Yarmouth Seafest

Yarmouth Seafest was a nine-day community festival celebrating the maritime heritage, Acadian culture, and coastal lifestyle of Nova Scotia's southwestern tip. The festival took over the Yarmouth waterfront and downtown with a packed schedule of live music, food events, family activities, and the beloved Seafest parade that drew thousands of spectators.

The 2026 festival featured nightly concerts on the waterfront stage, a lobster boil, a chowder competition, a classic car show, and a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour. Family-friendly programming included a midway, beach games at nearby Cranberry Head, a fishing derby, and children's entertainment throughout the festival grounds.

Yarmouth is the gateway to the Acadian Shore, where French culture thrives and some of the province's most dramatic coastline unfolds. Seafest was an ideal time to explore the area's historic lighthouses — including the Cape Forchu Lightstation — its wild beaches, and the distinctive Acadian cuisine that makes this corner of Nova Scotia so unique.

Make the most of your time in Yarmouth & Acadian Shores - pair Yarmouth Seafest with our Acadian Shores guide, Family Travel Guide, and Southwest Nova Scotia guide. They're each packed with itinerary ideas, local tips, and everything you need to extend your stay.