A 17-Year Celebration of Celtic Innovation

ReJigged Festival has spent nearly two decades establishing itself as a vital gathering place for musicians and dancers from across the Celtic diaspora. What began as a vision to celebrate innovation and creativity within traditional Celtic music has evolved into a beloved three-day festival that draws music lovers, dance enthusiasts, and culturally curious attendees from across North America.

Held in the acoustically-perfect Sanctuary Arts Centre in Downtown Dartmouth, Nova Scotia—right on the Halifax Harbour—ReJigged brings a curated lineup of award-winning performers to intimate, immersive concerts. The 2026 edition features three consecutive evenings of music and dance, each with a distinct flavor.

The 2026 Lineup

Thursday night opens with The MacGillivrays: three siblings from Antigonish County—Troy (award-winning fiddler and pianist), Kendra (two-time East Coast Music Award winner), and Sabra (two-time world finalist at the World Highland Dancing Championships)—performing alongside Patricia Murray, a beloved Gaelic singer. It's a rare opportunity to see the siblings perform together, carrying forward the legacy of their grandfather, Hugh A. MacDonald.

Friday brings the JUNO-nominated powerhouse duo Cassie and Maggie, who boast over 17 combined Canadian Folk Music and East Coast Music Award nominations. Their seamless blend of deep Celtic heritage with contemporary influences has earned them recognition on the global folk stage. They're joined by Traverse, a trio featuring fiddler Laura Risk, accordion and flute player Nicholas Williams, and pianist Rachel Aucoin, along with dancer and storyteller Nic Gareiss. Traverse's self-titled debut won the prestigious OPUS Prize for Album of the Year in Traditional Québécois Music.

Saturday caps off the festival with É.T.É., a dynamic Quebec trio who bring a modern, genre-blending take on Québécois traditional music, infused with jazz, progressive rock, and classical elements. The evening also features ReJigged veteran Yaëlle Azoulay, named one of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch," and JUNO-nominated Inn Echo, whose electrifying musicianship consistently captivates audiences. The night concludes with a free community ceilidh—an open, guided dance celebration where no experience or partner is necessary.

Why Attend

For people in their 20s drawn to authentic music experiences, ReJigged offers something increasingly rare: intimate concerts in a dedicated venue featuring artists who are actively shaping traditional Celtic music rather than merely preserving it. The festival deliberately weaves together established award-winning acts with emerging voices, creating a program that feels both rooted in tradition and vibrantly contemporary. Individual concert tickets are CA$42.00, or a three-day festival pass is CA$97.00, making it accessible for a weekend escape to Nova Scotia's vibrant music scene. The workshops offer deeper dives into Celtic music and dance traditions, while the post-concert ceilidh transforms Saturday night into a participatory celebration that extends the festival spirit beyond the stage.