Better Together Circle (BTC) is gearing up for its 4th annual EcoFest Westport, and this year promises to be our most vibrant celebration yet. Join us on Saturday, May 23 from 10am to 3pm at The Cove Inn for a day filled with community spirit, music, learning, hands-on experiences, and locally lovingly handmade products for sale.
EcoFest brings people together to imagine and build a future where we live more lightly on the Earth. This year’s theme draws inspiration from Plant Baby Plant plantbabyplant.com and the hopeful teachings of Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, whose work reminds us that regeneration begins with relationships.
Together we plant trees and restore habitat, rewild gardens and protect wetlands, and strengthen community through meaningful, joyful action. EcoFest also builds on the momentum of our Eco Café Winter Series, where neighbours gathered week after week to learn, connect, and take action. Now we’re bringing that energy outdoors for a full day of celebration.
This year’s activities include live music by the Nepean Panharmonic Steel Drum Band, The Rivermen and more; dance performances by Next Step Cloggers; Voyageur canoe tours; demonstrations from local experts and makers; art experiences for all ages by local artisans, using earth-based upcycled materials; Westport’s first Pocket Forest; plant vendors; and local environmental and EV groups sharing their work and ideas.
Speakers include Elsabe Falkson from the Thousand Island Master Gardeners on “The Elephant in the Room: How to deal with uninvited invasive species” (10am); Nate Morris on “Deploying Biochar for Carbon-Neutral Housing & Wastewater” (11am); Climate Network Lanark’s “Climate Concierge Program: Retrofit Guidance on Energy Efficiency and Funding” (12pm); Mike Nickerson on “More Fun, Less Stuff” (1pm); and Mireille LaPointe, Indigenous Community Helper, on “Sharing Knowledge” (2pm).
Celebrate, Learn, and Take Action
EcoFest Westport is more than an event — it’s a gathering of people who care about this place and want to help it thrive. Whether you’re curious about native plants, excited about a canoe tour, looking for family-friendly activities, or simply hoping to enjoy great music and food with our partners at The Cove Inn, there’s something here for everyone.
Enjoy an evening performance by River City Junction from 5–9pm, hosted by The Cove. Book your reservation at coveinn.com.
Then, as dusk settles, join us for a special night sky viewing, hosted by NWNC Dark-Sky Project, followed by Lights Out Westport as we celebrate our connection to the night sky.
Dale Hamilton is kicking off our EcoFest with her powerful one-woman play The Gardener and the Golfer, coming to Westport on May 21. It’s thoughtful and the perfect warm-up for everything EcoFest has in store. Visit bettertogethercircle.org for full details.
BTC gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship we receive from The Cove, Ken Rose, and the support of NWNC Dark Sky Project, the vendors, performers, exhibitors, and of course our volunteers who are always there for us.