Press Release
(for immediate release)
Little Brook, Nova Scotia – May 8, 2026 : The Municipality of Clare is inviting locals and visitors alike to dig into a brand-new celebration of Acadian culture with the launch of the Festival de Coques in 2026.
Taking place June 8 to 14, 2026, this weeklong clam festival highlights the rich, time-honoured tradition of clam digging - an experience that has long been part of life along the Acadian Shore and is now being shared as a must-do cultural adventure.
Festival-goers can look forward to a lively lineup of activities, including guided clam digging experiences, fun competitions, plant tours, a community clam boil at the market, outdoor art, trivia night, restaurant specials, and more. With events happening both indoors and outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re thrilled to introduce this inaugural festival and bring people together around something that’s such a meaningful part of our local culture,” said Katlyn Hill, Experiences Coordinator for the Municipality of Clare. “It’s going to be a fun, welcoming week filled with great food, fresh air, and memorable experiences.”
Rooted in collaboration, the Festival de Coques brings together public and private partners to celebrate and promote clam digging - an activity that has shaped the region’s identity for generations. Many of the hands-on experiences will take place along the shores of Grosses Coques - fittingly named “big clams” - where the tradition comes to life. Plans are also underway to introduce interpretive signage to help visitors connect more deeply with the history and significance of the practice.
The festival is part of a broader two-year experiential tourism initiative focused on enhancing existing events and creating new ones to encourage travel beyond the peak summer season.
“Our goal is to build on Clare’s strong summer appeal while creating new reasons to visit in the spring and fall,” said Larry Peach, Tourism Manager for the Municipality of Clare. “We’re working toward making Clare a vibrant, year-round destination.”
Festival partners include the Municipality of Clare’s Tourism and Recreation Departments, Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (Communauté francophone accueillante project), and Innovative Fishery Products in Saint-Bernard.
For full festival details, visit: https://baiesaintemarie.com/en/festivals-events/festival-de-coques
Click here for Bilingual Festival Program
Media Contact / Interviews:
Katlyn Hill
Experiences Coordinator - Municipality of Clare
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
902-540-7525
Larry Peach
Tourism Manager - Municipality of Clare
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902-769-8555
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