Quick Facts
| Dates | August 12 – 15, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Chester Yacht Club, Chester |
| Region | South Shore |
| Category | Sporting |
| Tickets | 2026 Festival Recap |
| GPS | 44.5460, -64.2400 |
About Chester Race Week
Chester Race Week is Canada's largest keelboat regatta and one of Nova Scotia's most celebrated sailing events, built on more than 150 years of tradition. Each August the village of Chester comes alive as competitive fleets gather off its shores to race in one of the most picturesque sailing venues in North America — and the 2026 edition, held August 12–15, was no exception.
The regatta attracted top talent across multiple classes, including J70s, J105s, and classic yachts, with racing close enough to shore for excellent spectator viewing. Onshore, the Chester Yacht Club anchored a lively program of social events, dinners, and festivities that turned Race Week into a full community celebration.
Watching the racing from the waterfront was free, and the village's shops, cafes, and harbour walks made it a great day out even for non-sailors. Chester is about an hour from Halifax and pairs perfectly with nearby Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. Lodging books up well in advance, so reserve early to be part of this quintessential Maritime sailing tradition next summer.
Make the most of your time in South Shore - pair Chester Race Week with our South Shore guide, Best Day Trips from Halifax, and Lunenburg UNESCO guide. They're each packed with itinerary ideas, local tips, and everything you need to extend your stay.
🎟️ Tickets & Admission
The 2026 edition ran August 12–15. Spectator viewing was free; race entry and onshore event information were available through Chester Yacht Club (chesterraceweek.com).
Tickets available through the official event website. Prices and availability subject to change.
📍 Location & Getting There
Plan Your Visit
How long you'll need
Chester Race Week ran August 12 – 15, 2026 — 4 days in all, so you can pick the day that suits your schedule best.
What it costs
Admission details are on the official ticketing page. Buy through the official link in the Tickets & Admission section above.
Getting there & parking
South Shore towns — Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Shelburne — are compact and walkable once you arrive; the drive itself along the Lighthouse Route is the real time cost. Street parking is the norm and summer weekends fill early, so build extra time into arrival day.
Nearby dining & things to do
- Explore South Shore
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- Nova Scotia Cities & Towns
Every Nova Scotia city, town, and region compared - what each settlement is best for, drive times from Halifax, and how they cluster on the map.
- South Shore Nova Scotia
Lighthouses, white-sand beaches, and fishing villages along the scenic Lighthouse Route from Halifax to Yarmouth.
- Nova Scotia Beaches
The photo-rich beach finder - browse photos of the best picks and filter all 54 beaches by region, sand type, lifeguards, and water temperature.
- Winter Dining in Nova Scotia
The February Lobster Crawl in depth - Lucy the Lobster, chowder showdowns and where to eat along the Crawl coast.
Chester Race Week FAQ
When is Chester Race Week?
Chester Race Week ran August 12 – 15, 2026 and has concluded for this season. Watch the official listing for any future dates.
Where is Chester Race Week held?
Chester Yacht Club, Chester, South Shore. Coordinates: 44.546, -64.24.
How much are tickets and where do I buy them?
The 2026 edition ran August 12–15. Spectator viewing was free; race entry and onshore event information were available through Chester Yacht Club (chesterraceweek.com). Tickets: https://chesterraceweek.com
Where can I stay nearby?
Recommended areas to stay: Chester, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg.
🌊 Explore South Shore
While you're in South Shore for Chester Race Week, take time to discover the incredible attractions, dining, and scenery this region has to offer.
🗓️ Plan Around These
Stack your trip with more festivals and events across the province.