Community Festivals
Fogo Island is home to many grassroots community events and festivals. Some of these festivals are an annual celebration of our Newfoundland heritage and culture, while others recognize the diversity of our community and the bounty of the island.
If you find yourself on Fogo Island during any of the community-run festivals, we encourage you to join in the experience. Before your stay, our Guest Itinerary Advisors are here to provide guidance, and while you’re with us, our Guest Experiences Team can advise on the must-see events.
Formed in 2019, Fogo Island Pride Committee coordinates a celebration of LGBTQ2S+ identity and belonging in our rural community.
Events have included a community barbeque and parade, drag shows featuring NL-based drag queens and performers, panel discussions and workshops, and queer trivia. For the latest news on Fogo Island Pride, visit their website.
Etheridge Point Seaside Festival
Taking place in Joe Batt’s Arm, this annual festival highlights the talent and skill of Fogo Island’s musical community.
Over these two days, crowds gather on the ball field on Etheridge’s Point for music, children’s games, and food. The festival grounds are also located at the beginning of the Joe Batt’s Point Trail, which leads along the coast, passing the Fogo Island Arts’ Long Studio and ends at the bronze statue of the Great Auk.
The committee operates a Facebook page, where those interested can find more details on the festival.
Since its first iteration in 1984, the Brimstone Head Folk Festival has operated with the intention of fostering interest in traditional Newfoundland music and dance.
The idea for the festival stemmed from a small group of musicians and dancers, who would gather weekly in a hall in Fogo, entertaining each other for a few hours. As interest grew and more people showed interest in joining, they began to travel around the rest of the island to play with and entertain others.
The Brimstone Head Folk Festival takes place the second weekend in August at the park located at the base of Brimstone Head. It is a popular attraction for the local community and visitors alike. For details on specific dates or entertainment, please visit their Facebook page.
Féile Tilting is an annual celebration of Irish-Newfoundland heritage. In the first few years of its inception, the festival focused largely on educational workshops. However, over the years, the informal celebrations have become the heart of the event with shed crawls, dances, and public readings, recitations, and storytelling.
Like all local festivals, Féile Tilting is coordinated by a small group of community members. For up-to-date information, those curious can visit their Facebook page.
Partridgeberry Harvest Festival
Over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, this local harvest festival celebrates the berries foraged along the bogs and barrens of Fogo Island, particularly the partridgeberry.
During this two-day festival, makers from Fogo Island and Newfoundland more broadly set up booths with traditional and contemporary crafts and baked goods. Local groups also set up space for cultural activities and kids’ events.
For updates, calls for makers, or other information, the Partridgeberry Harvest Festival Facebook page is the best place to check.
For more on community events, consult Shorefast’s Community Calendar.