WHAT IS DCAF?

DCAF is a FREE all-ages event celebrating comics & cartooning! Dozens of cartoonists, illustrators, animators, writers & vendors of comics! Come see their wondrous wares at this annual event – like a farmer’s market but it’s all comics!

WHERE, WHEN & HOW?

DCAF is held at the lovely Dartmouth waterfront at Alderney Landing on a middle Sunday in August every year! Like a comic-con but with FREE ADMISSION! Sponsored by Strange Adventures Comix & Curiosities

HOW CAN I EXHIBIT?

E-mail calum@strangeadventures.com for information on exhibiting

WHO’S GOING?

Cartoonists, writers, artists, comic stores, publishers, zinesters, craftmakers & lots more! Most updates appear quickest on our instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dartmouthcomix/)

DCAF TALKS!

August 3rd, 2025

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)
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DCAF 2025!

August 1st, 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
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DCAF 2025 applications are now open!

May 5th, 2025

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

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The Main Event! Sunday Sunday Sunday!!

August 11th, 2024

The Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival takes over the market space in Alderney Landing on Sunday August 11th from 10AM to 5PM and fills it with comic books, cartoonists, and lots more!

Free admission as always! Family-friendly! Bring the kids! Bring your uncles!

So many cartoonists!

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DCAF 2024 Panels!

August 8th, 2024

the comic book event of the summer, the Dartmouth Comic Arts Festival (DCAF) is putting on panels this year! Come hang in the beautiful library and learn about comics with us!

Swing by the Maxine Tynes room at the Alderney Library this SATURDAY, Aug 10 between 10:30-12:15 and 1:30-3:15 for panels on:

10:30am – 11:15am
Memoir & Non-Fiction Panel
Moderator: Dave Howlett
Panelists: Jon Claytor, Veronica Post, Mike Holmes

11:30am – 12:15pm
Cozy & CreepyTrends in Comics
Moderator: Matt Morgan
Panelists: Rob Hansen, Sfé Monster, Katelynne Cagliostro

12:15pm – 1:30pm
~~ BREAK ~~

1:30pm – 2:15pm
Creating Narratives for Children in Comics
Moderator: Veronica Post
Panelists: Sfé Monster, Mike Holmes, Vivian Zhou

2:30pm – 3:15pm
Self-Publishing: On Carving Out Your Own Space
Moderator: Katelynne Cagliostro
Panelists: Kristina Luu, Charlit Floriano, Dave Howlett

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