May Long Weekend Events & Activities in Halifax
Friday, May 15– Monday, May 18, 2026
Halifax offers an exciting lineup of activities during the May long weekend, featuring theatre productions, live music, outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, markets, and sporting events.
Enjoy everything from scenic park visits and cycling trails to vibrant performances and community celebrations during the May long weekend in Halifax: Friday, May 15– Monday, May 18, 2026.
Come From Away
On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.
𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙮 chronicles the real-life experiences of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, and the almost 7000 airline passengers who were forced to land there when US air space was closed on September 11, 2001.
Twelve actors tell the story of both the Islanders and the Plane People, revealing the fear and uncertainty that came with the terrorist attacks – as well as the profound generosity and compassion of strangers.
On until June21, 2026
May 15 | 7:30 PM
May 16 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
May 17 | 2:00 PM
Neptune Theatre – Fountain Hall Stage, 1593 Argyle Street, Halifax
$40 – $119
The Ghost of Violet Shaw
This Victorian-era farce follows the Bennett family as they deal with their so-called Family Curse.
Delilah Bennet is convinced her dead wife is haunting their house, and her daughter Rose is simply trying to finish medical school, while Rose’s besotted suitor Vic just wants to marry her. When Cousin Edward shows up pursued by the criminal Baxter, mayhem ensues.
With seances, mistaken identities, and real ghosts, this comedy is delightfully absurd, and entirely heartwarming.
April 28 – May 24, 2026
May 15 | 7:30 PM
May 16 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
May 17 | 2:00 PM
Neptune Theatre – Scotiabank Stage, 1593 Argyle Street, Halifax
$25 – $50
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.
Parks Canada Nova Scotia Sites
Parks Canada sites in Nova Scotia begin operating for their summer season in May. Plan a trip to visit during the long weekend.
Nova Scotia Parks
The provincial parks will begin opening on Friday, May 15.
All day-use parks, including Blomidon, Cape Chignecto, Ellenwood Lake, Graves Island, Porters Lake, Rissers Beach, and Thomas Raddall, will begin operating from May 15 to October 12, 2026. Details
Atlantic Pride Pageant
The Atlantic Pride Pageant: Mx Canada Pride is a dazzling showcase of Atlantic Canada’s vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This spectacular event brings together performers from across the region to serve charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent in a night of unforgettable performances and fierce competition.
This year’s pageant embraces an Enchanted Garden theme, transforming the stage into a magical world of blooming creativity, fantasy, and glamour. Expect bold interpretations, whimsical looks, and larger-than-life performances inspired by a garden in full bloom.
May 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Rebecca Cohn, 6101 University Ave, Halifax
$23.50 – $36.50 + fees
Wintersleep – WISHING MOON ALBUM RELEASE TOUR 2026
It’s no easy thing to sustain a band for more than 20 years. To come together and nurture an artistic project across two decades is a statement of belief: in oneself, in one’s bandmates, in the profound connections produced by the creative process, and in the richness of the world around us—since all art is a result of having noticed what it feels like to live here, and the drive to make sense of that feeling. Canadian indie-rock veterans Wintersleep belong to this group of artists.
May 15 – 16, 2026 | 9:00 PM
The Marquee Ballroom, 2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax
$42 + fees
HOT POT: An All-Asian Variety Show
HOT POT is a joyful, genre-blending celebration of Asian talent in the heart of Kjipuktuk/Halifax. Curated by burlesque artist Elle Lixir and hosted by the fabulous Kaidan Ivy, this vibrant variety show brings together a simmering mix of burlesque, drag, dance, and live music — all by Asian artists across the diaspora.
From heartfelt storytelling to high-energy spectacle, HOT POT serves up something for everyone, while making space for community, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether you’re coming for the laughs, the glamour, or the emotional punch — you’re in for a night to remember.
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 5:30 PM & 9:00 PM
The Bus Stop Theatre, 2203 Gottingen Street, Halifax
$10 – $150; Please bring cash for tips, but we also will accept EMT transactions to Elle.Lixir.Dancer@gmail.com
Haytarma Screening
A film about a night that changed everything.
In 1944, the entire Crimean Tatar people were forcibly deported from their homeland of Crimea.
The Crimean Tatars are an Indigenous people of Crimea and one of the Indigenous ethnic minorities of Ukraine, with their own distinct language, culture, and history. This is their story of loss, survival, and dignity.
Join us for a community screening & discussion.
Monday, May 18, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
The Bus Stop Theatre, 2203 Gottingen Street, Halifax
$10 + fees
Halifax Tides FC
vs. Vancouver Rise FC.
Monday, May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM
The Wanderers Grounds, 5819 Sackville St, Halifax
$31 and up + fees
Halifax’s Monthly Vintage Market
Come hang out at 948 S Bland St on May 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM (ADT) for a fun day of vintage finds and cool treasures! Whether you’re a collector or just love unique stuff, this market is the place to be. Chat with local vendors, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the vintage vibes. Don’t miss out on Halifax’s favorite monthly vintage hangout!
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
948 S Bland Street, Halifax
Free
East Coast Cider Festival
Produced by Curated Food & Drink Magazine and hosted at the Halifax Marriott Hotel, East Coast Cider Festival is a 2-session cider tasting extravaganza where cider lovers get 3 hours to enjoy delicious ciders from all over Atlantic Canada.
19+ only. Valid I.D required. Details
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax
$49.75 + $6.97 HST
Spring on the Farm: Shop, Tour & Dine!
Join us for a season-opening celebration at Lindsay Lake Farms on Victoria Day Weekend. Browse our local vendors and discover farm-fresh and handcrafted goods, take a bison tour and see these majestic animals up close and then enjoy delicious farm-fresh meals from our food trailer! Bring your friends & family and kick off the season with us in the heart of nature!
May 16, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lindsay Lake Farms, 211 Lindsay Lake Rd, Lindsay Lake
Resilience on the Move: Roma People in Canada
This landmark exhibition shares the longstanding presence and contributions of Roma in Canada. It is the first national exhibition about Roma, a distinct and diverse peoples and the largest ethnic minority throughout Europe, often called “Gypsies,” an inaccurate term most Roma find offensive. Today, Toronto and Hamilton are home to the largest per-capita Roma populations outside of Europe. Learn about Roma history, culture and experiences in this Community Presents exhibition.
March 4 to June 24, 2026
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax
Regular admission
ByBlacks Restaurant Week
ByBlacks Restaurant Week (BRW) has grown into a highly anticipated national food festival celebrating the flavors, creativity, and culture of Black-owned Canadian restaurants, caterers, pop-ups, and food trucks.
For seven delicious days—from Monday, May 11, to Sunday, May 17, 2026—participating businesses will offer either a Prix Fixe menu, or a $10 special (discounted by up to 25%) to give food lovers an incredible opportunity to explore and support Black culinary excellence. Details
May 11 – 17, 2026
Participating restaurants, Halifax
Prix Fixe menus and $10 specials
TriCon: The Trident Conference for Speculative Fiction
TriCon is a professional writing, editing and publishing event aimed at writers of fantasy, science fiction, horror and other speculative genres. The conference aims to support and grow the local creative industry.
TriCon invites writers to participate in three days of panels, workshops, lectures, and readings designed to help develop, nurture, and inspire their writing and publishing careers. TriCon combines the geeky fun of a traditional SFF convention with a focus on providing space, resources, and tools for writers at all stages of their careers, including the chance to connect with our world-class Author, Agent, and Editor Guests of Honour!
May 15 – 17, 2026
The Westin Nova Scotian, 1181 Hollis Street, Halifax
$44.02 – $153.28
NovaFest 2026
NovaFest-Atlantic Canada’s leading festival for young and emerging artists! This inclusive, student-powered, 2-day celebration by Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) brings together music, education, industry, and community in one unforgettable experience. Discover incredible live performances from student ensembles, alumni, and rising local talent, all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Spend your holiday weekend connecting with your community, exploring creativity, and celebrating the next generation of artists.
May 16 – 17, 2026
2 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth
Day pass $25, Weekend Pass $40
Rec Room Jams
If you feel like letting loose and doing a little dancing heading into the weekend, come see and hear Rec Room Jams at The Carleton on Friday, May 15th!
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 8:00 PM
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St. Halifax
$11.40
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
Ty Messick & Friends
One of our most under-rated songwriters and performers, Ty Messick, with friends including Pictou County singing legend Virgil Muir and some of the best players in the city – because they’re so damned good – will return to The Carleton again on Saturday, May 16th.
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 8:00 PM
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St. Halifax
$14.25 + fees
3 Pianos, 6 Hands & No Plan – Kim Dunn, Doris Mason & O’Sound
Leeroy Stagger – along with very special guest Dennis Ellsworth – returns as a trio with a new, Joel Plaskett-produced, album – Pilgrimage – to play The Carleton on Sunday, May 17th.
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St., Halifax
$28.50
Go Fishing
Enjoy fishing from shore or from a boat.
You may like: 24 of the Best Places to Go Fishing in Nova Scotia
Harbour Hopper Tours
All aboard Halifax’s most popular boat tour – the Harbour HopperTour – a fun, fast-paced adventure by land and sea! From your seat aboard this impressive, retrofitted military vehicle, you’ll have unparalleled views of Halifax’s most noteworthy sites, beautiful landscape, and historic and modern architecture. Your knowledgeable and very entertaining guide will share historical facts and lesser-known stories about Halifax and will keep you somewhat entertained with the occasional knee-slapper. Details
Various dates
Salter Street Parking Lot, Halifax Waterfront, Halifax
$0 – $53.72
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
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 inspiring two-day active lifestyle Expo takes place at the beautiful Zatzman Sportsplex, providing the opportunity for all abilities to discover new ways to maintain or begin a healthy lifestyle. Details
May 15 – 16, 2026
Zatzman Sportsplex, 110 Wyse Rd, Dartmouth
Free Entrance
Blue Nose Marathon
The Blue Nose Full Marathon is a Boston Qualifying event that takes participants on a 42.2KM (26.2 mile) adventure through the dynamic streets of Halifax and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The course showcases several main attractions, including the beautiful harbour, Lake Banook, the vibrant North End, Point Pleasant Park, and the beautiful Halifax waterfront. Details
May 15 – 17, 2026
Downtown Halifax
The race begins and ends at the Emera Oval
Register
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
Visit Halifax Citadel
Transport yourself to 1869 and delve into the military and social history of Halifax alongside the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery. Explore the fort’s evolving functions and visit the Army Museum to deepen your understanding. Details
Daily | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
$18.75 – $22
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
Sundays | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Pavilion 23, 961 Marginal Road, Halifax
Free admission
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
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Where are the fireworks and when?