This annual, world-class event features some of the finest musicians from around the world sharing the stage with Cape Breton’s best singers, dancers, players, storytellers and culture bearers in venues that range from community halls and churches to schools and theatres.
With Celtic Colours’ ambitious schedule (as many as eight concerts a day), it is simply impossible to see and hear everything. The organizers of the Festival realize this and take special care in the programming of each concert so that it is possible to get a taste of all that the Festival has to offer on any given day.
Whether it’s Gaelic singing, Cape Breton fiddling, local dance traditions, or world-class bagpiping, you can tailor your musical experiences to suit your tastes.
The Celtic Colours Festival will entertain and enlighten you with a variety of workshops, presentations, demonstrations and lectures on Celtic history, music, dance, art, craft and community heritage. The festival also offers a variety of participatory events where you are welcome to immerse yourself in the action and take part in a square dance, session, or milling frolic.
You can also get outside and enjoy the spectacular scenery and fresh air at one of the many outdoor events including guided walks, hikes, and boat tours.
The festival also offers many opportunities to break bread together and share a home-cooked meal at one of many community meals, or you visit a local Farmers Market where you’ll find locally grown food, honey, and handmade goods.
One of the most popular features of Celtic Colours is the Festival Club. Located at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, the Festival Club opens as the evening concerts are closing, offering an opportunity for Festival artists to perform in a more informal setting, or to get a session in with friends and colleagues from near and far. Performance is by invitation only and depends upon artist availability on any given night. The Festival Club runs each night from 11 pm to 3 am and is for those aged 19 years and older (photo ID required).
A free shuttle service runs throughout the night between the Gaelic College and select Baddeck area locations.
