Festivals & Events
No matter when you plan to visit, festivals and events celebrate the region's culture all year round. From Maple and Tulip Festivals in the spring, theatre and community festivals in the summer, fall colors and Oktoberfest in the fall, and a Christmas Festival in the winter - there is always a reason to celebrate when visiting Central Nova Scotia!
If you have an upcoming event that you would like listed on Central Nova Scotia, please Contact Us with the details and we will add it as soon as possible. You can also check for province-wide festival & events on novascotia.com
Quicklinks: May 2008 | June 2008 to December 2008
May 2008
Truro Farmer's Market
When: May 17, 2008 to October 25, 2008
Town: Truro
Location: Downtown core
Details: Every week on Saturday morning you can find fresh produces, baked good, crafts and much more.
Tonveta's Classic Country Music
When: May 31, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm
Town: Sherbrooke
Location: Lions Community Hall
Cost: $20.00
Details: Join Don Haggart and Kevin Beanland for an evening of great music. Phone (902) 686-3876 for tickets.
June 2008 to December 2008
Ravenous for Rhubarb
When: June 13, 2008 to June 15, 2008
Town: Stewiacke
Location: Town of Stewiacke
Details: Bring your family and friends and enjoy the many different delights of rhubarb! Local businesses and organizations will be hosting events like dances, teas and competitions that will offer everything rhubarb including drinks, sweets, plants and other delights that will be for testing and sale. Visit www.stewiacke.net for more details.
Ride the Lobster International Unicycle Race
When: June 16, 2008 to June 20, 2008
Town: Glooscap-Sunrise Trail Stage - June 19th
Location: Province wide
Presented By: RTL Racing Society
Details: A unique 800 km unicycle race compiled of elite athletes from around the world, with relay teams passing through picturesque countryside and coasal communities throughout Nova Scotia. Interest is expected to be high and attract global attention! Visit www.ridethelobster.com for more information.
Gallery 215 Opening & Dessert Tea
When: June 22, 2008
Town: Selma
Location: Gallery 215
Details: Galley 215 opens for the season and welcomes contributing artists, community residents and visitors to the launch of the season.
Tonveta's Classic Country Music
When: June 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm
Town: Sackville NB
Location: Mount Allison University
Cost: $25.00
Details: Join Don Haggart and Kevin Beanland for an evening of great music. Tickets can be purchased at Brenton Auditorium at the University.
Canada Day Celebrations
When: July 1, 2008
Time: 10:30 am - 5 pm
Town: Bible Hill
Location: NS Provincial Exhibition grounds
Presented By: The Village of Bible Hill
Details: Canada Day Parade in Bible Hill starting at 10:30 am and then a Family event fron noon until 5:00 at the NSPE grounds.
57th Annual Gathering of the Clans & Canada Day Celebrations
When: July 1, 2008
Time: 10 am - 10 pm
Town: Pugwash
Location: Village of Pugwash
Details: Come to Pugwash and enjoy a good ol' fashioned Highland Festival. The Grand Parade starts at 10 am followed by Pipes and Drums, Highland Dancing, Midway, Games and all day entertainment in Eaton Park on the waterfront. Fireworks at 10 pm.
Live Theatre and Concerts
When: July 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008
Town: Parrsboro
Location: Ship's Company Theatre
Presented By: Ship's Company Theatre
Details: Main Stage, Second Stage, Concert Series, Reading Series, Kid's Stage and Drame Camps. Visit www.shipscompany.com for more information or call 1-800-565-SHOW.
Not Since Moses
When: July 5, 2008
Town: Five Islands
Location: Five Islands
Details: Do a 10K walk or 5K run on the ocean floor! Visit www.notsincemoses.com or email dick.lemon@gmail.com for more details.
Victorian Lavender Festival
When: July 12, 2008
Town: Marshville
Location: 147 Carlson Lane, Hwy 6 Marshville
Presented By: Beach Lane Lavender Farm
Cost: Free
Details: Cpme celebrate with us the sites, smells and tastes of lavender. Enjoy live classical music, lavender u-pick, crafting with lavender, art exhibit & sale, lavender products and demonstrations. Visit www.lavendercanada.com for more info or e-mail carlsonlane@ns.sympatico.ca
Annual Community Garage and Yard Sale
When: July 12, 2008
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Town: Port Greville
Location: Highway 209
Presented By: The Shore Drive Community Development Association
Details: Yard sales, craft sales, outdoor barbeques (along the route). For more info call Sharon at 348-2105, Pat at 348-2140 or Gayle at 348-2245.
Strawberry Festival Dinner
When: July 12, 2008
Town: Port Greville
Location: FPW Hall
Presented By: The Shore Drive Community Development Association
Details: After you have garage saled, visit this annual dinner. An absolute must!
Scott Woods Concert
When: July 12, 2008
Time: 7 pm
Town: Port Greville
Location: Grace United Church
Presented By: The shore Drive Community Development Association
Details: Scott is the Canadian Fiddle Champion from Fergus, Ontario and travels North America with his band performing. Always a sell out, so reserve your seat by calling Sharon at 348-2105. Tickets also available at the door. Early arrival is advised.
Birds of a Feather
When: July 12, 2008
Town: Shubenacadie
Location: Wildlife Park
Cost: Regular Park Admission
Details: Learn interesting facts about birds. Take a guided nature trail hike, play some bird games and make a bird craft.
Vonetta's Lily Gardens
When: July 12, 2008
Time: 4:00 pm
Town: Millvale and Westchester
Location: Millvale and the Westchester Fire Hall
Cost: $35.00
Details: Enjoy a flower show in Millvale at 4:00 and then at 6:00 at the Westchester Fire Hall have dinner and an evening of classic country music with Don Haggart, Kevin Beanland and Paul Belanger. Phone (902) 686-3876 for tickets.
4th Annual Acoustic Maritime Music Festival
When: July 18, 2008 to July 20, 2008
Town: Kempt Shore
Location: Peterson's Festival Campground
Cost: $45/person advance, $50 /person at
Details: 3 day family event featuring Ron Hynes, Matt Andersen, Dave Gunning, Charlie A'Court, Terry Kelly, Irish Mythen, Amelia Curran, Ian Sherwood, John Simms, the Spinney Brothers, the Shaggy Dogs and more. Saturday afternoon workshops, Saturday morning open mic and Saturday afternoon Writers Circle. Visit www.novascotiabluegrass.com or call (902) 633-2535 for more information. Children 14 and under are free with parents.
Avondale Wharf Day
When: July 19, 2008
Town: Newport Landing
Location: Avon River Heritage Society
Details: Lively community celebration with activities for kids and adults. Musical entertainment and down home Hants County cooking. Visit www.avonriver.ca or call (902) 757-1718 for more information.
Tonveta's Strawberry Festival
When: July 19, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm
Town: Great Village
Location: Great Village Community Hall
Details: Enjoy an evening of great music from entertainers Paul Bellanger, Don Haggart, Wayne Petrie and Kevin Beanland. Phone (902) 686-3876 for tickets.
The Read by the Sea Literary Festival
When: July 19, 2008
Town: River John
Location: Legion Gardens
Cost: Free, donations welcome.
Details: For all the information you need please visit www.readbythesea.ca
Atlantic Grand Circuit Week
When: July 20, 2008 to July 27, 2008
Town: Bible Hill
Location: Truro Raceway, Ryland Avenue
Details: Five days of fast paced exciting and entertaining action showcasing the best horses in Atlantic Canada. Atlantic Sires Stakes, Frank and Beth Stanfield Memorial and the NSPE Exhibition Cup Golf Tournament, BBQS and dance.
HarbourFest '08
When: July 25, 2008 to July 27, 2008
Town: Pugwash
Location: waterfront
Details: Fun in the sun, sea and sand! Yacht racing, canoe/kayak racing, raft building/racing and much more.
Anne Murray Day
When: July 28, 2008
Town: Springhill
Location: Anne Murray Centre
Details: Call the Centre at (902) 597-8614 for more information.
Stewiacke Town Days
When: August 1, 2008 to August 3, 2008
Town: Stewiacke
Location: Downtown core
Presented By: Town of Stewiacke
Details: Come celebrate Stewiacke's birthday! Dance, baseball, a parade, games...something for everyone. For more information visit www.stewiacke.net or call (902) 639-2231
Dutch Mason Blues Festival
When: August 8, 2008 to August 10, 2008
Town: Bible Hill
Location: NS Provincial Exhibition grounds
Details: For more information contact (902) 893-9222
Nova Scotia's Gem and Mineral Show
When: August 15, 2008 to August 17, 2008
Time: 10 am - 7 pm except
Town: Parrsboro
Location: Lion's Rec Centre
Details: For more information please e-mail Carol at corbettc@gov.ns.ca
7th Annual Kempt Shore Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Festival
When: August 15, 2008 to August 17, 2008
Town: Kempt Shore
Location: Peterson's Festival Campground
Cost: $40/person advance, $45/person at t
Details: 3 day family event featuring 7 of the Maritimes best bands in bluegrass & oldtime music. Saturday morning workshops for banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass and song writers. Show starts at 5 pm on Firday and ends 3:30 pm on Sunday. Visit www.novascotiabluegrass.com or call (902) 633-2535 for more information.
Biodiversity Day
When: August 16, 2008
Town: Shubenacadie
Location: Wildlife Park
Cost: Regular Park Admission
Details: How many species are in and aorund the park? Take a guided nature trail hike, have a scavenger hunt and explore the pond fauna.
Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition
When: August 19, 2008 to August 23, 2008
Town: Bible Hill
Location: Truro Raceway, Ryland Avenue
Details: Family fun for everyone. Livestock shows, top quality local and national entertainment, homemaking and craft events, light horse competitions, antique museum events, demolition derby and the midway.
Maritime Kite and Kayak Festival
When: August 23, 2008 to August 24, 2008
Town: Pictou
Location: Pictou Lodge Resort
Details: A Celebration of wind and water, this 2 day event will include lots of activities related to kayaking and kite flying. It will tickle your child hood again and bring back memories, not to mention how spectacular the kite flying demonstration and kayak know-how of our experts! Don't miss out on this unique festival! If you have been thinking about kayaking or kite flying, this is the place to be this weekend!
Pugwash Volunteer Fire Dept's Annual Mackerel Fishing Tournament
When: August 23, 2008 to August 24, 2008
Town: Pugwash
Location: Pugwash
Details: Pancake breakfast, weigh-in with prizes and social evening. Proceeds will go to the new fire station.
Blueberry Festival
When: August 23, 2008
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Town: Tatamagouche
Location: Fraser Cultual Centre
Cost: No admission
Details: Tea and blueberry desserts, bake sale, children's parade and displays.
3rd Annual Yard Sale
When: September 13, 2008 to September 14, 2008
Time: 9 am - 3pm
Town: Stewiacke
Location: Village of Shubenacadie to the Town of Stewiacke
Presented By: Tourism and Business Committee of Stewiacke
Details: From Exit 9 to Exit 11 old highway # 2 from the Village of Shubenacadie to the Town of Stewiacke. BBQ and canteen services will be available. Tables will also be set up in Dennis Park in downtown Stewiacke. Come as a family and have some fun!
Trace the Food Web
When: September 13, 2008
Town: Shubenacadie
Location: Wildlife Park
Cost: Regular Park Admission
Details: Follow the clues that lead to a "who done it" nature hike, investigating who eats what. Participate in games and crafts.
Tonveta's Apple Harvest Festival
When: September 13, 2008
Time: Afternoon and evenin
Town: Windsor
Location: Hants County Exhibition
Details: Enjoy great music from entertainers Paul Bellanger, Don Haggart, Wayne Petrie and Kevin Beanland. Phone (902) 686-3876 for more information.
Tonveta's Blueberry Festival
When: September 20, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm
Town: Parrsboro
Location: Parrsboro Lions Arena
Details: Enjoy an evening of great music from entertainers Paul Bellanger, Don Haggart, Wayne Petrie and Kevin Beanland. Phone (902) 686-3876 for tickets.
Oktoberfest Quilt Sale
When: September 26, 2008 to September 27, 2008
Time: 10 am - 5 pm
Town: Tatamagouche
Location: Fraser Cultural Centre
Cost: $3.00
Details: Contact (902) 657-3285 for more information.
Wentworth Valley Fall Festival of Colors
When: October 11, 2008 to October 12, 2008
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Town: Wentworth
Location: Ski Wentworth
Presented By: Ski Wentworth
Details: Ride the chair to the top of Wentwroth Mountain. It's the ultimate way to enjoy spectacular views of Wentworth Valley ablaze in bursts if red, orange and gold. Walk or bike back down the mountain. No transportation back down the mountain. Moutain bikes welcome. Weather permitting. Contact Leslie Wilson at (902) 896-1209 or visit www.skiwentworth.ca
Gallery Fall Finale & Harvest Lunch
When: October 12, 2008
Town: Selma
Location: Gallery 215
Details: Gallery closes for the season.
Tonveta's Pumpkin Day Festival
When: October 25, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm
Town: Port Williams
Location: Community Centre
Details: Enjoy an evening of great music from entertainers Paul Bellanger, Don Haggart, Wayne Petrie and Kevin Beanland. Phone (902) 686-3876 for tickets.
Vonetta's Christmas Gala
When: November 1, 2008
Time: 8:00 pm
Town: Pictou
Location: DeCoste
Cost: $30.00
Details: Enjoy an evening of great music from entertainers Paul Bellanger, Don Haggart, Wayne Petrie and Kevin Beanland. Phone (902) 686-3876 for tickets.
14th Annual Maitland Christmas Festival
When: November 28, 2008 to November 30, 2008
Town: Maitland
Location: Maitland and Selma
Details: Join us for Victorian Tea, "Christmas Tree Stroll", gracious decorated homes, craft fair and church supper and peaceful decorated churches. Visit www.maitlandns.com for more info.
Christmas Tree Festival
When: December 6, 2008 to December 14, 2008
Town: Tatamagouche
Location: Fraser Cultural Centre
Cost: Donations only
Details: Contact (902) 657-3285 for more information.
