Scotia Festival of Music 2026 | Event Information & Guide
Attracting some of the world's best classical musicians and dozens of talented young artists, the Scotia Festival of Music is back for its 47th year. Don't miss out on Nova Scotia's premier classical music event, and begin planning your trip now with this guide to the Scotia Festival of Music 2026.
Scotia Festival of Music 2026: General Information
First held in 1980, the Scotia Festival of Music has become one of the premier events of Nova Scotia's festival scene, boasting annual celebrations that focus on both performance and education. Locally known as the Scotia Festival, or Scotia Fest, this event is highly anticipated. It attracts over 20 of the world's top classical performers and thousands of fans eager for the music.
Here are some quick details to start planning your visit to the Scotia Festival of Music in Halifax.
Event Dates
The Scotia Festival of Music is a two-week chamber music festival held in Halifax in late spring. You can expect a fantastic musical lineup this year, with daily performances running from May 25th to June 7th, 2026.
Mark your calendar now so you don't miss this proud cultural event!
Locations
The Scotia Festival of Music is held at the Dalhousie Arts Centre each year. For the majority of its existence, the festival's shows were held in the 198-seat Sir James Theatre. However, with the expansion of the Dalhousie Fountain School of the Performing Arts, the festival has since moved to the Joseph Strug Concert Hall.
A 300-seat music room designed for hosting chamber music performances, the hall ensures the highest quality sound for your festival experience.
Address: 6181 Lady Hammond Rd, Halifax, NS
Ticket Prices
The official programming and ticket prices for the Scotia Festival of Music 2026 have yet to be announced. However, based on current ticket offerings and pricing from the Scotia Festival’s concert series, attendees can expect flexible options for both in-person and virtual access.
Current pricing includes:
- In-person tickets starting at approximately $35
- Discounted tickets (35 and under) from $20
- Livestream access available from $20 per concert
- Livestream passes available for approximately $200
Multi-concert packages and subscription options are also typically available, offering savings for those planning to attend multiple performances.
While these prices are subject to change for the 2026 festival, they provide a general idea of what to expect when tickets are released. Secure your tickets early when they become available to avoid missing out!
Scotia Festival of Music 2026 Highlights
The Scotia Festival of Music hosts more than fifty public events featuring international talent of the highest caliber. These events range from the festival's highlight concerts to educational programming, including recitals, open rehearsals, masterclasses, and coaching sessions.
Concerts
The festival's mainline events are its highlight concerts. Each year, the Scotia Festival of Music attracts some of the top classical musicians across the globe to perform in their premier festival. More than 20 musicians and acts are scheduled to perform this year, highlighting local and international talent.
While there are still more performers to be announced, the 2026 festival is already set to highlight:
- Five pianists
- Four violinists
- Two violists
- Two cellists
- One double bassist, flutist, oboist, bassoonist, horn player, and percussionist
This year’s guest artist lineup features internationally recognized performers, including returning festival favourites and leading figures in chamber music such as Canadian conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, alongside a diverse roster of global talent.
For the full list of performers, visit the official Scotia Festival of Music guest artists page.
The festival will also feature a variety of ensemble and collaborative performances, showcasing both guest artists and emerging musicians from the Young Artist Program.
Whether grabbing a festival pass or having a specific concert in mind, this year's festival offers concerts that showcase world-class musicianship.
Educational Programming
Highlight concerts are just the beginning of what this chamber music festival offers. The Scotia Festival of Music fosters musical inspiration through various educational programming and delivers world-class performances.
Whether it's open rehearsals, masterclasses, recitals, or coaching sessions with your favourite performers, the festival's programming provides several opportunities to connect with the world of classical music and further develop your love for the genre.
Young Artist Program
Serving as a central component of the Scotia Festival of Music since its conception, the Young Artist Program provides gifted musicians the opportunity to study and perform alongside some of the industry's most influential figures.
Running from May 23rd to June 7th, 2026, this immersive two-week program brings together students from around the world for hands-on experience in the art of music-making.
The program includes:
- Chamber music coaching
- Private lessons
- Masterclasses
- Lectures
- Outreach training
- Performance opportunities
The program culminates with participants performing alongside the festival's guest artists during the final orchestral gala concert. Here, they can put everything they learned on full display, allowing attendees to discover the world's next great classical musicians in the process.
For young artists, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain valuable training and exposure in the professional music industry.
Where to Stay for the Scotia Festival of Music
Whether visiting for the concerts or attending the Young Artist Program, your festival experience starts with your choice of accommodation.
Set in the heart of downtown Halifax's entertainment district, Cameo Suites serves as a convenient base for enjoying everything the festival and Halifax offer. Buses connect guests to the Dalhousie Arts Centre, with a stop right next to the hotel. In the evening, concertgoers can return to our downtown location, where some of the city's top restaurants and nightlife are within walking distance.
Reserve your stay now, as rooms book up quickly the closer we get to festival season. Don't wait too long to purchase your festival passes and accommodations!