here’s the map for the 2025 edition of the Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival!
and here’s info on the exhibitors websites and the rundown of the panels that are taking place on Saturday at the Alderney Gate Public Library – free admission!
WHAT IS DCAF? | WHERE, WHEN & HOW? | HOW CAN I EXHIBIT? | WHO’S GOING? |
DCAF 2025 map
Kick-off party at New Scotland Brewing Co.!
IT’S THE DCAF 2025 KICK-OFF PARTY! THURSDAY AUGUST 7TH
Featuring a live performance by WORDBURGLAR & special guests!
Pay What You Can • 9pm • 19+
Join us at New Scotland Brewing (16 Portland St in Dartmouth Nova Scotia) on Thursday August 7th for a lyrical night of good times and rhymes as we welcome WORDBURGLAR to New Scotland Brewing for the DCAF 2025 KICK-OFF PARTY!
DCAF stands for The Dartmouth Comics Arts Festival, an amazing creative event located on the Dartmouth Waterfront. The 2025 edition of the Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival takes place over the weekend of August 9th & 10th on the Dartmouth waterfront. Saturday is programming (panels & workshops) at the Alderney Gate Library and Sunday is the market day at the Alderney Landing Market.
(illustration by James Neish)
DCAF TALKS!
Introducing DCAF TALKS! <<
DCAF (Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival) now spans THE ENTIRE WEEKEND air horn
The DCAF Talks! Saturday events include a mix of artist panels, hands-on workshops, and one-on-one portfolio reviews, and will take place inside the Alderney Gate Public Library. From worldbuilding and grant-writing to the benefits of comics in academia and education, the programming is designed to support emerging and established creators alike – and to welcome fans and curious newcomers into the comic arts community!
WHEN: Saturday August 9, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Helen Creighton Room, Alderney Gate Public Library
ADMISSION: FREEEEEEE (more air horn)
DCAF TALKS! Saturday, August 9 Schedule:
- 11am-11:45am: Thumbnailing & Layout for Comics workshop with Kate Phillips
- 12pm -12:45pm: Worldbuilding in Comics panel, moderated by Sfé R Monster, with panelists Scott Chantler, Alex Forbes & Brenda Hickey
- 1pm-1:45pm: Grant Writing Info Session and Q&A with Rebecca Roher & a representative from ArtsNS
- 2pm-2:45pm: Queerness in Comics panel, moderated by Amy Noseworthy, with panelists Lynette Richards, Vivian Zhou & Fern Pellerin
- 3pm-3:45pm: Comics in Education & Academia panel, moderated by Scott Stoneman, with panelists Rebecca Roher, Sal Sawler & Mollie Cronin
- 12noon-2pm: Portfolio Reviews with Irene Velentzas (first-come, first-serve time slots with advanced sign-up)
DCAF 2025!
DCAF 2025 celebrates the comic arts with vendors, panels, and portfolio reviews
DARTMOUTH, NS — The Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival (DCAF) is back for 2025 – and bigger than ever. This year, DCAF will span two full days, kicking off with a slate of panels and workshops on Saturday, August 9, followed by the beloved comic arts marketplace on Sunday, August 10 at Alderney Landing.
Saturday’s events, which will include a mix of artist panels, hands-on workshops, and one-on-one portfolio reviews, will take place inside the Alderney Gate Public Library. From worldbuilding and grant-writing to the benefits of comics in academia and education, the programming is designed to support emerging and established creators alike – and to welcome fans and curious newcomers into the comic arts community.
Notable guests include Vivian Zhou (Atana and the Firebird), Scott Chantler (Squire & Knight), Molly Cronin (Art Brat Comics), and others. Comics editor Irene Velentzas (Emanata, Tunnel Vision Press) will offer 20-minute portfolio reviews for artists (pre-registration required), and illustrator Kate Phillips (The Usual) will lead a hands-on workshop focused on thumbnailing and layout techniques.
On Sunday, August 10, the action moves to Alderney Landing’s market space, where artists, writers, publishers, and comic shops will showcase and sell their work. Entry is free, and visitors of all ages are welcome.
There’s also a kick-off party hosted by The Wordburglar with comedian Kyle Barnet plus special guests! Happening at the New Scotland Brewing Co. 16 Portland St. on Thursday, Aug 7th at 9PM
DCAF is presented by Strange Adventures Comix & Curiosities with support from the Comics Creators Society of Nova Scotia. The expanded format reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to building space for comics creators to connect, learn, and thrive.
Quick Details:
- ● What: Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival 2025
- ● When:
- ○ Saturday, August 9: Panels & Workshops (Alderney Gate Public Library)
- ○ Sunday, August 10: Comics Marketplace (Alderney Landing market)
- ● Where: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia!
- ● Cost: Free admission
- ● More Info & Updates: https://dcaf.strangeadventures.com
DCAF 2025 applications are now open!
The 2025 edition of the Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival takes place over the weekend of August 9th & 10th on the Dartmouth waterfront. Saturday is programming (panels & workshops) at the Alderney Gate Library and Sunday is the market day at the Alderney Landing Market.
This is the link for the form is apply to exhibit at the 2025 Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival
The Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival strives to promote comics and cartoonists and prioritizes those exhibiting comics and original comics work.
DCAF is an all-ages, family-friendly event with FREE ADMISSION.
Deadline for applications is May 24th, 2025.
Applicants will be contacted before the end of June as to whether or not they are accepted to the festival, hopefully earlier.
• Please note that filling out an application does not guarantee table space at DCAF.
• Because of the high volume of submissions we have historically received, preference will be given to vendors and exhibitors who are displaying / selling / making comics and cartoon art. Please note that DCAF is an all-ages, family-friendly show.
and we’re on BlueSky, too! https://bsky.app/profile/dartmouthcomix.bsky.social