Cape Breton Island 
Nova Scotia heats up with exciting events and delicious rewards of the harvest season as the warm, sunny summer days give way to the cool autumn weather. September is a great time to visit and travel across Nova Scotia because the leaves are just starting to turn amber and gold, and there are still a lot of fun summer activities to try.
Credit: Hike the Highlands
Here are just 50 things to do this September in Nova Scotia.
1. Get Lost
Who is ready to get lost in a maze! Mid to late September is the best time to visit a corn maze before the crowds fill the farms!
2. Visit Nova Scotia’s Sunflower farm
Want to get lost in a field of Sunflowers? Visit Dakeyne Farm near Windsor and take enough pictures to fill your Instagram wall or fly a kite amidst the field of flowers! Visit as early in September as possible before the last petal falls near the end of September.
3. WoolstockEAST: The East Coast Fibre Festival – New Glasgow
The WoolstockEAST East Coast Fibre Festival celebrates East Coast fibre folk – from production, to creation, and everything in between. Take part in workshops taking place over this three day festival and be sure to visit the Fibre Village & Market, September 5-6, where over 50 vendors will be offering products and demonstrations.
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September 11 – 12, 2026
4. Gold Rush! Escape Room
Experience your favourite village with a new twist this year. In partnership with Captured Escape Rooms, Sherbrooke Village invites you to immerse yourself in history and solve the mystery of the botched gold heist. You and your team, members of the local constabulary and trusted townsfolk, have been tasked with uncovering the truth. With tensions running high, the town’s reputation and its economic future hang in the balance. Can you solve the mystery of the botched heist and recover the missing gold nugget before the thieves return?
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June 3 to September 13, 2026
5. Halifax Fringe Festival – Halifax
The Halifax Fringe Festival showcases 54 adventurous productions spanning theatre, comedy, dance, music and other boundary-pushing performances. Explore the packed program to discover emerging artists, unconventional stories and entertaining shows for a wide range of tastes.
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September 3 – 13, 2026
6. FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival – Halifax
The FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival is eight days of celebrating film, music, and media from across the globe. Along with international media, FIN shows many local films featuring the unique talent and creativity of the charming Nova Scotian filmmakers.
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September 16 – 23, 2026
7. Hike the Highlands – Cape Breton
For over 15 years, hikers from across North America have come to gather to Hike the Highlands. There will be challenging parts of the hike, so experience, proper hiking attire, and a lightweight pack are highly recommended for participants.
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September 12 – 18, 2026
8. Hants County Exhibition – Windsor
Have fun at this 261st year old tradition! Hants County Exhibition is North America’s Oldest Agricultural Fair established in 1765. During this 16-day exhibition there will be antique engines and tractor displays, animal displays, horse show competitions, vegetable displays and competitions, art & homecraft displays, 4-H and school displays, and more for everyone to enjoy.
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September 18 – 20 and 25 – 27, 2026
9. Queens County Fair – Caledonia
Experience a genuine agricultural fair! Enjoy live entertainment, mechanical bull riding, roping, horse shows, and more at Queens County Fairgrounds.
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September 15 – 19, 2026
25 Outdoor Things to Do this Summer in Liverpool and Queens County
Photo Credit: Celtic Music Centre
10. Lunch Ceilidh at the Celtic Music Centre – Judique
Experience the famous Lunch at the Celtic Music Centre and listen to authentic live Celtic music while you enjoy Nova Scotian signature dishes. The fully licensed bar serves local craft beers, craft ciders, wines, and old-fashioned floats. The seasonal menu takes full advantage of local farms and fisheries to make amazing dishes.
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11. Honey Harvest Fest – Avondale/Newport Landing
Celebrate Nova Scotian honey and support local beekeepers and businesses at the Honey Harvest Festival. Head to the Avon Spirit Shipyard to meet and mingle with the local beekeepers, wineries, brewers, and artisans. The Lydia and Sally cafe will be serving yummy honey-inspired dishes during the event.
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September 26, 2026
12. Hop aboard the Harbour Cruise – Halifax
See the best of Halifax by land and sea. Get an exclusive view of our vibrant city’s historic sights, such as the Halifax Public Gardens, and Citadel Hill National Historic Site. Prepare your camera for unique photos of George’s Island, Cable Wharf, and the Halifax waterfront. This fully narrated amphibious tour is one you won’t soon forget!
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13. Ghost Walk – Windsor
Step into Windsor’s storied past with Jerome the Gravekeeper and his ghostly friends on this family-friendly historical walking tour. Celebrating its 19th season, the guided walk begins at the Blockhouse and winds through the streets to the waterfront and back, bringing Nova Scotia’s “Little Town of Big Firsts” to life with eerie tales and spirited characters.
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September 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Valley Ghost Walk
14. Kentville Ghost Walk
Be prepared for 2 hours of scares when you buy your Kentville Ghost Walk tickets. Jerome the Grave Keeper and his ghostly friends will explain Kentville’s dark past. The walks take place rain or shine, so remember to wear warm clothes when going on this night tour.
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15. Lunenburg Doc Fest
The Lunenburg Doc Fest promotes local, national, and international filmmakers by showing their documentary films to enrich, inspire, educate, and entertain the public. The four-day festival is a celebration of factual storytelling. The documentaries cover a range of subjects, styles, points of view, and forms.
Details
September 23 – 27, 2026
16. Yarmouth Walking Tours – Yarmouth
Every town has its stories and secrets. Experience a fully guided tour that will give you a glimpse into Yarmouth’s past. You won’t want to miss hearing about the history, folklore, and legends that make up this seafaring town.
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17. Wednesday Night Céilidhs – Englishtown
Wednesday Night Céilidhs are jam-packed with top-notch traditional musicians, singers, and dancers from the local area.
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18. Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour
Get ready for 70 minutes of scary stories and exploring candlelit tunnels, prison cells, and restricted areas of the Citadel. The Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour guides tell the story of Canada’s most haunted historic site through true accounts of unexplained events.
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19. Windsor Garlic Fest – Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley
Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 11 AM–5 PM for the annual Garlic Fest, a free event packed with food, fun, and flavor! Enjoy a juried art fair, live music, cooking demos, lectures, and tasty creations from local vendors—including garlic and ginger ice cream. With contests, specialty products, and garlic-inspired menus from local restaurants, this festival is a must-attend celebration for food lovers.
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September 12, 2026
20. Deep Roots Music Festival – Wolfville
Deep Roots Music Festival
The Deep Roots Music Festival is back in and around Grand-Pre. This year welcomes a diverse group of performers and the activities center around music and well-being. Make sure to get your festival passes early as there is a lot to do and see over the 5 days.
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September 24 – 27, 2026
21. Ocean Floor Tour – Noel
Take the family on a tour of the ocean floor to learn about the delicate ecosystems that call the tidal pools and mudflats home from knowledgeable and experienced guides. The Ocean Floor Tours are about 1 hour and 15 minutes long and will take you 1 to 2km at a slow pace across the beach.
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22. Harvest Festival at Le Village Historique Acadien – Pubnico
Celebrate the season at the free Harvest Festival in the Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia. Browse the market and enjoy a bake sale, fall-themed desserts, cotton candy, tea, coffee and canteen treats in a charming heritage setting.
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September 12, 2026
23. Go Camping
With so much of the great outdoors to explore in Nova Scotia, it makes sense to make your base in the great outdoors. Enjoy the last bit of summer outdoors and go camping before Old Man Winter comes knocking.
24. Enjoy Stargazing – Yarmouth
You can find some of the darkest and clearest skies in North America in Yarmouth. Discover the night sky at the Dep Sky Eye Observatory, just 24 minutes from Yarmouth. This is North America’s first certified Starlight Tourist Destination with an outdoor viewing platform and an indoor 9-foot dome that houses a Celestron 14″ Edge HD telescope on a CGE Pro mount.
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25. The Ghost Light of Sherbrooke Village – Sherbrooke
Celebrate the season at Sherbrooke Village with a special harvest event! Stroll through heritage gardens at their peak and take part in hands-on pickling activities for a taste of tradition and fall fun.
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September to October 31, 2026
26. Climb the Light Experience – Yarmouth
Climb the seventy-seven steps inside the lighthouse to the lantern room and enjoy a full panoramic view of Cape Forchu, Yarmouth Harbour, and the Atlantic Ocean! Learn about the history and life of a lightkeeper.
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Until September 27, 2026
27. Cape Breton Jazz Festival – Cape Breton Island
Experience the Rhythms of some of Canada’s Top Jazz Talent. Whether you’re a die-hard jazz fan or simply looking to experience something new, this festival is for you.
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September 30– October 4, 2026
28. Lumière Arts Festival – Sydney
Lumière Cape Breton is a free, contemporary arts festival that showcase public installations and online presentations of art, films and video, as well as panel discussions and artist talks. The festival ends with an Art-at-Night festival. Details
September 26, 2026
29. Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie – Church Point
Join Atlantic Canada’s largest cycling event as the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie returns for its 8th edition, celebrating 10 years since the inaugural ride in 2015. Taking place in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere, cyclists can choose from 128 km, 67 km, or 36 km routes and enjoy a post-ride meal featuring vegetarian, BBQ pork, or fresh lobster. Details
September 13, 2026
30. Wharf Rat Rally – Digby
The Wharf Rat Rally brings motorcycles, live music and vibrant waterfront energy to Digby in one of Atlantic Canada’s signature biker gatherings. Expect scenic group rides, custom-bike showcases, thrilling stunt performances, competitions, vendors and a welcoming community atmosphere.
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September 3 – 6, 2026
31. The Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival and Antique Fair – South Shore
The annual Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival and Antique Fair offers a fun family weekend on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, featuring over 250 life-size, handmade scarecrows. There will be scarecrows in traditional designs to creative takes on famous figures like the Royal Family and musicians.
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September 25 – October 12, 2026
32. Bluenose II Harbour Cruises – Lunenburg
Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of sailing on a Grand Banks fishing schooner! Bluenose II welcomes passengers on board for 2-hour harbour cruises twice a day in Lunenburg and Halifax.
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33. NHL STREET Harbour Fest – Halifax
NHL Harbour Fest is a lively celebration of hockey, community and culture at Halifax’s Emera Oval, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels. Watch fast-paced street hockey across nine rinks while enjoying live music, local food, interactive activities and family entertainment. Details
September 12-13, 2026
34. Magnetic World Music Festival – Halifax
Magnetic World Music Festival
Experience Atlantic Canada’s largest multi-genre music festival as Magnetic World returns to downtown Halifax for its fourth year! From September weekend performances set against Citadel Hill, enjoy world-class EDM on Friday, Hip-Hop on Saturday, and a Pop/Hip-Hop finale on Sunday. With bold production, global stars, and an electric atmosphere, this is the East Coast’s must-attend fall festival of music, art, and culture.
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September 25 – 26, 2026
35. Antigonight: Art After Dark Festival – Antigonish
Antigonight: Art After Dark has been Antigonish Culture Alive’s most recognizable and popular outdoor, public art event. The festival provides an opportunity for artists to display their work and become known within the community. Details
September 18 – 19, 2026
36. Paranormal Investigations — Cape Breton Island
Paranormal Investigations invites all ages to explore the Fortress of Louisbourg after dark while uncovering its eerie stories and unexplained activity. This atmospheric evening experience is a thrilling way to discover the historic site from a supernatural perspective.
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September 25, 2026
Photo Credit: LaHave Folk Festival
37. Keji Multisport Festival – Maitland Bridge
The Keji Multisport Festival challenges athletes to swim, cycle and run amid the beautiful natural surroundings of Kejimkujik. With sprint and standard triathlons plus a standard aquabike event, it offers several exciting ways to test your endurance.
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September 12 – 13, 2026
38. Halifax Wanderers FC
Cheer on Canadian Premier League’s newest member and enjoy watching a game of professional soccer.
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Various dates
39. Musique Royale Concert & Dinner – Lake Charlotte
Musique Royale’s “Three For All” guitar ensemble concert will take place in the historic Clam Harbour United Church at Memory Lane Heritage Village, followed by an “Inspired by Musique” dinner in the Cookhouse.
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September 12, 2026
40. A World of Colour, Quilt Show and Sale – Mahone Bay
A World of Colour Quilt Show and Sale showcases quilts in an inspiring variety of styles and sizes at the Mahone Bay Centre. Browse handmade goods in the Artisan Boutique, admire ocean-themed challenge quilts, bid in the charity silent auction and enter to win the colourful raffle quilt.
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September 25 – 27, 2026
41. Cape Breton Pro Rodeo – Sydney
The Cape Breton Pro Rodeo brings world-class rodeo action to Centre 200, combining thrilling competition with Cape Breton music and warm island hospitality. Catch nightly rodeo performances, outdoor concerts and lively kitchen parties for an unforgettable East Coast celebration.
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September 24 – 27, 2026
42. Harvest Moon Music Festival – Bridgewater
The Harvest Moon Music Festival brings free live music to downtown Bridgewater, creating a lively community celebration beside the LaHave River. Enjoy the performances at Pijinuiskaq Park, then explore local shops, restaurants and refreshments throughout the downtown area.
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September 17 – 19, 2026
43. Music on the Riverbank – Bridgewater
Join with friends and family at Pijinuiskaq Park on King Street in Downtown Bridgewater as the acclaimed Music on the Riverbank free concert series returns for the season!
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September 3, 10, 17, 2026
44. Halifax Colour Festival
Dance to the music and play with colours at the annual Halifax Colour Festival. You could win prizes at the Tug of War and Beat the Beans contests.
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September 5, 2026
45. The Once at Chester Playhouse – Chester
The Once brings rich vocal harmonies and acoustic warmth to the Chester Playhouse for a heartfelt evening of contemporary Newfoundland folk. The award-winning trio blends traditional roots with bluegrass, country, Americana, and indie rock to create a distinctive captivating sound.
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September 26, 2026
46. Halifax Urban Folk Festival – Halifax
Celebrating its 17th year in 2026, HUFF is a boutique festival that celebrates songwriters and the songs they create.
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September 27 – October 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Tourism Nova Scotia
47. Pick Your Own Apples
September is the start of apple season and when many of the apple u-picks open for the season. Gather up your family or friends for a fun day on a farm. Some farms even have wagon rides for you to get to the orchards.
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48. Explore Nova Scotia Food Trails
Nova Scotia is famous for seafood, and the culinary trails created by Taste of Nova Scotia help you experience so much of it. Grab a passport from the site and set out on a search for either chowder or lobster-based dishes.
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49. Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park
Cooler days are some of the best times to visit the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park because the animals tend to be more active. The Park is home to many animals from Nova Scotia, alongside other exotic that live at the park.
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50. Relax with a Fall Getaway
While summer is the most popular to take a getaway, fall offers less crowded resorts and there are often specials. Across Nova Scotia, you can find breathtaking views and world-class resorts.
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