Social Scene & Cultures
In fact, our festivals, museums, and heritage sites put our cultures, arts, traditions, and values on full display. Over the centuries the Southwest Coast of Newfoundland has been home to a myriad of cultures. Early Indigenous peoples made their lives here, and the Mi’kmaq culture continues to thrive here today. French, English, Scottish, Basques, and American settlers have all added their ingredients to the mix in this multi-cultured corner of Newfoundland.
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
Here people live the fine balance between traditional ways of life and work and modern perspectives and approaches.
The July Mi’kmaq Powwow in Flat Bay should not be missed. While there, stroll along Big Pond to discover the flora and fauna of the medicine trail. Benoit’s First Nation host a local Powwow in July on Port au Port Peninsula. All are welcome!
In St. George’s, an old courthouse is home to the K’Taqmkuk Mi’kmaq Historical Museum.
Off St. George’s, Sandy Point Island was the original settlement of this beautiful bay.
A little further, in Stephenville, the old American Air Force Base is still a presence, along with Mi’kmaq and Acadian culture. Walk the Heritage Trail for stories on the history of the community. And be sure to take in a show at the Stephenville Theatre Festival!
Merry your way along the beauty and cliffs of the French Ancestors Route. At Boutte du Cap park, in early afternoon, you may snare a fresh bun of bread made in the traditional, outdoor, French bread oven. Head over the cape hills, to Mainland, to enjoy locally made seafood chowder.
Social Scene & Cultures
Ann Harvey Days Festival Celebrations commemorating the heroism of Ann Harvey’s family and their Newfoundland dog; folk art, music & dancing. Isle aux Morts; July; isleauxmorts.ca; (709) 698-3441/3313
Cape St. George & Mainland Bilingual Folk Festival Traditional music & dance. La musique & la danse traditionnelles. First weekend of August; (709) 642-5254; facebook.com/portauportinfo
Pirate’s Haven Crab Festival & Canada Day Celebrations Fresh local crab, entertainment, and craftspeople. July 1, Robinsons. (709) 649-0601 / 645-2169; pirateshavenadventures.com
Scott’s Cove / Harbour Boardwalk Spend an evening at the waterfront park where locals and tourists enjoy local entertainment. Port aux Basques; (709) 695-5775; portauxbasques.ca
Secret Cove Brewing Co Experience Cove Life from kitchen parties, local musical talent, and of course, craft beer. Main St, Port au Port East; (709) 648-2683; secretcovebrewing.com
Stephenville Theatre Festival The longest-running professional theatre company in NL, celebrating 45 years in 2023. Stephenville; July; (709) 643-4982; stephenvilletheatrefestival.com