Enjoy fresh seafood, great adventure water sports, scenic landscapes, theatre under the stars, delightful summer festivals, and so much more in and around Halifax with this list of 100 things to do.
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
1. Canada Day Events
2. Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
Take part in educational workshops, exciting festival events and of course, a daily two-and-a-half-hour show jam-packed with world-class entertainment, sure to delight the whole family. There are bagpipes, bands, gymnastics, dancers, choirs, military traditions and much more! The Tattoo also features innovative acrobatic acts, modern music, trampoline routines and more!
July 1-5, 2026 @ Scotiabank Centre, Halifax
3. Halifax Ribfest
Enjoy finger-licking good ribs, delicious food, drinks and entertainment at the Ribfest!
July 3-5, 2026 @ Alderney Landing, Dartmouth
4. Shakespeare by the Sea
This summer, take the yellow brick road to Point Pleasant Park! The hilarious SBTSHalifax writing crew is back to take on Frank L. Baum’s The Wizard Of Oz! An all-new adaptation, perfect for audiences of all ages, featuring original music by Garry Williams, with all your favourite characters getting caught up in twisters, hanging with Munchkins, and dodging Flying Monkeys all the way to the Emerald City! Shakespeare by the Sea
July 4 – August 29, 2026 | Hours vary @ Cambridge Battery, Point Pleasant Park, Halifax
5. Halifax Lebanese Festival
Enjoy authentic Lebanese traditions including music, dance and Savour a taste of a variety of authentic Lebanese Foods. Enjoy the artistry and rhythm of the Lebanese Festival Folkloric Dance Groups, as they perform in traditional costumes all weekend long!
August 27-30, 2026, at Olympic Community Centre, 2304 Hunter St, Halifax
6. Halifax Music Fest
Halifax Music Fest brings two days of major multi-genre live music to the historic Garrison Grounds at Citadel Hill on June 26 and 27, 2026. Produced by Sonic Concerts and Mighty Quinton Concerts, the festival features high-profile national and international artists, including The Chicks, Shaboozey, Blue Rodeo, The Barr Brothers, Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, and Silversun Pickups.
June 26 & 27, 2026 @ Garrison Grounds, Halifax
7. Maritime Fiddle Festival
Experience some of the best old-time fiddle entertainment anywhere in the world, spirited and fun competition, and traditional Nova Scotian hospitality!
July 3 & 4, 2026 @ NSCC Ivany Campus, Dartmouth
8. Dragon Boat Festival
Watch teams of rowers race for a good cause at the 20th annual Dragon Boat Fest! There will be Chinese cultural entertainment, the chance to try food from a variety of vendors, tug-of-war, Children’s Village, a mini sport fair and plenty of other off-water games and activities.
June 13, 2026 @ Lake Banook, 192 Prince Albert Road Dartmouth
9. Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts
Take your budding artist to paint Peggy’s Cove! Soak up the process, and fall in love with a painting! This is an opportunity for everybody to watch artists at work and to talk to them about the artistic process.
Paint Peggy’s Cove July 10 – 12, 2026; Studio Tour – July 17 – 19 @ Peggy’s Cove
10. Halifax Jazz Festival
Get ready to kick off the 40th Anniversary of the Halifax Jazz Festival. Enjoy a free concert at the Main Stage, Boardwalk, or Halifax Public Libraries.
July 7 – 12, 2026 @ Various Venues, Halifax
11. FIN Outdoor Experience
This year, AIFF Outdoor is screening a special Halifax Pride edition. The final screening will be decided by public voting.
July 25, 2026 @ Halifax Public Gardens
12. Halifax Mural Festival
Experience Halifax as an open-air art gallery during the Halifax Mural Festival, a vibrant week-long celebration of public art and creativity. Local and international artists will transform blank walls into bold, colourful murals, with live painting, music, artist talks, markets, family-friendly activities, and a final reveal of the completed works.
July 4 – 11, 2026 @ Multiple Locations in Halifax
13. Pride Festival
Participate in numerous diverse events and celebrate with thousands of people as this marks the 39th Halifax Pride Festival. Halifax Pride offers a children’s area on select days where face painting, petting zoo, arts, crafts, and kid-friendly entertainment are all waiting!
JULY 16 – 26, 2026, in Downtown Halifax
14. Best of Italy Opera Gala
Experience the passion, romance, and power of Italian opera at the Best of Italy Opera Gala on July 4, 2026, featuring internationally acclaimed artists from the renowned Bel Canto Ensemble, including soprano Rosaria Buscemi, tenor Alessandro D’Acrissa, and an exceptional ensemble of musicians.
July 4, 2026 @ Bella Rose Arts Centre, Halifax
15. Africa Festival of Arts and Culture
Experience the culture of Africa and the people of African descent! Events include visual arts, drumming, jazz, hip-hop, gospel, spoken-word and more.
July 2026 (dates TBA) @ Halifax waterfront.
16. Tuesday Night Tunes
Throughout the summer the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will be running various summer programs including storytelling, workshops, educational events and more.
17. Take a Cruise
Set sail on Halifax Harbour aboard the Tall Ship Silva for a scenic cruise featuring live local music, waterfront views, and iconic landmarks including Georges Island, the Historic Properties, the Northwest Arm, and Halifax’s vibrant coastline. Guests can relax with drinks from the onboard bar and, when conditions allow, join the crew in raising the sails for a memorable family-friendly experience on the water.
18. International Busker Festival
There is something for everyone at this festival with fire breathers, acrobats, comedians, magicians, street performers and so many other great entertainers.
July 29 – August 3, 2026, at Halifax Waterfront, 1521 Lower Water Street
19. Natal Day Celebrations
Celebrate the 2026 Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day with a long weekend of community spirit, family fun, live entertainment, cultural events, and festive activities across Halifax and Dartmouth. A highlight of the celebrations will be the Natal Day fireworks, lighting up the harbour and bringing residents and visitors together for a spectacular summer evening on the waterfront.
July 30 – August 3, 2026, at various locations
20. Flavors of India
Celebrate and enjoy Indian culture with great music, food and dance. There will also be unique opportunities to learn more about Indian culture and more!
August 15 & 16, 2026, at Foundation Wharf, Halifax Waterfront
21. Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition
August 23, 2026, at Clam Harbour Provincial Park, 158 Beach Rd.
22. Downtown Dartmouth Open Street Sunday Street Party
Enjoy live entertainment, music, activities, and the chance to walk, bike, and explore the city safely in a fun, open-street setting.
June 28, 2026 @ Dartmouth
23. Chester Race Week
Enjoy the festivities around the largest keel boat regatta! Three great food trucks will be on the grounds for all four days giving all lots of options for food. The Hopping Penguins will open and close Chester Race Week on Wednesday and Saturday!
August 12 – 15, 2026 @ Town of Chester
24. Outdoor Adventures
Nova Scotia is known for its beautiful ocean views and its lovely forests, which makes you want to head outside and go on a spontaneous adventure. See what is near you to have a fantastic adventure!
25. Pier 21
This Canada150, check out this museum of immigration for a closer look at diversity and Canadian identity. Step into the past and experience what it was like to immigrate to Canada through Pier 21.
26. Halifax Public Gardens
Explore this Victorian-style garden that features intricate fountains, artworks, wrought iron gates and rare trees. This 16-acre oasis is a National Historic Site of Canada.
27. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Explore historic and contemporary Nova Scotian, national and international paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other art works. There will also be exciting summer programs including learning how to make a personal medicine pouch.
28. St. Mary’s Boat Club
Join for day camps or learn water sports like kayaking, sailing and canoeing or rent canoes at this boat club.
29. Dog Parks
Spend the evening playing around with your dog and letting them run free at one of the off-leash dog parks near you.
30. Visit Evergreen House
This restored Victorian home was built in 1867 for Judge Alexander James and offers a panoramic view of Halifax Harbour. The house, steeped in history, was also the former home of Dr. Helen Creighton, Nova Scotian author and folklorist.
31. Discovery Centre
This summer, Discovery Centre features various exhibits, which gives you the opportunity to try out different interactive experiences and learn more about dinosaur fossils.
32. Citadel National Historic Site
Visit this national historic site for the changing of the guard, ghost tours, to learn more about the history of citadel and to become a soldier for the day. While there, check out one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, the Halifax Town Clock, which was installed in 1803.
33. Portland Street Creperie
Try delicious crepes with unique toppings like Oreo cheesecake, fruit salsa and chocolate chip cookie dough. There are also savoury crepes with toppings such as ham, cheese, and vegetables.
34. Point Pleasant Park
Explore this park that is owned by British Government and leased to Halifax Regional Municipality for a ceremonial 1 shilling per year. See Martello tower as well as fort ruins, and hike winding trails that traverses coastal ecosystems!
35. St. Paul’s Church
Visit the oldest building in Halifax and the oldest existing Protestant place of worship in Canada, which played a significant role in Halifax. See the walls and pillars that are studded with mural tablets, heraldic devices and other memorials.
36. Learn about The Tunnel Underneath City
Did you know that there is a tunnel underneath the city that forms part of a series of underground tunnels? Visit the library to learn about the history and fascinating facts about Halifax!
37. Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Head on out to the water and try out this cool water activity for an afternoon full of fun with the family. There are also classes and programs you can participate in before you head out for the first time.
38. Cool off at Spray Park
Cool off this summer at a spray park, which offers great water activities:
George Dixon Splash Pad, 2502 Brunswick St.
Isleville Splash Pad, 3479 Sebastian St.
Halifax Common Splash Pad, 5730 Cogswell St.
Sackville Splash Pad, 71 First Lake
Dr.Bedford Outdoor Pool, 277 Shore Dr.
Westmount School Splash Pad, 6700 Edward Arab Ave.
Bishops Landing Fountain, 1475 Lower Water St.
39. COWS
Have some ice cream at this awesome ice cream place for popular flavours like cookie dough and Moo Crunch. They also sell chocolate and chocolate-covered chips.
40. The Rotunda
For an educational experience for the whole family, visit this historical landmark.
41. Go biking at Salt Marsh
Check out this popular bike route that forms the 9km section of the Trans Canada Trail. Enjoy bird watching, hike scenic trails and of course, a great bike ride!
42. Griffin’s Pond and Titanic Model
There is a lot of historical significance to this place, which was named after a wrongly convicted Irish man. Head on over to find out more.
43. Hemlock Ravine Park Trails
This is another place with quite the tale. Head on over to learn more about this estate. It’s also a great place for geocaching and viewing wildlife.
44. Hatfield Farm
Head over to this farm for trail and wagon rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, a great playground and so much more!
45. Youth Programs
Throughout the summer, the City of Halifax is offering youth leadership and drop in programs. It’s a great way to meet people and develop great skills.
46. Geocaching
Try out this real-life scavenger hunt for a day full of family fun.
47. Sir Sandford Fleming Park
Explore the park located off the Purcells Cove Road, which was Sir Sandford Fleming’s summer retreat! See the Dingle Tower with bronze lions at the foot, a sandy beach, a wharf and a boat launch.
48. York Redoubt
Don’t forget your camera at this historic site where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Halifax Harbour.
49. Emera Oval
This place is great for rollerblading, biking, skateboarding, and so much more. There is also a walking program and Nordic walking workshops.
50. Fisherman’s Cove
Head over to this fishing village for MacCormack’s Beach, Maritime crafts, souvenirs and a sunset stroll on the boardwalk.
51. Dollar Lake Provincial Park
Spend the weekend at this tranquil provincial park, which is located north of Musquodoboit Harbour, that offers great opportunities for camping, boating, canoeing and water-skiing.
52. Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum
Discover civilian and military aviation history on guided tours examining hundreds of artifacts.
53. Museum of Natural History
Explore the wonders of Nova Scotia’s land and sea and get a look at live animals and Mi’kmaq artifacts, explore natural and historical wonders and hear indigenous stories at this museum.
54. Board Game Cafe
Join the fun and games at Nova Scotia’ only Board Game Cafe that features over 500+ games!
55. Atlantic Splash Adventure
Have buckets of fun at this water wonderland for great waterslides, bumper cars, batting cages, and so much more!
56. Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum
This museum has preserved the agricultural aspects of this rural area. Head on over to the museum to learn more about farming and plants. Do not forget to have tea at Rose & Kettle, a warm and welcoming spot where the menu is a blend of old English influences and nostalgic smells fill the air.
57. Dartmouth
Take a ferry and explore the Dartmouth waterfront.
58. Noggins Corner
Have some fun on the farm with great markets, geocaching and a corn maze, which opens up at the end of August.
59. Go Swimming
Cool off with a swim at one of the many pools in the area, like Halifax Commons Outdoor Pool or Needham Pool.
60. Dinosaur Exploration 2
Step into the prehistoric world with Dinosaur Exploration 2, the exciting sequel to the popular 2024 exhibit. Visitors will discover how dinosaurs defended themselves and fought to survive, from the armour of the Ankylosaurus to the powerful tail of the Stegosaurus and the protective frill of the Triceratops.
On view from February 7 until September 7, 2026, @ Museum of Natural History, Halifax
61. Long Lake Provincial Park
Take your dog for a walk or connect with nature on beautiful trails at this provincial park.
62. White Point
Check out this beautiful beach resort for a relaxing weekend away or an adventurous weekend filled with great games and activities for the whole family.
63. Halifax Central Library
Visit the library for great summer events and programs including family sing along and arts and crafts activities.
64. Africville Museum
Visit the Africville Museum exhibits to learn about life in Africville and the struggle for recognition following the destruction of the community.
65. Harbour Hopper Tour
Head over to the wharf for a fun family tour and see the best of Halifax by land and sea!
66. George Island National Historic Site
View this isolated historic site, once occupied by British military forces. It has become the subject of mysterious folklore.
67. McKelvies Seafood Dishes
Visiting Halifax, dine at this cool restaurant for great, fresh seafood. Their popular dishes include their bacon-wrapped scallops and lobster rolls.
68. Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
Enjoy delicious fresh, organic food, live entertainment and great family activities to keep you entertained all afternoon long.
69. Kejimkujik National Park
Enjoy a free visit to Kejimkujik national park for camping, paddling and hiking. You also have the opportunity to connect with nature in Nova Scotia’s only dark sky preserve.
70. Prince of Wales Tower
Check out this historic tower for a self-guided tour on its military significance. It is the oldest Martello Tower in North America.
71. Clay Cafe
Visit this pottery studio to try something creative. You can drop-in and create unique functional art with the support of the studio, who can help you choose patterns and whatever else you may like.
72. Sport Hall of Fame
Visit the hall of fame for a chance to honour sports heroes. There are special exhibits including a Tim Hortons Sports Simulator.
73. Burke-Gaffney Observatory
Visit during public open house to gain a deeper understanding of constellations, learn about sky lore, and to observe stellar objects through portable telescopes. Free Public Open Houses are scheduled every Friday June through September subject to weather conditions.
74. Dee Dee’s
Head on over to this delicious ice cream place for unique flavours like passion fruit and haskap berry.
75. McNabs Island
Enjoy picnics and historical tours on the largest island at the entrance of the Halifax Harbour, which is a short boat ride from Halifax or Eastern Passage. Guided Sunday tours are offered in July and August, hosted by the Friends of McNabs Island Society. Each tour begins with a scenic boat ride from Fisherman’s Cove and offers a unique way to discover the island’s heritage, coastline, natural landscapes, and historic sites, with options including North and South End Heritage Tours, Coastal Shoreline Tours, and a Forest Bathing Hike.
76. Chicken Burger
Check out the oldest drive-in diner in Canada for chicken burgers, fries and pop.
77. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Head over to this museum to immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage! Learn about the Halifax Explosion, take a closer look at photo collections, sailor’s souvenirs, artifacts, nautical charts and vessel plans, step aboard CSS Acadia and more!
78. Porter’s Lake Provincial Park
Spend some time in nature and go camping for a few days at this provincial park with lots of great places to see nearby like Fisherman’s cove and various museums.
79. Quaker House
Learn more about our history at this museum house. It also features an exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Harbour explosion.
80. Sable Island National Park Reserve
Take in outstanding views of sand dunes and wild horses running freely. This national park is also home to the world’s biggest breeding colony of grey seals.
81. Fredies Fantastic Fishhouse
Indulge in classic fish and chips, lobster, chowder, and so many more delicious seafood options at this fish house.
82. Halifax Ghost Walk
Go on a 2-hour walking tour through the historic streets of old Halifax at night!
83. Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
Explore the rich cultural history of the largest indigenous black community through the vast collection of stories and memorabilia that includes community life, religious life, military service and migration dating back to the 1600s.
84. Lawrencetown Beach
Get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Halifax to try out surfing, camping and other great outdoor recreation activities at this provincial park.
85. Halifax West Koa
Spend the weekend in cabins at this campground which features various activities like deep fishing, IMAX/movie theatres, great nature trails and a water park.
86. St. Mary’s Basilica
Take a tour of this Cathedral, located in downtown Halifax, to learn about its historical and liturgical significance.
87. Bowlarama
Have a competitive night of fun bowling with the family at Bowlarama.
88. Duncan’s Cove Trail
Go hiking along hiking trail along the water in a small rural community. It is quite the scenic view.
89. Adventure Earth Centre
This centre offers various programs for families to help build outdoor skills, an appreciation for nature and improve active living.
90. Opera on Trial
Táimid Opera & Music presents Opera on Trial, a unique courtroom-inspired performance that questions, debates, and celebrates the power of opera. Featuring music from beloved classical composers such as Massenet, Puccini, and Offenbach alongside contemporary voices like Messiaen and Nicholas Ma, this engaging evening invites audiences to take their place on the jury and decide how they feel about the art form.
July 30, 2026 @ The Music Room, Halifax
91. Halifax Colour Festival
Celebrate love, unity, and joy at one of Halifax’s most vibrant cultural events, featuring a colourful day of music, dance, live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and high-energy DJ sets.
September 5, 2026 @ Alderney Landing, Dartmouth
92. Glen Arbour Golf Course
Head over to the golf course for the day to try to hit some hole-in-ones or have a little golf competition at this beautiful golf course.
93. Alderney Landing
If you’re interested in cultural and performing arts, this is the place to be. There will be great markets, shops and waterfront activities.
94. Visit a Community Centre
Check out one of the many community centres near you for a chance to try out great activities and meet new people.
95. Putting Edge
Spend the evening with your family playing glow in the dark mini golf.
96. Fort Needham
Explore Fort Needham Park that was established by the Halifax Relief Commission in remembrance of the victims of the 1917 Halifax Explosion.
97. Kartbahn
Go Karting and laser tagging at Kartbahn!
98. Escape Rooms
Don’t be captured for more than the designated time limit at Captured!
99. Canada Games Centre
Have a fun sports day at Halifax’s premier fitness, aquatic, and recreation facility!
100. Movies
Don’t miss summer blockbuster movies in the theatres or Cineplex Family Favourites
101. Atlantic International Film Festival
Celebrate film and film making at this premier festival that showcases national and international offerings.
September 16-23, 2026 @ Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane Halifax
View Comments (2)
Useful schedule for our next trip.
let me know if there is any free ride for the family please