Mission Statement

“The Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance is dedicated to promoting education and appreciation of traditional music and dance by producing a week-long summer festival composed of intensive classes, workshops, concerts, and dances. The festival’s goal is to build community, celebrate artists, and carry forward traditions using music and dance of Acadian, Cape Breton, Irish, Québécois, Scottish, and other origins to build bridges between generations and cultures.”

The Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance is a weeklong summer celebration of Acadian, Cape Breton, Irish, Québécois, Scottish and other Celtic-influenced traditions that contribute to the vibrant culture and authentic character of Downeast Maine.

Founded in 2013 and newly reimagined in 2023, the Festival gathers world-class performers, students and community members together at the beautiful oceanfront campus of College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor for awe-inspiring nightly concerts and dances, as well as daily classes and workshops. Our flagship intensive program offers unparalleled instruction in Fiddle, Dance, Piano, Guitar, Flute, Community Song and much more.

It’s more than a place to enjoy music and dance. It’s a place to learn, share ideas and connect with others. Students of all ability levels are welcome, and tickets to a wide selection of afternoon workshops and evening concerts are open to the public. Explore our website to learn more about who we are and the many ways you can join us!