It’s no secret that singing and dancing play a crucial role in the Cape Breton Island experience. Another cornerstone of our culture is our penchant for the culinary arts. And when you combine these two significant cultural segments of the Cape Breton lifestyle, you get KitchenFest, an enormous celebration in early July, hosted by the Gaelic College, teeming with bagpipes, songs, céilidhs, and fun. So to help you get acquainted with one of Nova Scotia’s most highly regarded festivals, we put together a quick guide of what to know and expect about Kitchenfest.
What is KitchenFest Exactly?
Those visiting or who are new new to Cape Breton customs and traditions, may be wondering, “What is KitchenFest?” While it’s certainly not a celebration of pots, pans, and silverware; food and drink are paramount to the experience. Still, eating and drinking aren’t the only important aspects of KitchenFest.
If you’re familiar with Gaelic language, you may have heard the term, “céilidh,” meaning companion and loosely translated in modern times to mean “visit.” In a broad sense, KitchenFest is a gathering where friends and family visit to tell stories, share poetry, and play music while enjoying delicious food and each other’s company.
KitchenFest at Cabot Shores
Never ones to miss out on the fun, Cabot Shores also has a series of events for our guests to celebrate KitchenFest. Not only will be hosting a variety of chefs, cooking classes, and cookouts, but we’ll also have plenty of live music and a post-concert music jam in which all are welcome to participate.
To start your night, we’ll be serving a delectable three-course dinner at the Cabot Shores Bistro. Simply inform us of any dietary restrictions and we’ll accommodate as best as we can. And with the likes of Doug Lemey, Karen Beaton, Leona Williams, and Blanche Sophocleous, its bound to be a musical evening to remember!
Cape Breton Lodging with So Many Things to Do
Helping visitors celebrate exciting events like KitchenFest is one of the most gratifying aspects of hosting. Cultural immersion is one of the significant reasons to visit Cape Breton Island and we’re proud to play a part. In addition to our concurrent celebrations, we also offer several wellness activities and adventures that are the perfect complement to your Cape Breton experience.
To learn more about our various lodging options and amenities, please visit our stay page or reach out online!