When the leaves start changing colours in the fall, there is a multitude of fun to be had in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia.
From live entertainment to food festivals, there is an event that everyone will enjoy this fall. Check out all the festivals and other events listed below to make some amazing memories with your family and friends this fall.
100 Mile Food and Fibre Festival
Head to the 100 Mile Food and Fibre Festival to choose from a wide assortment of ready-made foods made from all local ingredients. There will also be local libations, cheeses, pasta, baked goods, and a BBQ to enjoy. This is not just your average market because there will also be wagon rides, sheep shearing demos, dog herding demonstrations, games for kids, and the Museum and the blacksmith shop will be open to viewing.
Details
Saturday September 9, 2023 from 10 am – 4 pm
1158 Steadman Rd. Northville
Hike the Highlands Festival
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Hike the Highlands festival, a renowned event drawing hikers from North America and Europe to explore the stunning Cape Breton Highlands. Immerse yourself in a rich itinerary of guided daytime hikes ranging from easy to challenging trails, featuring breathtaking locales such as Broad Cove Mountain, Mica Hill, and Cape St. Lawrence. Each day is crowned with entertaining evening activities including opening and closing ceremonies, BBQ, bonfire, and informative presentations. Experience the majestic landscapes of the Highlands and join in the shared spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and appreciation for nature in this ten-day hiking festival.
Details
September 8 to 17, 2023
Cabot Trail, Ingonish
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FIN Atlantic International Film Festival
Returning with a full schedule of events in 2022, this eight-day film festival celebrates local and international film and media. Over the 8 days, over 150 films will be showcased including the first showings.
Details
September 14 – 21, 2023
1892 Hollis St, Halifax
Antigonight: Art After Dark Festival
The Antigonight: Art After Dark Festival proudly presents a vibrant array of interactive artworks across various media including dance, music, and sound art. The festival, deeply rooted in the rural community of Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia, adopts the theme “Beyond” this year, encouraging visitors to explore the unknown and appreciate art in rural spaces. The event begins with a crafting social at The Grind House on Friday, followed by a showcase of performances and installations in several locations on Saturday, promising an immersive experience into innovative and inspiring art.
Details
September 15 & 16, 2023
Antigonish
Windsor Garlic Fest
Spend a fun day enjoying all things ‘Garlic’ at the new location for the Avondale Garlic Fest – now called Windsor Garlic Fest! Come for the garlic-related products and delectable foods, the cooking demonstrations, and the garlic eating contest. There will also be a wide assortment of fine art, a wine tasting, and awesome local live music! There’s something for every Garlic lover at this fantastic festival!
Details
Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 12 pm – 5 pm
Downtown Windsor, on Gerrish Street from Gray to Water Streets
Cabot Trail Writers Festival
Join the lively and intimate Cabot Trail Writers Festival for a three-day celebration this fall. Here, readers and authors forge unique connections through immersive experiences including readings, workshops, and panel discussions, enriched with the vibrant local culture of music and storytelling. The festival is renowned for its heartfelt and unpretentious atmosphere where laughter, music, and deep conversations flow naturally, creating an unmatched literary event steeped in the rich Cape Breton tradition of welcoming everyone as a friend.
Details
September 22 to 24, 2023
Gaelic College, St. Ann’s Bay
Lumière Arts Festival
The Lumière Arts Festival offers a rich program of public installations, art presentations, films, and panel discussions. This free contemporary arts festival culminates in the vibrant Art-at-Night event, bringing together art enthusiasts to celebrate contemporary art and culture.
Details
September 20 to 23, 2023
Sydney
Canadian Deep Roots Music Festival
Deep Roots Music Festival, organized by the Deep Roots Music Cooperative, showcases a dynamic mix of emerging and established artists such as Jim Cuddy, Devin Cuddy, and Dayna Manning, among others. The festival’s highlight is the iconic parade led by the larger-than-life Wee Giants crafted from recycled materials by the artistic director Monika Wildemann.
Details
September 22 to 24, 2023
Wolfville
The Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival and Antique Fair
The annual Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival and Antique Fair promises a weekend of family fun in Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Visitors can marvel at over 250 handmade, life-sized scarecrows, including those resembling celebrities and royalty. The festival, attended by thousands yearly, offers a rich program featuring the Maritimes’ largest antique show, a vintage market, contests, and various children’s activities.
Details
September 23 to October 9, 2023
Main St., Mahone Bay
Prismatic Arts Festival
Celebrate the innovative work of Indigenous artists from across Canada at this national, multidisciplinary arts festival. Each fall, Halifax theatres showcase these boundary-pushing new works in theatre, dance, music, film, visual arts, media arts, and spoken word work.
Details
September 29 – October 8, 2023
Barrington Street, Halifax
Parrsboro Film Festival
The Annual Parrsboro Film Festival showcases local short films over three days. Over the weekend, there will be a number of films showcased and workshops for people to attend.
Details
September 29 – October 1, 2023
44 King Street, Parrsboro
Nova Scotia Forest Festival
Break out your plain and flannel shirts and head to Memory Lane Heritage Village to experience Nova Scotia’s historic foresting industry. Test your skills at axe throwing, watch horse logging, and enjoy a traditional lumberjack meal.
Details
September 30, 2023
5435 Clam Harbour Road Lake Charlotte
RiverBreeze Fear Farm
When the sun sets, horrifying monsters and ghouls enter the RiverBreeze corn maze. Do you dare to enter the mazes and the haunted houses after dark to find out what goes bump in the night?
Details
September 30, 2023 onwards, Every Saturday and Sunday in October
660 Onslow Road, Truro
Celtic Colours International Festival
The Celtic Colours International Festival has returned to in-person events this year. Over the nine-day festival, there are hundreds of events and activities across Cape Breton. This is one of Canada’s premiere musical events and is a ‘must attend’ event for music lovers.
Details
October 6 – 14, 2023
Across Cape Breton
Kentville Pumpkin People Festival
Over 300 pumpkin people around Kentville will be dressed like animals and zoo keepers. Download the Pumpkin Person Map to make sure that you don’t miss any of the displays around town.
Details
October 7 – 29, 2023
Kentville
South Haven Weavers’ Fibre Festival
South Haven Weavers’ Fibre Festival is an show and sale by South Haven guild of weavers, spinners . Shop from a curated selection of handcrafted textiles for the discerning buyer. You can join for 3-hour workshops on techniques such as locked hooking, lace knitting, and needle felting. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of fine textile craftsmanship.
Details
October 7 – 9, 2023
490 Chebucto Street, Baddeck
Nocturne: Art at Night Festival
Every October, Halifax becomes the place for great art and theatre. Nocturne: Art at Night Festival is an independent, free, contemporary art festival in that showcases contemporary and celebrates the visual arts scene in Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia.
Details
October 12 – 15, 2023
Halifax
Horton Harvest Craft Fair
The Horton Harvest Craft Fair kicks off the craft fair season in the Annapolis Valley. The Crafters and artisans who come from across Nova Scotia bring a huge variety of amazing creations for attendees to peruse.
Details
October 14, 2023 from 9 am – 3 pm
75 Greenwich Road South, Wolfville
ReJigged Festival
Inviting music aficionados, dance enthusiasts, and curious minds alike, the festival which promotes Celtic music and dance, offers a rich tapestry of musical exploration and vibrant artistic expression. Join the celebration to immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience steeped in heritage and propelled by contemporary dynamism.
Details
October 19 to 22, 2023
St. Andrew’s Church, 6036 Coburg Rd
Halifax
Memory Lane Fibre Arts Festival
Celebrate the fibre arts in a festive gathering featuring a selection of vendors from across the Maritime region, hosted in heritage buildings. Aside from shopping, attendees have the opportunity to learn, find inspiration, and work on their personal projects in a designated space in the Clam Factory.
Details
October 21, 2023
Memory Lane Heritage Village, 5435 Clam Harbour Rd, Lake Charlotte
Devour! The Food Film Fest
Wolfville is the place to be during the World’s Largest Culinary Film Festival. During Devour! At The Food Film Fest, there are over 90 events being held over the 6 days. Make sure to check out the local wineries and restaurants because Annapolis Valley is famous for its local wines and fantastic locally sourced dishes.
Details
October 23 – 29, 2023
Wolfville
Nova Scotia Music Week
2023 is the 26th anniversary of Nova Scotia Music Week. Music lovers and artists from across Nova Scotia and the world come together to experience the best Nova Scotia talent.
Details
November 2 – 5, 2023
Yarmouth
Antigonish Jazz Festival
Experience three exhilarating days of music at various venues in the Town of Antigonish, showcasing the exceptional talents of local, regional, and global artists and groups. The festival features headlining acts such as the Worst Pop Band Ever, Avataar, and The Headhunters, preceded daily by performances from local and regional talents. Don’t miss this vibrant musical rendezvous that promises a rich and diverse array of performances to delight every music enthusiast.
Details
November 16 to 18, 2023
Antigonish
Halifax Oyster Festival
The annual Halifax Oyster Festival is Canada’s largest oyster festival. Over the 2 days, tNova Scotian oyster farmers and chefs will be on-site to teach you about oysters and how to cook and eat them. There will also be local wines, ciders, spirits, and craft beers to enjoy with the delicious oysters.
Details
TBA
Halifax Waterfront
Cabot Trail Acoustic Festival
Head to the famous Cabot Trail for a weekend packed with concerts, open mics, songwriting, and workshops for both musicians and music lovers. Explore Cabot Trail’s history of folk and Celtic music, and see where music is going.
Details
TBA
30 Buchanan drive, Englishtown
Huckle Buckle Festival
Celebrate Fall at the Annual Huckle Buckle Festival. Across Ingonish, there will be lots of autumn fun. There will be guided Hikes, fabulous food, children’s activities, pumpkins, scarecrows, and ceilidhs.
Details
October 13, 2023
Ingonish
Halifax VegFest
Halifax VegFest brings the best plant-based food, clothing, beauty, and other items from across Atlantic Canada.
Details
TBA