Chestico Days 2026

Port Hood's week-long summer festival returns July 27 – August 2, 2026. The 2026 day-by-day schedule isn't published yet — organizers typically post the final program to the Chestico Days Facebook page in early July. The festival is a real community-run event, run almost entirely by volunteers, with most activities free or by small donation.

What to expect — based on recent years

Saturday — Race day, parade & picnic

• Alfred Reynolds Road Race & Family Fun Run (8 km / 2 km), 9:00 am, starts at the Port Hood Fire Hall.
• Pancake breakfast, 9:00–11:00 am, St. Stephen's Church Hall.
• Street Parade on High Road, 11:00 am — floats from local clubs, businesses, and families.
• Chestico Picnic at Al MacInnis Sports Centre grounds, 12:00–4:00 pm — outdoor live music, beer garden, Port Hood Fire Department BBQ, bouncy castle, face painting, cotton candy.
• Adult dance at Al MacInnis Sports Centre, 10:00 pm – 2:00 am.

Sunday — Boat parade & fireworks

• Decorated local boats parade past Port Hood Beach in the evening; fireworks follow at dusk.

Through the week

• Lobster supper at Al MacInnis Sports Centre, catered by Market Lobsters — lobster in shell, homemade salads, rolls, dessert, tea and coffee. Reservation recommended; check the Facebook page closer to the festival.
• Nightly ceilidhs and live music sessions across Port Hood.
• Tournaments — lob ball, golf, ball hockey.
• Sand sculpture competition and beach events at Port Hood Beach.
• Sunset yoga sessions on the coast.
• Teddy bear picnic and kids' games during the day.

Venues

• Al MacInnis Sports Centre, 45 Wharf Road, Port Hood — main festival hub (picnic, dance, lobster supper). 902-787-3210.
• Port Hood Fire Hall — race start.
• St. Stephen's Church Hall — pancake breakfast.
• High Road — parade route.
• Port Hood Beach — boat parade, fireworks, sand sculptures.

Heads up

• Lobster supper plate price and exact times for the 2026 boat parade and fireworks haven't been published. Check the official organizer page or the Facebook page in mid-July 2026 for the final program.
• Port Hood is on the Ceilidh Trail — pair the visit with a stop at the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou (15-minute drive south) for live Cape Breton fiddle.