Prince Edward Island
6 Hearts
A PEI-based supergroup comprising members of Vishtèn & The East Pointers.
Halifamous Guides
Free August 13 to 15 · Downtown Halifax
Grou Tyme: Three free days of Acadian music, food and history in Halifax
Concerts at Foundation Wharf, an Acadian flag raising at Grand Parade and National Acadian Day at Stillwell.
Read the Halifax historyFour centuries in Nova Scotia
Acadian history in present-day Nova Scotia stretches back more than 400 years.
The French expedition led by Pierre Dugua de Mons first settled on Saint Croix Island, between present-day New Brunswick and Maine, in 1604. After a devastating winter, the survivors moved to Port-Royal in present-day Nova Scotia in 1605. Later generations of French settlers came to be known as Acadians.
Acadians are one of Nova Scotia’s four recognized founding cultures, alongside Mi’kmaq, African Nova Scotians and Gaels. The province proclaimed August as Acadian Heritage Month in 2023 and first celebrated it in 2024.
Halifax HarbourSt. Paul’s and Georges Island
Halifax’s role in the Deportation
In 1755, Lieutenant-Governor Charles Lawrence and the Nova Scotia Council ordered the deportation of the Acadians. Lawrence is buried beneath St. Paul’s Church at Grand Parade. Georges Island was used to imprison Acadians during the deportation.
From 1755 to 1764, British authorities detained an estimated 900 Acadian men, women and children on Georges Island before deportation.
Foundation Wharf to Grand Parade
Concerts within sight of Georges Island
On Thursday at Foundation Wharf, the audience will see Georges Island in the harbour beyond the stage. On Friday at Grand Parade, the Acadian flag will rise outside St. Paul’s Church, where Charles Lawrence is buried.
“Powerful statements of resilience from a culture that has endured for 4 centuries.”
Trevor Murphy, Acadian Embassy
Who you’ll hear
Acadian artists from across the Maritimes
Nova Scotia
Jacques Surette
Acadian troubadour and son of Acadian country artist Eric Surette, performing with legendary Clare fiddler Johnny Comeau.
New Brunswick
Les Bluecharms
New Brunswick garage rockers featuring celebrated guitarist and songwriter Maggie Savoie.
National Acadian Day
Saturday, August 15
National Acadian Day at Stillwell
Festival Grou Tyme wraps up on National Acadian Day with a day-long drop-in: a special Acadian menu from Chef Joey Martin and two DJ sets from French For Horse.
French For Horse5 to 7 PM
French For Horse8 to 11 PM
Chef Joey MartinSpecial Acadian menu
Festival schedule
Festival Grou Tyme runs August 13 to 15
ThursdayAug. 13
Foundation Wharf
Family activities and a youth showcase from noon, then an evening concert from 7 to 10 PM hosted by Anika Lirette with Les Bluecharms, Jacques Surette and 6 Hearts. Georges Island will be visible in the harbour beyond the stage.
FridayAug. 14
Grand Parade
The Acadian flag raising ceremony runs noon to 1 PM, with appetizers prepared by Chef Joey Martin.
SaturdayAug. 15
Stillwell
A day-long National Acadian Day drop-in with a special Acadian menu and DJ sets from French For Horse.
No ticket or registration required. Festival details can change; check the official schedule before heading out.