Music and Entertainment
Music & Entertainment
Nowhere is the heart of Inverness more evident than at a ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”). It is here at these traditional parties that music, dancing, and storytelling take centre stage. And where local performers “take their inspiration from the myriad of cultural influences and ancestors who settled in the community of Inverness and have blended these influences into a unique style and sound”. In addition to the ceilidhs held throughout the year, there’s usually live music being played somewhere in town every night, as well as popular festivals and events like Celtic Colours, KitchenFest!, and the Broad Cove Scottish Concert. For more information or entertainment recommendations, please contact our Reservations Team.
Local Music Experiences
Experience the best of Cape Breton’s renowned music scene in a private setting, tailored to your group. Whether watching the sunset to the tune of traditional Scottish bagpipes or experiencing the magic of a full-blown kitchen ceilidh with Cape Breton fiddle and step dancing, memories will be in the making with Cabot’s Local Music Experiences.
The Cabot Public House
With plenty of toe-tapping music and a great mix of locals and visitors alike, The Cabot Public House offers an authentic Cape Breton experience. Join us nightly for live entertainment with some of the island’s top performers, and enjoy a menu of inspired pub food and an excellent selection of Nova Scotia wines, spirits, and craft beer.
The Red Shoe Pub
Each Saturday, the Inverness Village Market on Mill Road showcases the creativity, crafts, and culinary talents of community vendors. It’s hosted by Mill Road Social Enterprises, a local vocational agency for adults who have intellectual disabilities. Take a stroll through the market, and shop for products ranging from baked goods to artwork, enjoy a complimentary cup of tea and an oatcake, and have a lunch of seafood chowder.
Thursday Night Ceilidhs
Worried about the loss of the Gaelic language, fiddle traditions, piping, and dancing, long-time Inverness resident Alice Freeman began putting on ceilidhs featuring local youth performers. More than 25 years later and Alice’s weekly ceilidhs at the Inverness Fire Hall are now a staple within the community, and help preserve Cape Breton’s unique Scottish heritage.
Granville Green Concert Series
Every Sunday evening throughout the summer, this outdoor concert series is held in the town of Port Hawkesbury. It’s always popular, with a wildly diverse musical line-up, free admission, and a stage overlooking the beautiful Strait of Canso. So, you might want to bring a blanket or lawn chair to secure a comfortably scenic spot.
Travel time: 1 hour
Square Dancing
With live music from talented musicians and fun and welcoming crowds, Cape Breton square dancing is an experience like no other. There’s a square dance almost every night of the week on the island’s sunset side. Check in with our Cabot Links’ Reservation Team for the latest information on nearby dances. Then, shine up your shoes, grab a partner, and join in!
“Once your booking is finalized, you will then have until 72 hours prior to the scheduled activity to cancel or modify without penalty. Any cancellations within 72 hours of the booking will have a fee charged to your guest account at 50% of the full rate. Any bookings canceled within the 24-hour period will be charged to your guest account at full rate.”