Festivals & Events
May
Victoria Day Weekend: May 20 - 22, 2024
Kick off the camping season with a celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday. The Farmer's & Trader's Market opens for the season on Saturday morning, the lobsters are fresh and no black flies!
Local Jam Sessions:
Port George Community Hall: Monday evenings - 8 pm start
Bridgetown Lion's Club: Tuesday evenings - 7 pm start
Hampton Community Hall: Thursday evenings - 7 pm start
Young's Cove Community Hall: Friday evenings - 7 pm start
Lights Along the Shore:
Explore one or more of our many local lighthouses, and learn about their history and romantic allure. More info here.
88th Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival:
The valley is in full bloom and celebrating the traditions and agricultural heritage of this bountiful area with concerts, barbecues, art shows and a grand street parade. Festival details here
June
Whale Watching Season Opens:
Chose a Zodiac adventure or a traditional hard bottom boat to take you out for a visit with the leviathans in their home environment.
Local Jam sessions:
Port George Community Hall: Monday evenings - 8 pm start
Bridgetown Lion's Club: Tuesday evenings - 7 pm start
Hampton Community Hall: Thursday evenings - 7 pm start
Young's Cove Community Hall: Friday evenings - 7 pm start
Farmer's & Traders' Market:
Each Saturday morning from 9 am - 12 pm, enjoy browsing and snacking your way through the most entertaining shopping you'll do all week. This lively market near the Annapolis Royal wharf brings together vendors of fresh baked goods, produce, handicrafts, plants, and vintage goods.
Lights Along the Shore:
Explore one or more of our many local lighthouses, and learn about their history and romantic allure. More information here.
Candlelight Tours of Garrison Graveyard:
Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday evening, participate in the most entertaining history lesson you have ever heard, as your costumed guide uses the decorative headstones of Canada's oldest European cemetery to tell the stories of our forefathers. Details
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour:
Enjoy a scenic ride up the Shore Road, and reward yourself with an ice cream treat overlooking the wharf in Margaretsville.
The Artist's Circle Art Shack:
The Margaretsville community of artists and artisans open their gallery and workshop in mid-June. Don't miss this authentic experience of rural Nova Scotia.
National Historic District Walking Tours:
These award-winning tours of the oldest Historic District in Canada will give you an overview of the historic town of Annapolis Royal. Join your costumed guide for an enjoyable stroll each weekday afternoon. Details
Acadian Heritage Tours:
Each Tuesday and Friday afternoon, experience Acadian history with a 10th generation Acadian guide. Details
Redneck Rodeo - Annapolis Valley Exhibition: PENDING
Crazy fun with Barbie Jeep racing, truck and tractor pulls, Highland games, ATV races and fun for the whole family. Details available here..
July
Canada Day Celebrations: July 1, 2022
A celebration of our nation's birthday - local area activities include a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, a giant birthday cake, a pig roast and spectacular fireworks!
Local Jam sessions:
Port George Community Hall: Monday evenings - 8 pm start
Bridgetown Lion's Club: Tuesday evenings - 7 pm start
Hampton Community Hall: Thursday evenings - 7 pm start
Young's Cove Community Hall: Friday evenings - 7 pm start
Farmer's & Traders' Market:
Each Wednesday and Saturday morning from 9 am - 12 pm, enjoy browsing and snacking your way through the most entertaining shopping you'll do all week. This lively market near the Annapolis Royal wharf brings together vendors of fresh baked goods, produce, handicrafts, plants, and vintage goods.
Lights Along the Shore:
Explore one or more of our many local lighthouses, and learn about their history and romantic allure. More info available here
Local Guided Walking Tours:
Candlelight Tours of Garrison Graveyard: Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday evening your costumed guide uses the decorative headstones of Canada's oldest European cemetery to tell the stories of our forefathers. Details
National Historic District Tours: These award-winning tours of the oldest Historic District in Canada will give you an overview of the historic town of Annapolis Royal. Join your costumed guide for an enjoyable stroll each weekday afternoon. Details
Acadian Heritage Tours: Each Tuesday and Friday afternoon, experience Acadian history with a 10th generation Acadian guide. Details
An Evening of Wine & Roses:
A unique opportunity to explore the Historic Gardens with a glass of wine in hand, from 5-7 pm. For more information and tickets: click here or call - 902.532-7018
House and Garden Tour:
Visit the Historic Gardens and special private gardens and houses in and around Annapolis Royal. For more information: click here or call - 902.532-7018
126th Bear River Cherry Carnival:
10 am to 11 pm - Fun for the whole family, with games of skill, parades, water sports and of course plenty of food. For more information click here.
Port George "Country Jamboree":
7 am to 8 pm at the Port George Recreation Centre. Pancake breakfast, 11 hours of live country music, giant Flea Market and activities for the kids. Port George Country Jamboree
August
Annapolis Royal and Area Natal Days: July 28 - August 1, 2022
A community celebration and civic holiday featuring events, shows and a street parade. Natal Day Events
Margaretsville Days:
Check it out right here.
Annual Bridgetown Triathlon:
Watch and cheer on the participants in the 3K, 5K, and 10K version of this event. Interested in participating? Details
Local Jam sessions:
Port George Community Hall: Monday evenings - 8 pm start
Bridgetown Lion's Club: Tuesday evenings - 7 pm start
Hampton Community Hall: Thursday evenings - 7 pm start
Young's Cove Community Hall: Friday evenings - 7 pm start
Farmer's & Traders' Market:
Each Wednesday and Saturday morning from 9 am - 12 pm, enjoy browsing and snacking your way through the most entertaining shopping you'll do all week. This lively market near the Annapolis Royal wharf brings together vendors of fresh baked goods, produce, handicrafts, plants, and vintage goods.
Lights Along the Shore:
Explore one or more of our many local lighthouses, and learn about their history and romantic allure. More info available here
Local Guided Walking Tours:
Candlelight Tours of Garrison Graveyard: Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday evening your costumed guide uses the decorative headstones of Canada's oldest European cemetery to tell the stories of our forefathers. Details
National Historic District Tours: These award-winning tours of the oldest Historic District in Canada will give you an overview of the historic town of Annapolis Royal. Join your costumed guide for an enjoyable stroll each weekday afternoon. Details
Acadian Heritage Tours: Each Tuesday and Friday afternoon, experience Acadian history with a 10th generation Acadian guide. Details
Digby's Annual Scallop Days:
Celebrate one of the world’s largest scallop fleets. Come and taste how many ways succulent scallops can be prepared. Musical events, scallop shucking competitions, parades, and more! Details
Moonlight Concert in Paradise:
Hear the Annapolis Big Band perform the great tunes of the 30’s and 40’s outside under the stars for your listening and dancing pleasure. The 11th annual Moonlight Concert begins at 7:30 pm on the grounds at Ellenhurst. For more information click here
Annapolis Valley Exhibition:
Celebrate the sights and sounds of agriculture in the Annapolis Valley – the breadbasket of Nova Scotia. Enjoy horse pulls, contests and crafts. Details available here.
Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival: August 15 – September 1, 2022
Enjoy these tiny, tasty, nutrition packed sweets in a multitude of ways. Nova Scotia is home to award winning blueberry juice from Caledonia – read all about Van Dyke Blueberry Juice
Annual Paint the Town:
Artists paint, sketch and sculpt at various venues in and around the Annapolis Royal area. Silent Auction of the works created each day. For more information, check here
Digby County Exhibition:
The Exhibition grounds in Bear River host displays of art, flowers, vegetables and cooking. More information and details here.
Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal:
Explore the ebb and flow of movement and drama at FODAR (Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal) Full information here
Wharf Rat Rally:
The largest motorcycle event in Atlantic Canada. Join this celebration of motorcycles and their keepers, bike builders, spray paint artists, tattoo competitions, stunt shows, music, food and fun on the Digby waterfront! Schedule of events
September
Wharf Rat Rally:
The largest motorcycle event in Atlantic Canada. Join this celebration of motorcycles and their keepers, bike builders, spray paint artists, tattoo competitions, stunt shows, music, food and fun on the Digby waterfront! Schedule of events
Lights Along the Shore:
Explore one or more of our many local lighthouses, and learn about their history and romantic allure. More info here
Farmer's & Traders' Market:
Each Saturday morning from 9 am - 12 pm, enjoy browsing and snacking your way through the most entertaining shopping you'll do all week. This lively market near the Annapolis Royal wharf brings together vendors of fresh baked goods, produce, handicrafts, plants, and vintage goods.
Local Jam sessions:
Port George Community Hall: Monday evenings - 8 pm start
Bridgetown Lion's Club: Tuesday evenings - 7 pm start
Hampton Community Hall: Thursday evenings - 7 pm start
Young's Cove Community Hall: Friday evenings - 7 pm start
Local Guided Walking Tours:
Candlelight Tours of Garrison Graveyard: Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday evening your costumed guide uses the decorative headstones of Canada's oldest European cemetery to tell the stories of our forefathers. Details
National Historic District Tours: These award-winning tours of the oldest Historic District in Canada will give you an overview of the historic town of Annapolis Royal. Join your costumed guide for an enjoyable stroll each weekday afternoon. Details
Acadian Heritage Tours: Each Tuesday and Friday afternoon, experience Acadian history with a 10th generation Acadian guide. Details
Bridgetown Cider Fest:
This popular fall festival celebrates the apple harvest in the beautiful Annapolis Valley - see all the details here
Open Farm Day:
Get your backstage pass to visit a farm and learn a bit about agriculture in Nova Scotia. Details here or call Wanda Hamilton at (902) 893-2293
Canadian Deep Roots Festival:
This festival brings together some of the finest folk and roots singers, songwriters and musicians in the world for a weekend of concerts, workshops and celebration. Schedule of events
October
Farmer's & Traders' Market:
Each Saturday morning from 9 am - 12 pm, enjoy browsing and snacking your way through the most entertaining shopping you'll do all week. This lively market near the Annapolis Royal wharf brings together vendors of fresh baked goods, produce, handicrafts, plants, and vintage goods.
Local Guided Walking Tours:
Candlelight Tours of Garrison Graveyard: Each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday evening your costumed guide uses the decorative headstones of Canada's oldest European cemetery to tell the stories of our forefathers. Details
National Historic District Tours: These award-winning tours of the oldest Historic District in Canada will give you an overview of the historic town of Annapolis Royal. Join your costumed guide for an enjoyable stroll each weekday afternoon. Details
Acadian Heritage Tours: Each Tuesday and Friday afternoon, experience Acadian history with a 10th generation Acadian guide. Details
Giant Pumpkin Festival: October 1 – 31, 2022
Join in the fun and celebrate this most loved member of the squash family. Look for weigh-offs, carving contests, a flotilla of pumpkins, the famous Giant Atlantic pumpkins, and lots of pumpkin treats on local menus. Details
Local Jam sessions:
Port George Community Hall: Monday evenings - 8 pm start
Bridgetown Lion's Club: Tuesday evenings - 7 pm start
Hampton Community Hall: Thursday evenings - 7 pm start
Young's Cove Community Hall: Friday evenings - 7 pm start
Charmaine & John LaFave, Ottowa, ON