Ultramarine Music & Arts Festival

Ultramarine: Music & Arts Festival returned to downtown Yarmouth on June 19–20, 2026, for a second edition that built on the creative energy of its inaugural debut. Named after the poetry collection of the same name by Yarmouth-native and award-winning nature writer Harry Thurston, the festival combined live music, literary readings, and visual arts across four downtown venues — Holy Trinity Church, Yarmouth Legion, Heritage Brewing Co., and Portside Pub — creating an intimate weekend of eclectic, community-rooted performances.

The 2026 lineup featured Dusted (the solo project of internationally revered artist Brian Borcherdt of Holy Fuck) alongside JUNO-nominated songwriter Mo Kenney, former CBC Radio 2 host Laurie Brown, and nine other acts spanning indie rock, hip-hop, folk, and experimental music. The programming philosophy highlighted artists with deep connections to Yarmouth who have made their mark beyond the community, while providing a platform for emerging local talent — ensuring every show felt both world-class and homegrown.

Between the music, festival pass holders could enjoy The Rappie Pie Review — a Saturday matinee of traditional Acadian rappie pie paired with local bluegrass at Heritage Brewing Co. — and a free visual arts exhibition at the Yarmouth Waterfront Gallery (June 16–21) featuring works inspired by Thurston's poem "Ultramarine." Evening after-parties at Portside Pub kept the conversation going well past midnight. Ultramarine was a small-yet-mighty festival that proves Yarmouth's creative scene punches well above its weight, and its second edition cemented its place as a highlight of Nova Scotia's summer festival calendar.

Make the most of your time in Yarmouth & Acadian Shores - pair Ultramarine Music & Arts Festival with our Acadian Shores guide, fall foliage guide, and Southwest Nova Scotia guide. They're each packed with itinerary ideas, local tips, and everything you need to extend your stay.