Denys Road.  Concert time is 2 pm.  Ample parking, canteen, washhrooms available. Tickets at the gate.  

Right Some Good!

Judique, Ceilidh Trail (Hwy Route 19)

Date: August 25, 2011

Judique Community Centre

5473 Highway 19

Judique, NS

B0E 1P0

Judique Community Centre – Celtic Explosion

Join us for an ocean-side shindig as we kick-off this extraordinary ten day foodie adventure in true Celtic style! Arrive early to explore the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre next door where you’ll learn about the traditional roots of Celtic music. Then get ready to experience an evening of true Maritime hospitality! Be sure to wear your dancing shoes and get ready for the spirited fiddle, piano, guitar and percussion of the Colin Grant Band. Trace the deep roots of Cape Breton Island’s Celtic music as you dine and dance the night away in this incredible community venue. Judique is located on the scenic Ceilidh Trail, where you’ll find rugged coastlines and friendly people, and where tradition comes alive right before your eyes.

www.rightsomegood.ca

Right Some Good!

Date: August 27, 2011

Orangedale Train Station

Orangedale Road (Exit 4 from Hwy 105 the Trans Canada Hwy),

Orangedale, Cape Breton Nova Scotia

Orangedale Train Station – VIP Boarding

A once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of Canada’s railway history! Pack your bags for a VIP culinary experience in an iconic and lovingly restored train station the community saved from demolition. This incredible 125-year-old building celebrates the legacy of Canada’s railroad in Cape Breton. Located in the small farming and fishing village of Orangedale, founded by the Orangemen in 1886, this Victorian-era two-storey structure became the preferred stop for many passengers heading to and from northern Cape Breton. Be sure to arrive early to explore the station and the century-old caboose. Listen closely and you’ll hear the echo of the Rankin Family refrain, “Some things stay and some things go, but the Orangedale whistle will always blow.” More importantly, after your high end 5-course meal you’ll be entertained by the songs and stories of the talented Norma MacDonald. So, bring your appetite and a little bit of wanderlust to this travel-themed, premiere event!

www.rightsomegood.ca

SEPTEMBER:

Glencoe Day

Glencoe Mills, Ceilidh Trail (Highway  Route 19)
Date(s): September 4, 2011
Glencoe Mills Parish Hall. Community celebration with games of chance, horseshoes, Mass at St. Joseph's followed by a dinner and square dance at the Glencoe Mills Hall.

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West Bay Road Fall Fair

West Bay Road, off the TransCanada Highway 105
Dates: September 16& 18, 2011

Variety concert, parade, games of chance, bingo, bounce a round, clown, cotton candy followed by a pork chop BBQ at the West Bay Road Fire Hall.

Celtic Colours International Music Festival

Cape Breton Island Wide
Date(s): October 7 - 15, 2011

Website: www.celtic-colours.com or Call 1 877 - 285 - 2321
You are invited to experience the only living Celtic culture in North America! Now in its 14th year, Celtic Colours is a Cape Breton, Nova Scotia Island-wide festival featuring approximately 44 performances over nine days as well as a nightly festival club. Each year, over 300 artists from all over the Celtic world, including Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Brittan, Spain and Canada perform at over 30 venues around the Island, with several in Inverness County alone. Besides the nightly events, there is a school program, visual arts series and a full schedule of workshops that allow the visitor to be an active participant in the Celtic culture.