06/18/2026
📣 Welcome to New Waterford Coal Dust Days 2026 Schedule! 🖤
*Online edition* while our brochure is getting printed! We will update the places to pick up your brochure once it's 🔥hot🔥 off the press. But for now...
🤩 Your Coal Dust Days Committee is excited to share this stellar lineup!
It couldn’t have come together without the support of the Cape Breton Regional Police, the CBRM, CBRM Recreation Department, District 11 Counselor Darren O'Quinn, Sponsors, Volunteers and Event Organizers.
🖤 And to you we say THANK YOU! 🖤
👉 July 10th – July 12th ⚾️
■ New Waterford Minor Baseball is having its' 2nd Annual Coal Dust Days Classic (July 10th to 12th)
The U11, U13, U15 Dodgers and U18 Female Dodgers are hosting a tournament on some pretty impressive diamonds! Jerry Marsh field, Ray "Bozo" Steele Field, Tucker field and Burns field! Canteens will be open and food trucks on site. Come on down and watch some baseball!
👉 July 10th to September 29th 📷
■ New Waterford Credit Union Art Gallery proudly presents “Untamed, The Threads of Nature” - the photographic journey of Cape Breton photographer, Kris Tynski. This free admission art show is open to all ages during regular business hours.
👉 Saturday July 11th
◾️ 3rd Annual New Waterford Coal Town Tour “Dayshift” 🍻
⛏️ We have some history behind the names of our Teams.
💛 The “Muckers” are men who earned their living shoveling broken rock into tramming cars.
💛 The “Chain Runners” were in charge of attaching “rakes” or trains of hutches to continuously moving overhead cables that hauled them along underground roadways to the pit bottom. In mines the hutches were hauled to the surface. Explosives were used in mines to break up big pieces of coal into smaller pieces to make them easier to get out of the mine.
💛 The “Brushers” job was to remove rock from the roof or floor of an opening to increase the height of working in the coal mine.
💛 The “Deputies” carried a yardstick, originally a measuring stick but later adapted to raise a
safety lamp to test for gas, and later still to mount a gas testing bulb. Deputies like other officials also carried a relightable version of the standard safety lamp.
🤓 Now that we have some fun facts … read below!
Those who registered and sporting the awesome Dayshift t-shirts (designed by Dan O’Connell and printed by Somethin’ Creatif) will meet at the NW Fire Dept parking lot at 5:00pm. We’ll gather there before we head out on tour at 5:30pm to our 4 stops: The Firehall, The Legion, the Army and Navy and the Rack n Roll. Thanks for having us!
The Dayshift Tour will wrap up when that 8:30 whistle blows. Make sure you have your ID and remember to have fun and behave/drink responsibly.
◾️ Beer Bash at NW Rink featuring The Relatives 🎶
Doors open at 8pm with tunes from 9:00pm to 1:00am. Advance tickets are $20.00 and are onsale at the Bargain Shop in NW and also at the NW Rink. Tickets at the door are $30.00. This is a cash only, 19+ event. Hope to see you all there!
👉 Sunday July 12th
◾️ 1:30pm Pro Wrestling on Plummer Ave 🤼♂️
East Coast Pro Wreslting presents a free afternoon of live, outdoor pro wrestling on Plummer Ave! Brought to you by Electric Candy, Big Daddy's Pizza and Waterford Home Hardware. Questions? Phone Sheldon at (902) 565 7030
■ 2:00pm – 4:00pm Food Market🍅🥔🥒
Once again we are having our Food Market and it’s BIGGER and better!! Do you bake? Garden? Make your own preserves? You’re invited to come to join us upstairs at the New Waterford Legion located at 3472 Plummer Ave to sell your goodies!!
You don't bake, garden or make your own preserves? Drop in and purchase these goodies! BYOB – Bring your own bags AND appetite to this Cash only event.
■ 2:30 Meat Roll at New Waterford Legion (this is an ongoing weekly event - downstairs)
Come out for some fun and try your luck! Must be 19+ and there’s no admission. Please call Susan for more info at (902) 574 7088
◾️3:00pm to 7:00pm 🍗Wings at the Fire Hall 🔥
Come down to the Fire Hall for some wings and enjoy live music by Kevalone and Friends. Cash only and 19+
◾️ 3:00pm to 7:00pm Live Music
Come to the French Club to listen to "The Fender Benders" +19 event.
◾️Bingo at the Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans Unit 217 (495 Smith Street) Doors open at 5:00pm with the games starting sharply at 7:00pm. The night features multiple cash prizes, including Lucky Numbers, Jackpots, and Toonie pots. 19+event
▪️7:30 – 9:30pm 🤩Opening Concert and Fireworks!!🎆
Sponsored by NWVFD, CBRM Recreation and the Coal Dust Days Society.
We are officially kicking our 2026 Coal Dust Days Festival off with our opening concert and fireworks at the Colliery Lands Park.
Our opening concert will be featuring music from the Erin O'Brien and Ronnie Hogan Acoustic duo who will be performing unique renditions of timeless songs from the biggest stars in music.
🤩 Followed by a magical Firework display!! 🤩
👉Monday July 13th
■ 10:00am The Kaye (Casey) MacSween Memorial “Walk the Loop” 🚶♀️🚶♂️
Everyone is encouraged to lace up their sneakers and “Walk the Loop” (3.7km) This event will begin at the Rose Schwartz Memorial Park on Plummer Ave. Safely use sidewalks and crosswalks around the Loop and conclude at the Royal Canadian Legion: Branch 15 where refreshments and snacks will be provided for all participants. Children must be supervised.
◾️12:00 - 3:00 pm Art and Show Sale 🎨
Stop in at the New Waterford Seniors and Pensioners Club located at 3390 Plummer Ave for an Art and Show sale with light refreshments and canteen available. For more information, please call Becky 902 565 3345
◾️12:00pm registration with start time at 1:00pm for the Dart Tournament in support of BEC Boys Varsity Basketball team. 🎯
Come out and kick-start your Coal Dust Days week with a mixed triples dart tournament at the NW French Club. Cost is $30.00 per team, with all proceeds going to the BEC Boys Varsity basketball team. Prizes for top scores and finishes for men and women. For more info call 902-322-5581
◾️1:00pm The New Waterford Open Golf Tournament ⛳️
Held at the Lingan Golf Club. With over 60 years of history, this long-standing community tradition continues after successfully being reintroduced last year after a brief pause.
The tournament will be a 4-person scramble (mens and womens) and hoping to build strong participation and community spirit around it once again.
Registration opened May 15th at Frasers Convenience Store in NW, and with a large turnout last year, we would encourage teams to register early.
This years' planning committee - same group as last year - includes Kevin Gillis, Sandra MacDonald, and Doug Fraser.
Tournament is Rain or Shine and is $450.00 a team which includes 1 cart OR $400.00 per team without cart. Meal is included by Flavor 19 and prizes to follow.
■ 6:00pm – 8:00pm 12th Annual Sport Awards Banquet at Knights of Columbus 🏆
New Waterford and District Sport Heritage Hall of Fame is hosting their 12th Annual awards banquet sponsored by the Rotary Club of New Waterford, New Waterford Credit Union and NovaStream.
We will be honoring the 2026 Inductees - Bobby Aucoin, the late Sandy Burns, Mello Nearing, Rayonie Pasher, the late Ambrose White and the 1973-74 Scotchtown Sabres Hockey Team.
◾️ 6:30pm Co****le and Darts at the Army and Navy
Drop in for some fun! Teams will be picked at that time and it's $5.00 a person. 19+ event.
■ 8:00pm to 10:00pm Ceilidh at New Waterford Legion
This event is 19+ and you can get early bird tickets for $12.00 at the Legion or $15.00 evening of - at the door. For more info, please call Susan at (902) 574 – 7088
👉 Tuesday July 14th
■ 9:00am Family Yoga with Melissa 🧘♂️🧘♀️🕉
This lovely event is sponsored by "Yoga with Melissa". Children, parents, grandparents and friends are invited to enjoy Yoga at Colliery Lands Park! Connect, play and laugh. Wear your comfortable clothes and bring your own mat (or a towel) and your water.
◾️ 1:00pm to 4pm Museum Scavenger Hunt at the Colliery Lands Park 🕵♀️
The New Waterford & District Historical Society is inviting kids to explore, discover and solve fun clues in the museum and park located at 3696 Ellsworth Ave.
▪︎ 6:00pm Ball Hockey Championship at the NW Rink.
▪️6:00pm – 9:00pm 3rd Annual Bill Corbett Memorial Antique and Custom Car Show 🚗
This cool event is coordinated by the Coal Dust Days Society, CBRM and the Cape Breton Antique and Custom Car Club. Join us on Plummer Ave between St Anne Street and 8th Street for an evening of viewing antique and custom cars! Enjoy some tunes on that side of town by DJ Rodney Leadbeater! Cars must arrive by 5:30pm. Always a classic time!
■ 📣BONUS!! 6:00 to 9:00pm🎵 “The Rocker Fellas” will be performing at the Rose Schwartz Park from 6 to 9pm. We’ll have our concession stand set up. A great lineup for an evening out!
■ 6:00 to 10:00 Wing night at the Rack n Roll
Drop in for some wings and listen to Bobby Currie play some tunes! Need more info? Call 902 862 3000
◾️ 6:30 drop in for fun at the Army and Navy
Play Shanghigh/Cricket (darts) $2.00 a round with monies going back, play co****le or shoot some pool - no teams needed. Questions? Call Cathy at 902 317 0622
◾️7:00pm Meat Darts
The French Club is hosting and it's $8.00 a person. Register early!
■ 7:30pm Cloud Nine Karoke at the Legion
Come and add your voice to our weekly entertainment. 19+ event🎙
👉 Wednesday July 15th
▪️1:00pm – 4:00pm 💖 Susan Coombes Memorial Teddy Bear Picnic & Sobey’s Children’s Festival🧸
Sponsored by the Coal Dust Days Society and Sobeys New Waterford.
All children are invited to grab your teddy bear and blanket and head to Colliery Lands Park for an afternoon of fun! Free BBQ, balloon animals, bouncy tent and lots of smiles!
▪️1:00 – 2:00pm Make your own Pizza! 🍕
Sponsored and held at Big Daddy’s on Plummer Ave where you can make your own pizza!! Ages 8-12 and spaces are limited. To reserve your spot, please Phone Big Daddy’s at 902 862 8009.
■ 1:00pm – 3:00pm Calvin United Church Women’s Annual Strawberry Festival🍓👒
Sponsored by the Calvin United Church Women. This annual festival will take place out of the Calvin United Church located at 420 Hudson Street. Take out only for this delicious and popular dessert made with whip cream, a tea biscuit and berries of course!! Tickets are $10.00 each and are available from any UCW member. For more information, please call Beverly at (902) 578 0098
▪️1:00pm 2nd Annual Jim Henry Memorial Tarabish Tournament
Come to the New Waterford Seniors and Pensioners Club at 3390 Plummer Ave to play some bish! It’s $20.00 per team of 2 and money will be given back in prizes. There will also be an even split with bar and canteen available. For more info, please call Blair at (902) 578 9404
◾️2:00pm to 5:00pm Kitchen Party at the Legion
Evelyn MacRae and Friends will have the place hoppin'! No cover for this 19+ event
■ 5:00pm to 7:00pm Outdoor Coffee House at the Rose Schwartz Park 🎤🎶
Back by popular demand...This is our 3rd Outdoor Coffee House and it will be featuring some of our top up and coming musicians! Brought to you by our friends at Electric Candy and Candy Frost.
The event will be showcasing some of our talented young musicians from our area. Be sure to drop by the Rose Schwartz Park with your lawn chair and snacks and enjoy some top notch entertainment.
■ 5:30pm Our 4th Annual “Eat my Dust” Motorcycle Poker Run. 🏍
Get your poker face on and meet us at NW Fire Dept parking lot for 5:30pm *Kickstands up at 6:00pm* It’s $10.00 to buy in and best hand will win half of the pot! The other half will go back to the Coal Dust Days Society to plan for next year.
1st card is at NW Fire Dept parking lot
2nd card – Glace Bay Tim Hortons
3rd card – Mayflower Mall parking lot
4th card – The Pier Tim Hortons
5th cars back at NW Fire Dept parking lot
You do not have to be present to play! For more info, please call Jerome Burke at (902) 565 8935 or email him at [email protected]
▪️ 6:00 – 7:00pm New Waterford Library’s Teddy Bear Sleepover 📖🧸
The New Waterford Library is inviting children and their parents to bring their teddy bears or other favourite stuffy to the New Waterford Library for an overnight adventure! Drop in to make a craft, register your stuffy, read them a story and tuck them in for the night. You’ll come back the next day and pick the stuffy up anytime between 1-3:00pm. For more info, please call the library at (902) 862 2892
■ 7:00 pm Tarabish Tournament at the KOC
$10.00 a player and a 19+ event.
■ 7:00 BINGO! At the Army and Navy
Doors open at 5pm with the game starting at 7pm sharp! Try your luck and win some money. For more info, please call Cathy at 902 317 0622
👉Thursday July 16th
▪️11:00am – 5:00pm 🎉Plummer Ave Day! 🎉
Join us for one of Cape Bretons’ BIGGEST blck parties!! Sponsored by the Coal Dust Days Society in partnership with the CBRM Recreation and community partners. All activities will take place on the main drag! Enjoy games, prizes, Community booths and seeing old and new faces!! *set up times for vendors is 9:00am - Plummer Ave will be closed to ALL through traffic at 7am*
An awesome lineup of entertainment is happening on the main stage including talented Jack Hardy Elvis Tribute Artist, Daniel O'Connell, In the Mood, and a Pizza Eating Contest at 4:00pm on the main stage - sponsored by Big Daddy's Pizza!! To enter the contest, fill out a ballot at Big Daddys'!! Must be 18+ and All contestants will receive a prize from Big Daddys' but who will bring home the win?! Super yum and super fun!
📣 Don’t forget to join us on Plummer Ave for the evening event!!
■ 12:00 to 4:30pm Kinsmen Bingo at the New Waterford Seniors & Pensioners Club
Bingo with Cash Prizes? Yes!! Canteen is available.
▪️12:00 to 7:00pm Beer Garden 🍻
The NW Legion Branch 015 is once again having their beer tent set up in the parking lot. To enter you must be 19+ *no smoking in the tent area* for more info call Frank at (902) 565 6810
■ 1:00pm Cribb Tournament at the Army and Navy Airforce Unit 217
Drop in and enjoy an afternoon of Cribb. For more info, call Cathy at 902 317 0622.
◾️ 7:00pm Name that tune at the Army and Navy
It's only $5.00 to test your music knowledge with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. 19+ event
▪️7:00pm to 11:00pm Wing Night at the French Club 🍗
$9.00/lb of Wing Night with Music by the band “Third Wheel" This is a 19+ event and no cover.
▪️8:00pm – 10:30pm 🎉Plummer Ave Day Wrap up and Street Dance🎉
Sponsored by the Coal Dust Days Society and Midtown Pharmasave.
Town is going to be ROCKIN’ with a LIVE performance by the awesome band "Thick as Thieves"
We’ll have the concession stand open, too! Bring your chair and enjoy.
👉 Friday July 17th
■ 10:00am to 12:00pm 2nd Annual Janet Morrison Memorial Sensory-Friendly Drop In and Play
🎉 You’re Invited! Sensory-Friendly Drop In & Play 🧸✨
Join us for a relaxed and welcoming Sensory-Friendly Drop In & Play — a space designed with comfort in mind for children who may benefit from a quieter, more calming environment.
This is Free event is sponsored by Electric Candy and the Coal Dust Days Committee
This playtime offers:
🌈 Low lighting and reduced noise
🧩 Sensory-friendly toys and activities
🛋️ A cozy, judgment-free space to explore at your child’s own pace
Whether your child has sensory sensitivities, is on the autism spectrum, or just enjoys a calmer environment, this event is for you. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 🙂
■ 1:00pm Parisottos Slice Challenge 🍕
Think you have what it takes? Parisottos is hosting the "Beat the Slice Challenge"! How many of New Waterfords' BIGGEST slices can you take down? Please contact Parisottos to register. 902 592 5876
◾️1:00pm to 4:00pm Book signing by Randall James 📖
Randall is a local bestselling author who grew up in New Waterford. He will be signing his newest book, Coal Dust, a dystopian novel - at Midtown Pharmasave on the 17th from 1-4 pm.
▪︎ 6:00 pm to 9:30pm Outdoor Kids Dance and Karaoke at Colliery Lands Park
Jokers Wild will be hosting a fun, interactive kids dance for kids of all ages.
■ 6:00pm to 10:00pm After work party at the Rack n Roll
TGIF!! Head down to the Rack to celebrate and enjoy music by "The Amigos" The kitchen is open until 9pm.
▪️7:00pm Boozy Bingo at the Legion
Stop in for some BINGO fun at this weekly 19+ event.
■ 7:00 registration 7:30pm start time for Meat Darts at the Army and Navy.
Come have some fun, enjoy yourself and win some supper! $10.00 per person (+19 event) then stay for Jackpot Karaoke. $2.00 to sing and you could win the jackpot!
◾️8:00pm to 12:00pm 80s Dance Party with the Erin O'Brien Band at the Army and Navy ✨️
A night of live music featuring Ronnie Hogan, Dave MacDonald, Connie O'Brien, David Burke and Erin O'Brien. Tickets are $10.00 in advance sold at the bar or $15.00 at the door.
◾️8:30pm to 10:00pm 3rd Annual Coal Lot of Laughs 😂
Come to the KOC for this side splitting night of laughs hosted by Cape Breton Comedy Festivals' Chad Sinclair.
Check out this lineup starring Dan Hendricken - this guy's a comedy superstar, JFL, Halifax Comedy Festival, New York Comedy Festival, HUBCAP, CBC, THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES & SIRIUSXM.
And featuring IAN BLACK - One of the best, as seen on Halifax Comedy Festival, JFL Originals & SIRIUSXM.
Tickets are $20.00 and are sold at the KOC. Get your tickets early!! It's going to be a time. (19+ event)
■ 9:30pm to 1:30pm The French Club is the place to be for some live music by “Renegade”. This is a 19+ event and no cover.
👉Saturday, July 18th
◾️2:00pm Kitchen Party at the Legion
Come enjoy award winner Evelyn MacRea and Friends. No cover (+19 event)
■ 2:00 to 3:00pm Doll Carriage and Superhero Bicycle parade 🦸♂️🦸♀️
This adorable event is sponsored by New Waterford Home Hardware and Coal Dust Days Society with the Rose Schwartz Memorial Park as the starting point. The littles can get dolled up and decorate their carriages or dress up as their favourite superhero and deck out their bike to parade down the main street.
*helmets a must for bikers* Registration will be onsite. *Plummer Ave will be closed to ALL through traffic between Gibbon St to St Ann St duing the time from 1:00pm to 8:00pm*
■ 4:00pm to 7:00pm 4th Annual Food Truck Rally!! 🚚
Bring your appetite and cash to this event where we have food trucks for everyone’s tastebuds!
Once you pick up your food … enjoy it at the Rose Schwartz Park while you enjoy our Pet Show! Add a blanket for a picnic and you’re set. Please remember to stash your trash.
◾️4:00pm to 6:00pm Annual Pet Show
This fun event is sponsored together by Tails of the Town Dog Spa and Glamour Paws Photography and is taking place at the Rose Schwartz Memorial Park on Plummer Ave.
Come out with your pet to participate for prizes to be awarded for Best Costume, Most Behaved, Best Trick, Best Pet/Owner Match and Best Groomed. Pets must be on a leash or in a cage and you'll be responsible for cleaning up after your pet. There will also be a drop off box for donations for the Pet Food Cupboard and all are greatly appreciated. For more information, please call Sonya at (902) 577 0278
▪️4:00pm to 7:00pm Revamped New Chainrunners RC Show and Shine 🏍
Plummer Ave will be showcasing young and old motorcycles. Something for everyone! There will be a 50/50 with the proceeds supporting the back to school program. You are invited to bring something for their program to help local families with back to school or monetary donation. Hope to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones. For info please call Leanne at 782 503 3829
■ 4:00pm Calling All Grads of 1976!
50th High School Reunion at The Rack n Roll.
The BEC class of 1976 and guests are invited to a "Meet and Greet" with Music by DJ Mikey and the kitchen will be open.
◾️ 8:00pm to 12:00am Army and Navy Dance floor
Listen to some music or dance the night away. No cover (19+event)
■ 9pm to 2am Karaoke at the French Club
Come out for some fun! 19+ event.
👉 Sunday July 19th
■ 9:00am Rocking around New Waterford
*must be in our FB group to play "New Waterford Coal Dust Days"
Follow the clues to find a Rock in View! 👀
We'll hide 5 King Coal Rocks around town. (Painted by our talented Friend Melissa at ) The first person to post a picture with the special rock under the fb post will win a prize.
Once the first rock has been found, we will post the clue for the 2nd rock etc etc Same rules apply and then onto the final rock!
◾️9:00am to 11:00am Pancake and Sausage Breakfast
Let the Legion take care of Breakfast! It's $10.00 a plate and you can get advanced tickets or at the door. For more info, call Susan at 902 574 7088
◾️ 10:00am to 12:00pm Water Fun with Firefighters
This fun event is sponsored by the New Waterford Volunteer Fire Department. Take the kids to the parking lot of the NW Fire Station for some Water Fun!! *children must be accompanied by an adult*
◾️Minor Baseball Day at Jerry Marsh Field
🧢10:00am to 12:00pm Tball
🧢12:00pm to 2:00pm Novice
Featuring a foam party, hot dogs and face painting.
■ 2pm start time to our Coal Dust Days Parade!🎊
Get your floats ready, group walkers, businesses, etc and join us ! For the registration form please email [email protected]
Spectators can enjoy the parade via this route:
Leaves Greenfield at 5pm and onto Union Hwy. Right onto Emerald Street. Left down King Street. Left onto Plummer Ave. Right onto Heelan Street and left onto Ellsworth Ave and ending at the Beautiful Colliery Lands park!!
Note* the area from Greenfield to Emerald Street will be a quieter area - without sirens and music for those who want to enjoy a parade in a calmer setting.
🖤Be sure to wave to King Coal as the Grand finale of the 2026 Coal Dust Days Festival!!🖤
