The Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish are excited to announce the full entertainment line-up for the annual Canada Day Concert at Columbus Field on July 1, 2026.
This free outdoor concert will begin at 7 p.m. and promises to be an evening filled with outstanding live music and community celebration. It’s a family friendly event that also includes official Canada Day ceremonies, featuring presentations to the 2026 Volunteers of the Year for the Town and County.
2026 Performer Line-Up
Caragh Kennedy
Kicking off the evening is Caragh Kennedy, a 19-year-old alternative pop artist from Inverness, Cape Breton. Drawing inspiration from a diverse mix of artists—from Lana Del Rey to The Rankin Family—Kennedy combines introspective, imaginative lyrics with atmospheric pop-rock sounds. Her emotionally driven music resonates with audiences who appreciate storytelling and a reflective, soulful edge.
Lewis MacKinnon
With more than 30 years of experience performing across Atlantic Canada and beyond, Lewis MacKinnon brings a deep-rooted connection to traditional East Coast, Irish, and Scottish music. Known for his rich baritone voice, often described as “having a lot of timber,” MacKinnon engages audiences through powerful storytelling in both English and Gaelic. A seasoned recording artist, he has released multiple albums, including Gaelic recordings, with a new release titled Buin an Sàs | Heels Firmly Planted on the way.
The J-Walkers
Hailing from Antigonish, The J-Walkers have spent the past decade crafting a distinctive sound that blends folk, rock, and blues. Known for their raw, soulful energy, the band merges diverse musical influences into a powerful live experience. Their performances are driven by passion, authenticity, and a deep connection to their music—inviting audiences to feel every beat, chord, and lyric.
Andre Pettipas and The Giants
Headlining the evening are Andre Pettipas and The Giants, one of Atlantic Canada’s most dynamic and sought-after live acts. Formed in 2015, the band gained early attention after winning the 2017 Q104 Homegrown Challenge, which helped launch their career on a national and international stage.
Since then, they have performed at Canadian Music Week in Toronto and Sweden’s Live at Heart Festival, while touring extensively across Canada. Their sound—packed with infectious hooks and anthemic sing-alongs—has earned them a strong following and critical recognition.
Their sophomore album, No Fools, No Fun, received ECMA and Nova Scotia Music Week Rock Album of the Year nominations, while their third album, Under Control (2023), recorded at The Tragically Hip’s Bathouse Studio, earned an ECMA nomination for Rock Recording of the Year. The band continues to build momentum, including hosting their own annual festival, Giantstock, in Merigomish, Nova Scotia. This is a band you won’t want to miss live.
In addition to the evening concert, a full day of family-friendly activities is being planned In Antigonish. The celebrations begin with a free pancake breakfast at St. Ninian Place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by an afternoon of kids’ games, activities, and entertainment at St. Andrew Junior School from noon to 4 p.m. The festivities will then continue into the evening at Columbus Field, bringing the community together for live music, celebrations, and fireworks to cap off the day.
Residents and visitors are invited to bring a chair, gather with friends and family, and enjoy an evening of music, celebration, and community spirit.
Keep an eye on the Town and County’s Facebook pages for more event details.
Quotes:
“We’re very proud to offer a full day of free activities that bring families together and make Canada Day accessible to everyone. It’s an opportunity for neighbours, friends, and visitors to connect, celebrate, and enjoy everything that makes our community and our country such a special place to live.”
- Warden Nicholas MacInnis, Municipality of the County of Antigonish
“What better way to celebrate being Canadian than celebrating those who give their time and energy to others. Recognizing our Volunteers of the Year is a meaningful way to honour those who quietly strengthen our community every day.”
- Mayor Sean Cameron, Town of Antigonish
