Halifax 
September in Halifax is packed with festivals, concerts, food events, and cultural celebrations that showcase the city’s vibrant spirit. Kick off the month with the Halifax Colour Festival or taste your way through Asia during Taste Asia.
Credit: Memory Lane Heritage Village
Enjoy world-class performances at the Atlantic International Film Festival and Symphony Week, then wrap up with the Halifax Urban Folk Festival.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate local heritage, savour global flavours, or soak in live performances, Halifax has you covered this month.
Fun things to do in and around Halifax in September 2026
- Listen to concerts by artists from around the world. Halifax Urban Folk Festival takes place from September 27 to October 3, 2026.
- Rock out with Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees Trooper as they deliver the humour, energy and timeless anthems that earned them the title “Canada’s Greatest Party Band.” Sing along to classics including “Raise a Little Hell” and “We’re Here for a Good Time” at the Bruce Guthro Theatre. September 3 – 4, 2026
- Join Tree Canada on Saturday, September 26, in Halifax for a National Tree Day planting event as part of the biggest celebration yet. Volunteers will plant trees, remove invasive species, and connect with nature, with support from Tree Canada experts. Gloves and shovels are provided, and the event is free to attend.
- Step into astronaut training at Mission: Astronaut, an immersive exhibition where visitors of all ages tackle the challenges of living and working in space. Try robotics, docking manoeuvres, spacesuit tasks, microgravity activities, and hands-on experiments exploring human health and food production beyond Earth.
- Indulge in an English-style Afternoon Tea experience every weekend in Halifax. Enjoy freshly baked scones, clotted cream, local jams, and tea, followed by artisanal chocolate. Drop in on Saturdays or Sundays without reservations at Eastern Tea Bar.
- Join TOQUE for an electrifying celebration of Canadian classic rock, performed by powerhouse musicians connected to The Guess Who, Sass Jordan and Coney Hatch. Expect soaring vocals, crowd-favourite anthems, nostalgic singalongs and unstoppable energy at the Bruce Guthro Theatre. September 5, 2026
- Rock out with Dressed 2 Kill, a high-energy tribute recreating KISS’s iconic look, thunderous riffs, and electrifying stage presence. Expect a loud, theatrical celebration packed with classic songs and the larger-than-life spectacle that made KISS legendary. Saturday, September 12, 2026.
- Browse art, handmade crafts, and goods from a variety of vendors at the Halifax Art, Craft and Vendor Festival. Held at Halifax Common with free admission, the outdoor festival offers an easy way to discover local makers and shop unique finds. September 25 – 27, 2026
- Imagine the magic of endurance sport while surrounded by lush forests, flowing rivers, peaceful lake waters and a unique cultural landscape rich with Mi’kmaw stories and traditions at Nova Scotia’s beloved Kejimkujik National Park. Whether a first-time participant or a seasoned veteran, this venue is sure to inspire! Keji Multisport Festival on September 12 to 13, 2026.
- For lovers of art, the next two weeks will be a busy time, with over 350 performances spread across 10 venues. Halifax Fringe Festival from September 3 to 13, 2026.
View this post on Instagram - Celebrate the 12th annual “Halifax Colour Festival” with colours, dance, and music on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
- Watch free movies at the Public Library.
- Experience Pink Floyd’s greatest hits across every era with The Australian Pink Floyd Show’s acclaimed musical precision and immersive sound. A spectacular new production featuring lasers, video animation, cutting-edge lighting, and massive inflatables recreates the scale and atmosphere of a classic Pink Floyd concert. September 3, 2026
- See Women of the Fur Trade, Frances Koncan’s powerfully funny satire about three women sharing tea and opinions on life, love, and Louis Riel at a fort in Treaty One Territory. With 21st-century slang and biting wit, the play shifts Canadian fur-trade history away from the male gaze and centres women’s power and perspectives. Untamed. Unfiltered. Unforgettable. September 22 – October 11, 2026
- Catch St. John’s rock sensations Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts delivering a high-octane full-band show packed with infectious hooks, explosive guitar work and East Coast swagger. Their raw, energetic sound makes this a thrilling night for rock fans at The Carleton. September 4, 2026
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Magnetic World
Step into Magnetic World, Atlantic Canada’s largest music festival, for a high-energy mix of EDM, hip-hop, pop and R&B on Halifax’s Citadel Hill. Beyond the stage, explore art installations, attractions, games, food vendors and immersive festival experiences at Magnetic World Music Festival. September 25 – 26, 2026
- Catch Australian singer-songwriter Kim Churchill on his first Halifax visit, bringing lyrical storytelling, fierce vocals and a magnetic stage presence to an intimate solo performance. Guitar, kick drum, tambourine and psychedelic harmonica combine to create his rich, atmospheric sound at The Carleton. September 22, 2026
- Join the Chebucto Hiking Club for a 10 km hike of the Pennant Point Trail at Crystal Crescent Beac on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
- Don’t miss the Musique Royale Concert on September 12, 2026, at the Clam Harbour Church, accompanied by the “Inspired By Musique” Dinner in the Cookhouse. Secure your spot by making reservations before the Thursday before the concert.
- Hear Cape Breton’s Mike McKenna Jr. pair his raspy, soulful voice with warm indie folk and Americana songs inspired by Nova Scotia’s working-class coastal communities. North Carolina duo falllift adds an atmospheric blend of folk, emo and indie rock to this storytelling-rich evening at The Carleton. September 12, 2026
- Experience CaneFire’s explosive fusion of Cuban rhythms, modern jazz virtuosity, and joyful Caribbean music, driven by the distinctive sound of the steelpan. Led by pianist-composer Jeremy Ledbetter, this high-energy ensemble moves effortlessly through gospelypso, Latin jazz, reggae, calypso, bebop, and Afro-Brazilian influences. September 19, 2026
- The Maritime Heritage Festival is a free, family-friendly weekend of events and activities happening September 12 and 13 on the Halifax waterfront around the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic!
View this post on Instagram - Hear South Korean cellist Sung-Won Yang and Italian pianist Enrico Pace reunite for an elegant chamber recital featuring works by Bach, Brahms, Debussy, and Franck. Their acclaimed partnership promises expressive playing, refined musical dialogue, and a compelling journey through contrasting classical styles. September 19, 2026
- See Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, a fast-paced, Mel Brooks-inspired reimagining of gothic horror filled with wordplay and rapid-fire pop-culture references. A meek real estate agent meets the infamous Count while female vampire hunter Jean Van Helsing leads a wildly ridiculous pursuit guaranteed to provoke bloodcurdling screams of laughter. September 29 – October 25, 2026
- Experience The High Kings as their rich vocal harmonies, multi-instrumental sound and energetic performance bring traditional Irish ballads into the modern era. This acclaimed group offers a rousing celebration of Irish folk music for generations of listeners at the Bruce Guthro Theatre. September 22, 2026
- Discover Edmonton singer-songwriter Eric Kane as he makes his East Coast debut with an intimate solo performance rooted in vulnerability, self-love and personal growth. The former KANE INCOGNITO frontman brings heartfelt storytelling and a deeply personal sound to The Carleton. September 16, 2026
- Enjoy a spirited night of country, folk and blues as award-winning Australian bluesman Frank Sultana joins Cape Breton singer-songwriter RG Schaller. Sultana’s acclaimed roots sound meets Schaller’s blue-collar storytelling in an intimate performance at The Carleton.
- Taste your way across Asia at this vibrant waterfront festival, featuring more than 25 food and drink vendors alongside a lively beer garden. Cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, local makers, games, workshops and pop-up installations add to the family-friendly experience at Taste Asia. September 10 – 13, 2026
- Discover FamFest Atlantic, an indie arts festival where live music, theatre, dance, magic, comedy and circus entertain children and adults alike. Silent disco, creative activity zones, interactive performances, local food and the Parent Olympics make this an energetic family outing at Alderney Landing. September 12 – 13, 2026
View this post on Instagram - Wander through Halifax Lancers’ stables transformed into a one-of-a-kind gallery, featuring commissioned artworks inspired by horses, nature and community. Meet the horses, enjoy light refreshments and support the nonprofit riding school while discovering art available to take home at An Evening at the Stables: Art & Horses. September 13, 2026
- Sing, dance and celebrate at SOS: The ABBA Experience, a high-energy tribute packed with iconic hits, dazzling costumes and feel-good nostalgia. Audience participation helps create the magic during this joyful night at the Bruce Guthro Theatre. September 25 – 26, 2026
- Taste your way through the Craft Draught Showdown as Annapolis Brewing and Tanner & Co. compete for your vote. Enjoy a five-course dinner with two craft-beer pairings per course while the chefs and brewmasters reveal the stories behind each combination at The Carleton. September 23, 2026
- Explore Mi’kmaw connections to the lands and waters of Mi’kma’ki through personal testimony, artifacts, video, images, and symbolic artwork. Presented in Mi’kmaw, English, and French, the exhibition offers meaningful Treaty Education and invites reflection on sustainability, inherent rights, truth, and reconciliation.
- Time travel back to the 1980s at the Grafton Street Dinner Theatre until October 10, 2026. Step into Love Shack, an interactive dinner-theatre show filled with big hair, neon style, playful drama, and nonstop ’80s hits. Enjoy dinner and drinks while the cast delivers a totally tubular evening of music, comedy, and retro fun.
View this post on Instagram - Hear America’s Got Talent semifinalist Dave Fenley blend country, soul, and deeply personal storytelling in an intimate new trio performance. Joined by Quebec musicians Gabriella Laberge and John Antony Gagnon Robinette, Fenley delivers raw emotion, powerful vocals, and musical surprises under the artistic direction of Lise Dion. September 29, 2026
- Join us for a weekend of Italian food, fun, and culture at the Italian Canadian Cultural Centre on Agricola Street. The “Festa Italiana Halifax” delivers an experience of Italy that the entire family can enjoy. September 11 and 12, 2026.
- Join us this fall for spectacular performances in theatre, dance, music, spoken word, visual arts, and media arts by artists from across Canada. Prismatic Arts Festival is Canada’s only multi-arts festival featuring culturally diverse and Aboriginal artists! September 26 to October 4, 2026.
- Take some time out to spend time at the beautiful Halifax Public Gardens. Recognized as a National Historic Site, the Halifax Public Gardens is part of Canada’s Garden Route and covers over 16 acres in the heart of Halifax.
- Relax stress and have a good laugh at the Yuk Yuk’s.
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East Coast Ukrainian Festival
Celebrate Ukrainian culture through live music, family activities and vibrant community traditions at the East Coast Ukrainian Festival. Headliners Kubasonics bring exhilarating “speed-folk,” blending traditional instruments and ancient melodies with Newfoundland influences and playful humour at Steele Wheels Motor Museum. September 27, 2026
- Visit the Discovery Centre to explore various galleries, go on a journey through the night sky, become an inventor/builder and enjoy various drop-in activities.
- Experience an unforgettable afternoon of music and storytelling at The Carleton on Sunday, September 7th, with award-winning artist Christina Martin, performing with her trio PLUS a string trio, together for one incredible matinée.
- See D.J. Demers, the acclaimed Canadian comedian known from The Tonight Show, Conan, America’s Got Talent, and five stand-up specials. His sharp writing, dry delivery, and relatable personal stories create an effortlessly funny night of live comedy. September 11 & 12, 2026
- Experience Swedish power-metal titans Sabaton bringing history to life with thunderous anthems and the full-force spectacle of their Legends on Tour. Special guests Pop Evil and Wings of Steel complete a colossal evening of hard rock and heavy metal at the Scotiabank Centre on September 23, 2026.
- Watch two Spontaneity teams turn audience suggestions into a completely original night of comedy. Improv the Musical creates every scene and song on the spot, while What’s Up! Improv builds a wild new universe filled with unpredictable characters and hilarious surprises. September 18, 2026.
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Theatre Arts Guild
See the world premiere of Let Me Go, Nicholas Jupp’s gritty crime drama about an ex-con who assembles a crew for a risky robbery in a neglected East Coast neighbourhood. Old wounds, dangerous attractions and fragile loyalties threaten to unravel the plan in this tense, deeply human production at TAG Theatre. Let Me Go runs September 17 to October 3, 2026.
- Experience JUNO-winning artist Angelique Francis and her band performing an electrifying mix of blues, soul, jazz, folk, gospel, rock and Americana. Francis’s smoky vocals, commanding musicianship and modern take on roots traditions promise a powerhouse show at The Carleton. September 18, 2026
- There is nothing else like seeing a movie. The excitement and the anticipation of what will happen and what would happen, being transported away to places we would only dream of. Into stories that are yet to be told. Stepping into the dark. Letting our imagination travel to Worlds Unknown. Atlantic International Film Festival on September 16 – 23, 2026.
- Celebrate the music and legacy of The Dubliners with Seven Drunken Nights, a feel-good production performed by a phenomenal cast of Irish musicians. Direct from Dublin and London’s West End, the show pairs authentic Irish spirit with classics such as “Whiskey in the Jar,” “The Irish Rover,” and “Rocky Road to Dublin.” September 30, 2026
- Explore Explosion in The Narrows, a powerful exhibition revealing the causes, destruction and human stories of the Halifax Harbour Explosion. Twisted fragments of the Mont-Blanc, panoramic images and accounts of affected communities and courageous rescuers bring this defining chapter of maritime history to life at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
- Catch the Halifax Wanderers in action at the Wanderers Grounds!
- Walk, run, and roll in support of Cancer research. The Halifax Terry Fox Run takes place on September 20, 2026.
- Celebrate Arts and Culture in Nova Scotia during Culture Days on September 18 – October 4, 2026.
