KitchenFest / Féis a’ Chidsin

06/03/2026

Fr. David Rankin is a Catholic priest from Mabou, Cape Breton. He studied Celtic Studies at St. Francis Xavier University, where he also earned a degree in education with a focus on teaching Gaelic. He later spent several years at the Gaelic College, assisting with and eventually directing its education program.

He went on to complete a Master of Divinity through the University of Toronto and a pontifical theology degree at St. Augustine’s Seminary. Ordained in 2024, he now serves as Administrator of the Margaree Family of Catholic Churches.

You can see him in the Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College 'Old Time' Concert happening in St. Ann's on June 26. Click the link below to secure your tickets soon ~ https://kitchenfest.ca/events/the-old-time-concert/

06/02/2026

It wouldn't be KitchenFest! without this fella. Howie MacDonald has been with us since Day 1 and remains one of the busiest men in Cape Breton music. You'll find him in five different spots throughout festival week, bringing the tunes, the laughs, and the good cheer wherever he goes. Think you can catch all five? Start planning here: https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/howie-macdonald/

06/02/2026

When in Port Hood, do as the Hooders do - and head out to the Tavern! There are two great nights planned as part of KitchenFest!, 2026. An eve of tunes and songs, and a special Songwriters' Circle! Tickets are now available via EventBrite so you can go ahead and save your spot!
Admiral Lounge and Café
https://kitchenfest.ca/venue/admiral-lounge-dining-room/

06/01/2026

We're so lucky to have the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn back in the festival for 2026. This beautiful and popular venue provides the perfect conditions for a sweet eve of great live music. Tickets are on the move there, so call soon to save a spot ~ 1-902-535-2200

05/29/2026

Musical vagabond Mary Beth Carty grew up across the Causeway in Lanark, Antigonish County. A sought-after guitar-accompanist for Celtic fiddle music, Mary Beth is also a vocalist, accordionist, and acclaimed solo artist sharing traditional and original music in Gaelic, French, and English on stages throughout Canada and around the world for over fifteen years. Catch her three times during !
https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/mary-beth-carty/

05/28/2026

This gorgeous setting is the site for an annual Canada Day celebration which we're thrilled to have part of the festivities for 2026. With fun for the whole family, there's not only live music but food, a flea market, and the Ross Ferry Farmers market. Head to the Kempt Head Road and join in on these community festivities on July 1. This is an outdoor event.

05/27/2026

Happening during ! ~ The Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano takes place June 29 to July 3, 2026 at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre.

Join in for a week of piano lessons, learning, and great music with some of Cape Breton’s finest players.

📍 Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Judique
📆 June 29 to July 3, 2026

🎹✨Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano✨🎹

Ready to grow your skills ? The Betty Lou Beaton School of Piano offers a unique opportunity to take part in focused, high-quality piano lessons with some of the best piano players!

📍Celtic Music Interpritive Centre
📆Starting June 29 to July 3, 2026

👉Register now & learn more: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/betty-lou-beaton-school-of-piano-tickets-1985074547408

To open up our exciting week of Betty Lou Beaton’s School of Piano, we will be handing the floor to Mac Morin & Adam Young!

Mac Morin is a piano player from Troy, Inverness County. He started out as a talented dancer, and became interested in the piano as a teenager. Mac Has since toured all over the world for both playing the piano and teaching step dancing. Mac has appeared on lots of well-known artists’ recordings including Beòlach, Yo Yo Ma, The Rankins, and Natalie and Buddy MacMaster. Aside from this, he’s played with even more popular artists around here and has a very good reputation as a player. Mac is no stranger to our Sunday Ceilidhs at our Centre.

Adam Young is most known for bringing his own particular style of Cape Breton piano accompaniment to audiences around the world. Adam is a great example of showing how the Cape Breton style of piano has evolved incorporating sounds similar to other genres of music today like jazz and pop, but still giving it that true “Cape Breton” sound as well. Combining music today with the styles of Celtic tradition truly gives our Cape Breton tunes a sound like no other. Adam has regular gigs all around Cape Breton and has even taken his talents to the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, accompanying artists Colin Grant, Dara Smith-MacDonald, Anita MacDonald, and Jenifer Roland.

Talk about a great way to open the week at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. If you like good music, a little taste of tradition, and a lot of fun, this is the place to be. We hope to see you here, the week can’t get here fast enough, but until then Cheers!

🎶Build your skills
🎶Learn from experienced instructors
🎶Connect with a vibrant musical community

05/26/2026

Consider yourself invited. ✨

KitchenFest! Féis a’ Chidsin! returns June 26 to July 4, 2026 for its 13th year, celebrating the music, culture, and community traditions of Cape Breton Island.

With concerts, céilidhs, pub nights, square dances, and gatherings in communities across the island, the festival brings people together through the spirit of the kitchen céilidh.

Whether you’re stopping into a local hall, catching a late-night session, or taking in the scenery along the way, we’d love to have you join us this summer in Cape Breton. 💛

Make plans now - www.kitchenfest.ca

🎵: Malcolm MacNeil: https://malcolmmacneil.bandcamp.com/album/the-bridge

05/25/2026

Born in Margaree Forks, Neil McDaniel was influenced by many styles of music including Irish, Country, and Folk, though he was most drawn to music’s pure soul regardless of genre. A strong connection formed early around the age of eight, and driven by imagination and self-motivation, Neil continued developing his music throughout his life, expanding into instruments including guitar, banjo, mandolin, and tin whistle. And you can catch him live three times during ! https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/neil-mcdaniel/

05/21/2026

Whether holding down the rhythm or stepping out front, Patrick and Mac bring unmistakable flavour, drive, and energy every time they take the stage. 🎶

Longtime friends and original members of Beòlach, these two continue to be among the most respected and exciting players in Cape Breton music. Catch them in various spots during ! 2026:

https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/mac-morin/
https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/patrick-gillis/