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
- 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
❌ 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
✅ 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!”
Route
Down Main Street: Frost Park to Forest Street and back to Frost Park
How to get there
By shuttle:
Shuttles running from the Yarmouth Airport (the site of the National Acadian Day Concert) will bring you directly to the Tintamarre location. You can park at the airport beginning at 4pm using the entrance on the Haley Road. These shuttles will also bring participants back to the airport after the Tintamarre. Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations:
In front of the Airport Terminal
Tintamarre Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations:
Water Street (in front of Frost Park)
Corner of Forest Street & Main Street (pick-up only, after the Tintamarre
By Car:
You can drive to downtown Yarmouth and find nearby parking nearby. However, please note that from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, Main Street from Public Street to Forest Street will be closed to all traffic and no parking will be allowed on the street within this zone.
On Foot:
If it's within your means, you are also welcome to walk to the Tintamarre siteHoraire
4:00pm – Shuttles start running from the Yarmouth Airport to Frost Park4:00pm-5:55pm – Participants gather in/around Frost Park on Main Street (be sure to check out the live broadcast of Radio-Canada/ICI Acadie’s afternoon radio show La mouvée in the gazebo!)
5:55pm – TINTAMARRE!
What to bring
Noisemakers, your brightest Acadian colours, fun accessories and comfy shoes! Get ready to make some noise!(If you’re going to the concert at the airport, remember that some objects may not be permitted on the site. Click here to review the list.)
And after?
Come join us for the National Acadian Day Concert taking place at the Yarmouth Airport! The pre-show starts at 6pm and the big show – broadcast live on ICI Télé en Acadie, ICI ARTV and TOU.TV – starts at 9pm.Voici quelques informations clés dont vous aurez besoin avant d'assister aux événements du Congrès mondial acadien 2024 !
OBJETS NON-PERMIS // PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Chaises / Chairs
- Grands sacs / Large Bags
- Armes / Weapons
- Feux d'artifice / Fireworks
- Pointeurs laser / Laser Pointers
- Drogues et substances illégales / Illegal Drugs and Substances
- Drones
- Affichages offensants, racistes, discriminatoires, utilisant un langage inapproprié ou de nature religieuse, politique ou commerciale / Displays that are offensive, racist, discriminatory, use inappropriate language, or are religious, political or commercial in nature
- Flacons de parfum ou d'eau de cologne / Perfume or cologne bottles
- Mâts de drapeau et perches à selfie / Flagpoles and Selfie Sticks
- Bombes aérosols, peintures ou liquides inflammables / Aerosol cans, Paints or Flammable Liquids
- Planes à roulettes, patins à roulettes, vélos ou scooters électriques / Skateboards, Rollerblades, Bicycles, or Electric Scooters
- L'alcool, non acheté sur site / Alcohol, not purchased onsite
- Nourriture ou boissons extérieures (des exceptions peuvent être faites pour des raisons médicales ou diététiques) / Outside food or beverages (exceptions may be made for medical or dietary reasons)
- Ballons à l'hélium, ballons de plage et pompes à air / Helium balloons, beach balls, and air pumps
- Animaux (sauf chiens-guides ou d'assistance) / Animals (except guide or service dogs)
- Parapluies / Umbrellas
- Les objets non explicitement listés sont à la discrétion du service de sécurité / Items not explicitly listed are at the discretion of security
OBJETS PERMIS // PERMITTED ITEMS
- Bouteilles d'eau réutilisables (1 L ou moins, doivent être en plastique, claires et vides à l'admission) / Reusable water bottles (1L or less, must be plastic, clear & empty upon admission)
- Chiens guides ou d'assistance / Guide or service dogs
- Jumelles / Binoculars
- Poussette pour enfant / Strollers
- Petits sacs / Small bags
- Appareil photo non professionnel (professionnel = lentilles interchangeables) / Non-professional cameras (professional = interchangeable lenses)
- Aides à la mobilité / Mobility aids
SITE RULES // RÈGLES DU SITES
- Les mineurs (16 ans et moins) doivent être accompagnés d'un adulte responsible / Minors (16 and under) must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- Tout invité jugé en état d'ébriété à son arrivée ne sera pas autorisé à entrer dans l'événement / Any guest who is deemed intoxicated upon arrival will not be permitted to enter the event
- Des fouilles de sacs, des palpations et un contrôle renforcé à l'entrée peuvent être effectués / Bag searches, pat downs, and enhanced screening at entrance may be conducted
- Fumer et vapoter sont autorisés uniquement dans les zones désignées / Smoking & vaping allowed only in designated areas
- Les clients en état d'ébriété en excès seront escortés hors du site / Over intoxicated patrons will be escorted off site
- Nourriture ou boissons extérieures (des exceptions peuvent être faites pour des raisons médicales ou diététiques) / No outside food or beverages (exceptions may be made for medical or dietary reasons)
- Pas de feu ouvert / No open fires
- Un comportement indiscipliné ne sera pas toléré / Unruly behavior will not be tolerated
- Une pièce d'identité valide délivrée par le gouvernement sera requise pour acheter de l'alcool / Valid Government issued ID will be required to purchase alcohol
L'Au revoir is an intimate, free concert to mark the end of the Congrès mondial acadien 2024. The event will take place on August 18, at 2 p.m., at Saint-Michel Church in Wedgeport.
Drawing inspiration from the historic church in Wedgeport and the charm of the Southwest region, l’Au revoir delivers a beautiful finale family photo for CMA 2024 framed by performances from:
- Zachary Richard
- Vishtèn Connexions
- Ronald Bourgeois
- Isabelle Cyr and Yves Marchand
- Yvette d’Entremont and the Voix de la mer choir
- Paul Saulnier
- Emma Stevens and Carter Chiasson
- Hirondelles
- Vickie Deveau with Charles Robicheau and Daniel Leblanc
Through musical exchanges and collaborations created specifically for this event, CMA 2024 ends on a sweet note. Full of emotion, hope, joy, and love, l’Au revoir harnesses the voices of the sea, the earth, and the constant winds that take us away and continually bring us back together to present a unique binding moment that will leave enduring ripples in the hearts of those who participate.
“What a great honor to be able to live my Acadie, body and soul, alongside such monumental artists and talented people,” says Yvette d’Entremont, co-artistic director of l’Au revoir. “I can’t wait to let our visitors experience the flavors of our region, in all its beauty.”
“Collaborating in the creation of this type of show and being part of it is a moment that I have dreamed of for a long time,” says Ronald Bourgeois, co-artistic director of l’Au revoir. “It is rare to have such a unique opportunity with such talented people. I have goosebumps just thinking about it.”
SHUTTLES
There is no parking for the public on the event site.
If you have a ticket, follow these instructions.
Parking Lot A
Wedgeport Ballfield 3161 HWY 334
Parking Lot B
Wedgeport Legion 24 Corporon Rd, Wedgeport, NS BOW 3P0
Parking Lot C
Coastal Financial Credit Union 2246 NS-334, Arcadia, NS BOW 1B0
Shuttles will operate between the three parking lots and Wedgeport Church Shuttle Drop Off/Pick Up location starting at 12:45pm. Shuttles will load at each lot and may stop at other lots on route if there is space available. Service is provided on a first come, first served basis. Shuttle service will continue until 5:00pm. Buses will provide transportation to and from the event site.
Please carpool as much as possible to the parking lots.
Follow all directions from parking lot attendants and shuttles.
The Ultime Tyme (Ultimate Party) takes you on a very different kind of voyage. This eclectic high-energy party at the Mariners Center abandons terrestrial means of transportation for a rocket ship that beams you directly into an alternative space-time where a multiplicity of Acadies not only exist but thrive.
Taking its cue from 80s & 90s cable access television and presented as a channel surfing Saturday night with the volume turned all the way up, l’Ultime Tyme is where vintage, contemporary, and futuristic elements collide for a party unlike any other.
Simultaneously drawing out touchstones of the past, anchoring them in an open-armed present, and embracing a diversified future, the show – curated by artistic directors Céleste Godin and Trevor Murphy – shines a light on the explosive and immersive vision of Acadian culture as presented through the eyes of today’s shining stars.
Ultime Tyme TV Guide:
Channel 1 – 7:00pm – Bingo avec Johanne (The Pre-Party)
A favourite rural pastime jumps off the screen and onto the big stage. But this isn’t your average bingo! Bingo avec Johanne mixes the atmosphere of a psychedelic Frenchys with a good dose of humor to create an ultimately unique and interactive experience. Who will win the prizes and who will appear as a special guest in Johanne's world? Anything is possible.
Channel 2 – 8:00pm – L'Ultime Tyme, en direct! (The Big Party)
Lights, camera, action! L'Ultime Tyme, en direct! is an eclectic music variety show spotlighting some of Acadie’s hottest talent and a slew of special guests. Hosted by poet and effervescent online personality Xénia, the show features incredible performances from the Grammy Award-winning Louisiana act Lost Bayou Ramblers, the majestic and glittering mega star Lisa LeBlanc, and Baie Sainte-Marie punk rockers Peanut Butter Sunday. Pop-disco band Baie provides the show's beating heart, performing their own tunes and acts as the house band throughout the night. L'Ultime Tyme, en direct! also features performances by Ruby Foxglove, Wolf Castle, Denzel Subban and a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Cheval and Jacques Surette.
Channel 3 – 10:30pm – Disco Minko (The After Party)
DJ LU of Moncton's Worry Pas Club takes to the decks for an unabashed dance party of the highest order. Paying homage to the original name of a teen dance club in East Pubnico that ran from 1979 to 2004, Disco Minko invites you to an atmosphere inspired by Much Music's Electric Circus, where the vibes, rhythms and spirit of the community will guide you into the foggy Yarmouth night.
Du 11 au 12 août auront lieu, la Conférence d’ouverture et les Grandes consultations de l’Acadie du projet « Quoisse t’en penses? ». L’ensemble des activités de ce volet auront lieu au campus Pointe-de-l’Église de l’Université de Sainte-Anne, dans le Sud-Ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
Horaire
Le 11 août 2024
La conférence d’ouverture met à l’honneur une grande personnalité acadienne, Zachary Richard, auteur, compositeur, chanteur et poète, et abordera les questions de langue et d’identité chez les Acadiens. Celle-ci aura pour objectif d'éveiller le public à défendre leur langue et leur identité acadienne. S’en suit un panel, incluant le conférencier d'honneur, M. Raymond Théberge, commissaire aux langues officielles du Canada, de Mathieu Gingras, directeur du développement au bureau du recrutement étudiant à l’Université de Moncton et le ministre de la langue française du gouvernement du Québec, M. Jean-François Roberge.Le coquetel de réseautage Acadie-Québec est organisé en partenariat avec le Bureau du Québec dans les provinces atlantiques.
Le 12 août 2024
Les Grandes consultations de l’Acadie se dérouleront en deux parties.
Partie 1 : Six tables rondes / panels de discussion / conférences participatives auront lieu en avant-midi. Les sujets seront choisis en cours de route selon les éléments qui ressortiront des consultations de cuisine « Quoisse t'en penses ? » (les thématiques et descriptions des tables retenues vous seront envoyées par courriel - mais vous pouvez vous attendre à des sujets comme suit : l'immigration, la socio-linguistique, l'Acadie sur la scène fédérale, la collaboration dans la diaspora acadienne, la célébration de la culture acadienne, etc.).
Partie 2 : Un café du monde est organisé pour permettre aux participants de se pencher sur les moyens concrets de mettre en action les éléments soulevés dans les diverses phases des consultations et dans la conférence d’ouverture.
Si vous avez des questions au sujet des États généraux, n’hésitez pas à nous écrire à