Celtic Colours International Festival is marking its 30th anniversary this year with an impressive lineup of 52 concerts and more than 275 cultural experiences happening in communities all across Cape Breton Island.
The festival kicks off on Friday, October 9 at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre with the return of The Unusual Suspects of Celtic Colours, featuring special guests Mary Jane Lamond and Kathleen MacInnes. After nine jam-packed days, things wrap up with a big finale concert, 30 and Thriving: A Celtic Colours East Coast Party. Highlights include a first-time appearance by The Irish Descendants, along with performances by Matt Andersen, The Men of the Deeps, and Cape Breton supergroup Còig.
Over the course of the 9 day celebration, artists will be coming in from all over: Scotland, Ireland, the U.K., the U.S., and across Canada. It’s a true mix of international and homegrown talent, with performers like Liz Carroll, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, Laoise Kelly, Rory Makem, Tony McManus, and Scottish Fish sharing the stage with Canadian favourites such as Dave Gunning, Lennie Gallant, The Fitzgeralds, and Shawnee Kish.
Of course, Cape Breton’s own rich musical tradition will be front and centre. Festival-goers can expect to see well-known names like The Barra MacNeils, J.P. Cormier, Beòlach, Mary Jane Lamond, Heather Rankin, Troy MacGillivray, Andrea Beaton, and many more.
This year also features a few special projects and tribute concerts. Some fan-favourite staples are back as well, including The Cape Breton Fiddlers, the Pipers’ Céilidh, Guitar Summit, and dance shows like Close to the Floor and Dancing Up A Suête. Throughout the festival, audiences can also experience Gaelic, Acadian, and Mi’kmaw traditions through music, dance, and storytelling.
Beyond the concerts, the festival offers more than 275 Community Cultural Experiences across the island. There’s plenty to dive into, square dances, milling frolics, workshops, jam sessions, guided walks, and hikes. And no visit is complete without a good meal, with community dinners available in many locations.
Festival Club is another must-visit, keeping the energy going late into the night with a mix of hosts and surprise guests.
Tickets for the 2026 festival go on sale July 7, with the event running from October 9–17. For those who can’t make it in person, a live-streamed concert will be available each night, making it easy to tune in from anywhere.
To get a taste of what’s in store, you are invited to join the Kick Off Céilidh at 4pm today from the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. You will learn more about this year’s Festival and enjoy performances by Buddy MacDonald and Good Crowd.
