About Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival
The 2026 Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival was held Sunday, August 2 at the Lunenburg War Memorial Arena, bringing together over 50 local artists and craftspeople. Held annually on the first Sunday of August, next edition August 2027.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival
Located at 19 Green Street in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, the Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival is a beloved tradition that has drawn art enthusiasts and cultural explorers for decades. The 2026 edition brought together over 50 local artists working in wood, metal, fibre, paint, pencil, and found items, with their works filling the Lunenburg War Memorial Arena. As the largest annual fundraiser for the Lunenburg Heritage Society, the festival offers exceptional artwork while supporting vital community preservation efforts. The event's longevity and consistent community backing draw both local residents and international visitors who appreciate authentic Nova Scotian culture and the opportunity to connect directly with the artists behind the creations.
The 2026 edition has concluded. The next edition is expected in August 2027 (first Sunday of August).
Practical Information
Date & Hours: Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The festival is held annually on the first Sunday of August.
Location: Lunenburg War Memorial Arena, 19 Green Street, Lunenburg, NS.
Contact:
- Phone: (902) 634-4565
- Website: www.nsfolkartfestival.com
- Social Media: Facebook and Instagram (@nsfolkartfestival)
- Email: Contact form available on the website.
Cost: Admission is $5 per person (children under 12 free). Tickets go on sale at 11 AM on the day of the event at the Lunenburg War Memorial Arena door. Cash is recommended for faster entry.
Accessibility: No specific details were found. Contact organizers directly at (902) 634-4565 for accommodations.
Booking Policy: No advance booking or reservation information is available. The event operates as a one-day public event.
Notes:
- Volunteer-run since 1989.
- Features 50+ artists from across Nova Scotia.
- Setup and teardown occur within 24 hours.
- Visitors can meet artists directly.
For the most current information, visit the festival's website or contact organizers.
The Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival dates back to 1989, when 20 artists set up in a field in Blockhouse; today it features 50+ Nova Scotian folk artists and remains a vital fundraiser for the Lunenburg Heritage Society, drawing collectors from across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Art enthusiasts, families, and cultural explorers will find this four-hour celebration offers exceptional value through direct artist interactions, unique folk art pieces, and the UNESCO World Heritage setting of Old Town Lunenburg.
At a Glance
| What it is | A one-day folk art festival — the largest annual fundraiser for the Lunenburg Heritage Society |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989, when 20 artists set up in a field in Blockhouse |
| 2026 edition | Sunday, August 2, 12 pm to 4 pm — concluded; next edition expected August 2027 |
| Schedule pattern | Annually on the first Sunday of August |
| Artists | Over 50 Nova Scotian folk artists working in wood, metal, fibre, paint, pencil and found items |
| Venue | Lunenburg War Memorial Arena, 19 Green Street, Lunenburg |
| Admission | $5 per person at the arena door from 11 am; children under 12 free — cash recommended |
| Contact | (902) 634-4565 · nsfolkartfestival.com · @nsfolkartfestival on Facebook and Instagram |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival?
The festival is held annually on the first Sunday of August. The 2026 edition took place Sunday, August 2 from 12 pm to 4 pm and has concluded; the next edition is expected in August 2027.
How much does it cost to attend?
Admission is $5 per person, with children under 12 free. Tickets go on sale at 11 am on the day of the event at the Lunenburg War Memorial Arena door, and cash is recommended for faster entry. There is no advance booking.
Where is the festival held?
At the Lunenburg War Memorial Arena, 19 Green Street, in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg — a four-hour celebration in the heart of Old Town, staged and struck within 24 hours.
What kind of art is on display?
Work from more than 50 local artists and craftspeople in wood, metal, fibre, paint, pencil and found items, filling the arena floor. Visitors can meet the artists directly and connect with the people behind the creations.
What does the festival support?
It is the largest annual fundraiser for the Lunenburg Heritage Society and has been volunteer-run since 1989, channeling admission dollars into community preservation efforts in the town.
Who should visit?
Art enthusiasts, families and cultural explorers. Collectors travel from across Canada, the United States and Europe for direct access to authentic Nova Scotian folk art at a $5 door price.
