Halifax
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
If you are looking for a whole month of fun, Nova Scotia has you covered. Along with the famous attractions to visit, August is full of great events, festivals, art exhibits, and concerts happening. From family fun festivals to food and drink festivals and live concerts, there is something for everyone.
Listed below are just 50 of the many things to do during August in Nova Scotia.
1. Festival Acadien De Clare
Celebrate the Acadian heritage and culture at the oldest Acadian festival in the world. Each day of the Festival Acadien De Clare is filled with activities for all ages. Enjoy live music at one of the many concerts during the festival. Join in and show your Acadian pride during the Tintamarre and the annual parade. – July 27 – August 3 & 15, 2019
2. Halifax International Busker Festival
Downtown Halifax is filled with street performances for six days each year during the Halifax International Busker Festival. Entertainers travel from across the world to show off their unique talents and amaze you. There are hundreds of jaw-dropping shows during this popular festival. – July 31 – August 5, 2019
3. Halifax Seaport Festival
If you love craft beer, make sure to head out to the Halifax Seaport Festival because it is the largest gathering of Craft Beer producers in Atlantic Canada. Over 100 producers will be at the festival giving out samples and selling over 300 products. This year is the 12th year for the festival and it is one of the top summer festivals in Halifax. – August 9 to 10, 2019
4. Pick Your Own Fruit and Vegetables at U-Pick Farms
It is a well-known fact that Nova Scotia farmers grow some of the most amazing fruits and vegetables. Along with buying freshly picked produce at one of the many farmer’s markets around the province, you can pick your own fruit and vegetables during August. There are many U-pick farms across Nova Scotia where you can pick more than one variety of fruit.
5. Stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Restore
Meet Yogi Bear and his friends at the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Restore and stay overnight at one of the 146 overnight sites or in a camp cabin. Kids and adults alike will have a blast jumping on the giant jumping pillow, playing a round of mini-golf, trying archery, or taking a dip in the pool.
6. Donald Og Day
Celebrate the Donald Og legend and the settlement of the Iona area by MacNeils from the Isle of Barra. Traditional food, natural dye, barvas ware and other demonstrations will take place throughout the day, along with a special running of Cash’s Carding Mill and a céilidh. – August 1, 2019
7. North Highlands Community Museum & Culture Centre Summer Concert Series
Enjoy live music at the North Highlands Community Museum & Culture Centre on select days until the end of August. Fiddlers, local songwriters, and singers take the stage to show off their skills and entertain you. – Until August 29, 2019
8. Margaree Summer Festival
Celebrate the over 40 years of history of the Margaree Heritage River and the people who call the area home. The main event in August is the Anything That Floats Race on the Margaree River. Along with the race, there is a BBQ at the library grounds. Anything That Floats Race – August 3rd, 2019
9. Foodie Walking Tours – Yarmouth
Yarmouth is home to some of the freshest seafood in the world, and chefs take full advantage of. On a Foodie Walking Tour, you will meet Carole, who will be your guide to great local beer, seafood, and so much more. The tours happen on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Make sure to come hungry and wear comfortable shoes. July 1 to September 25, 2019
10. The Last Night of the Proms!
Experience a summer Proms concert right here in Halifax! Hear Symphony Nova Scotia perform all the glorious traditional Proms staples, like Pomp and Circumstance, Fantasia on British Sea Songs, highlights from Gilbert & Sullivan, and, of course, a rousing, sing-along rendition of Jerusalem – plus beloved symphonic classics like Sibelius’ Finlandia, Elgar’s Nimrod, and the delightful Dam Busters March. – August 2, 2019
11. Festival de I’Escaouette
This is a weekend packed with wholesome family fun. The Festival de l’Escaouette celebrates the local traditions and old customs of Cheticamp and the Acadians. This Festival is a great way to connect with your family, friends and make new acquaintances. – July 31 to August 4, 2019
12. Margaree Highland Games
One of Cape Breton’s most exciting events, the Margaree Highland Games was founded in August 2012. The Highland Games are full days of Scottish sports, along with family fun games, and a ficot supper. – August 9 – 11, 2019
13. The Great Louisbourg Sleepover
Spend a night at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site at the annual Great Louisbourg Sleepover. The camp site will be set up like it would have been in the 18th century. The night is filled of traditional activities. – August 17, 2019
14. Gaelic Concert Series
Celebrate Gaelic music this summer during the Gaelic Cocnert Series. Taking place in Tuesday evenings in July and August, this bilingual Gaelic-English concert sees Cape Breton’s finest musicians and emerging local talents share center stage. July 16 to August 13, 2019
15. 27th Annual Louisbourg Crab Fest
Two days full of family fun, the 27th Annual Louisbourg Crab Fest is a perfect start of a weekend on the Louisbourg Waterfront. Along with freshly cooked mussels and crab dinners, there is superb entertainment all day and evening. – August 2 to 3, 2019
16. Digby Scallop Days
Gather your family and spend the weekend celebrating all things ‘Scallop’ at the Digby Scallop Days. 2019 is the 43rd year and is the longest running festival in Digby. Events include a Scallop BBQ, a huge car show, games of AquaGolf, and live demonstrations. Spend some time listening to the local artists, or explore the waterfront. – August 8 to 11, 2019
17. Coal Shed Music Festival – Yarmouth
The Coal Shed Music Festival is an annual summer music event that is a fundraiser for the local food bank and the school breakfast programs. This year, over 200 musicians will take the stage to perform over 100 hours of live music over the nine days. There is a show for everyone, and the event is on the waterfront in Yarmouth. Weekends, August 9 to 25, 2019
18. Festival of Cape Breton Fiddling
Learn about fiddling, step dancing, and piano while listening to professional musicians at the 46th annual Festival of Cape Breton Fiddling. The main concerts take place during the afternoon and continue into the late evening of each day. – August 17 to 18, 2019
19. 29th Annual Feis an Eilein – Gaelic Cultural Festival
During four days in late August, Christmas Island becomes full of events and activities to promote Gaelic culture and language during the 29th Annual Feis an Eilein. Every year people travel from near and far to experience the Feis, as this festival was the first Feis held outside of Scotland. — August 20 – 24, 2019
20. Kentville Multicultural Fair
Kentville Multicultural Fair celebrates every culture that Nova Scotia is home to. It is the largest in Nova Scotia and has live performances, delicious food from across the globe and much more. So, spend a Saturday in Kentville, learning about the unique cultural backgrounds of Nova Scotians. – August 24, 2019
21. Wharf Rat Rally
Downtown Digby transforms and is filled with motorcyclists and motor cycle lovers of all ages. Along with seeing some amazing custom motor cycles and cars, you can watch stunt shows and water shows, the arm wrestling contest and much more at the Wharf Rat Rally. – August 28 to September 1, 2019
22. Keji’s 50th Birthday Celebration
Head to the Jeremy’s Bay Campground in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site for a day full of fun activities to celebrate Keji’s 50th Birthday this year. You can have a cupcake and some lemonade or make some noise during the birthday noise parade. There will be a group campfire along with some star-gazing. – August 3, 2019
23. Highland Village Day Concert
Take the family out and spend an afternoon overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake, watching Gaelic performers at the Highland Village Day Concert. Fiddlers, pipers, step-dancers and more performers come together to create a one of a kind show. – August 3, 2019
24. Encampment Days at Fort Anne National Historic Site
Stroll around the encampment of the 84th Regiment of Foot 2nd Battalion and enjoy the sights, the smells, and the sounds of black powder musketry, outdoor cooking and life in an 18th century military camp. The 84th Regiment creates a vivid picture of the conditions of centuries-old military life. Saturday afternoon a tactical battle features 18th century military techniques. – August 2 to 4, 2019
25. Makin’ Waves Music Festival
For the third year in a row, the Makin’ Waves Music Festival has delighted people with remarkable music at Sydney’s historic Wentworth Park band shell. Musicians travel from across Canada to play during this festival each year. Admission to this popular festival is free for everyone, which is due to generous contributions from the Festival’s partners. – July 4 to August 1, 2019
26. Rock the Hub
For three full days in August, Rock the Hub turns Truro’s Civic Square into a rock concert courtesy of the Salty Dog Brewing Company. Along with the concerts, this year the weekend will also have a hip hop festival and a street fair. Performers include The Sheepdogs, Monster Truck, The Glorious Sons, The Beaches, Matt Mays, The Trews, One Bad Son, and more. – August 23 to 25, 2019
27. Judique on the Floor Days
The Judique on the Floor Days is a festival that you definitely don’t want to miss. You can Square dance under the stars, watch the road race, see concerts, play games and enjoy BBQs. There is something for everyone at this festival and it is a great way to spend time with your family and friends. – August 8th to 11, 2019
28. Shelburne Kayak Festival
Celebrate kayaking and paddling at the 7th annual Shelburne Kayak Festival. There are fun events for all levels of paddlers, including kayaking workshops, guided paddle tours, and much more. – August 16 to 18, 2019
29. “Beaux Vendredis” Lobster, Clam and Crab Suppers
Enjoy a supper of fresh lobsters, snow crab and steamed clams on the Belliveau Cove wharf at the St. Mary’s Bay. “Beaux Vendredis” Lobster, Clam and Crab Suppers are held every Friday evening at 6pm until 9pm. You will learn how to eat a lobster like the locals, listen to stories, and share some belly laughs. Each supper is served with melted butter and rolls, while listening to live local music. — June 28th to August 30, 2019
30. Monday Night Weekly Outdoor Cookout
31. Summer Musical Showcase
Head to the Pictou Waterfront for a live concert every Sunday and Monday evening at 6 pm. The Summer Musical Showcase features rock, country, traditional Maritime music and much more. These free concerts are a great way to spend a summer evening relaxing with family and friends.– July 1 to September 2, 2019
32. Chestico Days Summer Festival
This festival has a whole week of events around the community of Port Hood. During the Chestico Days Summer Festival, there is live entertainment, golf tournaments, yoga near the coast, sand sculpture competitions, lobster suppers and so much more. There is something for everyone during this festival, and it is the best time to visit the Beach Capital of Cape Breton. – July 29 to August 4, 2019
33. Cape Breton Jazz Festival
The best place to find great jazz, the Cape Breton Jazz Festival has taken place for the past seven years and it just keeps getting bigger and better every year. The festival is presenting an exciting program of free outdoor events and ticketed shows. Most of the concerts are held at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion near the Big Fiddle. This year, Warren Chiasson, Kirk MacDonald, Ethan Ardelli, Bill Stevenson, Steppin’ Out, and others will be performing on the Mainstage. – July 28-August 3, 2019
34. Air Show Atlantic 2019
A full day of affordable family fun! Air Show Atlantic 2019 is the largest air show in Atlantic Canada and one of the larger and older air shows in Canada. The US Navy Blue Angels will be performing in 2019. – August 30 to September 1, 2019
35. Pictou Natal Day Celebrations
Spend this special day with your family and friends at Broidy Park in Pictou. Every year, the Pictou Natal Day Celebrations have many activities including games, a BBQ and face painting. – August 5, 2019
36. Northern Lights Lantern Festival
For the 16th year in a round, the Northern Lights Lantern Festival will be held in North End Halifax at Merv Sullivan Park. The festival is free for everyone and there is a lot to do. There is going to be pony rides, bouncy castles, face painting, games and you can make your own lanterns. The main stage will have musicians playing all day. Once night comes, there is a parade of lanterns and fireworks that the whole family will enjoy. – August 10, 2019
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37. Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
The Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival is a vibrant East Coast experience takes place over four days in early August that showcases music and dance from a wide range of cultures. It is the longest-running music festival in Nova Scotia and one of the oldest music festivals in Canada. You can also enjoy the numerous shops, museums, galleries, pubs, and restaurants between shows in this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town. – August 8 to 11, 2019
38. Riverfest
Riverfest is a unique mix of music genes and local and international talents playing the show. The 2019 acts include Dazor, Thunderkiss, Poison Cherry, Last Kick, and Electic City Underground. There is camping on-site that is included in the admission price, and there is a lot to do during the day at and around the concert site. – August 23 – 24, 2019
39. Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival
The Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival takes place in towns from Amherst to Truro, Parrsboro to Tatamagouche and along the Kempt Shore. There is a huge selection of events taking place in each town. During this 2 week festival, you can enjoy live music, picnics, blueberry suppers, U-picks, and much more. – August 16 – 31, 2019
40. Halifax/Dartmouth Natal Day Festival
Spend the Natal Day weekend with friends and family at the Halifax/Dartmouth Natal Day Festival. Over the weekend, there are 30 events around the city, including road races, buskers, live music, and much more. At sundown, there is a firework show each day of the Festival. – August 2 to 5, 2019
41. Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition & Kite Festival
Bring a bucket and a shovel, and be prepared to build the best sandcastle that you can. The Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition is the place to be to see amazing sand castles. Also taking place will be the Kite festival where we will be flying all the sea creature kites. – August 11, 2019
42. South Shore in Motion 2019
South Shore in Motion is a a 3-day event with cars, trucks, backhoes, ATVs, motorbikes, RC, models. and more –August 9 to 11, 2019
43. New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee
The New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee is three full days of live music on the banks of the East River. The best of east coast music is played at the open-air amphitheatre. This is a concert that music lovers should not miss because the performers include Kim Mitchell, Big Wreckm Sass Jordan, Trooper, Wintersleep, and Ria Mae. – August 2 to 4, 2019
44. Halifax Urban Folk Festival
If you love Folk music, make sure that you head to the 10th annual Halifax Urban Folk Festival. Enjoy nine days of great live folk music and cap off your summer with an acoustic-tinged farewell kiss. – August 25 to September 1, 2019
45. Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour
Prepare for some scares when you join a Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour. During the tour, you will find out if the many legends of ghost hauntings are true along with the dark past of Halifax and the fort. The tours are offered every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening at 8:30pm.
46. Chester Race Week
Spend a week watching boat races, and hanging out with friends and family during the Chester Race Week. Along with the races, each night of race week four amazing bands will take the stage. You can also enjoy great food served by the food trucks on-site. – August 14 to 17, 2019
47. Camp at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
The best way to experience Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is to stay overnight at one of the campsites. You can bring your own tent or trailer or stay at one of the new accommodations options. Make sure to spend some time at night outside stargazing since Keji is the best place in Nova Scotia because it has no light pollution.
48. Folk Art Festival
Held on the first Sunday of August every year at the Lunenburg War Memorial Arena, The Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival showcases the art of 50+ Nova Scotian folk artists working in wood, metal, fibre, paint, pencil and found items. – August 4, 2019
49. Upper Clements Adventure Park
Upper Clements Adventure Park is one of Nova Scotia’s largest amusement parks, and is full of family fun that keeps you wanting to come back. Along with the amusement park, you should be sure to check out the adventure park if you love climbing high in the trees and zipping around on zip lines.
50. Take a Photo in the Red Photo Booth
The Annapolis Valley is known for its wineries and vineyards, and Luckett Vineyards is a must visit for any wine lover. Take a tour of the vineyard, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, and make sure to take a photo of the grapevines and make a call from the iconic bright red traditional photo booth.
Quite a variety of activities, but didn’t notice any classical music concerts.