Stompin’ Tom Festival

The Stompin’ Tom Centre opens for the season on June 1. Visitors can enjoy daily live music, weekly concerts, a songwriters festival dinner theatre, food and drink, a “shucked-in” experience, and more at the fully-licensed, open-air venue this summer in Skinners Pond.

The Stompin’ Tom Festival Series is an enduring tribute to Tom’s greatest passions: supporting musical talent and showcasing what it means to be Canadian. This year’s festival features Dave Gunning & JP Cormier, Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, Lennie Gallant, Kurk Bernard, Joey Doucette & Jamie Matthews, Cory, and Jay Gavin. Live concerts run every Saturday at 8 pm from June 15 until September 30. 

Returning this year, straight from Nashville, is The Nashville Songwriters Festival, part of this year’s Summer Festival Series. The festival is hosted by PEI’s own Ben Chase and will run from August 28–30. The Centre has partnered with Chase, who has curated a lineup of seasoned and up-and-coming songwriters for this three-day festival of song circles and meet & greet events. Anyone who has experienced the Bluebird Cafe or any of Nashville’s iconic sound rooms will love the vibe.

New this year is Believe in Your Country, a Stompin’ Tom-themed dinner theatre production written by Erin Dunn-Keefe. With Dunn-Keefe’s attention to detail and sense of humour, this show features classic Stompin’ Tom tunes and plenty of laughs. The cast features Chad Matthews as Tom, and Danalee Lynch-Veinotte, Kurk Bernard, and Josee Gallant. Shows run every Tuesday and Thursday from July 1–August 26. 

The Centre also features free, live entertainment daily from 1–2 pm. In true Western PEI fashion, it is laid-back fun for the whole family. Stomp along, dance a jig, or sing with Kurk. Stick around for the Shucked-In Series, offered every afternoon in July and August. Experience this PEI twist on Newfoundland’s Screeched-In: slurp a freshly shucked PEI oyster, chase it with a shot of PEI Shine, and recite a salty pledge to earn a title as an “Honorary Islander”—complete with certificate.

For tickets, schedule, and additional information, visit stompintomcentre.com, email info@stompintomcentre.com, or call 902-882-3214.