Festivals and Events
Complementing the varied and impressive attractions of the area, there are many festivals and events that occur throughout the year which add to the excitement and culture of our community.
You can also view the full Community Calendar here.
Annapolis Keg, Cask & Food Festival
Market Square (Lower St. George Street)
Website: http://www.facebook.com/Annapolis-Keg-Cask-Food-Festival-1841521822567378/
Taste local food, beer, wine, and spirits set while listening to great local entertainment. Tickets cover entry, 10 tokens to spend with the vendors of your choice (more tokens available for purchase at the event), live entertainment and to top it all of a souvenir tasting glass!Rare and Unusual Plant Weekend
For one day in May, Annapolis Royal is the centre of the plant world for Atlantic Canadian gardeners!The Rare & Unusual Plant Sale is held at the Annapolis Royal Farmer’s Market, 1pm to 4pm. Since its inception, the Sale has grown to include up to 18 nurseries from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Plant lovers from as far away as Ontario come for this opportunity to find growers of rare and unusual plants in one place. Entry to the Plant Sale is free and there’s plenty of parking. With Annapolis Royal abloom in magnolias and the Historic Gardens open to spring visitors, there’s something for everyone interested in gardening.
There is also a Horticultural Seminar, followed by a wine and cheese and chance to meet Seminar speakers. These knowledgeable and entertaining plants people offer something to both new and experienced gardeners. For more information about this year’s Seminar schedule, list of speakers and topics, and pre-registration, contact jill@bunchberrynursuries.ca or 902-532-7777.
See you there - Rain or Shine!
Annapolis Royal Easter Eggstravaganza
The Saturday of Easter Weekend
Phone: 902-532-2043
A day of celebration for the whole family starting with a pancake breakfast at the Legion with the Easter Bunny. The day is filled with arts and crafts at the Academy (590 St. George Street) and an Easter egg hunt with over 10,000 eggs on Fort Anne grounds. The day ends with a free movie at the Academy.Fun for the whole family!
Celebrate Magnolias
Every year on Mother’s Day weekend.
Enjoy the Magnolias of Annapolis Royal and join us at the events.Farmers & Traders Market
Saturday mornings: mid-May 18 to mid-October, 8 am - 1 pm; Wednesday afternoons: July and August, 10 am - 2 pm
Market Square, Lower St. George Street
Local trades and farmers gather to sell their produce, crafts, and collectibles. Live entertainment most Saturday markets.Candlelight Graveyard Tours
Typically June 1 – Oct. 15 Every Sun/Tues/Wed/Thurs at 9:30 p.m. (rain or shine). Tours are currently suspended due to COVID restrictions
Starts at the Fort Anne Parking Lot
Phone: (902) 532-3035
For a truly memorable and unique experience be certain to take the award-winning Candlelight Graveyard Tour offered by internationally acclaimed Heritage Interpreter, Alan Melanson, on behalf of The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure!National Historic District Tours
Typically June to September Every Mon/Wed & Thurs at 2:00 p.m. from the Lighthouse Tours are currently suspended due to COVID restrictions
Phone: (902) 532-3034
Stroll through the centuries with a costumed interpreter as 400 years of history come to life along Canada’s Oldest thoroughfare. Receive a free National Historic District Certificate and see first hand why Annapolis Royal was selected as the “World’s Most Liveable Small Community.Starts at the Lighthouse.
Annapolis Community Bandfest
cancelled for 2020
A gathering of community band musicians from all over the Maritimes.Annapolis Royal House & Garden Tour
Phone: (902) 532-7018
Website: http://www.exploreourgardens.com/
Visit special private gardens and houses in and around Annapolis Royal, a National Winner of Communities in Bloom, and participate in special tours of the Historic Gardens. All in support of the Historic Gardens.Canada Day Celebrations
Annually on July 1st
Phone: (902) 532-2043
A celebration of our nation’s birthday, including live entertainment and a giant birthday cake.Annapolis Royal Natal Days
To our community, supporters and volunteers, Council made the tough decision to cancel Annapolis Royal Natal Days 2020. We will continue planning 2021 Annapolis Royal Natal Days. Not an easy decision but the right one. We look forward to next year and will keep everyone updated on 2021 activities. Thank you for your continued support during these difficult times. Thank you to all the volunteers who make this event a success year after year. Take care and keep safe, Natal Day Committee.
Phone: (902) 532-2043
Website: http://annapolisroyal.com/visitors/annapolis-district-natal-days/
Four days of celebrations with fun for all ages; kids’ activities, music, evening entertainment, parades, fireworks, and lots more!Annual Fun Run
Typically Natal Days Weekend. Cancelled for 2020
Phone: 902-955-1205
See the Recreation page for details.74th Crusaders Annual Riverside Rally
Phone: (902) 532-7269
Website: http://www.74thcrusaders.ca/
The 74th Crusaders motorcycle club extend an invitation for you to attend their Annual Riverside Rally. The location is on the shore of the beautiful Annapolis River Basin just outside the historic Town of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.FODAR – Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal
Every August
Website: http://fodar.ca/
Atlantic Canada’s only summer contemporary dance festival features performances by Canada’s top companies, dancers and choreographers.Paint the Town
Third weekend of August
Website: http://www.facebook.com/paintthetownannapolis/
Artists paint, sketch and sculpt at various venues in Annapolis Royal. Silent auction each day whereby bidders can purchase the artwork.ARCAC & ARTsPLACE Gallery
Acadian Heritage Tours
Typically June to September. Currently suspended due to COVID restrictions Every Tues & Fri at 2:00 p.m. at the Lighthouse
Phone: (902) 532-3034
Website: http://www.tourannapolisroyal.com/
Join the family of a 10th generation Acadian in the Birthplace of Acadie for an entertaining experience. Enjoy history, music, cooking and dance, plus take home a free Acadian Heritage booklet as your special souvenir.Ghost Town
October - TBD
In late October every year, Annapolis Royal becomes a GHOST TOWN! Haunted gardens, ghostly happenings, and other spooky events combine to create a magical time in Annapolis Royal.Annapolis Royal Winter Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning, 9-12 from mid-October to mid-May
Historic Gardens
Website: http://www.historicgardens.com/
For Market information, call (902) 532-7018Christmas in Annapolis Royal
Begins late November
Phone: (902) 532-2043
The celebrations kick off with the annual Parade of Lights, the O’Dell Museum’s Victorian Christmas, theatre performances, late night shopping, crafts markets, Santa, and more.Christmas Extravaganza
First Saturday of December
Come get all of your Christmas shopping done at the annual craft show extravaganza. Four locations (ARRA – the Academy, the Legion, the Fire Hall, and the Winter Farmers’ Market (the Historic Gardens)), a bus that connects shoppers to each venue, a children’s Christmas movie at King’s Theatre, and an evening dance at the Legion.