Arts & Culture

We love to have a good time

Life in Pictou County is enriched by a love for arts and culture that blossoms with incredible musical talent, artists and award winning festivals and events.

The region is served by two performing arts facilities

The deCoste Entertainment Centre on the Waterfront in Pictou is one of the busiest concert halls in Nova Scotia. The deCoste regularly features all forms of live entertainment, from popular music and musical comedy to drama and Scottish Ceilidhs. Performances at this 400 seat facility are scheduled two to three times weekly.

Glasgow Square Theatre set on the East River and overlooking the Samson Trail provides a scenic backdrop for many community events including the award winning New Glasgow Music Jubilee. The unique nature of the amphitheatre allows the facility to open the doors to create an outdoor venue in the summer and an enclosed hall for concerts, meetings and private functions year-round.

An event in every community

The peak season for festivals and events is summer, with many communities hosting large scale homecomings. Several events have grown in stature to receive provincial recognition. For a complete listing of festival and events in Pictou County visit the Pictou County Tourist Association.

Celtic Legacy

While Pictou County is home to accomplished artists in many genres and traditions, arguably it is the cultural traditions of the Celts that is most alive and well here. Because of the many accomplished practitioners in this area, Pictou County youth have ample access to specialized training in fiddles, bagpipes and highland dance programs in addition to music and dance training across genres.

Visit the Pictou County Portal for a complete list of museums, historic sites and galleries.