Get a head start on the summer fun, and head outside to take part in lots of fun activities and festivals across Nova Scotia.
Listed below, you will find 25 things to do in Nova Scotia in June.
FYI: Due to wildfires, hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted. People can still access beaches and provincial and municipal parks, but trail systems are off limits. Camping is allowed only in campgrounds. The restrictions apply to Crown and private land. These restrictions are in place until June 25 or until conditions allow them to be lifted. Open fires are not permitted anywhere in the province. The ban applies to fires in provincial parks and private campgrounds. It also applies to backyard campfires, brush burning and fireworks.
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a Nova Scotia staple like lobster or donairs. The festival represents the best of Nova Scotia and is a blend of tradition, innovation, provincial culture, and military pomp and ceremony.
Details
June 30 – July 3, 2023
170 Joseph Zatzman Dr Unit 3, Dartmouth
$31.00 to $76.00
Y-Con
The Yarmouth’s geekiest weekend has returned. Enjoy plenty of fun and games, take in a panel, show off your cosplay and don’t forget to shop at the vendors and artists on-site.
Details
June 2nd-4th, 2023
Rodd Grand Yarmouth, 417 Main Street, Yarmouth
$35 – $125
Cold Waters Seafood Festival
Celebrate fresh seafood at the annual Cold Waters Seafood Festival. You can sample some of the freshest clams, mussels, lobster, and fish along with traditional dishes like fishcakes, seafood chowder and Solomon Gundy. There are lots of fun family activities to keep you busy during the festival. You can paint your own buoy, take a dory ride, or even watch lobster traps be made and fish being smoked.
Details
June 3 – 4, 2023
5435 Clam Harbour Rd, Lake Charlotte
$7
Scotia Festival of Music
The Scotia Festival of Music is hosting over 50 public events in just two weeks. The festival showcases both international and local talent. There will be concerts, open rehearsals, masterclasses, recitals, lectures, coaching sessions and much more.
Various Venues, Halifax
May 28 – June 11, 2023
Roots To Boots Festival
There is something for everyone at the Roots To Boots Festival that is being held in the scenic communities of Chéticamp and Louisbourg. You can enjoy local food and flavour, take a guided hike, dance the night away at the late-night square dances, listen to the storytellers, or join in a songwriters’ circle.
Details
June 18 – 18, 2023
15584 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp
Annual Lebanese Cedar Festival
Bring your family & friends and come savour the sights, sounds, and tastes of everything Lebanese! Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of world class entertainment, authentic Lebanese cuisine, live musical and cultural shows, children’s fun play area, mouth-watering pastries, great cultural displays and much, much more!
Details
June 1 – 4, 2023
111 Clayton Park Dr, Halifax
It’s Okay To Be Different
Mermaid Theatre of Windsor, Nova Scotia marks its 50th season with the first staged adaptation of three favourite contemporary storybooks for young audiences, the hour-long production entitled It’s Okay to Be Different – Stories by Todd Parr.
Details
132 Gerrish Street, Windsor
June 3, 2023
$18.50
Annapolis Valley Pet Expo
A fun event for your whole family including the family pet! Find anything you could want for your pets and pet loving owners. This event includes a variety of pet related vendors, adoptable animals, and pet portraits and nail trims on site.
Details
120 Webster Street, Kentville
June 4, 2023 10am – 4pm
$5
STAGES Theatre Festival
STAGES Theatre Festival is back with an innovative lineup of bold and playful new shows from June 6-11 at Alderney Landing! Our annual Spring festival of new works, STAGES focuses on exciting and inventive new work that toes the line of what theatre can be.
Details
Alderney Landing, Dartmouth
June 6-11, 2023
Starting at $15
Shelburne County Lobster Festival
Come and “shell-ebrate” the Lobster Capital of Canada during the Shelburne County Lobster Festival.
Enjoy a weekend full of family fun activities, events and of course, lots of lobster!
From lobster suppers, lunches and even breakfasts to lobster markets, hikes, festivities and more, you are sure to find fun for the whole lobster-loving family throughout the Shelburne and Barrington communities.
Details
12 Park Lane, Barrington
June 8 – 11, 2023
Halifax Greek Fest
The oldest and largest cultural festival in Halifax, NS. Enjoy authentic Greek food & sweets, be entertained by Greek music and dance, free language classes, kids activities, Byzantine Church tour & more!
Details
1146 Purcell’s Cove Road, Halifax
June 8-11, 2023
Àros na Mara World Oceans Day Festival
Àros na Mara (Gaelic for House of the Sea) is a flourishing concept to develop a Marine Science Centre at the Barra Strait, for the purposes of research, education, and tourism and is teaming up once again for their 7th edutainment event.
Join our family fun and ocean-themed festival and enjoy scientific and interactive displays, children’s games, and historical demonstrations.
Details
2583 St. Columba Road, Iona
June 8-11, 2023
Island Speed n Style AutoExpo 2023
The date for this event will be June 10th, there are lots of new things planned for this year. Anything with wheels is welcome or come watch the fun with a general admission pass!
Lots of things to look forward to including prizes, trophies, vendors, food trucks, dj’s, event specific merch, giveaways & more!
Details
Cape Breton Dragway, 300 Washplant Road, Sydney
June 10th, 2023 8am – 8pm
Annual Hydrostone Haul
Whether you are looking to get rid of some items or find a hidden gem, the Hydrostone Haul is a must-be attend event. Hydrostone is transformed into an open-air market for the day of one giant sale. Make sure to bring cash because you never know what you will find.
Details
June 10, 2023 (rain date, Sunday June 11) 8am- 12pm
Hydrostone District, Halifax
The Great Benjamins Circus
The circus is coming to town this June. Get ready for an evening of amazing tricks and spellbinding performances at the circus. The Great Benjamins Circus is family entertainment at its very best, so you will experience 90 minutes of exciting, beautiful, and high energy acts.
Details
Multiple Dates
Across Nova Scotia
$15 to $30
Rhubarb Festival
Spend a late spring afternoon at The Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia enjoying homemade rhubarb desserts and live music at the Rhubarb Festival. While you are at the festival, visit the on-site gift shop to find souvenirs made by local artisans.
91 Old Church Road, Lower West Pubnico
June 8, 2023
$10
Antique Car Show
A Father’s Day outing the whole family will love featuring a wide range of antique vehicles on display throughout the Heritage Village grounds. Special Father’s Day draws and live music plus kids can challenge Dad to a Kub Kar race after they have made their own car in the Boatshop. Snacks and Cookhouse meals available on site.
Details
5435 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte
June 18, 2023
$7.00
Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival
Experience the beauty of the Bay of Fundy coast between Five Islands and Advocate, through the eyes of renowned artists during this international plein air art festival. The first of its kind in Canada, this 5-day festival attracts artists from across North America and includes onsite and quick draw painting events, exhibitions and awards gala.
Details
223 Main Street, Parrsboro
June 21-25, 2023
LCLC Craft Beer & Cider Fest
Calling craft beer and cider lovers out there, get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride! It is going to be a day of delicious craft beer and cider at the 2023 LCLC Craft Beer & Cider Fest!
Tickets include a sample glass and 10 sample tickets
Details
Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, 135 North Park St, Bridgewater
June 10, 2023 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
$20- $40
Privateer Days
Travel back in time to 1780 in Liverpool for a weekend of fun events. You can watch battle re-enactments, live music, historic encampment, artisan & crafter’s market, reptile zoo, fireworks and much more at Privateer Days.
Henry Hensey Drive, Liverpool
June 23 to 25, 2023
Varies depending on the event
Watch Movies at the Valley Drive-In Theatre
Get ready for a classic summer evening in the Valley. Every weekend, two new movies are on the outdoor screen at the Valley Drive-In Theatre. Gather up your family or friends and have fun under the stars. Whether you stay in the car or cozy up on a blanket with a radio, it is a great time.
Details
5934 Highway #1, Cambridge Station
$27.83 a carload
Relax on the Beach
There are miles and miles of coastline waiting for you this summer. While the water in June is a little chilly, the sand and sun are waiting for you. Relax on your favorite sandy beach, or go on an adventure and see how many beaches you can visit this summer. Our list of 25 Must Visit Beaches in Nova Scotia is the perfect place to get started on your beachy adventure.
Saltbox Soapbox Racing
Saltbox Soapbox Racing features daredevils young and old. Racing from the top of Clearway Street to the finish line by Bayview School! Test your design skills by signing up and zipping down the hill on race day. Proceeds from this fun event will be going to the Bayview School Breakfast Program!
Details
June 24, 2023
Clearway Street, Mahone Bay
$20
Magic Winery Bus Hop On – Hop Off Tour
Departing from downtown Wolfville, on board a classic British Double Decker Bus (limited to 25 seats), our engaging guide will curate your journey to four wineries. At each winery you will enjoy a wine tasting and an abbreviated tour – all included!
Details
11 Willow Avenue, Wolfville
June 28 – September 27, 2023
$85
Halifax Harbourside Rotary Ribfest
From Friday, June 30th to Monday, July 3rd Alderney Landing will come alive with the incredible smell of southern BBQ ’ed ribs and chicken, other fantastic food vendors, and the sounds of lively music from some of the best local bands and talented individual artists during the incredible Annual Halifax Harbourside Rotary Ribfest. Ribfest is now recognized as one of Halifax’s most popular summer events and 2023 will be no exception.
Details
Alderney Landing, Dartmouth
June 30 – July 3, 2023
Mask Painting Workshop
Learn techniques from the artist in residence as she helps you transform paint into a masterpiece you can wear with pride. Learn about our Acadian tradition during your tour of the Mi-Carême Gallery which is included in the workshop.
Details
51, Old Cabot Trail Rd, CP 103, Grand Etang
June 28 – October 15, 2023
From $15
Oceanfront Creations
Come join in on workshops, learn from talented artists and give a creative second purpose to materials gleaned in a beautiful oceanside setting: turn reclaimed wood, sea glass, marine debris, shells, rocks and more into works of art!
Details
51, Old Cabot Trail Rd, CP 103, Grand Etang
June 28 – October 15, 2023
From $15
KitchenFest!
The annual celebration of Cape Breton-based Gaelic music gives locals and visitors alike insight into this distinct and vibrant living culture, bringing the kitchen-ceilidh feel to the forefront. Fiddles and bagpipes, concerts and céilidhs, food and drink, Gaelic language and song, informality and hospitality — consider this your official invitation to Cape Breton’s biggest kitchen céilidh!
Details
Cape Breton
June 30, – July 8, 2023
$10.00 to $25.00
Beaux Vendredis Lobster, Clam and Crab Suppers
Savour a seafood supper! Beaux Vendredis seafood suppers are held at the Belliveau Cove waterfront each Friday evening during the summer, alongside live local music.
Join the locals in enjoying an affordably priced (and delicious!) lobster, snow crab or clam supper.
Details
3255 Highway 1, Belliveau Cove
June 30, 2023 – September 08, 2023
$15.00 to $25.00
Age of the Mastodon
Journey back 80,000 years to a time when giants roamed what is now Nova Scotia.
See real fossils, specimens, and a full-sized Mastodon! Exhibition created and toured by the Nova Scotia Museum and Museum of Natural History.
Details
147 N Foord St, Stellarton
Get Inspired at an Art Gallery
Rainy days don’t have to be boring, they are the perfect time to get inspired at one of the beautiful art galleries across Nova Scotia. Some even offer the ability to create your own artwork.
Free Sportfishing Weekend
With the abundance of water around Nova Scotia, it is no wonder fishing is a popular summer activity. There are dozens of beautiful lakes, rushing rivers, and a vast ocean to cast your lines and see what is biting.
June marks the second free sportfishing weekend in Nova Scotia. Fish without a license at Nova Scotia waterbodies. Fishing regulations and other rules still apply.
Details
June 3-4, 2023
Postponed to 2024
Free