Halifax
Photo Credit: Hike The Highlands Festival
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 is still a lot of fun summer activities to try.
Here are just 50 things to do this September in Nova Scotia.
1. Halls Harbour Ghost Walk – Hall’s Harbour until September 7th, 2018
Experience the legend and lore of the Fundy Shore during a Halls Harbour Ghost Walk. This ghost walk is two hours long and takes you through this lovely seaside community. During the walk, you will hear stories of pirates, ghost ships, treasure, shipwrecks and much more.
2. 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.
3. Half Day Sea Kayak Tour – Terence Bay until October 31, 2018
Explore protected bays, rugged coastline and secluded beaches on a Half Day Sea Kayak Tour by East Coast Outfitters. After the tour, there is a lobster feast on the wharf, which truly makes this tour an unforgettable experience.
4. Sea’spired : An Outdoor Sculpture Show at White Point – White Point until October 8th, 2018
Stroll along the shoreline to see 35 sculptures created by 19 talented Nova Scotia Artists. Sea’spired: An Outdoor Sculpture Show celebrates the sea and gets you thinking about how we impact the sea. You can find the guide online or pick up a copy at the White Point Beach Resort.
5. Kentville Ghost Walk – Kentville
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.
6. Wolfville’s Gravely Ghost Walk – Wolfville until October 31st, 2018
Wolfville has many legends, which are both documented and folklore. You will meet Jerome the Grave Keeper when you go on Wolfville’s Gravely Ghost Walk. The tour is 1.5km long and will take your around downtown Wolfville. 2018 is the 11th year of the Wolfville’s Gravely Ghost Walk.
7. Lunch Ceilidh at the Celtic Music Centre – Judique until October 14th, 2018
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.
8. Trecothic Creek & Windsor Railway – Windsor until October 14th, 2018
Take a ride on the 1/8 scale Trecothic Creek & Windsor Railway for almost a kilometre. It is fun for all ages and there are different models of trains, which include gas, battery, diesel, and steam engines. The train will be running on September 2, 16, and 30th, and October 14.
9. Milling Frolic – Iona until October 12th, 2018
Sit down at a table and join in the friendly conversation and songs at the Highland Village milling frolic. Learn how the Gaels make cloth that is ready to use, while making it fun with singing and rhythms. The programs happens on Wednesdays and Fridays.
10. Living Wharves at Dennis Point Wharf – West Pubnico until September 10th, 2018
Learn the story behind the amazing seafood that you get on the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores. At the Living Wharves at Dennis Point Wharf, working and retired fisherman will be at the wharf to share their stories and you can try your hand at fishing.
11. Foodie Walking Tour – Yarmouth until September 29th, 2018
Yarmouth is known for its amazing local foods and freshest seafood. On a Foodie Walking Tour, you will meet Carole who will take you to restaurants that serve scrumptious seafood, local beer, wine, and much more. The tours take place on Wednesday and Saturday.
12. Blas Math Lunchtime Ceilidhs – St. Ann’s until September 28th, 2018
Enjoy a home-cooked meal with lively music and dance at the Blas Math Lunchtime Ceilidhs. Get ready to tap your toes to Gaelic songs and traditional maritime music when you attend a Lunchtime Ceilidhs
13. Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour – Halifax until October 27th, 2018
Get ready for 70 minutes of scary stories and exploring candlelit tunnels, prison cells, and restricted areas of the Citadel. Halifax Citadel Ghost Tours tell the story of Canada’s most haunted historic site through true accounts of unexplained events. The tours take place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until October 27.
14. Sherbrooke Village Courthouse Concert Series – Sherbrooke until September 14th, 2018
The Sherbrooke Village Courthouse Concert Series features a mixture of Celtic, Folk, Country, and Pop music. The concerts are held every Friday evening at 7pm, so grab your friends and get ready to enjoy some fantastic musical performances.
15. Grapely Ghost Walk – Grande Pre until September 15th, 2018
Rain or shine, get ready for some bone chilling stories when you join the Grapely Ghost Walk. The sunset is amazing over the vines and you can enjoy the local wines in the tasting room. The route is adjusted if the weather is too bad, so check the website on the day of your tour.
16. River Bourgeois ‘Ruby Jubilee’ 40th Anniversary Festival – River Bourgeois from August 25th to September 2nd, 2018
End this summer with nine days packed with fun, music, games, sports, friends and family. There are also dances being held for pre-teen, teens, and adults during the jubilee. This year is the 40th annual River Bourgeois Festival.
17. Wharf Rat Rally – Digby from August 29th to September 2nd, 2018
During the Wharf Rat Rally, Downtown Digby is full of activities before Labour Day. Motorcyclists come together to bring people together, and start the festival by visiting long-term care facilities to spend time with those who cannot come to the rally. There are demo rides, tours, games and much more at the Wharf Rat Rally.
18. Living Wharves at John’s Cove Wharf – Yarmouth until September 15th, 2018
The Living Wharves at the John’s Cove Wharf are designed to explore the unique stories behind Yarmouth’s fresh seafood. You are able to speak to both retired and active fisherman at these community wharves to learn their stories, and possibly learn how to fish.
19. Acoustic Roots Festival – Huntington from August 31st to September 2nd, 2018
If you enjoy bluegrass, blues, folk, Celtic, or county music, you need to check out the Acoustic Roots Festival. This music festival features some of the best East Coast musicians. There are lot of activities to keep you busy between shows at Two Rivers Wildlife Park, including swimming, observatory, petting zoo, camping and much more.
20. Annual Starlight Festival – Argyle from September 1st to 22nd, 2018
Celebrate the ‘window on the universe’ unique to North America. The 6th Annual Starlight Festival has events around Argyle, Clare and Yarmouth. At night, the skies are dark and clear allowing for jaw-dropping views of the Milky Way.
21. Olde Fashion Tea – Lower West Pubnico on September 5th, 2018
Bring your family and friends to warm up next to the wood stoves in the historical homes in the Village. Enjoy fresh homemade cookies and biscuits with jams and jellies with a cup of tea or coffee. The Olde Fashion Tea will be held on a Wednesday in September from 1:30pm until 3pm.
22. Battle of the Bands – Mabou from September 6th to 8th, 2018
At the Strathspey Performing Arts Centre, a dozen bands take to the stage to compete for recording time at Soundpark Studio and win the Battles of the Bands. There are performances for all age groups, featuring different musical genres. It is an amazing show that is a ‘must’ attend.
23. Annual Sherbrooke Show and Shine – Sherbrooke from September 7th to 9th, 2018
Bring the family to the 23rd Annual Sherbrooke Show and Shine for a weekend of family fun. The weekend starts on Friday night with a concert. The rest of the weekend, you can see antique and classic vehicles, watch a road rally, and bid at the silent auction.
24. The Colchester Highland Games and Gathering – Truro from September 8th to 9th, 2018
This is not just a traditional Scottish Highland Games, the Colchester Highland Games and Gathering is a gathering of cultures and people. The games include all the elements of a Highland Gathering including Highland Dancers and Heavyweights. There are also interactive activities and entertainment for all ages.
25. FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival – Halifax from September 13th to 20th, 2018
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 to showcase the unique talent and creativity of the charming Nova Scotian film makers.
26. St. Peter’s Pirate Days 2018 – St. Peter’s from September 13th to 16th, 2018
Become a pirate at the St. Peter’s Pirate Days. The weekend is full of pirate themed activities that are fun for kids of all ages. St. Peter’s businesses and some of the residences dress up to compete for some valuable booty, so you should make sure to scout the town to find them.
27. Hike the Highlands – Ingonish from September 14th to 23rd, 2018
For 15 years, hikers from across North America come to gather to Hike the Highlands. There are going to be challenging parts of the hike, so experience and a light pack is recommended.
28. Highland Homecoming – Pictou from September 14th to 15th, 2018
The Ship Hector was the ship that arrived with the first immigrants from Scotland to Nova Scotia in 1773, and the Highland Homecoming celebrates this arrival. There are ship tours, live entertainment and a golf tournament.
29. Whirligig & Weathervane Festival – Shelburne from September 15th to 16th, 2018
Whirligigs are a part of Nova Scotian culture. They are both art and woodworking. During the Whirligig & Weathervane Festival, you can see hundreds of these unique decorations and find out the story behind them.
30. Revolutionary War Encampment at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site – Halifax from September 15th to 16th, 2018
Experience what it was like during the American Revolution, and what live was like for the thousands of Loyalists who immigrated to Nova Scotia. During the Revolutionary War Encampment at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, there will be camp cooking, musket and cannon firings, and military medical techniques displays.
31. Return to the Past, Louisbourg 1749: A Historical Lantern Tour – Louisbourg from September 18th to October 23rd, 2018
In the fall of 1749, Louisbourg was handed back to the French, and Captain Michel Degannes returns from France to be the Town Mayor. Join him for the two hour Return to the Past, Louisbourg 1749: A Historical Lantern Tour to learn more about the fortress and the area’s turbulent history.
32. Lunenburg Doc Fest – Lunenburg from September 20th to 23rd, 2018
The Lunenburg Doc Fest promotes local, national and international filmmakers by showing documentary films to enrich, inspire, educate, and entertain. The four day festival is a celebration of factual storytelling. The documentaries cover a range of subjects, styles, points of view, and forms.
33. Harvest Festival at the Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia – Lower West Pubnico on September 20th, 2018
Enjoy a traditional dessert buffet made using classic fall dessert ingredients. The Harvest Festival at the Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia uses fresh apples, cranberries, pumpkins and more to make great desserts. There will also be live music during the buffet.
34. 10th Annual Annapolis Valley Giant Vegetable Growers Glad Gardens
Weight Off – Waterville from September 21st to 22nd, 2018
Come see giant vegetables and celebrate what farmers have done this year at the 10th Annual Annapolis Valley Giant Vegetable Growers Glad Gardens Weight Off. There are giant pumpkins and squash, heaviest cabbages and tallest sunflowers and corn stalks and much more. There will also be kids activities and pumpkin decorating.
35. West Bay Road Fall Fair – West Bay from September 21 to 23, 2018
Spend a weekend with your friends and family at the West Bay Road Fall Fair. There is going to be concerts, a bingo, a BBQ at West Bay Road Fire Hall and more.
36. Country Harvest Festival – East Gore on September 22nd, 2018
Country Harvest Festival is a day filled with fun, food, and farming to celebrate what East Gore’s farming community has to offer. You can test your skills on the obstacle runs, log rolling, and axe throwing. There will also be a corn boil, blueberry desserts, hangi feast, music and much more.
37. Lumiere 2018 – Sydney from September 27th to 29th, 2018
Lumiere 2018 is an interactive, engaging, educational and accessible festival that showcases the importance of cultural democracy and public participation. There are over 40 projects and events on showcased during the festival. In 2017, over 15,000 people attended the festival.
38. NSLC Festival of Wines – Halifax on September 27th, 2018
Celebrate North American wine, food, and music at the NSLC Festival of Wines. Symphony Nova Scotia will be playing at the event. It is going to be amazing evening.
39. Symphony Week and Culture Days – Halifax from September 25th to 30th, 2018
Symphony Week and Culture Days is presented by Symphony Nova Scotia and are a series of free concerts and events. There will be live performances in public spaces across Halifax.
40. Cabot Trail Writers Festival 2018 – Englishtown from September 28th to 30th, 2018
As the weather cools off, the leaves start changing colors, and writers and readers take advantage of the weather and beautiful scenery of Cape Breton during the Cabot Trail Writers Festival. Readers get to meet the writers and create a unique connection. If you love literary endeavors, make sure to go this year’s Cabot Trail Writers Festival.
41. Lumberjack Heritage Fair – Barrington on September 29th, 2018
Head to the Wild Axe Park along the Barrington River for a day packed with events during the Lumberjack Heritage Fair. Take part in the Axe Throwing Competition, Logrolling Competition, Canoe Races and much more.
42. Savour the Trail in Kejimkujik – A Feast for the Senses! – Maitland Bridge on September 29th, 2018
Enjoy great food with the amazing fall colors and views at Kejimkujik National Park. NSCC culinary arts students use local produce to create a fall inspired meal that will satisfy your palate and soul. Make sure to sign up early for Savour the Trail in Kejimkujik – A Feast for the Sense.
43. La Fheil Michiel/St. Michael’s Day – Iona on September 29th, 2018
St. Michaels is the Scottish and Irish patron saint of horses, travel, seafarers and the sea. On St. Michael’s Day people celebrate by eating a struan, which is a multi-grain bonnach. Struan and traditional tea will be served at Centre Chimney House.
44. Kejimkujik “Best of Summer” – Maitland Bridge on September 15th, 2018
On Kejimkujik “Best of Summer” day, you can visit the iconic park for free. There are going to be fun summer activities happening all around the park. It is a great way to spend a fun-filled day at the end of summer.
45. Pioneer Day – Iona on September 15th, 2018
Spend a fun-filled afternoon with your family at the Pioneer Day in Iona. It is a great way to experience what rural life was like for Nova Scotian settlers. There are going to be demonstrations, a corn boil, step dancing, piping, fiddling and much more.
46. Historic Wardrobe Department Open House – Sherbrooke on September 9th, 2018
Take a rare look behind the scenes at how the historical costumes are made at the Historic Wardrobe Department Open House. See the tools, materials and techniques that are used to create the garments and crafts used at Sherbrooke Village.
47. Bluenose II Visits Shelburne – Shelburne from September 8th to 9th, 2018
The Bluenose II is an iconic ship to Nova Scotia and Canada, and visits many communities along the Nova Scotian coastline. After the restorations are completed, the Bluenose II is visiting Shelburne this year. You can explore the deck of this iconic ship during its stop this year.
48. Living Wharves at Wedgeport Tuna Wharf – Wedgeport until September 12th, 2018
Take some time and visit the Wedgeport Tuna Wharf on Wednesdays in the afternoon for their Living Wharf events. You will get to meet local fisherman and listen to their fishing stories. You can even learn how to fish or test your fishing skills.
49. Chef Dale’s Culinary Escape Package – Digby until October 14th, 2018
At the 19th Hole Clubhouse and Eatery, you can enjoy a pub style menu with a full selection of refreshment. Chef Dale’s Culinary Escape Package includes a one night stay at the lovely Digby Pines Golf Restore and Spa, an Eight Course Tasting Menu with local wine pairings, an autographed copy of Chef Nichols’ new book “Palette to Palate”, an in-room amenity including local craft beers on ice, house made truffles, and a hot and cold buffet breakfast that includes a complimentary Mimosa.
50. Women’s SUP & Yoga Retreat at White Point Beach Resort – White Point from September 28th to 30th, 2018
Escape with the girls to the beach and enjoy some SUP, yoga and relax. The Women’s SUP & Yoga Retreat at White Point Beach Resort is two days long and the package comes with 2 nights’ accommodations, all meals, two SUP and yoga sessions, along with socials on Friday and Saturday night.
