2025 Canada Day In Halifax: Fireworks, Celebrations and Long Weekend Events

Celebrate Canada’s 158th birthday with fun events and activities. Here is a list of fireworks, Canada Day celebrations, and weekend festivals taking place in Halifax Metro.

Fireworks

Things to do on Canada Day long weekend in and around Halifax

Celebrate Canada’s 158th birthday with fun events and activities. Here is a list of fireworks, Canada Day celebrations, and weekend festivals taking place in Halifax Metro.

The information posted on the page was accurate at the time of posting. Do check official websites before planning your trip. The page will be updated with the latest events closer to July 1.

Explore Nova Scotia – Plan a Staycation

Fireworks on Canada Day Weekend

Firstlake Waterfront, Sackville | June 29 | 10:00 PM
DeWolf Park, Bedford – July 1 | 10:00 PM
Haifax-Dartmouth Waterfront – July 1 | 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM

KANA’TA: Canada Day 2025 Celebrations

Join us for KANA’TA: Canada Day 2025 celebrations on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. This re-envisioned format for Canada Day offers a variety of new and refreshed cultural, musical, and family-oriented events to enjoy.

Developed in close collaboration with Indigenous communities, KANA’TA: Canada Day 2025 offers programming that honours the traditions of the Mi’kmaw Nation and celebrates pan-Indigenous communities that call the municipality home.

KANA’TA: Canada Day 2025 programming will include the Mawio’mi on the Halifax Waterfront, ANSMA Free Concert on the Dartmouth Waterfront, a Multi-Stage experience on the Halifax Waterfront featuring multiple genres of music and at night the July 1 Fireworks Show returns!

The Halifax Citadel National Historic site will also offer free admission on July 1 as well!

Details

Royal NS International Tattoo – Canada Day Parade

Celebrate Canada’s birthday in Halifax with the return of the Sobeys Tattoo Canada Day Parade! On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, join the festivities as the parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. from the Scotiabank Centre. The route winds through downtown Halifax, featuring over 25 groups and floats, before returning to the starting point. It’s the largest Canada Day parade east of Montreal! Details

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Downtown Halifax
Starts at Scotiabank Center, 1800 Argyle Street

Canada Day at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

In honour of Canada’s 158th birthday, enjoy FREE admission all day, 9 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, July 1st.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore our newest indoor exhibit, Fortress Halifax, A City Shaped by Conflict which offers the most comprehensive and inclusive history of Halifax in one location. Canada Day cake will be served! The iconic noon gun signals the official 21-gun salute from the Halifax Citadel saluting battery. Details

Tuesday, July 1 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, 5425 Sackville Street

Free admission

Halifax Commons Family Day

Celebrate Family Day at the Halifax Commons on July 1st from 11 AM to 10 PM! Enjoy a full day of free skating, swimming, children’s games, and bouncy castles. Bring the whole family for nonstop fun, laughter, and community celebration in the heart of the city!

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Emera Oval, 5775 Cogswell Street

Desi Summer Music Fest

Desi Summer Music Fest returns on July 1st to the Halifax Waterfront from 3–6 PM for a vibrant celebration of global beats featuring DJ Nish! Experience the energy of Desi Bollywood, Folk, Middle Eastern rhythms, Hollywood hits, and EDM vibes. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music, culture, and dance that bridges traditions and electrifies the summer spirit.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Sands at Salter Main Stage, 1549 Lower Water Street

Atlantic Breaking Alliance Showcase

Join us for an all styles dance battle showcase with Atlantic Breaking Alliance at Sackville Landing, right next to the wave!

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Sackville Landing

Mawio’mi on the Halifax Waterfront

Let’s celebrate KANA’TA Canada Day together with a traditional welcome and blessing from our Elders to start the day. We kick off with Mi’kmaq inspired music from Joe Henry and more. Followed by a cultural demo: enjoy the rhythmic beats of indigenous drums that fill the air with energy and get inspired by traditional and contemporary Mi’kmaq dancers.

Families welcome to enjoy FREE kids games in the Salter Sands area.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Halifax Waterfront Container Stage, 1655 Lower Water Street, Halifax

The 9th Annual Drumming Celebration

Join us as we celebrate the rhythm of our beautiful Halifax city! Explore activities, performances, food, and craft market. Details

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Simultaneous drumming starts | 3:00 PM

Dartmouth Sunshine Series Stage – Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park, 88 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth

Sullivan’s Pond Concert

Enjoy a FREE concert featuring Dartmouth’s own ROCK A BARONS at the Bandshell Stage at Sullivan’s Pond on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, beginning at 2 PM. Bring a blanket or a fold-up chair and sit back and enjoy this wonderful free summer concert.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sullivan’s Pond Bandshell Stage, Sullivan’s Pond, Dartmouth

ANSMA Canada Day Concert

Join the African Nova Scotian Music Association live at Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park for a display of incredible emerging and established artists.

Tuesday, July 1 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Dartmouth Sunshine Series Stage – Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park, 88 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth

KANA’TA: Canada Day 2025 Main Event

Atlantic Canada’s annual FREE concert on the Halifax Waterfront Sands at Salter main stage featuring: DJ Shub, Boogey the Beat, Manteasah, Joe H Henry, Matty Galaxy, Fawn Big Canoe, DJ Nish. There will also be Circus Performances by Serpentine Studios.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Sands at Salter, Halifax Waterfront

Canada Day Fireworks Supported by Canadian Heritage

The KANA’TA: Canada Day Fireworks Display will return on July 1 thanks to our partners at Canadian Heritage! Best views will be at The Halifax Waterfront and our Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park stage. Catch live entertainment with a fireworks finale!

Tuesday, July 1 | 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Haifax-Dartmouth Waterfront

The status of fireworks for events is subject to change. Notification of changes will be shared via the municipality’s Civic Events’ Facebook page and Twitter channel.

Bedford Days

Bedford Days kicks off on June 26 with a Seniors Dinner hosted by the Bedford Lions Club. The festivities continue with family-friendly activities till July 1st. Highlights on June 30 include Glow’s Fun Land, a robot-themed kids’ party, and an outdoor screening of The Wild Robot. Celebrations culminate on Canada Day, July 1, with pancakes, amusement rides, live entertainment, a beer fest, and a fireworks finale at DeWolf Park. Details

Canada Day Fireworks | July 1 | 10:00 PM

DeWolf Park, Bedford

Free admission

Sackville Community Days 2025

Sackville Community Development Association SCDA

Join us on the little hill at First Lake park for an unforgettable evening of live music, culture, and community spirit!
Headlining the stage is the high-energy band Quicksilver, ready to light up the night with their powerhouse performance. Food trucks, local talent, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. The evening wraps with a banging fireworks show at 10 PM, lighting up the sky and ending the night on a high note. Details

June 26 – July 1, 2025
Concert | June 29 | starts 6:00 PM
Parade | July 1 | 9 AM @ Old Beaver Road to The Rock Church

Fireworks | June 29 | 10:00 PM @ Firstlake Waterfront

Various venues, Sackville

Most events are Free

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II. Things to Do on Canada Day

Canada Day at the Museum

Enjoy live music, activities, a cookie scavenger hunt, and visit the Museum’s exhibitions for free, including our new interactive exhibition eat make share: a taste of immigration. Visitors can also witness a citizenship ceremony or visit our Scotiabank Family History Centre to research their family roots. Details

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Citizenship Ceremony (open to public): 10:00 am

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax

Free admission

Dominion Day “Old Time” Village Fair and Memory Lane’s 25th Birthday

Enjoy a free freshly made donut from our vintage Belshaw Donut Robot, then explore the Village, filled with games and demonstrations. Check out the schedule below for the full list of activities. Details

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Memory Lane, 5435 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte

Free; Donations Appreciated

2025 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

The Tattoo is a national treasure featuring more than 2,000 world-class performers from around the world. In this two-and-a-half hour show, prepare to be amazed by everything from the traditional pipes and drums to intense acrobatics. Details

June 27 – July 1, 2025
July 1 | 2:00 PM

Scotiabank Centre, Halifax

$15 – $75.50

Tattoo Festival

Don’t miss the Tattoo Festival: FREE events happening this summer! Details

June 21-July 1, 2025

Various locations, Halifax

Free

Halifax Wanderers

vs. Valour FC. Details

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Wanderer Grounds, 5819 Sackville St, Halifax

$17 – $60+

Canada Day @DVCC

Celebrate Canada Day at the Dorchester Veterans Community Centre! There will be live music, a charity BBQ, cake, bouncy castle and more! Details

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 4 PM – 6 PM

Dorchester Veterans Community Centre, Sackville

Free

Harbourside Ribfest

The event will host five unique rib trucks, exciting local vendors and tens of thousands of satisfied visitors. Details

June 28 – July 1, 2025

Alderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth

$2.00 Admission

The Valley Communities Picnic

Join us for Canada Day 2025 at the Exhibition Grounds as we come together as a Musquodoboit Valley Community!!! Details

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

190 Exhibition Grounds Rd, Middle Musquodoboit

Free admission

Canada Day Fireworks Party Cruise

Step aboard the Tall Ship Silva for an evening of fun and excitement on the Canada Day Fireworks Party Cruise. Dance the night away to the beats of a live DJ who will be playing a mix of tunes that will keep the party going strong. With a full-service bar offering a variety of cold, refreshing drinks, you’ll have everything you need for a fantastic night. As the fireworks light up the sky, you’ll have a front-row seat to the spectacular display, with the beautiful Halifax skyline as the backdrop. Details

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 9:45 PM – 11:45 PM

The Cable Wharf, 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Adult: $38.69

Canada Day

Celebrate the spirit of Canada with us at Sagar Ratan! Join us for a fun-filled day of festivities, music, food, and more. Bring your friends and family along to enjoy the festivities together. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Canada great! Details

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Sagar Ratan, 367 Bedford Highway, Halifax

$27.96

III. Things to do During Canada Day Weekend

Hot Country 103.5 Party Cruise

Experience new country while cruising the Halifax Harbour on the Hot Country Party Cruise. Halifax’s HOTTEST country music radio station, Hot Country 103.5, will have you up, dancing, and singing along to all your favourite country hits. The team from Hot Country 103.5, our Harbour Queen captain, and crew, will be ready to help you kick-off your weekend – country style. Today’s country music is on fire – and it keeps getting hotter! Details

Friday, June 27, 2025 | 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM

The Cable Wharf, 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Adult: $38.69

6th Annual Supernova Market

The Supernova Market is an annual, not-for-profit event that showcases the exceptional creative talent of Atlantic Canada. Held outdoors on the beautiful Foundation Wharf in the heart of Downtown Halifax, the Supernova Market is free to attend and a beloved community event. Enjoy an unforgettable day shopping in the marketplace with vendors joining us from across Atlantic Canada, while taking in some live music in the container stage. Details

Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Foundation wharf, Halifax Waterfront

Free

IV. More Things to Do

Get Splashed

Ride and slide at Splash Adventure. Enjoy rides, slides, mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, kids pool, carousel and more here. Details

Daily from June 28, 2025 | 10 AM – 6 PM

Atlantic Splash Adventure, 1200 Lucasville Rd, Lucasville

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Plan a Daytrip

Explore the great outdoors and take in the amazing views of this beautiful province. Try a staycation in Nova Scotia this year and explore HRM’s best waterways by paddling.

Discover St. Margaret’s Bay

Located just a few minutes drive from Halifax, St. Margaret’s Bay is home to the Village of Peggy’s Cove, the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Peggy’s Cove Preservation Area, the SS Atlantic Heritage Park, and the impressive Hooked Rug Museum of North America in Queensland. Details

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eat make share: a taste of immigration

Canada’s food is as diverse as its people. How and what we eat is shaped by over 400 years of immigration and relationships between newcomers and Indigenous Peoples. Food connects us to the past, to place, and to each other.

Explore the connections between food and immigration in Canada through the universal experiences of eating, making, and sharing food. Discover the surprising histories behind popular Canadian dishes. Learn how individuals and communities express themselves through food and engage in diverse food traditions practiced in Canada through hands-on and multi-sensory activities. Details

May 10, 2025–January 18, 2026

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax

Regular admission

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Mazes & Brain Games

Mazes & Brain Games is an engaging, family-friendly exhibition that invites visitors of all ages to lose the map and find the fun. Whether you’re navigating life-size labyrinths or outsmarting optical illusions, this immersive exhibit will keep you thinking around every corner. Details

Daily, until August 31, 2025 | 9 AM – 4 PM

Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax

$14.50

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Hike the Shaw Wilderness Park

Shaw Wilderness Park is a wilderness park with trails that crisscross the park. All the trails are not mapped, do take along a map and a compass as you set out on an adventure!

For more trails to hike, see our article,

Have a Picnic

With many beautiful places to choose from, there is no dearth of places to enjoy a lovely picnic with friends or family! So why not pack a picnic basket or grab some treats from your local restaurant, bakery and brewery and set out!

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Stroll the Halifax Public Gardens

This exotic garden is built in the style of a Victorian Garden. See the floral displays, stroll along the path, and enjoy this beautiful piece of natural oasis. Details

Daily | 8 AM to 1/2 hour before Sunset

5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

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Camp Outside

Located just minutes from downtown Halifax is Laurie Provincial Park. Enjoy the lake by going for a swim, or go on a fun water adventure by paddling or water skiing around the lake. Set up camp at one of the wooded sites in the park and spend a relaxing night under the stars. Details

Laurie Provincial Park, 4949 Nova Scotia Trunk 2, Grand Lake

Regular admission

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Enjoy Glow-in-the-Dark Fun

Enjoy holes of glow-in-the-dark fun at the Putting Edge’s unique glow-in-the-dark golf course. They also feature a glow-in-the-dark arcade. Details

Putting Edge, 182 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax

Explore the City

Rediscover the city you live in!

Splashifax

This 2-hour adventure includes a horse-drawn wagon ride to and from Fort Clayton, time in our Rubber Rodeo, a hot dog, frie,s and beverage for lunch, followed by time on the ziplines and playgrounds.

A 15-minute wagon ride through the back woods of the Farm takes you to where the fun begins. Upon arrival in Fort Clayton attendees will enjoy 30 minutes in the Rubber Rodeo to play on the inflatable games or ride the mechanical bull!! Details

Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Hatfield Farm, 1840 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains

$24.99 plus HST (children 2 and under are free)