Inverness Sea Glass Festival
The Inverness County Centre for the Arts (ICCA) is thrilled to announce the second annual Inverness Sea Glass Festival, taking place on Saturday, June 13th at ICCA. This unique celebration of coastal creativity and natural beauty promises to enchant art lovers, beachcombers, and families alike.
Inverness Beach has long been a favorite destination for sea glass collectors. In recent years, its reputation has grown throughout the Maritimes and beyond, thanks to the remarkable quantity and quality of sea glass found along its shores. Inspired by this growing interest, the festival was created to bring together artists, collectors, and storytellers who share a passion for these ocean treasures.
The Sea Glass Festival will showcase stunning works of art and jewelry crafted from naturally weathered sea glass found along Cape Breton’s coastline. Visitors can enjoy local and regional vendors, hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions, and engaging talks exploring the history and ecology of sea glass.
“We’re excited to create a space where the community can come together to appreciate the artistry and history hidden in these small ocean treasures,” says Beth Ryan, Festival Coordinator at ICCA. “It’s a celebration of our relationship with the sea, sustainability, and the beauty that time and tide can create.”
The Inverness County Centre for the Arts is a vibrant hub for creative activity—a place to make, view, and learn about art. With a diverse range of programs, ICCA builds creative confidence in individuals and strengthens community connections. It is a welcoming gathering place where inspiration thrives, and where both emerging and established artists are supported. Here, children and adults alike are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow through the arts.
This year’s festival will feature nearly 20 vendors offering handcrafted art and crafts, with priority given to original works incorporating genuine sea glass. Select beach-themed handcrafted items will also be available; however, manufactured products are not permitted.
Following a successful inaugural event that welcomed over 500 attendees, the festival is expected to draw an even larger crowd this year, including visitors from across the Maritimes.
We are excited to welcome back Mike Baron, the Sea Glass Archaeologist, whose engaging presentations have become a festival highlight. Drawing on years of professional beachcombing along Cape Breton’s shores, Mike will take audiences on a fascinating journey through time, sharing the stories behind some of his most remarkable discoveries. His presentations are rich with historical insight and captivating storytelling.
Mike will also lead a hands-on session on drilling sea glass—an essential skill for many collectors interested in creating their own pieces. Known as the “world’s fastest driller,” with over one million shards successfully drilled, he will share simple, effective techniques and offer guidance to participants eager to learn.
Returning this year as well is Meaghan Landry, a lifelong beachcomber and licensed sea glass photographer. Meaghan will share expert tips on capturing the beauty of sea glass using a mobile device and will display highlights from her personal collection. Whether you’re new to sea glass or an experienced collector, her session will leave you inspired and ready to photograph your finds in a whole new way.
A highlight of the day will be the Shard Contest, where attendees of all ages can enter their most special sea glass finds for a chance to win prizes. Entries will be judged on authenticity, uniqueness, and natural condition, and must be submitted by the original finder.
Families can also enjoy a variety of children’s activities offered throughout the day.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the beauty of Inverness while attending the festival. With its two-mile stretch of sandy shoreline, Inverness Beach is perfect for swimming, beachcombing, and taking in breathtaking sunsets. The beach’s warm, shallow waters, scenic boardwalk, and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal destination for a day by the sea.
Located on the western coast of Cape Breton Island, Inverness is a charming community that has evolved from its roots as a coal mining town into a vibrant tourist destination. Today, it is known for its stunning beach, world-class golf courses, and welcoming, laid-back spirit.
While in the area, visitors can enjoy a range of local attractions, including boat tours and water sports, scenic hiking and biking trails, golf at Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs, the Inverness Raceway, and the Inverness Miners’ Museum. Some restaurants and accommodations include The Coal Miners Café, The Dancing Goat Cafe and Bakery, The Annex Restaurant, Whit’s Public House, Cabot Bar, Panorama Restaurant, Route 19 Brewery and Restaurant, The Inverness Beach Village Cottages and Campground, and The Dusky Diamond Bed & Breakfast.
Sea glass found along Cape Breton’s shores carries a rich history, originating from shipwrecks, historic refuse sites, and discarded glassware shaped over time by the ocean. These fragments— along with pieces of pottery—offer a tangible connection to the past, transformed by the sea into objects of lasting beauty.
Sea Glass Festival
June 13th, 10am - 4pm
County Centre for the Arts
16080 Hwy. 19, Inverness, NS B0E 1N0
Learn more at invernessarts.com or on Facebook at Inverness Sea Glass Festival.
