Cape Breton is an Island of talent, music, colour, and artistry ... the Markland loves to showcase as much of this splendour as possible. We are fortunate to have a music hall on the property, the Octagon - a very special venue providing great acoustics and a comfortable setting for musicians near and far.

We have an exciting line up for this summer including our Canadian favourites, the Barra MacNeils, back for their 14th year and celebrating their 40th anniversary!  And ... we are thrilled to announce the NORTH OF SMOKEY MUSIC FESTIVAL ... the first of its kind north of smokey. This festival aims to bring together the very many talented musicians who hail from the very many vibrant communities sprinkled across the north eastern tip of the Island. There is so much talent hidden away and the opportunity to showcase it all on an outdoor stage overlooking the Atlantic ocean is thrilling. 

So ... mark your calendars. It's going to be a sensational summer.


CAPE BRETON MUSICIANS - 2026

Everynight from 7-9pm in the Markland Lobby, starting in June 

Please join us for a Cape Breton evening celebrating the local talent of Bruce Courtney, Norman MacDonald, and Deron Donovan.  You're sure to be entertained in the comforts of the Markland lobby with their laughs, stories and vibrant Cape Breton music. A Glen Breton whiskey to top off the evening ... the spirit of Cape Breton keeps giving.

For more information, please call the Markland at (902) 383-2246.

In addition to our daily entertainment, we are proud to announce the following events in the Octagon, our newly renovated music space. Perched on the Markland property over looking the Atlantic Ocean, the Octagon can host upto 200 guests and is an acoustic delight for any musician. 

Trail Bound with Deron, Bruce, Norm, Meredith & Katie! - Saturday June 6
7:30pm
Come and hear Trail Bound ... yes, a local band that makes Cape Breton proud. 
Tickets $20/person 

KitchenFest! Féis a’ Chidsin!  ... with the legendary, award-winning J.P.Cormier - Sunday June 28 
7:30pm

KitchenFest! Féis a’ Chidsin! Aaron MacDonald, Darrell Keigan, Neil McDaniel, Steve L. & Deron Donovan - July 3
7:30pm
The Octagon is fortunate to be playing host to this annual event on two nights this year, Sunday June 28 and Friday July 3rd. KitchenFest is an immersive experience into the rich and vibrant Gaelic culture of Cape Breton Island  ... a  "huge island-wide celebration that feels like one big kitchen party!" We are thrilled to be part of this event that truly brings the warmth of a céilidh to life.

J.P. Cormier will be joining in on the fun on Friday July 3. One of Canada's most influential guitarists and musicians, J.P. is here to excite & ignite. "A young man with an ancient soul who has traveled the world for the past 30 years bringing joy to audiences wherever he goes." Don't miss this unforgettable and very special evening with a true Canadian legend.

Tickets $25/person
Please call the Markland to reserve your seat.

Canada Day Party - Wednesday July 1
We're having a party and you're invited. There's no time like now to demonstrate our love & pride for this great country. Come and celebrate with family, friends and neighbours and together we'll give a toast to "Oh Canada ... our home & native land!"
Bag Piper - 5pm
BBQ - 6pm
Fireworks - early evening
Please call the Markland for dinner tickets. 
 
Ceilidh with Peter LeBlanc & Friends - Friday July 24 
7:30pm -11pm
An evening you don't want to miss ... an evening of music, of dancing and of Gaelic singing ... the best way to spend a summer's night in Cape Breton!! 
Tickets $20/person
Please call the Markland to reserve a ticket. 

The NORTH OF SMOKEY MUSIC FESTIVAL -  Saturday August 8
Noon til 10pm
Musicians from north of smokey are coming together for the first time in a long time. From Ingonish to Neil's Harbour, from Bay St. Lawrence to Dingwall ... young & bold, experienced & wise, they'll play til the moon comes out and the fiddles are worn. Welcome to the inaugural NORTH OF SMOKEY FESTIVAL. The Markland property is the perfect venue to host an outdoor stage where multiple musicians can perform from noontime  to moontime all while overlooking the Atlantic ocean and the iconic sugar loaf mountain. Bring the family, bring your friends and plan for an afternoon/evening of great music from around the hood. Food stalls will be set up and a BBQ offered. Note that food tickets will be sold separately on the day of the event. 
 
Proceeds from the sale of the festival tickets will be donated to the Buchanan Memorial Community Health Centre, the hospital that serves, heals, and unites us all north of smokey. 

Festival Tickets (not including food) $35/person
Food Tickets sold separately at the event

The Barra MacNeils 40th Anniversary Tour -  Monday August 24
7:30pm
They're back! Book off your evening - our favourite Canadian family is back to celebrate and celebrate indeed ... 40 years of  touring, 40 years of showmanship!!  This is family entertainment at its highest level with Lucy, Stewart,  Sheumas, Boyd, Kyle, and Jamie showcasing their deep rooted love for Cape Breton through their instrumental prowess, sparkling repertoire and lively storytelling. Guaranteed to be a great and memorable performance. Be sure to reserve your ticket well in advance. 
Please call the Markland to reserve a ticket.
Advanced tickets = $40
Tickets at the door (if available) = $45

Pretty Archie - Saturday September 26
7:30pm
Yes, Pretty Archie is coming back! This popular and much loved Cape Breton based quintet will be returning to the Markland and bringing with them all their musical glory ... their "high-energy, foot-stomping, and hugely entertaining performance." 
Tickets $35/person
Please call the Markland to reserve at ticket.

North of Smokey Songwriters' Circle  - Saturday October 3
7:30pm
Featuring Jordan Musycsyn, Norman MacDonald, Michael Gorey, Meredith Stead, David Doucette, and Deron Donovan! 
What an incredible group. Don't miss this chance to be inspired by these remarkable musicians. 
For more information, please call Deron Donovan at the Markland

A Weekend with the Gunnings, with a Dave & Jud Concert held on Saturday October 24
Saturday Concert at 7:30pm
David and Jud. Father and Son. Two musicians and two extraordinary singer-songwriters. We've heard them both but never together. This weekend with the Gunnings from Friday October 23 to Sunday October 24 will indeed be very special. 
Friday evening,  Dave and Jud will host a jam session and a songwriter's workshop while the Markland provides a  fabulous dinner to keep the inspiration flowing.
Saturday will be a day of jamming, followed by dinner and then a very unique concert where father and son come together to express their art, share their stories, and connect with the community.  
Weekend Package = 2 nights, 2 dinners, jamming, songwriting & concert, Price TBD
Concert Tickets for Saturday = $40/person 


THE WEEKLY FESTIVE LOBSTER FEAST has returned for 2026!

Every Thursday starting mid May to July 15 - 5:30pm 

In Cape Breton, the lobster season generally kicks off in mid-May and we are at the Markland are ready to celebrate with a true Cape Breton tradition, the lobster boil.  Come and enjoy lobster at its very best.  Learn from the locals about the lobsters, their biology and the fishing industry.  Participate in the process of cooking and cracking.  And enjoy a dinner complete with salads, homemade bread, our famous pie, and a glass of wine or a local draught.  Truly a memorable event on the most northern tip of Cape Breton Island. 

Call the Markland to reserve at (902) 383-2246
$60/person (includes 3 course meal, choice of beverage, and an entertaining & informative show and tell)

ART SHOWS - THE MARKLAND - 2026

Talent abounds here in Cape Breton. We are so fortunate to be surrounded with artists of all vocations. The creative work that emerges after a long winter never ceases to amaze us whether it be music, paintings, needlework, photography, pottery, jewellery or writing.  This summer we are delighted to be showcasing the works of 2 well known & celebrated artists. Their art will be on display in the Markland lobby and dining room so ... drop on by and take in the sights as viewed from the lens of an artist. 

August 1 - August 31st , FIELD NOTES
Eve Stockton
Artist Reception - August 16, 2pm 

Eve Stockton's new exhibit, Field Notes, was inspired by the natural beauty outside her Cape Breton summer studio. An artist whose soul is enriched by nature, whose love for Cape Breton is deep, Eve continues to discover new ways to capture the energy of life. Whether it be wood cut prints or collages, her works awaken our senses and remind us of the elemental beauty in water, plants, trees and clouds. 

Join us on Sunday August 16th for a cocktail reception with the artist herself, 2-4pm in the Markland restaurant.  



September 1 - 30th, ANYTHING THAT POURS
Jitka Zgola
Artist Reception - September 6, 2pm

Jitka is a true delight and her pottery is a Cape Breton treasure. Unique, playful, functional and always visually delightful, her pottery gives so much joy to those fortunate to own. Out of her studio in Wreck Cove, Singing Pebbles, Jitka shapes, fires and glazes one-of-a-kind pieces, and this September the Markland gets to showcase her lastest creations ... anything that pours.    

THE BARRA MacNEILS IN CONCERT - The 40th ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Monday August 24, 2026
7:30pm

YES ... Canada's well-known musical family will be back singing, dancing and celebrating for their 14th year at the Markland and ... their 40th anniversary on Tour.  We're THRILLED. 
Their highly entertaining, energetic and intimate show sells out every year. It truly is a Maritime highlight! Come on out ... the evening is sure to entertain.The six MacNeil siblings are widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the family group is deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture, dance, language and history. Their numerous critically acclaimed recordings have included their own original songs as well as tried and true standards, both instrumental and vocal. Very exciting indeed for all of us up here on the northern tip of Cape Breton!

Tickets are $35 + HST = $40 ($39.55)
Please call the Markland to reserve your tickets.
If there are any seats left, tickets might be sold at the door for $40 + HST  = $45 ($45.20)