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 musical hall on our property, the Octagon - a very special venue providing great acoustics and a comfortable setting for musicians near and far. We have a super duper line up for this summer including our Canadian favourites, the Barra MacNeils. So check out our activities & events and come on over to the Markland to enjoy an afternoon of inspiring art or an evening of toe tapping and square dancing!


CAPE BRETON MUSICIANS - 2025

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 special guest Jud Gunning - Saturday June 14 @ 7:30pm
Come and hear Trail Bound ... yes, a local band that makes Cape Breton proud. 
Tickets $20/person 

KitchenFest! Féis a’ Chidsin!  - Friday July 4 @ 7:30pm
The Octagon will be playing host to this annual event, to this "huge island-wide celebration that feels like one big kitchen party!" An immersive experience into the rich and vibrant Gaelic culture of Cape Breton Island, we are thrilled to be part of this event that truly brings the warmth of the kitchen-céilidh atmosphere to life. This year we welcome Joe MacMaster, Kimberley Fraser, Dawn Beaton, Aaron Lewis, Angus MacKenzie and Malcolm MacNeil. It's going to be GREAT!!!
Tickets $25/person
Please call the Markland to reserve your seat.

Canada Day Party - Tuesday 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. 
 
Square Dancing - Saturday July 19
7:30pm -11pm
An evening you don't want to miss ... an evening with Kyle MacDonald, Jason Roach, James MacLean, and caller Peter LeBlanc ... 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 Happy Enchiladas with special guest Ryan Grover - Saturday August 2 @ 7:30pm
"A group of Capers singing the songs of our hero, the late, great John Prine." You are in for a treat. This band knows how to entertain and with Ryan Grover, a local talent here from Dingwall, the evening is sure to be fun!
Tickets $25/person
Please call the Markland to reserve a ticket.

Square Dancing - Saturday August 16
7:30pm -11pm
Peter LeBlanc continues with another summer evening of square dancing and Gaelic singing ... a Cape Breton must!
Tickets $20/person
Please call the Markland to reserve a ticket. 

The Barra MacNeils - Sunday August 24
7:30pm
They're back! Book off your evening - our favourite Canadian family is back to celebrate. See below for more details. 
Tickets $34.50
Please call the Markland to reserve a ticket. 

Square Dancing - Friday September 5
7:30pm -11pm
Peter LeBlanc with Gillian Head and Hilda Chiasson. 
Tickets $20/person
Please call the Markland to reserve a ticket. 

Buddy MacDonald with Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen - Saturday September 20
7:30pm
Come and enjoy the best sounds of the Island with this talented trio.
Tickets $25/person
Please call the Markland to reserve a ticket.

North of Smokey Songwriters' Circle  - Saturday October 4
7:30pm
Featuring Jesse Cox, 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 

Pretty Archie - Saturday October 25
7:30pm
Yes, Pretty Archie is coming to town! This popular and much loved Cape Breton based quintet will be visiting the Markland and bringing with them all their musical glory. We're absolutely thrilled to be ending our season with this band known for their "high-energy, foot-stomping, and hugely entertaining performances." 
Tickets $35/person
Please call the Markland to reserve at ticket.

THE WEEKLY FESTIVE LOBSTER FEAST has returned for 2025!

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, Adrienne's 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 - 2025

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 local 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. 

July 1 - August 31st 
Adrienne Fore
Our local artist and very talented Adrienne will be showcasing her paintings celebrating the scenes that move us all here in beautiful Cape North. 

September 1 - 30th, Aspy Bay Moods
Celeste Friesen
Celeste is a favourite artist here in Cape Breton and we're fortunate once again to have her art grace our walls. Showcasing the moods and colours of Aspy Bay and South Harbour, her show will depict the uniqueness of this area. The ever changing, wild and wonderful ocean sky with the flow of clouds & the multitude of colours provides an endless script for an artist like Celeste. Come in and enjoy!
  

THE BARRA MacNEILS IN CONCERT - BACK for a 12th YEAR!
Sunday August 24, 2025
7:30pm

YES ... Canada's well-known musical family will be back singing, dancing and celebrating for their 12th year. 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 $30 + HST = $34.50
Please call the Markland to reserve your tickets.