Music & Family Fun

All eyes will be centre stage at Open Hearth Park in Sydney on July 11, 12 and 13 as an impressive array of music and family fun activities are offered at Rotary Ribfest 2025.
DON'T MISS OUT ON THE
family fun


Donovan Doyle (Osprey)
Formed in 2023 at Riverview high school osprey started off as a background band for the RHS cover of share the land. After that they’ve been playing school shows and are excited to fly together to ribfest and rock out there. John Angus MacNeil-drums Donovan Doyle-guitar and vocals Colin Macaulay-bassRead More

Cameron Hollohan
Cam is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Cape Breton. He has been playing music since his Mom put a guitar in his hands at the age of 12. When he is not playing shows around town, he can be found spending time with his beautiful wife and kids. Cam has a solid sound that…Read More

Broken Road
Broken Road consists of four close friends: Brandon Bates (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Mike Gorey (Lead Guitar ) Alan Buckingham (Percussion) and Bill Jeans (Bass) Brandon started the band in high school, and afterseveral lineup changes met Alan while both were working together. The two discovered each other’s strong interest in music, and quickly started writing…Read More

Shipyard Dogs
You’ve asked, so say hello to the Shipyard Dogs Mike Buckingham – percussion Charles Smith – guitar, vocals James Eddy – guitar, harmonica, vocals. Hailing from parts unknown, they write, record and produce their own material in a basement in the shipyard. Hence, ‘The Shipyard Dogs’. Collectively, they carry a swagger, that showcases the musicianship…Read More

Bob Currie Band
Cape Breton Island is known for its songwriters and musicians – Bobby Currie is no exception. Bobby has been contributing to the music industry throughout the Atlantic Provinces for the past 30 years. Bobby’s passion for entertaining shows on stage through his live performances. His natural talent to entertain is evident by his ability to…Read More

119 Ashby Road
The MacLean brothers come together for your listening pleasure. The band consists of Larry (drummer, vocals), Dave (bass, vocals), Blaise (rhythm guitar, vocals) George (lead singer, guitar) and his best friend Paddy Carroll (guitar, vocals). They perform party music from the 60s and 70s, and specialize in fun and more fun! Read More

Robbie Simms
Robbie Simms. A veteran of Cape Breton’s local rock scene who’s been slinging tunes since the 90s. If there’s a nook or cranny he hasn’t played even he’d be surprised. Wither it’s a basement hall floor or the Savoy stage, he’s been there belting his brand of soulful, grungy, alt driven songs as well as…Read More

Jud Gunning
Jud has a genuine love for playing music and has been making a name for himself in the Nova Scotian music scene. With performances at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, the Pictou Lobster Carnival and the New Glasgow Jubilee under his belt, Jud has captivated live audiences across the Maritime provinces, and has only just…Read More

Backhouse Brass
Backhouse Brass is a six piece brass band that reimagines traditional brass chamber music by performing upbeat, funky arrangements of songs everyone loves. Originally envisioned as a one-off act for a senior high school concert, 2020’s Covid pandemic meant that the group had to get creative or give up. So, they took the extra free…Read More

Slowcoaster
Slowcoaster is a Canadian indie rock band formed in 1999 in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. They are known for their energetic live performances and a unique blend of rock, reggae, ska, funk, hip-hop, and jazz. The band’s core members are Steven MacDougall (guitar, vocals), Mike LeLievre (bass), and Brian Talbot (drums). Slowcoaster’s music incorporates diverse influences, creating a…Read More

Coastline
Coastline is a young, high-energy band from Cape Breton made up of talented Cape Breton University students. With a mix of folk, country, pop, rock, and traditional Cape Breton tunes, they bring something for everyone and always keep a gig fun and lively. The band includes Breagh Kelly (lead singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist), Ryan MacNamara (lead…Read More
Grasshopper
Grasshopper consists of veteran musicians Angelo Spinazzola and Bryan Picard. The boys would jam late night after chief Bryan Picard closed This restaurant he Bite House until sunrise. Those jams turned into the foundation of the band. Their styling are of musician J.J Cale with a twist of Americana and blues. After time they started…Read More

Buddy MacDonald
Esteemed Cape Breton singer-songwriter Buddy MacDonald has been entertaining audiences for more than 45 years. The 2022 East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Stompin’ Tom Award-winner was exposed at an early age to the singing and storytelling of some of the great singers of his native Island. Much of his songwriting is still influenced by this…Read More
Bethany Landriault
Bethany June is a folk singer songwriter from Ontario. She found her love for sharing her music while busking in Ireland. You can find her music on all music streaming platforms and catch her playing live around Cape Breton at various locations. You can follow her @bethanyjunemusic on Instagram or Facebook to keep up to date…Read More

Darling Octane
A 5 piece rock band hailing from Sydney, NS, with a vast array of musical influences. Borrowing from classic rock, prog rock and modern metal, and incorporating a blend of groove and technicality, darling Octane creates a catchy, original sound.Read More
View the full weekend
Schedule

Family Fun Activities
Maritimes Event Rentals
Maritimes Event Rentals is back for Rotary Ribfest, featuring inflatables, bounce houses, and more!

Cape Breton Eagles Tent with Games

Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation’s Pop-a-Shot Basketball Game

Retro Roller Arcade

Rotary Ribfest Annual Fun Run
We’re back!! Shake off those dusty sneakers for another Rotary RibFest 5km Fun Run!
The trail at Open Hearth Park is completely flat and the perfect run for those finishing up Learn to Run programs and an excellent interim run for those training for longer distances.
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Venue: Open Hearth Park, Sydney
Start time: 9AM
Bib Pickup: 8:30
Awards for top male and female runners, draws for door prizes.
Registration at https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=395973
$25.00 Payment to Rotary Club Sydney Sunrise: rcsydneysunrise1995@gmail.com Please indicate Fun Run in message box of the Interact transfer payment.
Contact: Anne Doyle annedoyle.roadrunners@gmail.com
All funds raised will be donated to Shelter Box Emergency Disaster Relief.

Soulvaria Virtual Reality Gaming
From small private parties to large events with thousands of people, Soulvaria VR provides guests with amazing and immersive Mobile VR Play Spaces jam packed with exciting experiences and adventures.











Music & Family Fun
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