Halifax Events and Festivals

(Halifax, Nova Scotia - NS, Canada)

Halifax is a lively harbor city and each year features an extensive calendar of events, festivals and year-round activities, which appeal to both locals and visitors in this part of Nova Scotia. Canada Day, at the beginning of July, is always a major event in Halifax and comprises numerous parties, parades, concerts and a spectacular fireworks display.

Other notable seasonal celebrations and community events in the area include the Atlantic Jazz Fest in July, the Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival in July, the Annual Halifax International Buskers Festival each August, the Maritime Fall Fair every October, and the Annual Port of Wines Festival in November. One of the city's biggest annual events is the Nova Scotia International Tattoo each July, which regularly attracts more than 60,000 spectators.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in February - Family Day (Alberta)
• Monday closest to 17th March - St. Patrick's Day (Newfoundland)
• March or April - Good Friday and Easter Monday
• Monday closest to 23rd April - St. George's Day (Newfoundland)
• Monday before 24th May - Victoria Day
• 24th June - Fete Nationale / St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec)
• 1st July - Canada Day (known as Memorial Day in Newfoundland)
• Monday closest to 13th July - Orangeman's Day (Newfoundland)
• First Monday in August - Civic Holiday
• Third Monday in August - Discovery Day (Yukon)
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Thanksgiving
• 11th November - Remembrance Day
• 25th December - Christmas Day
• 26th December - Boxing Day

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• There are no significant festivals and events in the month of January in Halifax

February

• There are no significant festivals and events in the month of February in Halifax

March

• There are no significant festivals and events in the month of March in Halifax

April

• Tartan Day - early April, special celebrations commemorating important achievements and influences made by Scottish Americans
• Atlantic Book Festival and Awards - mid-April, annual event held in Dartmouth, celebrating the exciting world of books, featuring numerous activities including readings, workshops and tours

May

• Mother's Day Tea - mid-May, at Cole Harbor, offering a traditional afternoon treat
• Scotia Festival of Music - late May to early June, impressive two-week celebration of chamber music

June

• Gay Pride Parade - late June, held on a Saturday afternoon in downtown Halifax, a major festival attracting a mixture of both gay and straight men and women, with many colorful events, concerts and parties
• Greek Summer Festival - early June, popular Greek festival celebrating food, music and dancing
• Rhubarb Rhapsody - mid-June, at Cole Harbor, enjoy delicious local meals, followed by homemade rhubarb dishes, served in a variety of ways
• Amethyst Ceilidh on the Docks - mid-June, waterfront performances of traditional Scottish highland and national dances
• Nova Scotia Multicultural Festival - mid-June, popular three-day event held at Alderney Landing, Dartmouth waterfront, featuring a wealth of activities including arts and crafts, displays, face painting, music and dance
• Sackville Patriot Days - end June, held in Sackville, five-day event filled with fun for all ages, together with numerous events and attractions

July

• Canada Day - July 1st, the birthday of Canada is celebrated with a range of parties, events, parades, outdoor concerts and other entertainment, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display
• Nova Scotia International Tattoo - early July, held at the Halifax Metro Center, where an array of international military bands, display teams and comedians thrill an audience of over 60,000 spectators
• Strawberry Social - early July, at Cole Harbor Heritage Farm, enjoy fresh strawberries, shortcake, lemonade and tea
• Atlantic Jazz Festival - mid-July, ten-day event featuring top jazz artists from around the world
• Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival - early July, a five-day Scottish cultural celebration, with lots of entertainment for the whole family, including highland dancing, bagpipes, arts and crafts and heavyweight contests
• Maritime Fiddle Festival - mid-July, in Dartmouth, entertaining fiddling contest
• Shakespeare By The Sea - July and August, a theater company offering outdoor productions in an amphitheater setting
• Home Town Tea - July, August and September, tea parties held on Tuesdays in Lower Sackville
• Quaker House Craft Demonstration - June to September, close to the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal, the Quaker House offers visitors tours by costumed guides

August

• Halifax / Dartmouth Natal Day - early August, an entertaining annual municipal celebration
• Annual Halifax International Buskers Festival - early August, 11-day event featuring street performers from all over the world
• Show Of Hands NSDCC Summer Craft Market - mid-August, a popular craft festival in downtown Halifax
• 19th-Century Flavors - mid-August, dine on fine food based on 19th-century recipes, in a period atmosphere, held at Cole Harbor
• Halifax County Exhibition - mid-August, an agricultural exhibition dating back over 100 years, with traditional exhibits, crafts and live stock
• Highlanders Parade of Colors - late August, the 78th Highlanders, lead by the pipes and drums, parade to city hall
• The Atlantic Fringe Festival - late August to early September, featuring an array of theatrical productions held in many downtown settings

September

• Championship Dog Shows - early September, two-day dog show with championship shows and obedience trials
• The Polaris Block Trophy - mid-September, eight teams of the world's finest sailors battle for this fine trophy
• Nova Scotia International Air Show - early September, large outdoor two-day aircraft show, featuring static aircraft exhibits
• Fultz House Museum - Birthday Celebration and Corn Boil - mid-September, birthday celebrations offering an insight into life in 1749
• Grou Tyme Acadian Festival - late September, five-day event celebrating Acadian culture and history

October

• Maritime Fall Fair - early October, ten-day agricultural event, with entertainment and attractions for the whole family
• Eastern Front Theater Company - mid-October to mid-May, theatrical performances held in the Metro Halifax Area
• Christmas Craft Festival - late October, arts and crafts fair held at Dartmouth, offering many gifts perfect for Christmas presents
• Oktoberfest - late October, at Fultz House in Lower Sackville, with a range of food on offer, including Sauerkraut sausages

November

• Annual Port of Wines Festival - early November, a major wine festival at the World Trade and Convention Center, attracting more than 5,000 people, with wine tastings of almost 300 different wines
• Christmas at the Forum Crafts Festival - early November, a well-supported event, with around 400 craftspeople, including antiques stalls, local arts and crafts stands, music and competitions
• Annual Atlantic Wood Show - mid-November, a large number of traders gather at Exhibition Park to display their wooden products
• NSDCC Christmas Craft Market - mid-November, local fair held at Pier 21, with plenty of seasonal gift ideas on offer
• Christmas Parade of Lights - mid-November, with carol singing and many other festivities to officially welcome in the holiday season-

December

• Halifax Explosion Memorial Service - early December, memorial service remembering those who died tragically in an explosion during 1917
• New Year's Eve celebrations - December 31st, held at the Grand Parade, culminating in midnight fireworks