Cape Breton Island 
Credit: Hike the Highlands
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.
Note: Check fire ban updates and travel advisories before travelling, and adhere to the restrictions in place.
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.
Details
September 4 – 6, 2025
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 4 to September 14, 2025
5. Halifax International Wine Festival – Halifax
Don’t miss the return of the region’s largest wine event—Halifax International Wine Festival! Sample over 250 wines, enjoy delicious food tastings, and explore the region’s biggest pop-up wine store where you can try it, like it, and buy it all in one place.
Details
September 6, 2025
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 to showcase the unique talent and creativity of the charming Nova Scotian filmmakers.
Details
September 10 – 17, 2025
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.
Details
September 13 – 19, 2025
8. Hants County Exhibition – Windsor
Have fun at this 260th 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 12 – 14 & 19 – 21, 2025
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 16 – 20, 2025
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.
Details
September 27, 2025
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 18th 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.
Details
September 19, 2025
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.
Details
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 17 – 21, 2025
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.
Details
19. Windsor Garlic Fest – Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley
Join us on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 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..
Details
September 13, 2025
20. Deep Roots Music Festival – Wolfville
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.
Details
September 26 – 28, 2025
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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.
Details
22. Le Village Historique Acadien – Pubnico
Step into the early 1900s and explore how Acadian families lived, worked, and thrived in days past. Nestled along a scenic tidal inlet, this unique heritage site offers ever-changing coastal views and an authentic glimpse into Acadian history and culture.
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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. Sherbrooke Village Harvest Celebration – 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.
Details
August 31 – September 1, 2025
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.
Details
Until October 10, 2025
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.
Details
September 24 – 28, 2025
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 27, 2025
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 7th 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 14, 2025
30. Musique de la Baie Kitchen Party – Saulnierville
Tap your feet to local musical talent while enjoying a meal at an area restaurant or even outside on a wharf!
Details
September 4, 2025
31. The Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival and Antique Fair – South Shore
Festivals of Mahone Bay
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.
Details
September 26 – October 13, 2025
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. South Shore Oktoberfest – Lunenburg
Celebrate the South Shore’s rich German heritage at Oktoberfest, a two-day festival of food, drink, music, and family fun! Festivities kick off Friday night with a 19+ concert featuring Canadian hip-hop icon CLASSIFIED and his Made in the Maritimes tour. On Saturday, enjoy a lively marketplace, craft beer market, beer garden, and a dedicated Kids Zone filled with games and activities—something for everyone to enjoy! Details
September 26 – 27, 2025
34. Magnetic World Music Festival – Halifax
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.
Details
September 26 – 28, 2025
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 19 – 20, 2025
36. A Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Unama’kik — Cape Breton Island
Experience Mi’kmaw culture through food, story, and song in this immersive day-long celebration across Unama’kik (Cape Breton Island). Part of the Great Taste of Canada series, presented by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, the event features a guided visit to Eskasoni Cultural Journeys and a long-table feast at the Fortress of Louisbourg with Chef Geordy Marshall of Eskasoni.
Details
September 27, 2025
Photo Credit: LaHave Folk Festival
37. Pisuwin – Halifax
Directed by Igor Dobrovolskiy with artist Possesom Paul, Pisuwin is the first Wolastoq contemporary story-ballet, set to music by Jeremy Dutcher. Blending Indigenous storytelling, ballet, electronic sound, and digital projection, it creates a powerful and immersive experience. This multidisciplinary work reflects on disconnection in today’s world while offering a vision of balance, community, and renewal.
Details
September 28, 2025
38. Halifax Wanderers FC
Cheer on Canadian Premier League’s newest member and enjoy watching a game of professional soccer.
Details
Various dates
39. Musique Royale Concert & Dinner – Lake Charlotte
Musique Royale’s “Conundrum Duo” 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.
Details
September 13, 2025
40. Markets at Meander – Ashdale
Nab all your farm fresh essentials and locally made goods at this outdoor pop-up market from local farmers and artisans. Live musi, food truck, and refreshing beverages!
Details
September 21, 2025
41. ‘Moana 2’ Family Movie – New Glasgow
Bring the family to the New Glasgow Library for a big-screen showing of Moana 2! Watch Moana and Maui embark on a daring ocean adventure, all in a fun and family-friendly setting.
Details
September 27, 2025
42. Nova Scotia Stampede – Truro
Nova Scotia Stampede
The inaugural Nova Scotia Stampede combines thrilling pro rodeo events with top Canadian musical acts. Enjoy bull riding, barrel racing, and more, along with performances by Brett Kissel, Matt Anderson, and James Barker Band.
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September 18 – 21, 2025
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!
Details
September 2, 9, 16, 19-20, 23, 2025
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.
Details
September 6, 2025
45. Fête du chocolat – Louisbourg
Celebrate heritage and indulgence at the two-day Fête du Chocolat in Louisbourg, where chocolate once symbolized luxury and vitality. Enjoy workshops, tastings, and bean-to-bar creations from local chocolatiers including Evertide Chocolate Makers, Island Chocolates, and Ploughmans Lunch.
Details
September 20 – 21, 2025
46. Halifax Urban Folk Festival – Halifax
Celebrating its 16th year in 2025, HUFF is a boutique festival that celebrates songwriters and the songs they create.
Details
September 29 – October 5, 2025
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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