Big Pond Summer Festival

Big Pond Summer Festival

Sunday, July 12, 2026 · 12:00 p.m. · Big Pond Festival Grounds

Open-air ceilidh in Rita MacNeil's hometown.

An afternoon-long outdoor concert in the Bras d'Or community of Big Pond, founded by the late Rita MacNeil. Continues to feature Maritime musical talent in a casual lakeside setting.

What to expect

Field seating, bring chairs. Sound carries over the lake. Crowd is multi-generational, many here for the Rita pilgrimage.

Highlights

The annual tribute set to Rita MacNeil. Lake views as the sun gets low.

Plan ahead

Tickets via the festival's Facebook page. 35 min drive from Sydney; consider staying at Dundee Resort for a quiet base.

Why go

Big Pond is hallowed ground for Maritime music fans, and the festival keeps Rita's open-door spirit alive.

Visitor photos

Sign in to add a photo

Loading photos…

More events

Around Cape Breton

More news →
PNI Atlantic News · May 5, 2026
IN PHOTO: Red Cross lodging setup at Cape Breton expo highlights emergency preparedness week

IN PHOTO: Red Cross lodging setup at Cape Breton expo highlights emergency preparedness week PNI Atlantic News

Yahoo News Canada · Apr 27, 2026
CBRM mayor wants police to review land deal he approved to ensure transparency

CBRM mayor wants police to review land deal he approved to ensure transparency Yahoo News Canada

AOL.com · Apr 25, 2026
Canada's 'Gateway To Cape Breton Highlands National Park' Is A Scenic Town With Coastal Hotel Stays And Camping

Canada's 'Gateway To Cape Breton Highlands National Park' Is A Scenic Town With Coastal Hotel Stays And Camping AOL.com