Date: Friday, July 4 2025

It’s New Years Eve 1969 and Johnny Cool (Jamie Collins) and Claudine (Anne Gillis) are on the stage! There’s electricity in the air after a decade of free love and political upheavals that has reached even into rural Cape Breton. So much has changed since televisions started dominating even in ceilidh houses. The Pig’n’Whistle show, which has inspired country music and Irish music at the dances with the bar right in the hall rather than out in the parking lot,…

Date: Friday, June 27 2025

Join us in the beautiful Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou for a powerful evening of Cape Breton songwriting. The “Small of My Heart” Songwriters Circle is a celebrated concert series created by Lisa MacIsaac, showcasing award-winning women and non-binary artists in music and advancing their voices within the Canadian music industry. For this special night, Lisa is joined by Catherine MacLellan, Heather Rankin, and Abigail MacDonald in a stellar lineup of talent you won’t want to miss. This show…

Date: Saturday, June 28 2025

Here’s your chance at a slice of life experienced by jumping in on the action at a square dance! A common part of the Cape Breton nightlife, the square dance is a wonderful opportunity to hear live music, get a little exercise, and mix and mingle with the neighbours. KitchenFest!'s Square Dance in West Mabou features Ian MacDougall, Kolten MacDonell, Allan Dewar, and Derrick Cameron. Square set instruction will be offered from 9-9:30pm at no extra cost.9pm-12am | $15 | All Ages -…

Date: Tuesday, July 1 2025

The Tuesday Night Ceilidhs are a staple in the community of Mabou held right in the heart of the village at the parish hall. This concert-style eve, featuring Richard Wood, Jackie Dunn-MacIsaac, Melody Cameron, and Derrick Cameron, will showcase wonderful traditional fiddling and accompaniment and maybe even a dancer or two.7:30-9pm | $12 | All Ages | Pay at the Door

Date: Monday, June 30 2025

One of the most popular square dances on the island, the Brook Village hall is a hot spot in more ways than one and sure to be hopping this night. KitchenFest!'s Brook Village Square Dance features Joe MacMaster, Donna Marie DeWolfe, Iain MacQuarrie, and Fr. David Rankin.9pm-12:30am | $10 | 19+ | Pay at the Door

Date: Friday, June 27 2025 to Saturday, July 5 2025

KitchenFest! is thrilled to once again have the Red Shoe back for another year! The Shoe is a true hot spot for live music and good times. At a pub night, you can expect lively tunes, a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, and lots of good cheer. Pub Night at the Red Shoe runs throughout KitchenFest!Friday, June 27: Ian MacDougall, Melody Cameron, Derrick Cameron, Kathleen LeBlancSaturday, June 28: John Pellerin, Bonny Jean MacDonald, Hilda Chiasson, Mary Beth CartySunday, June 29: Glenn Graham,…

Date: Saturday, May 17 2025

A crisis has arisen in the lobster industry in Inverness County. All along the shoreline, lobster have vanished leaving traps empty, local fishers puzzled, and bank accounts drained. As the mystery unfolds, fingers are pointed at one local fisherman, Jessie Lecter. As luck would have it, Detective Foster and Special Agent Starling are on the case and, after a few twists and turns, and some favorite songs, their keen eyes and ears pick up the clues to get to the…

Date: Friday, May 30 2025

The Red Shoe Pub features live music 7 days a week! Celebrating their 20th year in 2025, the Shoe’s jam-packed entertainment schedule boasts some of the very best talent the East Coast has to offer. With live music served up every day of the week, you’re sure to find something that will get your toes tapping and your heart singing. The Red Shoe kicks off its 20th year with Kenneth MacKenzie, Ian MacDougall, Mac Morin, and Patrick Gillis. 8-11pm

Date: Monday, June 30 2025 to Tuesday, July 15 2025

The Adult Square Dance in Brook Village is a very popular attraction through the summer and fall in Cape Breton. Come swing! Come dance! Monday nights from July into October. Open to adults aged 19 & over. Bar and canteen available.9pm-12:30am | $10 | 19+

Date: Saturday, June 14 2025 to Sunday, October 12 2025

West Mabou Family Square Dances have been presented for over 30 years and are a well-established attraction of Cape Breton Island’s Celtic music scene. The Inverness County square sets are easy to learn and guided square sets are offered for newcomers at the start of each dance. These dances are attended by locals and visitors alike and feature the island’s best-known traditional musicians. Come join the fun.  All ages welcome!9pm-12am | $12 / Children 12 & Under Free($40 Gift Cards for 4 dance passes…