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. Get Lost
Who is ready to get lost in a maze! Mid to late September is the best time to visit the 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.
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3. Pictou-North Colchester Exhibition – September 4th – 8th, 2019
Enjoy 128th annual rural fair featuring agriculture events, local musical entertainment, truck pulls, demolition derby, mud bogging, strong man/woman competition, crafts and floral displays, light horse and draft horse events, and other entertainment for children and adults.
4. Wharf Rat Rally – Digby from August 28th to September 1st, 2019
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.
5. Acoustic Roots Festival – Huntington from August 30th to September 1st, 2019
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 a lot of activities to keep you busy between shows at Two Rivers Wildlife Park, including swimming, observatory, petting zoo, camping and much more.
6. Half Day Sea Kayak Tour – Terence Bay
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.
7. Fairy Garden Party – Port Williams on September 1, 2019
The beautiful Prescott House Museum garden will host a lovely Fairy Garden Party. Enjoy tea in the garden, play lawn games, take part in the scavenger hunt, and make fairy garden crafts. It is going to be a magical afternoon for all attendees.
8. Living Wharves at Wedgeport Tuna Wharf – Wedgeport until September 15th, 2019
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 current fishing skills.
9. Olde Fashion Tea – Lower West Pubnico on September 4th, 2019
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 the first Wednesday in September from 1:30pm until 3pm.
10. Annual Sherbrooke Show and Shine – Sherbrooke from September 7th to 8th, 2019
Bring the family to the 25th 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.
11. The Colchester Highland Games and Gathering – Truro from September 6th to 7th, 2019
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.
12. Practically Everything Vintage Market – Enfield on September 7th, 2019 from 9am – 4 pm
If you are looking for great vintage, antique or even architectural salvage, then you should head to the first Annual Outdoor Vintage Market. The market is located at a private residence overlooking the Shubenacadie River.
13. FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival – Halifax from September 12th to 19th, 2019
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 filmmakers.
14. St. Peter’s Pirate Days – St. Peter’s from September 12th to 15th, 2019
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.
15. Hike the Highlands – Ingonish from September 13th to 22nd, 2019
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, proper hiking clothes and a light pack is highly recommended.
16. Halifax Colour Festival – Halifax on September 7, 2019
Play with colour and dance the night away at the 5th annual Halifax Colour Festival. Get your face painting, get a balloon animal, and test your skills at games like ‘tug of war’ and ‘beat the beans, winners will take home a prize.
17. Historic Wardrobe Department Open House – Sherbrooke on September 8th, 2019
Take a rare look behind the scenes at how the historical costumes are made at the Historic Wardrobe Department Open House. You will get to see the tools, materials, and techniques that are used to create the garments and crafts used at Sherbrooke Village, along with a collection of authentic pieces from the Victorian Period.
18. Keji Multisport Festival – Kejimkujik National Park on September 6 – 8, 2019
Imagine the magic of endurance sport while surrounded by lush forests, flowing rivers, peaceful lake waters and a unique cultural landscape rich with Mi’kmaw stories and traditions at Nova Scotia’s beloved Kejimkujik National Park. Whether a first-time participant or a seasoned veteran this venue is sure to inspire!
19. Hants County Exhibition -Windsor on Sept 13th – 15th and Sept 20th – 22nd, 2019
Have fun at this 254th year old tradition! Hants County Exhibition is North America’s Oldest Agricultural Fair established in 1765.
20. North By Night Market – Halifax on September 14, 2019 from 6 pm – 10 pm
Wrap up the summer at the Gottingen Streetwide Block Party and North By Night Market. Get great food from the food trucks while you check out the local artisans who will be around, along with in-store pop-ups. You can also dance the night away with DJ Fadzwa HFX! The Block Party is going to be a fun time for all who attend.
21. Pioneer Day – Iona on September 14th, 2019 from 12 pm – 5 pm
Spend a fun-filled afternoon with your family at the Pioneer Day at Highland Village in Iona. It is a great way to experience what rural life was like for Nova Scotian settlers. There are going to be demonstrations of treadle sewing, candle and soap making, step dancing, piping, fiddling, along with a corn boil and so much more.
22. 2nd Annual Family Day Featuring Rick Rood’s Car Show! – Waterville on September 14, 2019 from 11 am – 4 pm
Gather up the family and head to the 2nd Annual Family Day. There will be a car cruise, car show, and fun ‘free’ activities for the kids including Mister J the magician, face painting and bounce kingdom.
23. The Mac and Cheese Festival – Halifax from September 13 to 15, 2019
Talented chefs, savvy cooks and innovative food entrepreneurs will feed hungry fans with insanely creative versions of mac and cheese when the Mac and Cheese Festival sets shop on the Halifax waterfront bringing over 50 variations of Mac & Cheese!
24. Queens County Fair – Caledonia from Sept 17th to 21st 2019
Experience a genuine agricultural fair! Enjoy live entertainment, mechanical bull riding, roping, horse shows and more at Queens County Fair Grounds.
25. Lunch Ceilidh at the Celtic Music Centre – Judique until October 19th, 2019 from 11:30 am – 3 pm
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.
26. Trecothic Creek & Windsor Railway – Windsor until October 13th, 2019 from 10 am – 4 pm
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.
27. Honey Harvest Festival – Newport Landing on September 14, 2019
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.
28. Hot on the Harbour Party Cruise! – Halifax until September 14, 2019
The hottest harbour cruise in Halifax leaves on Saturday nights at 9:30 pm sharp. DJ Cruise and DJ LeeMix will be spinning summer’s hottest country tunes, while you enjoy a night on the Harbour. Cash bar on board if you want something to drink to cool off.
29. Living Wharves at Dennis Point Wharf – West Pubnico until September 15th, 2019
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.
30. Grapely Ghost Walk – Grande Pre on September 20th, 2019 at 7 pm
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.
31. Living Wharves at John’s Cove Wharf – Yarmouth until September 15th, 2019
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.
32. Annual Starlight Festival – Argyle from September 22nd to 28th, 2019
Celebrate the ‘window on the universe’ unique to North America. The 7th 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.
33. Whirligig & Weathervane Festival – Shelburne from September 21st to 22nd, 2019
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.
34. 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.
35. 7th Annual Avondale Garlic Fest – Windsor on September 21, 2019 from 10 am – 5 pm
Celebrate the hard work of Nova Scotia’s many garlic growers, while enjoying live music, fine art, cooking demos, and great food. The Avondale Garlic Fest is Eastern Canada’s largest garlic festival and takes place at the picturesque Avondale Sky Winery.
36. Lunenburg Doc Fest – Lunenburg from September 19 to 22, 2019
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.
37. Harvest Festival at the Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia – Lower West Pubnico on September 19, 2019 from 1:30 pm – 3 pm
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.
38. West Bay Road Fall Fair – West Bay from September 20 to 22, 2019
Spend a fun-filled weekend with your friends and family at the West Bay Road Fall Fair. There is going to be a parade, concerts, a bingo, a BBQ at West Bay Road Fire Hall and much more.
39. CrabFest – Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Kejimkujik Seaside
Join Parks Canada and special partners for a one-of-a kind salty adventure on Saturday, September 21, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. Get up close and personal with all things coastal including how to cook, prepare and eat local seaweeds and green crab. Demonstrations, local restaurant tastings, guided coastal foraging hike, and ‘crabby’ activities for the whole family.
40. Foodie Walking Tour – Yarmouth until September 30th, 2019
Yarmouth is known for its amazing local foods and some of the freshest seafood in Nova Scotia. On this popular Foodie Walking Tour, you will meet Carole who will take you to restaurants that serve scrumptious seafood, local craft beer and wine, and much more. The tours take place on Wednesday and Saturday.
41. Blas Math Lunchtime Ceilidhs – St. Ann’s until September 27th, 2019 from 12:15 pm – 1 pm
Enjoy a home-cooked meal with live 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 Ceilidh.
42. Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour
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.
43. Sherbrooke Village Courthouse Concert Series – Sherbrooke until September 27th, 2019
The Sherbrooke Village Courthouse Concert Series features a mixture of Celtic, Folk, Country, and Pop music. The concerts are held every Friday evening at 7 pm, so grab your friends and get ready to enjoy some fantastic musical performances.
44. 2019 Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival & Antique Fair – Mahone Bay on September 27 to 29, 2019
Over 250 creative scarecrows will be on display during the 23rd annual Mahone Bay Scarecrow festival. There will be a large antique fair, yard sales, shop specials, craft fair and so much more fall family fun to be had.
45. 11th Annual Annapolis Valley Giant Vegetable Growers Glad Gardens Weigh Off – Waterville from September 27th to 28th, 2019
Come see giant vegetables and celebrate what farmers have done this year at the 10th Annual Annapolis Valley Giant Vegetable Growers Glad Gardens Weigh 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.
46. Lumiere 2019 – Sydney from September 27th to 29th, 2019
Lumiere 2019 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 that will be showcased during the festival.
47. NSLC Festival of Wines – Halifax on September 25th to 28th, 2019
Celebrate South American wine, along with an incredible array of labels from a dozen other countries. at the 2019 NSLC Festival of Wines. There will be delicious food, and Symphony Nova Scotia will be playing at the event, so it is sure to be an amazing evening.
48. Deep Roots Music Festival – Wolfville on September 26 to 29, 2019
The Deep Roots Music Festival is back in and around Wolfville. 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 4 days.
49. Farm Fresh Food Fest – Elmsdale on Saturday September 28, 2019
Join for the first annual Farm Fresh Food Fest, an event that recognizes the East Hants agriculture scene and all the amazing food they have to offer. Along with delicious food, there will also be a full schedule of exciting games and events for the whole family!
50. La Fheill Michiel/St. Michael’s Day – Iona on September 29th, 2019 from 2 pm – 4 pm
St. Michael 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 a special St. Michael’s Day Milling Frolic in the Centre Chimney House at Highland Village.
51. Culture Days on September 27 – 29, 2019 – Province Wide
Celebrate Arts and Culture in Nova Scotia during Culture Days.
52. Halls Harbour Ghost Walk – Hall’s Harbour
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.
53. 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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