Welcome to Pugwash HarbourFest 2011!

We will be updating our information regularly, so please check back often, or contact us if you have a question or comment.

What is Pugwash HarbourFest?

Pugwash HarbourFest is a 3 day annual festival held at Pugwash, Nova Scotia. The event, to be held July 22, 23, 24 in 2011 includes water events, land events, live entertainment, contests and recreational activities for all ages.

How did the event begin?

In 2005, a sub-committee of the not for profit organization Cumberland East Recreation Development Association (CERDA) was formed to create a summer festival that would showcase the natural beauty and potential of the Pugwash Harbour and the river estuaries. The long term objective is to create a level of awareness and atmosphere that leads to the development of a full service marina facility in Pugwash Harbour. The idea was presented to the community and received overwhelming positive response. The first HarbourFest was held in July 2006, and has been held every year since.

How is the Festival funded?

The primary funding source is from private and corporate sponsorship. HarbourFest has received some past modest contributions from government, in the form of project management income support and marketing and promotions funding. Additional monies are realized from site vendor rentals and commissions earned from individual event ticket sales.

What do admission tickets offer?

Entry to the Festival grounds, Entertainment Stage, Vendor Village, viewing of all Land and Water events, and general activities is free! Some individual contests require an entry fee (Dragon Boat Racing, Canoe Jousting, etc.) and special activities (Helicopter rides, Cribbage Tournament, Tall Ship tours (when available)) are individually ticketed.

In 2009 Pugwash was added as an official port of call for Tall Ships Nova Scotia. We are confident that we will again participate in Tall Ships return to Nova Scotia in 2012 (date to be announced).

Who benefits from the Festival?

The entire community benefits from HarbourFest! Average festival attendance has been approximately 12,000 over the 3 day period, with a record attendance of 25,000 in 2009 (a Tall Ships year).

A portion of the proceeds are used to cover expenses such as insurance, security, sanitary facilities, equipment rental, entertainment, advertising and printing costs to make a clean, safe and well-attended festival for patrons and sponsors. Remaining proceeds are used to fund future events and enhancements to our land and water facilities.