Halifax
Canada Day Long Weekend festivals and events in and around Halifax – June 30 to July 3, 2017
Where to celebrate our Nation’s 150th birthday!
From pancake breakfasts to great entertainment, festivals and spectacular fireworks, there is plenty to see & do in Halifax this weekend!
YOU MAY LIKE: 100 Family Fun Summer Events and Activities in Halifax
1. Canada Day Fireworks Locations in and around Halifax
- Graham’s Grove (EPIC Canadian 150) @ June 30 | 9:45 PM
- Best view point – Halifax Commons @ July 1 | 10:00 PM
If you don’t want to be in the concert area, there will be a Fireworks Viewing area where you can bring your chairs or blankets in the green space of the Emera Oval.
- DeWolf Park (Bedford Days) @ July 1 | 10:00 PM
- Kinsmen Park (Patriot Days) @ July 1 | Dusk
2. Canada Day Free Pancake Breakfasts
- Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM @ Halifax Grand Parade
- Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 08:30 AM – 10:30 AM @ Lakeside Legion #156, Halifax
- Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM @ Alderney Landing Dartmouth
- Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM @ Dewolf Park, Bedford
3. Canada Day Celebrations
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Canada and as part of a massive, countrywide Canada Day celebration, the Halifax Regional Municipality will be hosting a series of free events and interactive celebrations at multiple sites in Halifax and Dartmouth. Canada 150 celebrations will include a free outdoor concert at the Halifax Common, starting in the afternoon and culminating in an evening fireworks show. It will also feature the most Children’s entertainment activities on one event site in Halifax-Dartmouth Canada Day history!
Deadmau5 will perform on the Main Stage with the infamous CUBE 2.1. Local favourite Matt Mays will perform his classic hits and music from his new album. Neptune Theatre will present a tribute to Stan Rogers, Poet Laureate Rebecca Thomas will perform, and Celtic band Ashelin, Francophone Rockers Izabelle Ouellet, and Reeny Smith from North Preston will also be on the main stage. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 08:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Dartmouth Pancake Breakfast | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM @ Alderney Landing Events, Dartmouth Waterfront
Halifax Pancake Breakfast | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM @ Halifax Grand Parade
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Parade | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Brunswick Street
Official Canada Day Opening Ceremonies | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM @ Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Singing of “O Canada” and Free Canada Day Cake | 12:30 PM
Canada Day Community Citizenship Ceremony | 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM @ Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Canada Day Family Fun Fest by Maple Lodge Farms | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fuse Festival | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM @ Halifax Commons
Free Concert | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM @ Sullivans Pond, Dartmouth
Free Concert | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM @ Halifax Public Gardens
Main Event Concert | 5:00 PM – 11:59 PM @ Halifax Commons
4. OH Canada Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
Take part in educational workshops, exciting festival events and of course, our daily two-and-a-half hour show jam-packed with world-class entertainment, sure to delight the whole family. There’s bagpipes, bands, gymnastics, dancers, choirs, military traditions and much more! The Tattoo also features innovative acrobatic acts, modern music, trampoline routines and cutting-edge videos. Details
June 30 – July 6, 2017
June 30, July 1-3, 6 | 2:00 PM
July 4 & 5 | 7:00 PM
Tattoo Canada Day Parade – Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 10:30 AM
Scotiabank Centre, Halifax
Parade Route: The parade will start at 10:30 am by the Scotiabank Centre on Brunswick and Duke Streets, go down Brunswick Street, turn right onto Spring Garden Road, then right onto Summer Street, right onto Sackville Street and left onto Brunswick Street back to the Scotiabank Centre.
Free & Ticketed Events
5. Fuse Festival
The Fuse Festival is a celebratory dance festival celebrating Canada’s diversity through dance. We will take you through a world of dance by featuring and fusing dance styles by both professional and community dancers of various cultural backgrounds. The Emera Oval will host the festival and will feature over 175 artists representing cultures from all over the world including Mi’kmaw, African, Iranian, and Latin artists. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Main Stage, Halifax Common
6. Canada Day at Pier 21
Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with us, for a full day of free cultural and musical performances, activities, and more. Plan to spend Canada Day 2017 at Pier 21 – home to a world of stories honouring the immigrants who helped shape the Canada we celebrate on July 1st. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Citizenship Ceremony | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Activities & Performances | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Simultaneous drumming | 2:00 PM
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax
Free Admission and activities
7. Canada 150 Atlantic to Pacific Celebration
Canadian communities across and throughout Canada come together and drum to celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday in 2017! This unified Canada 150 Drumming activity can be done on any variety of drums – hand drums, snare drums, steel drums, Highland drums, what have you – even pots and pans. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 3:00 PM
Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Rd, Halifax
Free
8. Boardwalk Artists 2017
This year’s Boardwalk Artists is happening in conjunction with the Downtown Dartmouth event ARTS-travaganza! Ferry Terminal Park leading all the way up Portland Street will feature Art Activities and stations through Boardwalk Artists, Arts and Crafts Vendors, Musical Entertainment featuring Nova Scotia Tattoo performers and a Downtown Dartmouth Street party in which Dartmouth Storefronts and Restaurants will be participating, Live Entertainment and Bouncy Castles throughout the Downtown Core. Details
Friday, June 30, 2017 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Alderney Landing in Ferry Terminal Park on the Dartmouth Waterfront
Free to public
9. ARTS-travaganza
Hundreds of Musicians, acrobats, artists and performers are taking over Ferry Terminal Park and Portland Street. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Ferry Terminal Park and Portland Street, Downtown Dartmouth, Alderney Landing
Free
Halifax Public Gardens summer concert on July 2nd- Mike Cowie Vibe Quintet
10. The EPIC Canadian 150
FIVE Distances, FOUR Events, THREE Days, and the Opening Event of the 2017 EPIC Canada Day Weekend! 6.1K, 10K, 5K, half marathon and quarter marathon. Details
June 30 – July 2, 2017
June 30 races:
[email protected] 6.1K |7:00 PM
[email protected] After-Party: Groovin’ At The Grove with the Mellotones | 8:00 PM
EPIC Pre-Canada Day Fireworks | 9:45 PM
July 1 races:
Maple Leaf 10K | 8:00 AM
The Canadian 5K | 9:30 AM
The EPIC Canada Day Picnic | 10:00 AM @ Great Lawn at Lake Banook
July 2 races:
The EPIC Quarter & Half Marathon | 8:30 AM
EPIC Swim with Swim Nova Scotia – 1K,2K,5K | 1:00 PM
July 3 races:
EPIC Try-A-Tri (16+) | 8:00 AM
EPIC Kids | 9:30 PM
Grahams Grove, Dartmouth
Varies with the race
11. Canada Day Celebrations @ Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday at the official Halifax celebration inside the walls of the historic Halifax Citadel – a Confederation-era site! It all starts with the firing of the iconic noon gun followed by the traditional 21-gun salute. Enjoy bands, choirs, 78th Highlander military performances, presentations and don’t miss the official Canada Day cake served by a 78th Highlander. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the atmosphere while you celebrate this significant milestone in our history as a nation! Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
There are two vehicle entrances to the Halifax Citadel – on Sackville St. and Rainnie Dr., next to the Halifax Common.
Free admission
12. Lower Deck Canada Day Patio Party Weekend
Lower Deck Canada Day Patio Party. Details
June 30 – July 2, 2017
Paul Lamb | June 30 & July 1 | 5:30 PM
Shaydid | June 26 – July 1 | 9:30 PM
Patio Party | June 30 – July 2
Signal Hill | July 2
Lower Deck, 1887 Upper WaterStreet, Halifax
13. Ribfest Halifax
June 30 – July 2, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
July 3, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday, June 30: Paul Tupper, The Trouble, Charlie A’Court, The Decades
Saturday, July 1: Paul Brushett, Bakersfield Boys, Jason Spinney and Witchitaw, TBA
Sunday, July 2: Noah Tye, Q104 Homegrown Project, 2 Mikes and a Wally Blues Band, Studebaker Pie
Monday, July 3: Casey May, Pickled Beats
Halifax waterfront, 1521 Lower Water Street
Free admission
$23 for a full rack, $14 for a half rack, $9.00 for a third rack. (Prices may vary by Ribber)
Free Canada Day Ferry Service
14. Strange Brew: Outdoor Film Experience
AFF Outdoor Film Experience Presents: “Canadian Comedy, Eh?” at the Halifax Public Gardens. Join us for our first OFE of the season! Strange Brew: Canada’s most famous hosers, Bob and Doug McKenzie, get jobs at the Elsinore Brewery, only to learn that something is rotten with the state of it. Details
Friday, June 30, 2017 | 8:30 PM
Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Taking Donations for Feed Nova Scotia
15. 2017 Canadian Armwrestling Championships
June 30 – July 2, 2017
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St, Halifax
16. Shakespeare by the Sea – Peter Pan
An all new musical adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale about the boy who never grew up! Director Jesse MacLean, Composer Garry Williams and the 2017 acting company bring Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Tiger Lilly, and the Lost Boys to life against the likes of smelly-old Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, and his no-good pirate crew. Following in the wacky footsteps of past hits Pinocchio, Alice In Wonderland and Robin Hood, this year’s family show is sure to be filled with lots of laughs and incredible musical moments! Details
Saturday & Sunday, July 1 – 2, 2017 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
July 4 – September 3, 2017 | Dates vary
Cambridge Battery, Point Pleasant Park, Halifax
Sweet Seat Reservation $25
17. Canada Day Open House
Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday at Uniacke Estate Museum Park. Enjoy the country life with a picnic, walk on one of 8 hiking trails, and a visit to the grand house museum. Featuring costumed members of the Atlantic Living Heritage Association. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 11:30AM – 59:00 PM
Uniacke Estate Museum Park, 758 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke
Free admission and free treats in the Post Road Tea Room
18. Bedford Days
This year’s Bedford Days will feature some of the best entertainment in Atlantic Canada, two fireworks shows, and tons of other activities. Explore this website for all the exciting details! Details
June 29:
TD Summer Reading Club Kick-off Party | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM @ Bedford Public Library
Bouncy Castles | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
Lions Club Seniors’ Dinner & Bingo | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Bedford Lions Den
Lions Pool Urban Art event | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Bedford Lions Pool
TD Kids’ Extravaganza | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
June 30:
Bedford Volunteer Fire Dept Beer Fest (19+) | 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM @ Dewolf Park
July 1:
Pancake Breakfast | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM @ Dewolf Park
Bouncy Castles | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 9:45 PM @ Dewolf Park
Scott Manor House Season Opening | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM @ Scott Manor House
Main Stage | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
Kids Canada Day Party | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
North Street Singers | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM @ Dewolf Park
Multicultural Show | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
Bedford Days Canada Day Celebrations | July 1 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
Canada Day Fireworks | July 1 | 10:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
July 2:
Bedford SK to Beat Lung Cancer | 8:00 AM @ Dewolf Park
Crossfit & Barbells on the Waterfront | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
Shanti Hot Yoga Class | 12:30 PM – :30 PM @ Dewolf Park
Zumba in the Park | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
Ice Cream Social | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM @ Chicken Little at the Chickenburger, 1531 Bedford Highway
Movie Night | 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM @ Dewolf Park
Bedford
Bouncy Castles: Ticketed. Others are Free
19. Sackville Patriot Days
Sackville Patriot Days is a community, family-oriented celebration organized around Canada Day. It covers three or more days, depending on the day of the week on which Canada Day falls. The schedule may include sports tournaments, dances, contests and children’s events. Details
June 24 – July 3, 2017
Free
20. Bedford 5k to Beat Lung Cancer
Sunday, July 2, 2017
On-site Race Kit Pickup and Registration | 7:00 AM
Kids 500m Walk/Run Start | 8:00 AM
Adult 5km Walk Start | 8:15 AM
Adult 5km Run Start | 8:35 AM
5k Walk/Run Route (adults) – Starts at Waterfront Drive opposite Park Bandstand
500m Sprint Walk/Run Route (kids) – Starts at DeWolfe Park Bandstand
Kids & Juniors (12 and under) – $10, Adults – $25, Seniors (60+) – $20, Family of 5 – $60, Team of 10 – $225
21. Canada Day – Wild about Butterflies
Join us as we celebrate Canada Day at the Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre and learn about our incredible pollinators. Watch our butterflies be released at 2 PM and 3 PM. Imagine how it would feel to go from a caterpillar, to a sleeping cocoon, to a flying creature! Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park, Colchester County
Regular park admission fees apply
22. Taste of East Preston
Celebrate Canada Day with a taste of East Preston. Parade, live performances, games, traditional food, art exhibits. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Parade | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
East Preston Recreation Centre, 24 Brooks Drive, East Preston
Free admission
Dinner with 2 mains & 2 sides: Adults $10; Child (13 & under) $5
23. Dominion Day “Old Time” Village Fair
A festive day celebrating the coastal villages in the Lake Charlotte area. Come see dozens of remote controlled model boats in action on the Dufferin Pond. Enjoy a free freshly made donut from our vintage Belshaw Donut Robot, then work off the extra calories with some traditional 1940s games and races with the kids, or try panning for gold. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Memory Lane Heritage Village, 5435 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte, Eastern Shore
Free admission, donations appreciated
24. Canada Day 2017 @ Fisherman’s Cove
Join us on Canada Day at Fisherman’s Cove to enjoy music, shops, face painting, cake and fun! Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Official ceremony cake cutting | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fisherman’s Cove, 4 Government Wharf Rd., Eastern Passage
Free
25. Canada Day @ Petpeswick Yacht Club
Boat Rides, Barbeque, Steamed Mussels, Music, Children’s Activities. Fun Day for All. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Petpeswick YC, 434 East Petpeswick Road, Musquodoboit Harbour
Free boat rides
26. Francois Weber, Matt Richardson, Dan Hendricken
Comedy. Uncensored shows. Discretion advised. Details
Friday, June 30 – Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 9:00 PM
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, Halifax
$15.66 + 15% tax
27. Carleton Canada Day Comedy
SiriusXM is presenting a Carleton Canada Day Comedy show with Mark Walker, our own Ian Black, Catherine Robertson and hosted by Dan Henricken. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 7:00 PM
The Carleton Music Bar & Grill, 1685 Argyle St, Halifax
Advance $10; Door $15
28. Adam Baldwin – Canada Day in Halifax
with special guest The Brood. 19+. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 10:00 PM
The Marquee Ballroom, 2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax
$22.99 in advance and $27.99 day of show (including tax and service charge)
29. Canada Day with XK and friends
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 10:00 PM
Reflections Cabaret, 5187 Salter Street, Halifax
30. Canada Day Kitchen Party!
This year, the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is thrilled to have Joe Murphy and Shrimp Daddy providing outdoor entertainment on the big stage. You will also find bouncy castles, a petting zoo, Hatfield Farm horse and carriage rides, and live entertainment from Anna Wedlock and The Koconut Kings outside of Pavilion 20. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax
Free
31. FANS Canada Day Celebration 2017
This potluck event is for all members of the Filipino Association of Nova Scotia and we welcome other friends and family as guests. Please bring food and/or drinks to share for our community table. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 11:30 AM
Sir Sandford Fleming Park, 260 Dingle Rd, Halifax
32. Canada Day Breakfast
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 08:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Lakeside Legion #156, Halifax
Free
YOU MAY LIKE: 100 Family Fun Things to do this Summer in Halifax