A visitor’s guide to Nova Scotia Music Week 2026 in Truro

From Nov 12-15, musicians from across Nova Scotia will gather in Truro for Nova Scotia Music Week 2026, a weekend filled with performances, professional opportunities and awards.

With over 70 showcasing artists across four venues, there will be plenty to experience in the hub of Nova Scotia from Thursday to Saturday. The awards brunch is scheduled for the morning of Sunday, Nov 15.

In light of the festivities, we’ve devised a list of not only everything happening during Nova Scotia Music Week, but also some Truro highlights to check out in-between shows.

The Performances

Showcasing artists will perform at one of five spaces across four venues: the Inn on Prince, the Public House 1875, The Commune and the Marigold Cultural Centre. Tickets to each venue cost $15 at the door, but are limited.

The Coast has also put together a detailed list of every showcasing artist during Nova Scotia Music Week, available here.

The schedule is as follows:

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

The Awards

The Music Nova Scotia Music and Industry Awards Brunch is set to take place at the Elm/Oak Room within the Inn on Prince. This year, there are 16 music categories and eight industry categories, with Katie Kelly hosting and musical performances by ADINA, the Alan Syliboy Trio, Bill Ricky and Good Dear Good. Tickets to the awards brunch cost $40. Doors open at 10am with an 11am start time.

For a full list of awards nominees, check out this article from The Coast.

The Sights

If you’re in Truro for Nova Scotia Music Week and don’t know your way around, don’t worry. This writer has lived in Truro for the better part of four years and is ready and willing to doll out his local knowledge on some great eats, places to see and things to do in-between the shows.

Food & Drink

The Public House 1875, one of the hosting venues, also serves up some great drinks and delicious pub-style food. The Commune will also have drinks available, but their regular food services are down while they move into their new space. Beyond those two options, which will likely be better reserved for the evening, here are a few other choices for your weekend dining.

Great British Grub Cafe – This one is hard to miss if you’re strolling around the residential streets of Truro’s downtown. It’s bright-red facade screams Britain, and they serve the nation’s cuisine well. From some excellent breakfast options with a bit of British flair, to their daily curries and soups, Great British offers delicious, affordable options that could please just about anyone (they even sell some delectable treats, as well).

NovelTea Cafe– There isn’t a week where I won’t stop into Noveltea for a quick cookie and a chai latte. This cafe specializes in a rotating selection of tea and coffee beverages with a few reliable choices for those who like consistency (that’s me, I’m pointing at myself here.) They have a few breakfast options if you need a morning pick-me-up, but their real talents shine in their dessert selection. Their cheese cakes are to die for. Their cookies and whoopie pies are a sugar-filled dream. Even their healthier options, like their breakfast cookies, taste great. The best part? It’s right across from the Marigold Cultural Centre, one of the venues this year.

LOVUS Coffee & Tea – This is my personal favourite restaurant in Truro. It’s a Vietnamese spot with impeccable interior design, terrific food and some of the best coffee I’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping. Their pho is great, but my go-to will always be the lemongrass chicken, served with rice and a fried egg. This is comfort food made with class. As a recommendation, try their Vietnamese Egg Coffee, made with egg yolk. It’s a perfect balance between strong and sweet. This one is located just a five-minute walk from the Inn on Prince and the Marigold Cultural Centre.

Parichat’s Asia Thai Restaurant – This Thai spot serves up some of the best curry you can get in Truro, with options for those who like it mild and those who want to feel their mouth burning. The atmosphere is great, the menu options are diverse and it is located smack-dab in downtown Truro.

Nook and Cranny – If you like burgers, pulled pork and other meaty meals to pair with a drink or two, the Nook is your spot. My go-to is the aforementioned pulled pork sandwich with a local craft beer (likely TataBrew), but any option you pick will give you great results. This one is located right next to the Marigold Cultural Centre, meaning you can grab a bite before the shows start.

Murphy’s Fish & Chips – Some people will recommend you go to Masstown Market for your fish and chips needs (about a 15 minute drive north of Truro), but for a local option, it’s hard to go wrong with Murphy’s. The batter is perfectly deep-fried and they always make sure to load up your plate, meaning you’ll never leave Murphy’s hungry. The staff are incredibly kind, the prices are affordable, and its in a central location within Truro’s downtown.

Shopping

Copper Collective – If you’re a thrifter or antique-lover, you’re going to need to go to Copper Collective. They sell antiques, vintage clothes, upcycled and refashioned wares and plenty of local art. The best part is their prices are affordable, which isn’t always the standard when it comes to vintage retailers. The folks at Copper Collective have a keen eye for clothing, so if you’re looking for something new that’s also a little old, this will be your shopping destination. Copper Collective is located on Esplanade Street in Truro’s downtown.

Mingo Music Sales – Across from the Marigold Cultural Centre on Prince Street is Mingo Music, a small-but-mighty music retailer with an excellent assortment of instruments, gear, accessories and rentals. If you’re a musician in Truro this weekend, you owe it to yourself to stop by Mingo Music and see what they have to offer. You might just walk away with something you love.

Cooper’s Cabin – If you’re a geek (like me), Cooper’s Cabin has a whole host of comics, figures, retro video games, trading cards and more for you to dive into while you’re in town. It’s a nerd shop made by nerds, for nerds. It’s located on Esplanade Street, right between Copper Collective and Murphy’s Fish and Chips.

Alderberry Village – This crafters co-op is a a great place to find some new decor, artwork, decorations and gifts to bring back to your loved ones. With the holidays around the corner, they have plenty of locally-made goods on their shelves worth a look. Located on Inglis Street.

Harvest Collective – Since you’re in town, why not go grocery shopping? Harvest Collective serves some of the freshest fruit and vegetables in town with a heavy emphasis on local. They also sell some art pieces made by one of their staff members and plenty of regionally-sourced goods, my favourite being the hot pepper Nova Sauerkraut. Located on Inglis Street.

Places To See

Victoria Park – The crown jewel of Truro is it’s beautiful park, just minutes away from the downtown area. Victoria Park offers a complex trail network for those looking to get a hike in, as well as a simple path towards its magnificent waterfalls through its boardwalk rising above the river. It’s as picturesque as Truro gets. Worth the trip for anyone who loves nature.

Fundy Discovery Site – The Fundy tidal bore can be seen from this delightful little park just off the highway towards Halifax. If you check the schedule and make it at the right time, you can catch a glimpse of the Fundy’s internationally-renowned tides.

Truro Farmer’s Market – On Saturday morning, you can visit the Truro Farmer’s Market for a breath of local culture. From vendors of all kinds to the coffee and chatter that takes place, there is nothing more Truro than going to the market on a Saturday and spending your whole morning there by complete accident. Located on Prince Street, next to the Truro Library.

Truro Library & Civic Square – When I first moved to Truro, it was described to me as being a little like Stars Hollow from the television show Gilmore Girls. Nothing is more Stars Hollow about Truro than Civic Square and its backdrop, the Truro Library. If you want somewhere to sit with your morning or afternoon coffee, the square is one of the best places to do so. If you want to relax with a book, go to the library and find a spot for yourself. Located on Prince Street.

The Deer – This is not a joke. You will see so many deer during your stay in Truro. There’s one right outside my window as I’m writing this. I’m not kidding. If you see any, take a photo and tag me on Instagram (@creamy_yet_smooth).