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.

JULY:

Festival De L'Escaouette

Cheticamp, Cabot Trail
Date(s): July 1 – August 30, 2010
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

NE Margaree Firefighter’s Fun Days

NE Margaree, Cabot Trail
Date(s): July 2 - 4, 2010

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!

Lake Ainslie Firemen's Ceilidh Days

Scotsville, Highway 395
Date(s): July 5 - 10, 2010

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.

Port Hood Annual Lobster Picnic

Port Hood, Ceilidh Trail (Hwy 19)
Date(s): July 10, 2010

Email: lobsterpicnic@hotmail.com

Website: www.porthood.ca

Phone: 902 787 - 2083

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 our 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 12 - 18, 2010
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, dances, canoe races, ball, hockey, soccer tournaments, street fair, street parade and concert. For more information on specific events call 756-2617.

Mabou Ceilidh Festival

Mabou, Ceilidh Trail (Hwy Route 19)
Date(s): July 14 - 18, 2010
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 session, 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 19 - 24, 2010

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, special 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.

Belle Cote Days

Belle Cote, Cabot Trail
Date(s): July 21 - 25, 2010
Where the Margaree River meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this coastal community celebrates 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, seafood chowder, and wraps up on Sunday with a Chicken BBQ.

Annual Broad Cove Scottish Concert

Broad Cove, Ceilidh Trail, (Highway Route 19

Date:  Sunday, July 25, 2010  3pm

Open air concert.  The people of Broad Cove invite you to celebrate their 53rd Annual Broad 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): July 27 - August 1, 2010
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, July 31

Dance Friday Night:  Matt Anderson

Dance Saturday Night:  Crossfire

Margaree Summer Festival

Margaree Forks, Cabot Trail
Date(s): August 7, 2010
Don't miss a unique and entertaining event "Anything That Floats" race at Doyles's Bridge, judging of floats, canoe race, BBQ and live music. Bring the whole family. Lots of fun for all ages!

Marble Mountain Annual Family Festival and Poker Run

Marble Mountain, Bras d'or Lakes Scenic Drive (off Hwy 105 TransCanada)

Date(s):  August 6 - 8, 2010

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 12 - 15, 2010

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 15 at Kintyre Farm on River Denys Road.  Concert time is 2 pm.  Ample parking, canteen, washrooms available. Tickets at the gate.

SEPTEMBER:

Glencoe Day

Glencoe Mills, Ceilidh Trail (Highway  Route 19)
Date(s): September 5, 2010
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 24 & 25, 2010

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 8 - 16, 2010

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 13th 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.