Halifax 
May Long Weekend Events & Activities in Halifax
Friday, May 19 – Monday, May 22, 2023
A go-to list of family activities and events taking place during May long weekend in Halifax: Friday, May 19 – Monday, May 22, 2023
Billy Elliot The Musical
Determined to make his dreams come true, Billy Elliot The Musical is an inspirational story of one boy’s stumble from the boxing ring to the ballet studio. Against all odds, his life is changed forever when his passion inspires not only his family but a community fallen on hard times.
Featuring a rousing score by music legend Elton John, Billy Elliot The Musical is an astonishing theatrical experience that will stay with you forever. Details
on stage until June 18, 2023
Tuesday to Friday | 7:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday | 2 PM & 7:30 PM
Neptune Theatre – Fountain Hall, 1593 Argyle Street Halifax
$38 – $98
Back to the East Coast
You’re invited to the final round of the Best of The East, where contestants representing the four Atlantic provinces compete to prove that their region is supreme. Do you know the difference between a tartan and a toutan, a buoy and a b’y? Cheer for your favourite province while tapping your toes to some of the best music that NS, NB, PEI and NFLD have to offer! Details
April 22 – July 29, 2023
No show on May 22
Grafton Dinner Theatre, 1741 Grafton Street, Halifax
$41.05 – $64
Get on a Bike
Halifax has many places to enjoy a ride, including the Commons, Point Pleasant Park, and most of the area’s trails. Check out the HRM Bike Map to plan your next biking route.
Parks Canada Nova Scotia Sites
Parks Canada sites in Nova Scotia begin operating for their summer season in May. Discover what is new this year and plan a trip.
In Halifax Citadel, explore the new signature exhibit, Fortress Halifax: A City Shaped by Conflict. Unfolding across 6,000 square feet, this exhibit takes you on a journey through time, recounting the stories of the Mi’kmaq people and the diverse settlers who shaped the city.
The Halifax Citadel Society has lined up some exciting programs for the season. Experience military activities, embark on spirit tasting programs with Compass Distillers, or dare to join a ghost tour by candlelight. Imagine descending through dimly lit passageways, feeling the thrill of the unknown as you explore the haunted history of the Citadel. Details
Nova Scotia Parks
The provincial parks will begin opening on Friday, May 19.
All day-use parks will be operational starting May 19. Some camping parks, including Blomidon, Cape Chignecto, Ellenwood Lake, Graves Island, Porters Lake, Rissers Beach, and Thomas Raddall, will open on May 19. Details
Family Round Up
Includes a 15 minute wagon or sleigh to/from Fort Clayton. Once you arrive you will spend approximately 30 minutes in the Rubber Rodeo. Afterwards you can enjoy all you want hot dogs and refreshments in the cozy lodge. Any remaining time can be spent on the playground and ziplines. Details
Saturday & Sunday, May 20 – 21, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hatfield Farm, 1840 Hammonds Plains Rd, Hammonds Plains
$22.99 plus HST per person
Daniel Romano w/ Julianna Riolino
Daniel Romano w/ Julianna Riolino in Halifax. Details
Friday, May 19, 2023 | 9:00 PM
The Marquee Ballroom, 2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax
Tickets are $29.07 in advance, $34.20 day of show (including tax and service charge)
Kaizen Pro Wrestling Championship
The main event will see Remi Petit put the Kaizen Championship on the line against Bobby Boyette and Reverso in a triple threat match! Details
Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Alderney Landing Theatre, 2 Ochterloney Street Dartmouth
$20 – $23
Dhara Fitzgerald featuring The Holly Arsenault Trio
An afternoon of jazz in support of Adsum House in Halifax to which all ticket proceeds will be donated. Music from Irving Berlin, Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Henry Mancini, and more. Details
Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 3:00 PM
The Music Room, 6181 Lady Hammond Rd, Halifax
$15
The Future of Funny
Join us for a unique AI-themed stand-up comedy show where professional comedians and AI software developers face off. The comedians will perform their best material and then hand over their set lists to the developers. Who will come out on top? It’s up to the audience to decide if human comics are now obsolete! Don’t miss out on this hilarious battle between humanity and machine! Details
Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The Bus Stop Theatre, 2203 Gottingen Street, Halifax
$22.63
Halifax Wanderers
Canadian Premier League. Details
vs. York United FC on Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 3:00 PM
The Wanderers Grounds, 5819 Sackville Street, Halifax
$16 – $76+
East Coast Cider Festival
Atlantic Canada’s Biggest Cider Festival! Details
Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax
$49.50 + $7.43 HST
The Sweetside
Sweet artifacts preserved from Dartmouth’s historical manufacturing past. From Moirs to Motts, soda to sugar, come get a look and take in these tasty things! Details
May 3 – 28, 2023
The Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing
Migration by Julie Adamson
Migration is an art installation that draws on the cultural and material histories of the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, as well as the artist’s own personal history. Migration is a sensory immersive environment that experimentally foregrounds a key component of shore life: vessels moving inside water. This new work investigates shelter as a flexible, moving, and temporary entity, which protects the body over periods of transit and transition. Details
May 3 – 28, 2023
Artist Talk | Saturday, May 20 | 2:00 PM
The Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing
Revealing Chignecto: The Stories Within
In Revealing Chignecto, visitors can explore life in Chignecto’s shared Mi’kmaw and Acadian space up to the late 18th century through oral history, archaeology, and written records. Illustrated with beautiful original artworks by Réjean Roy, this exhibit invites visitors to handle high-quality reproductions of archaeological artifacts, listen to oral histories in Mi’kmaw with interpretive text and illustrations to guide them, and explore interactive maps that show changes in the region over time. Details
May 13 – July 23, 2023
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax
$10.25 – $15.50
ByBlacks Restaurant Week
The ByBlacks Restaurant Week (BRW) series is a highly curated chance to experience Canada’s Black-owned dining establishments. The week promises the very best of delectable and diverse African, Caribbean, and Fusion cuisine.
Black-owned Canadian restaurants will offer a Prix Fixe (special) menu options for Dining in, Takeout, and Delivery, priced at $16 plus applicable Provincial sales taxes or more. Details
May 15 – 21, 2023
Participating restaurants, Halifax
$16 plus applicable taxes
The Unison Festival
The Unison Festival is a quadrennial weekend choral festival featuring Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ choruses. The festival will bring together around 22 choirs from all over Canada. In addition, there will be invited performers. It is expected the festival will have between 600 and 1,000 participants.. Details
May 19 – 22, 2023
Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle St, Halifax
Unison Festival 2023 Concert Pass $120
Behind the Scenes
The Understudies have invited amateur video makers and content creators to come on stage and share old clips and movies from their media archives. Improvisers will then be challenged to go behind the scenes and craft new comedic moments inspired by the stories and screenings from our guest cinematographers. Bring some friends and neighbors and come hang out at Elles with this talented cast of Halifax improvisers this May long weekend!
Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Elle’s Bistro, 1678 Barrington Street Halifax
$10
Arctic/Amazon: Networks of Global Indigeneity
Arctic/Amazon: Networks of Global Indigeneity explores the ways in which Indigenous contemporary artists take on issues of climate change, globalized Indigeneity, and contact zones in and about the Arctic and the Amazon during a time of crisis. The featured artists have their origins in these places, and their works embody a politics of resistance, resurgence, and ways of knowing and being in relation to the lands that are the source of their knowledge and creativity. Details
May 11 – September 23, 2023
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis St, Halifax
FREE – $10.43 per person
Science Odyssey
Science Odyssey is a national campaign that celebrates Canadian achievements in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, featuring fun and inspiring experiences in museums, research centres, laboratories and classrooms from coast to coast. Every year in May, hundreds of science outreach leaders deliver fun, engaging and inspiring activities to Canadians of all ages. Details
May 6 – 21, 2023
All across Canada
Free
Sunday Artisan Market
Shop local artisans at the market! Details
Sunday, May 21, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Alderney Landing Market Level
Free admission
Jesse Roper + The Bankes Brothers
Victoria, BC-based guitar phenom Jesse Roper – after selling out his début show in November – returns to The Carleton with opener The Bankes Brothers on Friday, May 19th as part of our 15th anniversary celebrations. Details
Friday, May 19, 2023 | 8:00 PM
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St. Halifax
$23.00 – $28.75
NAUTICUS: “Prequel Event II”
Direct from Montreal, Jackinsky has unleashed his infectious house music beats around the globe at many of the biggest festivals including Circuit Festival Barcelona, Alegria, Rapido, SongKran, Forever Tel Aviv, Carnival Brazil, ARENA Mexico, White Party Palm Springs, Winter Party Miami, Divers-Cite Montreal, Prism Toronto and Black & Blue Montreal. Opening for Jackinsky will be the Nauticus debut of Halifax’s DJ Aris! 19+ , ID required for entry. Details
Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Lighthouse Arts Centre, 1800 Argyle St, Halifax
$49
Enjoy the Point Pleasant Park
Enjoy the walking trails, see old military buildings, go cycling, relax at the gazebo, and enjoy the beaches at the Park. You can enjoy a self-guided cultural walking tour. Details
5530 Point Pleasant Drive
Tevon Tynes & The Superstatics
Saturday nights are alright for all kinds of things but one thing’s for sure, going to see Tevon Tynes & The Superstatics at The Carleton should be at the top of anyone’s weekend list. The band’s repertoire of hip-shaking hits and originals are guaranteed to impress and, yeah, you sure can dance to ’em. Details
Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 9:00 PM
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St. Halifax
Free admission
Go Fishing
Enjoy fishing from shore or from a boat. Details
You may like: 24 of the Best Places to Go Fishing in Nova Scotia
Harbour Hopper Tours
Ribbit Ribbit! All aboard Atlantic Canada’s most popular tour – a fun, fast-paced adventure that introduces you to the best of Halifax by land and sea! Sitting 10 feet high, you’ll have an exclusive view of our vibrant city’s historic sights, such as Grand Parade and Citadel Hill National Historic Site. The adventure continues when you make your big SPLASH into the Halifax harbour! Your driver is now your Captain, and it’s time to explore. Prepare your camera for unique photos of George’s Island, Cable Wharf, and the Halifax waterfront. Details
Various dates
Salter Street Parking Lot, Halifax Waterfront, Halifax
$0 – $45
See Ducks
It is the season of ducks. You can see them in many places in Halifax including Sullivan’s Pond, Hemlock Ravine Park, Halifax Public Gardens, Horseshoe Island Park are but few places where you can see these beautiful birds. Details
You may like: 25 Islands You Should Explore in Nova Scotia
Don Ross & Pipo Romero
As part of our 15th anniversary celebrations, The Carleton welcomes back world-renowned guitarist Don Ross and his Spanish counterpart Pipo Romero for a 7 PM show on Sunday, May 21st. Details
Sunday, May 21, 2023 | 7:00 PM
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St. Halifax
$34.50
Blue Nose Marathon Expo
The Blue Nose Marathon Expo is the first stop for all participating in the Emera Blue Nose Marathon, the largest running and walking event in Atlantic Canada. This vibrant two-day active living event takes place at the beautiful Zatzman Sportsplex and provides the opportunity for all ages to learn new ways to maintain or establish a healthy lifestyle. Details
May 19 – 20, 2023
Zatzman Sportsplex, 110 Wyse Rd, Dartmouth
Free Entrance
Blue Nose Marathon
The Marathon is a Boston Qualifying event that takes participants on a 42.2KM (26.2 mile) adventure through the dynamic streets of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The course allows you to experience several main attractions, including Citadel Hill, the vibrant North End, Point Pleasant Park and the beautiful downtown core. Details
May 19 – 21, 2023
Downtown Halifax
Varies
Enjoy Hiking or Discover Nature Attractions
Seeking some fresh air adventure this weekend — the good news is there are lots of natural areas for you to explore. See 25 Hiking Trails In and Around Halifax.
- 25 Scenic Hikes and Lookouts in Nova Scotia
- 25 of the Best Waterfalls to Visit in Nova Scotia
- 25 Nature Attractions & Parks in and Around Halifax
- 20 Must Visit Places In And Around Halifax
- 25 Must-Visit Natural Attractions in Nova Scotia
- 25 of the Best Provincial Parks to Explore in Nova Scotia
Welcome summer with Dee Dee’s Ice Cream
5668 Cornwallis Street, Halifax
A La Carte Pricing
Raise Your Spirits!
Enjoy a special tour and tasting with a kilted 78th Highlander as your guide. Go behind-the-scenes at the historic Halifax Citadel and discover the history of alcohol in the British Military. Finally, savour three Halifax Citadel-aged spirits crafted by award-winning Compass Distillers paired with delicious artisanal cheeses. 19+. Details
Friday, May 19, 2023 | 07:00 PM – 08:15 PM
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
$62.99 plus HST
Go Golfing
Golf Courses in Halifax are open for the season. Book a tee time and this safe sport. Details
You may like: 25 of the Best Golf Courses in Nova Scotia
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Take some time this long weekend to explore Halifax’s largest farmer’s market and longest continuously market in North America. The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market hosts over 250 vendors. The variety of products available at the market depends on the day and the time of year. Details
Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Pavilion 23, 961 Marginal Road, Halifax
Varies depending on what you buy
Discovery Centre
Make learning fun at the Discovery Centre. There are four floors of interactive STEAM activities to explore a variety of topics. There are live science demos taking place regularly throughout the long weekend. Enjoy an unforgettable Dome Theatre experience with stunning films & star shows. Details
Daily| 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax
$$10.25 – $15.50 Plus HST
Enjoy an Outdoor Adventure
The beautiful views, flowing waters, and lovely forests beckon adventurists to go hiking, paddling, surfing, rafting, rock climbing, and more. Check out the 25 Outdoor Adventures in Nova Scotia.
You may like:
- 25 Lakes For Fun Water Activities in Nova Scotia
- 21 Places for Canoeing, Kayaking and SUPing in Nova Scotia
Halifax Public Gardens
The Halifax Public Gardens is a great place to spend some time on a sunny spring day. There are 17 acres of beautiful gardens for you to explore and enjoy. There are both local and exotic ornamental flowers, trees, shrubs and fountains in the gardens. Details
Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Daily | 8:00 AM – half hour before Dusk
Free
Visit a Beach
There are a number of beaches quite close to HRM that make for a great day out. Rainbow Haven and the beaches at Crystal Crescent are within easy distance. So go out and enjoy the sun and the sand! Details
Visit Peggy’s Cove
A long weekend is a perfect time to take the short drive from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove. You should be sure to visit Peggy’s Point Lighthouse because it is the most famous lighthouse in the Maritimes. Just remember to be extra careful on rocks because rough waves can pull people off the black rocks. Details
185 Peggy’s Point Rd, Peggy’s Cove
Where are the fireworks and when?