About

Sappyfest Inc. is a non-profit organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. We promote the growth of arts and culture in Sackville, NB and Atlantic Canada on a year round basis, with a focus on the presentation of Sappyfest, an annual music and arts festival that takes place the first weekend of August.

Since 2006, Sappyfest has served as an opportunity to gather together a community to experience music, art, and conversations, and a chance to create real and ongoing connections between artists and audience. Giller Prize-winning authors have participated in readings with underground poets, while folk musicians, punk bands, and hip-hop artists share the stage in a celebration of community, creativity, and inclusiveness. Sappyfest has welcomed thousands of artists, including: musical performances by Charles Bradley, Lido Pimienta, Jeremy Dutcher, U.S. Girls, Haviah Mighty, and Willie Thrasher; alongside visual art and literary readings by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Sean Michaels, Rita McKeough, Shary Boyle, Daniel Barrow, and Sue Goyette. To name but a few of many that have shared space, sound and celebrated joy in our tiny town.

Sappyfest is located in the Siknikt district of Mi’kma’ki, the unceded lands of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) and Mi’kmaq Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations. We acknowledge, honour, and pay respect to the traditional owners and custodians of this land.