Celtic Colours International Festival

The Celtic Colours International Festival is a unique celebration of Cape Breton Island’s living traditional culture. For nine days each October beginning on the Friday of the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend, join us at one or many of events and activities taking place in communities around the Cape Breton Island.

This year, from October 10-18, 2025, Celtic Colours International Festival will feature 50 concerts and numerous cultural events in 36 communities all over Cape Breton Island.

Since its introduction in 1997, Celtic Colours has grown to become one of Canada’s premiere musical events and a cultural highlight in Nova Scotia – showcasing the musical culture of Cape Breton to tens of thousands of visitors from more than two dozen countries.

You’ll find some of the world’s finest musicians sharing the stage with Cape Breton’s best musicians, singers, dancers, and storytellers in venues that range from community halls and churches to modern schools and theatres.

Ensuring you have plenty of events and activities to chose from, Celtic Colours also offers five types of community cultural events:

• The learning opportunities series will entertain and enlighten you with a variety of workshops, presentations, demonstrations, and lectures on history, music, dance, art, craft, and community heritage.
• At participatory events you are welcome as a spectator or to immerse yourself in the action and join in on a square dance, session, or milling frolic.
• Get outside and enjoy the spectacular scenery at one of the outdoor events. Guided walks, hikes, and boat tours put you in the fresh air.
• The visual art/heritage craft series offers a wide variety of events for art enthusiasts, skilled artists, hobbyists, and collectors. Exhibitions, demonstrations, and workshops celebrate the creative spirit that thrives on Cape Breton.
• Break bread together and share a home-cooked meal at one of the many community meals or visit one of the farmers’ markets where you’ll find locally-grown food items and handmade goods.

The festival is held during Cape Breton’s most spectacular season when the leaves are turning colour and the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges bring the breathtaking scenery to life as you travel from event to event. These travels may take you around Canada’s largest saltwater lake – the pristine Bras d’Or Lake, or along the Cabot Trail, often called North America’s most scenic drive. Wherever you go on Cape Breton Island at this time of year, you are bound to find amazing scenery around every turn.

Prices:

• Prices vary by event. Click here to view the up-to-date festival venue schedule.
• Tickets go on sale July 8, 2025 at 10am ADT

Visit the festival’s official website for the up-to-date lineup of concerts and community events, performing artists as well as to purchase tickets.