Things to Do During Natal Day Long Weekend in Halifax Metro

Things to do this August Long Weekend in Halifax

Friday, August 1 – Monday, August 4, 2025

The first Monday in August is Natal Day, and it is jam-packed with things to do, whichever side of the harbour you are on. So, gather your friends and family and head outside for a whole bunch of fun, all weekend long.

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I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend

Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day Celebrations

The 2025 Natal Day celebrations offer a range of family-friendly activities and festivities for both young and old. Details

August 1 – 4, 2025

Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day Harbour Fireworks | Saturday, August 2 | 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM @ Halifax or Dartmouth Waterfront (Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park has the best view)
ANSMA Freedon Festival Low-Level Fireworks & Pyro Show | Sunday, August 3 | 9:30 PM – 9:45 PM @ Dartmouth Wharf
Natal Day Lake Banook Fireworks | Monday, August 4 | 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM @ Lake Banook on Prince Albert Road

Halifax or Dartmouth Waterfront and at Grand Parade

Free

128th Pepsi Natal Day Parade

The 2025 Halifax-Dartmouth PEPSI Natal Day Parade will take place Monday, August 4th, starting at 10:30 am. Details

Monday, August 4, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Start in Halifax at the Hydrostone, cross the Macdonald bridge and end in Dartmouth at Sullivan’s Pond

Free

Halifax Busker Festival

Enjoy Nova Scotia’s favourite festival on the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts from July 30 to August 4, 2025.

With stages at the Halifax Seaport, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Sackville Landing, Foundation Wharf, and Dartmouth’s Alderney Landing, the 39th annual Halifax Busker Festival provides locals and visitors alike with exciting and unique entertainment with six days of incredible performances.

This year’s electrifying acts include: 2024’s People’s Choice winner Pancho Libre (Mexico), Alakazam (Australia), HeroMacro (Japan), Kaylie Kreatrix (Canada), Zap Circus (Australia), The Charming JAY (South Korea), Ryu’s Big Circus (Canada), Luth Wolfe (Australia), The Farmer’s Daughter (Canada), Mike Wood (Canada), Good Baite (Japan), Dirty Hippie Music (Canada), Jerry Tremblay (Canada), Flow Berger (Austria), Kobbler Jay (Canada), and Silver Elvis (Canada).

Beyond these incredible performers, Buskers also features the ever-popular East Coast Amusements midway at Alderney Landing, the Glow Party Family Fun Zone at Sands at Salter, plus a variety of vendors, food trucks, and fun!! Details

July 30 to August 4, 2025

Halifax and Dartmouth Waterfront

Free

Natal Day Undersea Adventure Family Fun Day

Join us for a FREE Family Fun Day packed with excitement, entertainment, and ocean-themed adventures.
Enjoy hands-on science and art booths, food and dessert vendors, and fun activities inspired by the sea. Don’t miss your chance to meet SpongeBob SquarePants and explore interactive exhibits the whole family will love. Details

Monday, August 4, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Sullivan’s Pond

Free

Canada Strong Pass – Explore Nova Scotia

Enjoy free admission to Parks Canada sites and free admission for children aged 17 and under, 50% off admission fees for youth aged 18 to 24 to provincial museums until September 2, 2025.

Parks Canada National Parks and Historic Sites
National Museums: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia — Halifax
Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village — Iona
Balmoral Grist Mill — Balmoral Mills
Barrington Woolen Mill — Barrington Passage
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre — Birchtown
Clifton Museum Park — Windsor
Cossit House Museum — Sydney
Firefighters Museum of Nova Scotia — Yarmouth
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic — Lunenburg
Fisherman’s Life Museum — Jeddore Oyster Pond
Fundy Geological Museum — Parrsboro
Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia — Lower West Pubnico
Lawrence House Museum — Maitland
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic — Halifax
McCulloch House Museum — Pictou
Museum of Industry — Stellarton
Museum of Natural History — Halifax
North Hills Museum — Granville Ferry
Old Meeting House — Barrington Passage
Perkins House Museum — Liverpool
Prescott House Museum — Starrs Point
Ross Farm Museum — New Ross
Ross Thomson House — Shelburne
Shand House Museum — Windsor
Sherbrooke Village — Sherbrooke
Sutherland Steam Mill — Denmark
The Dory Shop — Shelburne
Uniacke Museum Estate Park — Mount Uniacke
Wile Carding Mill — Bridgewater

Fun at Atlantic Splash Adventure

Ride and slide at Splash Adventure. Enjoy rides, slides, mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, kids pool, carousel and more here. New this year is the Outdoor Laser Tag, and RC Car Racing Track. Details

Daily | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Atlantic Splash Adventure, 1200 Lucasville Rd, Lucasville

Admission only $22.95 + tax; Activity charges: vary

Mazes & Brain Games

Mazes & Brain Games is an engaging, family-friendly exhibition that invites visitors of all ages to lose the map and find the fun. Whether you’re navigating life-size labyrinths or outsmarting optical illusions, this immersive exhibit will keep you thinking around every corner

Packed with puzzling pathways and sneaky sensory surprises, this is your chance to stretch your problem-solving skills and put your brain to the test—with plenty of laughs along the way. Details

Daily | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Regular admission is $14.50

Visit Hatfield Farm

Petting pens are open! Talk with the animals at The Hatfield Farm Petting Pen. Donkeys, Goats, Cows, Alpacas and more! Details

Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hatfield Farm, 1840 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains

Petting Pen: Infants Under 1 – Free, 1 – 3 years old – $5.00, 4 years old and up $9.00

Day Trip — Natal Day Weekend

Encampment Days

Stroll around the encampment of the 84th Regiment of Foot 2nd Battalion (Royal Highland Emigrants) and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of black powder musketry, outdoor cooking, and life in an 18th century military camp.

Saturday afternoon from 2 pm to 3 pm a tactical battle features 18th century military techniques, weather permitting. Details

August 1 – 3, 2025

Fort Anne National Historic Site, 323 St George St, Annapolis Royal

Regular admission

Fireworks at Fort Anne

Come early, lay down your blanket and settle in on the scenic grounds. Take in the wondrous open sky and watch Annapolis Royal’s magical fireworks display. Details

Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Fort Anne National Historic Site, 323 St George St, Annapolis Royal

Regular admission

Natal Day at Fort Anne

Visit Annapolis Royal for the annual Natal Day Parade starting at 1 pm.

After the parade, join us in Fort Anne’s parking lot to take a closer look at the handiwork involved in creating these colourful displays. Who will be this year’s float winners? Don’t miss the excitement! Details

Monday, August 4, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Fort Anne National Historic Site, 323 St George St, Annapolis Royal

Regular admission

II. Live Music

Dartmouth Summer Sunshine Series Free Concerts

The 2025 Dartmouth Sunshine Series is back with 7 weekends of programming at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park. Details

Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park/ Sullivan’s Pond Park

Free

Crescendo Festival Concert

Crescendo Fest is an annual festival dedicated to amplifying Black artists and their music. It is a hub that will create space for Black Music artists to engage from across Atlantic Canada. Details

July 31 – August 2, 2025

Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park

Free and ticketed

The Town Heroes Concert

The Downtown Dartmouth Sullivan’s Pond Concert Series are FREE concerts open to all, featuring talented local musical acts.
The Rock A Barons play good old time rock’n’roll with a little rockabilly and country thrown in for good measure. Their basic guitar, bass, keys and drums set up serves them and the songs well and leaves the guys lots of space to wind up and out on great tunes from Carl Perkins, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams
to name but a few. Details

Friday, August 2, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Bandshell Stage, Sullivan’s Pond, Dartmouth

Free

Annual ANSMA Freedom Festival

The African Nova Scotia Music Association in partnership with the Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day program will host the ANSMA “Freedom Festival” Concert on the Dartmouth Waterfront! Details

Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park on the Dartmouth Waterfront Stage

Free

Blackwood Concert

Enjoy a FREE concert in the Halifax Public Gardens as part of their Sunday Concert Series. Details

Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

Free

Mike Cowie Booty Boppin’ Brass Band

Enjoy the show in the Halifax Public Gardens put on by Mike Cowie’s Booty Poppin’ Brass Band, a brass band in the New Orleans marching band tradition with eastern Canadian flair. Details

Monday, August 4, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

Free

The Town Heroes Concert

The Downtown Dartmouth Sullivan’s Pond Concert Series are free concerts open to all, featuring talented local musical acts.
The Town Heroes are a 4-piece Alternative-Rock band known for crafting catchy, thoughtful songs. They’ve toured the world, released three critically acclaimed albums and won an array of industry awards. Details

Monday, August 4, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Bandshell Stage, Sullivan’s Pond, Dartmouth

Free

The Desperado Band – Outlaw Country Classics

The Desperado Band – Thomas Matheson (guitar/vocals), William Matheson (guitar/vocals), Mike Nahirnak (pedal steel/electric guitar/vocals), PK (bass) and Matt Duncanson (drums/vocals) – are back at The Carleton to rock out some classic outlaw country tunes on Friday, August 1st. Details

Friday, August 1, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St, Halifax

$22.80

BLEU NUIT

A night of House, Electro, Breaks, Global Club music, and more!
Brought to you by Double A & T-Woo, with a special guest B2B set from Taozi & Effie.

From smooth grooves to broken beats, expect a high-energy journey through the spectrum of electronic music. This is an open, welcoming space built for movement, expression, and pure dance floor joy. Details

Friday, August 1, 2025 | 9:00 PM

Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen, Halifax

$11 – $17

Y2K NIGHT

W/ LOUKAS STILLDRUNK. Details

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 11:00 PM

Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen, Halifax

$12.36

III. Theatre/Performing Arts

COMEDY! Kansei-Yasuda & Bonggun-Kim Present Two Asians In One Cup

Social media darling Bonggun-Kim and Kill Tony Golden Ticket winner (a big deal) Kansei-Yasuda team up for their Two Asians In One Cup comedy tour at The Carleton for an early Saturday night show on August 2nd at 7 PM. Details

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St, Halifax

$28.50

Shakespeare by the Sea

Shakespeare By The Sea is the largest and longest-running outdoor theatre festival in Atlantic Canada. This year, Shakespeare by the Sea is featuring two shows: Robin Hood and As You Like It. Details

Robon Hood | July 5 – August 30, 2025; August 1 & 3 at 7 PM
As You Like It | July 26 – August 29, 2025; August 2 at 7 PM

Cambridge Battery at Point Pleasant Park, 5530 Point Pleasant Drive, Halifax

Pay-What-You-Can seats available at the door; Sweet Seats are $30+hst/seat; Sweetest Seats are $50+hst/seat

Mamma Mia!

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Details

July 1 – August 31, 2025
Friday, August 1 | 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 2 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 3 | 2:00 PM

Fountain Hall Stage at Neptune Theatre, 1593 Argyle St, Halifax

$33 – $65

IV. Sports

HFX Wanderers FC

vs. Vancouver FC. Details

Monday, August 4, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Wanderers Grounds, 5819 Sackville Street, Haifax

$23 and up

Halifax Tides FC Game

We’re kicking off Natal Day Weekend with a bang as Halifax Tides FC hosts an all-out East Coast Kitchen Party at the pitch! It’s football meets fiddle Saturday, August 2nd at 3:00 p.m. where we’ll bring the east coast tunes, hometown pride, and plaid to the stands. Details

Friday, August 2, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Wanderers Grounds, 5819 Sackville Street, Haifax

$25 and up

Halifax Harbour Bridges MACPASS Miles

The family-friendly race and free Bridgewalk event have been a Natal Day weekend tradition for more than 30 years. Everyone who enters MACPASS Miles walks away with a medal. Visitors who stroll the bridge during Bridgewalk are treated to an afternoon of music and entertainment. MACPASS Miles offers a spectacular panoramic view of Halifax Harbour. Details

Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 9:00 AM

Macdonald Bridge, Halifax

Registration is $10 (plus HST and processing fee) for adults and FREE for children and youths. All proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Halifax, the region’s leading child and youth mentoring charity.

The Halifax Harbour Bridges Annual Macdonald Bridge Walk

Join thousands of Haligonians for this free, family-friendly event as we open the Macdonald Bridge to pedestrians for an afternoon of fun, celebration, and spectacular views! Details

Sunday, August 3, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:30 AM

Macdonald Bridge, Halifax

Free

119th Dartmouth Natal Day Road Race

The Dartmouth Natal Day Road Races have been held in Dartmouth since 1907–more than 110 years making it the second-oldest race in Canada and one of the oldest in North America.
Details

Monday, August 4, 2025 | 8:15 AM

The race will start and finish near Christ Church on Ochterloney Street and follow a 2-mile loop course around Sullivan’s Pond & Downtown Dartmouth.

$25 for adults registering online until Aug 2nd; $10 for youths, (age 17 and younger) until Aug 2nd; A $3.00 discount off adult entries will apply to Run Nova Scotia Members

V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events

Emancipation Day 2025

Emancipation Day is the day The Slavery Abolition Act became law in the British Empire (including Canada) and ended the practice of slavery for millions of African People and their descendants around the world. The Act became law on August 1, 1834 marking the first Emancipation Day. The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, partnered with African Nova Scotian Affairs would like to invite you to the Halifax Waterfront to commemorate and celebrate this historical day. Details

Friday, August 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Halifax Waterfront at Cunard Public Space – 1325 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Free

Ceud Mìle Fàilte!

Step back in time at The Schoolhouse, a landmark building long-cherished by the community of Peggy’s Cove from the time it was built in 1839 until it closed in 1958. Lovingly restored, this historic structure offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century student life in the quaint seaside village. Explore its unique architecture and informative displays of artifacts reflective of the Nova Scotian curriculum during its lifetime on this self-guided tour. Details

Daily, April 26 – October 12, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The School House, 120 Peggy’s Point Road, Peggy’s Cove

Admission to The Schoolhouse Tour is free.

eat make share: a taste of immigration

Canada’s food is as diverse as its people. How and what we eat is shaped by over 400 years of immigration and relationships between newcomers and Indigenous Peoples. Food connects us to the past, to place, and to each other.

Explore the connections between food and immigration in Canada through the universal experiences of eating, making, and sharing food. Discover the surprising histories behind popular Canadian dishes. Learn how individuals and communities express themselves through food and engage in diverse food traditions practiced in Canada through hands-on and multi-sensory activities. Details

May 10, 2025–January 18, 2026
Daily | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax

Adult (25-60) $19.00; Senior (60+) $15.00; Youth (17 and under) Free, courtesy of the Canada Strong Pass; Young Adult (18-24) $9.50 (50% discount courtesy of the Canada Strong Pass); Student (18-24) $6.50 (50% discount courtesy of the Canada Strong Pass); Student Rate (25+ with valid ID) $13.00; Proof of age may be requested.

Guided Walking Tour

Enjoy a guided walking tour learning the fascinating history of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Learn more about the life of a British soldier and his family, reenacted by members of a historical reenactment group. Details

Check the daily schedule posted at the Visitor Information Centre for times

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, 5425 Sackville St. Halifax
Tours start at the Visitor Information Centre

Free with 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.

Halifax Public Gardens Guided Tour

Enjoy free one-hour horticultural and historical tour of the Halifax Public Gardens. Explore the highlights of the only surviving Victorian Garden in North America, a National Historic Site. Details

Daily | 10:30 AM, Noon, 1:30 PM & 3:00 PM

Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Meet at the Juan Plaza near Horticultural Hall

Tours by Reservation; contact: infohalifaxpublicgardens@gmail.com or visit the Visitor Information Desk.

Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour

Climb to the top of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and meet your historically costumed guide on the drawbridge at the main gate. Details

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax

$22.74

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage than the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Details

Daily | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesday until 8:00 PM

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Lower Water Street, at the base of Prince Street

$4.70 – $9.45; Youth (6 -17) is Free, Child 5 and under is Free

Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market

The Alderney Landing Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday. You can find great local produce, premade food, art, and handcrafted goods. Details

Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Alderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth Waterfront

Free

Seaport Farmer’s Market

The Seaport Farmer’s Market is the oldest and largest farmers market and is a huge part of the city’s history. There are over 250 vendors from across Nova Scotia who bring local items and fresh food to the market. Details

Saturday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Pavilion 23 – 961 Marginal Road, Halifax

Free

Cole Harbour Farm Museum

The Cole Harbour Heritage Farm is a living museum that is dedicated to interpreting and preserving Cole Harbour’s agriculture past and developing an understanding of plants, farming and animals. During a visit, you can meet traditional livestock including goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens. Details

Wednesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Cole Harbour Farm Museum, 471 Poplar Drive Cole Harbour

Admission is by donation

We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.

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