Cape Breton Island 
The Halifax Urban Folk Festival (HUFF) has announced its 16th annual edition, set to run from September 29 to October 5, featuring a mix of regional, national, and international performers.
This year’s event will span three venues in Halifax: The Carleton, The Basement of the Economy Shoe Shop, and The Seahorse Tavern.
Artistic Director Mike Campbell confirmed that 2025 marks a notable year for the festival, with a varied lineup he considers among its strongest to date. A key highlight is the inclusion of Rhett Miller of The Old 97’s, whose appearance in Halifax has been over a decade in the making.
The Carleton will serve as the festival’s central venue, hosting multiple songwriter circles and headline performances. The opening night will feature Dave Sampson, Mo Kenney, and Andre Pettipas. A Blues Songwriters Circle with Charlie A’Court, Logan Richard, and Joce Reyome follows on September 30. Other notable acts include Ray Bonneville with Geoff Arsenault on October 1, and two shows by Irish Mythen on October 2.
Rhett Miller is scheduled to perform on October 4, backed by the Halifax All Stars Band. The same night includes an opening set with Aysanabee, Hearts of Kin, and Jon Cornwall. On October 3, Aysanabee will headline, also with backing from the All Stars, following a set featuring Miller, Deedee Austin, and Brett Matthews.
The festival extends to other venues with Pretty Archie and guest Bill Ricky performing at The Basement of the Economy Shoe Shop on October 2. At The Seahorse Tavern, Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts will take the stage on October 3, joined by Elyse Aeryn and Jamie Fontaine. The Monoxides headline the following night with support from The Motorleague and The Orchids.
HUFF, a not-for-profit organization, has been active since 2010, celebrating storytelling through song and providing a platform for a broad spectrum of musical voices across Nova Scotia.
Halifax Urban Folk Festival – 2025
Lineup:
The Carleton
September 29 — Songwriters Circle w/ Dave Sampson, Mo Kenney and
Andre Pettipas
September 30 — Blues Songwriters Circle w/ Charlie A’Court, Logan Richard and Joce Reyome
October 1 — Ray Bonneville w/ special guest Geoff Arsenault
October 2 — Irish Mythen – TWO SHOWS, 7pm & 9:30pm
October 3 — Aysanabee backed by the Halifax All Stars Band and an Opening Songwriters Circle w/ Rhett Miller, Deedee Austin and Brett Matthews
October 4 — Rhett Miller backed by the Halifax All Stars Band and an Opening Songwriters Circle w/ Aysanabee, Hearts of Kin and Jon Cornwall
October 5 — Youth Songwriters Circle
The Basement of The Economy Shoe Shop
October 2 — Pretty Archie w/ special guest Bill Ricky
The Seahorse
October 3 — Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts w/ special guests; Elyse Aeryn and Jamie Fontaine
October 4 — The Monoxides w/ special guests
The Motorleague and The Orchids
When: September 29 – October 5, 2025
Where: Various Venues, Halifax
How Much: $35 & up
