Cape Breton Island 
The Stan Rogers Folk Festival is hitting a milestone this summer, marking 30 years in Canso.
Credit: Stan Rogers Folk Festival
What began as a small weekend camping event has grown into a full seven-day festival featuring more than 50 artists across genres, from folk to blues and world music, running from July 20 to 26 this year.
Artistic Director Steve MacIntyre says the growth has not come at the expense of its roots. The festival, named after Canadian folk icon Stan Rogers, has managed to expand while keeping its original charm, offering more for families, music fans, and local communities.
The Stanfest Roadshow returns for its third year, bringing 10 concerts to seven communities across Guysborough County starting July 20. Founder Troy Greencorn says the series has already seen strong support, with multiple sellouts last year and expectations of full houses again.
A highlight lands on July 23 with a tribute concert to Stan Rogers, featuring Ariel Rogers and Nathan Rogers alongside artists like Connie Kaldor and Matt Andersen.
The weekend that follows rounds out the celebration with performances from names such as Hawksley Workman and The Irish Descendants, closing out three decades of music and community.
Stanfest Roadshow – 2026
Monday, July 20
- A Matter of Heart – Beth Rogers & Cast @ Mulgrave Road Theater, Guysborough | 7 pm, $25
- Sacred Steel – The Lee Boys (USA) @ St. Paul’s United Church, Canso | 7 pm, $30
- Live From the Lodge! – Kim Dunn & Terra Spencer @ Liscombe Lodge, Liscombe | 7 pm, $25
Tuesday, July 21
- Field Notes – Dave Gunning & Mark Lang (AUS) @ Country Harbour, The Gun Club, 7 pm, $20
- Back to the Country – Daniel James McFadyen @ Guysborough, The Castaway Cafe, 7 pm, $25
- JP & Friends – JP Cormier, Jake Lauzon, Darren McMullen @ Little Dover, St. Agnes Parish Hall, 7 pm, $20
Wednesday, July 22
- The Village Songbook – The McMillan’s Camp Boys, Chuck Brodsky (USA) @ Village Church, Sherbrooke | 7 pm, $30
- Troubadours – Shane Pendergast, Kristen Martell @ Seawind Landing, Charlos Cove | 8 pm, $25
- AJ’s Blues Bash – Garrett Mason @ AJ’s Pub, Canso | 10 pm, $20 (19+)
- A Kitchen Party – The Irish Descendants @ Firehall, Canso | 7 pm, $20
How Much: $20 & up
Stanfest Festival 2026
Artists: Aaron MacDonald, Adrian Sutherland, Beth Rogers, Braden Lam, Carl Bond, Cassie and Maggie, Chuck Brodsky, Colrain, Connie Kaldor, Daniel James McFadyen, Dave Gunning, Dry Bones, Duane Andrews and the Hot Club, Freya Milliken, Garrett Mason, Hawksley Workman, Jing Xia, J.P. Cormier, Kristen Martell, La Famille Leblanc, Lennie Gallant, Lloyd Spiegel, Mark Lang, Matt Andersen, Mae Rivers, Nick Earle and the Reckless Hearts, Shane Pendergast, Tamar Ilana & Ventanas, Tennyson King, The Harpoonist, The Irish Descendants, The Lee Boys, The Quilter’s Guild, The Swinging Belles and more!
When:
July 23-26, 2026.
Thursday: Gates open at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. show time.
Friday: 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., gates open at 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m., gates open at 9 a.m.
Where: Canso Sportsplex
104 Queen Street Extension, Canso
How much: weekend pass $200 plus tax and up. Day Pass: $60 & up
Accommodations: Campsites are available online, toll free at 1-888-554-7826 or by emailing: info@stanfest.com. RV sites are $105 plus tax, and tent sites are $85 plus tax.
