The Opening Festival invites folks of all ages to welcome the arrival of CMA 2024 in Southwestern Nova Scotia with Acadian spirit! An eclectic mix of activities – music, food, children's games – on the ‘festival grounds' of the Université Sainte-Anne campus.
New Schedule
- Shuttles begin running and site opens: 3 pm
- 3 pm – Baz'Art and family activities
- 4 pm – Performances start
- 11 pm – After Party at Le Château
Keep an eye on our social media accounts, website and mobile app throughout the day for programming updates.
Site Map
Shuttles
There are three parking lots and shuttle drop-off/pick-up points:
- Little Brook Field – 125 Little Brook Road, Little Brook (General Parking)
- Rug Shack – 1008 Nova Scotia Trunk 1, Little Brook (Mobility Assistance/Overflow)
- Belliveau Motors - 1484 Evangeline Trail, Nova Scotia Trunk 1, Church Point (General Parking, Volunteers, Staff)
Shuttle buses will operate between these three parking lots and Université Sainte-Anne beginning at 3:00pm. Shuttles will load at each lot and may stop at other lots en route if space is available. Service is provided on a first come, first served basis. Shuttle service will continue until no later than 1:00am.
Shuttles only provide transportation to and from the event site.
Please carpool as much as possible to the parking lots. There is no parking for the public on the event site. Please follow all directions from parking lot attendants and shuttle drivers.
Prohibited Items
❌ Chairs
❌ Large bags
❌ Weapons
❌ Fireworks
❌ Laser pointers
❌ Illegal drugs and substances
❌ Drones
❌ Displays that are offensive, racist, discriminatory, use inappropriate language, or are religious, political or commercial in nature
❌ Perfume or cologne bottles
❌ Flagpoles and selfie sticks
❌ Aerosol cans, paints or flammable liquids
❌ Skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or electric scooters
❌ Alcohol, not purchased onsite
❌ Outside food or beverages (exceptions may be made for medical or dietary reasons)
❌ Helium balloons, beach balls, and air pumps
❌ Animals (except guide or service dogs)
❌ Umbrellas
❌ Items not explicitly listed are at the discretion of security
❌ Large bags
❌ Weapons
❌ Fireworks
❌ Laser pointers
❌ Illegal drugs and substances
❌ Drones
❌ Displays that are offensive, racist, discriminatory, use inappropriate language, or are religious, political or commercial in nature
❌ Perfume or cologne bottles
❌ Flagpoles and selfie sticks
❌ Aerosol cans, paints or flammable liquids
❌ Skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or electric scooters
❌ Alcohol, not purchased onsite
❌ Outside food or beverages (exceptions may be made for medical or dietary reasons)
❌ Helium balloons, beach balls, and air pumps
❌ Animals (except guide or service dogs)
❌ Umbrellas
❌ Items not explicitly listed are at the discretion of security
Permitted Items
✅ Reusable water bottles (1L or less, must be plastic, clear & empty upon admission)
✅ Guide or service dogs
✅ Binoculars
✅ Strollers
✅ Small bags
✅ Non-professional cameras (professional = interchangeable lenses)
✅ Mobility aids
✅ Guide or service dogs
✅ Binoculars
✅ Strollers
✅ Small bags
✅ Non-professional cameras (professional = interchangeable lenses)
✅ Mobility aids
Site Rules
- Minors (16 and under) must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- Any guest who is deemed intoxicated upon arrival will not be permitted to enter the event
- Bag searches, pat downs, and enhanced screening at entrance may be conducted
- Smoking & vaping allowed only in designated areas
- Over intoxicated patrons will be escorted off site
- No outside food or beverages (exceptions may be made for medical or dietary reasons)
- No open fires
- Unruly behaviour will not be tolerated
- Valid government issued ID will be required to purchase alcohol
More about the Opening Festival
As an atmosphere of great anticipation builds around the release of information regarding its programming, the Congrès mondial acadien 2024 (CMA 2024) is thrilled to unveil details of its Opening Festival – a day-long kick-off event taking place Saturday, August 10 at Université Sainte-Anne in Church Point, NS. The Opening Festival invites folks of all ages to welcome the arrival of CMA 2024 in Southwestern Nova Scotia with Acadian spirit. Beginning at 1:00pm, attendees will experience an eclectic mix of activities – music, food, children’s games, poetry and theatre performances, and interactive installations, among others – on the ‘festival grounds’ of the Université Saint-Anne campus.
The daytime programming also includes the Baz’art, a special vendor's market organized in partnership with the Conseil des arts de la Baie highlighting dozens of the region’s talented artists and artisans. Since no Acadian party is complete without music, the afternoon caps off with a high-energy performance from Les Amis du Teche, an up-and-coming Cajun party band from Louisiana.
At 7:00pm, the party continues as the Opening Festival presents an exciting concert featuring some of l’Acadie’s most notable contemporary artists. The show opens with performances by Par-en-Bas troubadour Jacques Surette, rising star country artist Vickie Deveau, and award-winning songwriter Sylvie Boulianne – all backed by a house band featuring members of P’tit Belliveau, Peanut Butter Sunday, and Maggie Savoie’s bands. Following these acts, heralded indie-folk trio Les Hay Babies co-headline the concert with veritable Acajonne superstar P’tit Belliveau, who has prepared a special show just for CMA 2024 featuring a slew of surprise guests.
This list of exceptional Acadian artists provides a first look at CMA 2024’s musical programming.
“I have had the privilege of participating in each Congrès mondial acadien, and it is with great honor and pride that we unveil the programming for this Opening Festival - a day full of joy and conviviality bringing together the Acadian diaspora for the official launch of the Congrès mondial acadien 2024 ,” says Julie Frigault, artistic co-director of the Opening Festival. “Through this programming, we really wanted to highlight what's happening right now in l’Acadie and demonstrate how vibrant our culture, music, and community truly is.”
“We focused on presenting a stellar mix of emerging artists to show how – across the world – a young generation of artists is promoting and preserving Acadian culture in their own way,” says Jacques Blinn, co-artistic director of the Opening Festival. “Coupled with a full day of activities that give people the chance to gather, catch up, and share their enthusiasm, we planned an event for the whole family that pays a nod to the many festivals I grew up attending all while setting the stage for a truly unforgettable CMA!”