Welcome to the
Stompin’ Tom Centre
A Canadian icon, Stompin’ Tom helped us understand and appreciate our unique Canadian culture through his songs about the everyday people, places, and pastimes of our nation.
At the Stompin’ Tom Centre, we honour his many contributions to Canada and invite you to learn more about his remarkable life, his ties to Prince Edward Island, and the songs that made him a legend.
Come, join us in Skinners Pond and stay awhile. After all, there’s plenty to see, do, eat, and hear on our 10-acre property in Western PEI!
The Stompin’ Tom Centre and Restaurant
Take your time exploring the Stompin’ Tom Centre, where memorabilia and interactive displays celebrate the life and achievements of the man in the black hat. You’ll find everything here from old stompin’ boards to gold records, personal artifacts and cherished recordings from a bygone era.
And be sure to bring your appetite, because the on-site restaurant is brimmin’ with PEI specialities, including poutine, lobster rolls, and The Stompin’ Burger. Soak up the salty sea air and sunshine on one of our two outdoor decks or enjoy our spacious indoor dining area.
Pssst….keep reading below for the scoop on how to get ‘shucked-in’ and slurp down our world-renowned PEI oysters!
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The Schoolhouse and Homestead
Walk through the one-room schoolhouse that Stompin’ Tom attended as a boy, complete with desks and books from the era. Get an up-close view of the Skinners Pond homestead where Tom lived with his adoptive parents, Cora and Russell Aylward.
Fun fact: Tom actually purchased the schoolhouse back in 1970 with a plan to open it as a museum. Over time it fell into disrepair, but following the purchase of the property from Tom Connors’ estate in 2014, the non-profit group, Tignish Initiatives Corporation, secured funding to restore the schoolhouse and build the Stompin’ Tom Centre.
Live Daily Music & The Shucked-in Series
Come for the music and stay for the oysters! Every day between 1pm and 2pm, enjoy free live entertainment at the Centre. In true Western PEI fashion, we keep it laid-back and easy-going. Clap and stomp along to the tunes, dance a jig with the kiddos, or join Kurk on stage to bellow one out – it’s always open mic on a Skinner’s Pond afternoon!
After we’ve had a good ol’ time sharing some tunes and lots of laughs, we sure hope you’ll stick around to get Shucked In!
Every Monday & Wednesday in July & Aug at 2:30pm we offer up our very own PEI version of Newfoundland’s Screeched In. Good news – our version doesn’t involve kissing a frozen fish! Instead, you’ll down a freshly shucked PEI oyster, chased down with a shot of PEI Shine, and recite the salty pledge! Complete all three tasks and you’ll be designated an Honourary Islander – and you’ll be presented a certificate to prove it! Come for the music and stay for the oysters!
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Dinner Theatre, PEI-Style
Up here in Western PEI, we want you to feel right at home right away. And there’s no better way to do so than by serving you up a tasty feast with a heavy side of chuckles!
Our 2023 Stompin’ Tom dinner theatre “Keep It Canadian” was written by Erin Dunn-Keefe, who authored all of the previous Stompin Tom themed dinner theatres. Erin’s attention to detail and keen sense of humour creates the perfect recipe for an awesome night of entertainment with great food and drinks to boot! The new production hits the stage on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 18th to the end of September. Get ready to enjoy some great Stompin’ Tom tunes and lots of belly laughs courtesy of the phenomenal cast of seasoned veterans, Danalee Lynch, Bruce Arsenault, Thish Handrahan and Brayden McGuigan making his debut as Tom.
The three course dinner is lovingly prepared by our wonderful kitchen staff using the freshest of PEI ingredients and served up by the talented cast as tradition would have it. The meal beings upon arrival with a fresh garden salad & roll. The delescious entree is served up during the first intermission followed by dessert, tea & coffee during the second intermission. Please provide any dietary restrictions upon booking tickets as we can provide gluten free, dairy free and vegan alternatives.
Tuesday’s entree is stuffed chicken breast, roasted PEI potatoes, sweet peas & carrots!
Thursday’s entree is stuffed pork loin, roasted PEI Potatoes, and string beans!
Seating at 6:30 show at 7:00
“Keep it Canadian” Tuesday and Thursday in July, Aug & Sept!
Song The Festival Series
The Stompin Tom Festival Series is an enduring tribute to Stompin’ Tom’s greatest passions: supporting musical talents and showcasing what makes us Canadian.
Soak up the Island vibes, enjoy incredible live music, great food, and cold craft beer on tap as we come together to celebrate what it means to be Canadian in our licensed open-air venue designed to keep our guests safe and comfortable. We’ve taken our commitment to the safety of our guests and staff one step further by becoming Safe Haven certified.
This year’s festival includes outstanding artists such as Canadian country music icon Jason McCoy; creator and front man of The Road Hammers, the best-selling band in Canadian Country Music history. Myles Goodwyn; leader of the multi-platinum selling band April Wine, as well as many incredibly talented local acts, including our very own Kurk Bernard with his Stompin’ Tom Tribute, just to name a few.
Every Saturday starting June 10th to Sept 30th and 1 special Sunday, September 3rd, when this year’s ECMA’s Stompin’ Tom Award recipient Richard Wood will be bringing his fiery brand of Celtic music to the Stompin’ Tom Centre. Joining him will be the Somerset Dancers.
All New This Year! The Party’s on in Skinners Pond! We are adding 3 special festival event dates where we will pair themed tasting and drink menus with day and evening concerts to elevate the experience and keep the party going. Starting off with the “O’Canada” on July 1st, it’s a Joey, Jamie & Kurk marathon with a splash of Floyd Gaudet in between. “Hammer Down” on July 29th, with Jay Gavin Song Circle & Jason McCoy in concert opening with Julie Arsenault & Daniel Drouin, and the “Hoedown” on August 26th with fiddler Billy McInnis & Band, followed by Joey, Jamie & Kurk to keep the party rocking!
