Kelp Fest 2023

Join us May 13 - May 21 to celebrate the exciting potential for local kelp farming and product development in Nova Scotia. Did you know this emerging and innovative sector could be a small but important part of a sustainable, diverse and resilient coastal economy?  
 
The Ecology Action Centre’s Kelp Kurious project is focused on supporting this growing sector and is inviting you to come out and show your support for a Nova Scotian future full of kelp!  
 
Come check out our seaweed seedling nursery and education centre, try exciting products made with kelp grown in Nova Scotia and learn about EAC’s Kelp Kurious project! 

A poster listing events happening at Kelp Fest which are also found in the text on the web page

Kelp Krawl 

Starting Saturday, May 13, we invite you to eat, drink and experience exciting products made with kelp grown right here in Nova Scotia! 

Here are the spots already confirmed on the continually growing list of restaurants and businesses taking part. Check back often to see the growing list and plan where you’re going to stop on the Kelp Krawl!

We are thrilled to keep adding local restaurants and businesses to the Kelp Krawl. Keep an eye here to see new spots as they are added!

Post a selfie while you’re on the Kelp Krawl with #KelpKurious to spread the word about how exciting it was to eat, drink and experience locally grown kelp. Tag us on Instagram & Twitter @ecologyaction, and on Facebook @EcologyActionCentre! 

Two kelp dishes on plates. One features kelp prepared on its own, and the other has kelp on top of a pasta dish.

Open House: Kelp Kurious Seaweed Nursery & Education Centre 

When: Saturday, May 13 & Sunday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
WhereIndian Point Marine Farms, Mahone Bay, NS
Please note that parking at Indian Point Marine Farms is limited and there may be a short 15 minute walk from your parking spot.

Come by anytime between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to: 

  • Taste kelp snacks from Canada’s Smartest Kitchen
  • Check out seaweed and other creatures in our touch tank and under our microscope 
  • Participate in kelp art activities 
  • Check out the nursery setup where we grow kelp sustainably from wild local spores 
  • Talk to our seaweed experts and watch videos of our kelp work on the water – planting, harvesting and more!
  • See and touch kelp grown by the Kelp Kurious team (and maybe even take some home!) 
An smiling individual holds up a bunch of locally grown kelp.

Additional Saturday Open House Activities: 

10:00 a.m. 

Learn about kelp farming from our seaweed experts  
(20 min. presentation) 

11:30 a.m.

Learn all about the wonderful products that can be made from kelp (20 min. presentation) 

1:00 p.m.

Learn about kelp farming from our seaweed experts  
(20 min. presentation) 

2:00 p.m. 

The Rum Runners’ Ball, a musical comedy based on true stories of rum running along the South Shore in 1930, taking place next door at Indian Point Fire Hall. Admission by donation (suggested donation of $10). Limited seating. First come, first seated.     
*Saturday Only, doors open at 1:30 p.m.* 

3:00 p.m.

Learn all about the wonderful products that can be made from kelp (20 min. presentation) 

4:00 p.m.

The Rum Runners’ Ball, a musical comedy based on true stories of rum running along the South Shore in 1930, taking place next door at Indian Point Fire Hall. Admission by donation (suggested donation of $10). Limited seating. First come, first seated.    
*Saturday Only, doors open at 3:30 p.m.* 

Additional Sunday Open House Activities:

10:00 a.m. 

Learn about kelp farming from our seaweed experts  
(20 min. presentation) 

11:30 a.m. 

Learn all about the wonderful products that can be made from kelp (20 min. presentation) 

1:00 p.m. 

Learn about kelp farming from our seaweed experts  
(20 min. presentation) 

2:00 p.m. 

Learn all about the wonderful products that can be made from kelp (20 min. presentation) 

3:00 p.m. 

Hybrid Workshop: Kelp 101 – Seed to Sales 

This one-hour hybrid workshop is designed for small-scale entrepreneurs and folks aspiring to join Nova Scotia’s kelp sector workforce. Join us to learn about starting a kelp nursery, kelp farm, or creating kelp products. RSVP here

Kelp Products & Farming Info Session  

When: Monday, May 15, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WhereLaughing Whale Coffee Roasters, Lunenburg, NS
 
Are you Kelp Kurious? Find out how kelp can be a viable source of sustainable income for coastal communities!  

Did you know that kelp can be used in food, cosmetics, agriculture and even to make alternative plastic? The Ecology Action Centre’s Kelp Kurious project is helping build a thriving, low impact kelp farming sector in Nova Scotia. From seedling to product development, come learn about the versatile uses of this exciting sea plant!  

Join our team for a presentation on the Kelp Kurious project, followed by Q&A with EAC staff. 
 
Space is limited. RSVP here!

Onboard a small fishing boat on the ocean, two individuals work to pull a line of kelp out of the water.


Kelp Fest is being presented by Kelp Kurious, a project of the Ecology Action Centre. Learn more about Kelp Kurious here!


We are grateful to be working with wonderful partners for Kelp Fest 2023, including:

Logos for Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar, Canada's Smartest Kitchen, Indian Point Marine Farms, Laughing Whale Coffee, Dear Friend Bar, Drift, Lupin Dining & Pantry, Mateus Bistro, Song's Korean Restaurant, Peacock Wine Bar, The Wooden Monkey, and Zoë's Ferments