Things to Do During Natal Day Long Weekend in Halifax Metro

Things to do this August Long Weekend in Halifax

Friday, July 31 – Monday, August 3, 2026

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 2026 Natal Day celebrations offer a range of family-friendly activities and festivities for both young and old. Details

July 30 – August 2, 2026

Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day Harbour Fireworks | Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM @ Halifax or Dartmouth Waterfront (Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park has the best view)
ANSMA 21st Anniversary Fireworks | Sunday, August 2 | 9:30 PM @ Halifax Harbour
Natal Day Lake Banook Fireworks | Monday, August 3 | 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM @ Lake Banook on Prince Albert Road

Halifax or Dartmouth Waterfront and at Grand Parade

Free

Jurassic Quest

Embark on a journey where North America’s largest moving, roaring, and breathing dinosaurs come alive in a fully immersive walk-through experience. Discovery awaits at every turn as families dig for fossils, meet adorable baby dinos, ride life-sized giants, and let their creativity soar in our LEGO®-themed play zones. Details

July 31 – August 2, 2026
July 31 | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
August 1 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
August 2 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
August 3 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Halifax Exhibition Centre, 200 Prospect Rd, Goodwood

$36.83 – $116.63

129th Pepsi Natal Day Parade

The 2026 Halifax-Dartmouth PEPSI Natal Day Parade will take place on Monday, August 3rd, starting at 10:30 am. Details

Monday, August 3, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Downtown Dartmouth

Free

Halifax Busker Festival

Enjoy Nova Scotia’s favourite festival on the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts. With stages at the Halifax Seaport, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Sackville Landing, and Foundation Wharf, the 40th 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: 2025’s People’s Choice winner Pancho Libre, Hannah Cryle, Her Majesty’s Secret Circus, Jack Wise, LIFT!, MARBLE, Seb und Fritzzz, The Fire Ninja, Victor Rubilar, and Silver Elvis on the Halifax waterfront.

Beyond these incredible performers, Buskers also features the Glow Fun Land at Sands at Salter, plus a variety of vendors, food trucks, and fun!! Details

July 29 to August 3, 2026

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 adventures.
Enjoy hands-on crafts and games, food and dessert vendors, and fun activities for the family. Don’t miss your chance to meet Paw Patrol Characters Marshall & Zuma! Details

Monday, August 3, 2026 | 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 7, 2026.

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
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre — Birchtown
Clifton Museum Park — Windsor
Firefighters Museum of Nova Scotia — Yarmouth
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic — Lunenburg
Historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia — Lower West Pubnico
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic — Halifax
Museum of Industry — Stellarton
Museum of Natural History — Halifax
Old Meeting House — Barrington Passage
Ross Farm Museum — New Ross
Sherbrooke Village — Sherbrooke
The Dory Shop — Shelburne
Uniacke Museum Estate Park — Mount Uniacke

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

2026 Gate Prices (includes all rides, slides and attractions): $26.95 – $48.95

Mission: Astronaut

Blast off on a journey through astronaut training! This immersive experience invites visitors of all ages to step into the role of an astronaut and tackle real-world challenges inspired by space missions past, present, and future.

With robotics, hands-on interactives, and STEM-based challenges, Mission: Astronaut visitors discover how teamwork and innovation make life beyond Earth possible. Details

Daily | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Regular admission is $14.50 – $17.50

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 – $6.00, 4 years old and up $10.00

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

July 31 – August 2, 2026

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 2, 2026 | 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 3, 2026 | 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 2026 Dartmouth Sunshine Series is back with 7 weekends of programming at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park. Details

Crescendo Fest | Saturday, August 1 | 7:00 PM @ Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park
ANSMA 21st Anniversary “Freedom Festival” Natal Day Concert | Sunday, August 2 | 2:00 PM @ Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park

Dartmouth Ferry Terminal 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 28 – August 1, 2026

Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park

Free and ticketed

Sullivan’s Pond Concert Series

The Downtown Dartmouth Sullivan’s Pond Concert Series are free concerts open to all, featuring talented local musical acts. Starting in July, you can attend many summer concerts at Sullivan’s Pond on the Bandshell Stage. This is a great opportunity to see Dartmouth’s local music scene for FREE! Bring your family, friends, and your lawn chair to join us for lovely afternoons full of music and fun! Details

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, July 31st. Details

Friday, July 31, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St, Halifax

$22.80

Million Vibes with aRENYE & Yung St4k

Million Vibes is a vibrant music collective and cultural movement based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It bridges Afrobeats, hip-hop, reggae, and R&B. Details

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

Free

Ty Messick & Friends

One of Nova Scotia’s top 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, August 1st. Details

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St, Halifax

$14.25

Kathleen Edwards

Kathleen Edwards brings her signature sharp songwriting and honest storytelling to the stage, performing music from her latest album, Billionaire. Details

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 8:00 PM

Light House Arts Centre, 1800 Argyle St 2nd Floor, Halifax

$56+

Kasador: Momma Might’ve Raised A Fool Tour

Kasador make their return to Halifax as part of the ‘Momma Might’ve Raised A Fool’ tour. Known for their high energy live show and raw authentic alt-rock sound, this is a must see show. Kasador are riding a wave of momentum fresh off the release of their latest record, a UK tour and a handful of National TV syncs with the MLB, Hockey Night in Canada, and the CBC. Details

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen, Halifax

$16.58

HRM Sunday Concert Series: Zamani

Zamani Folade is a highly acclaimed, Halifax-based singer, songwriter, and producer whose music seamlessly blends R&B, Neo Soul, and Urban Jazz. Details

Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

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 2, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park on the Dartmouth Waterfront Stage

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 3, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

Free

III. Theatre/Performing Arts

Beauty and the Beast: The Fairy-tale Game-show Musical

Created by celebrated Nova Scotian artists Dan Bray and Garry Williams, the musical reimagines Beauty and the Beast through the chaotic world of reality game-show television, bringing a modern, comedic edge to the classic “tale as old as time.”

Starring Nova Scotian actor Seb Reade as Belle, returning for their second season at SBTS, as well as Chris George as The Beast (back for his 5th Season) the production blends heart, humour, and high-energy performance to continue the beloved tradition of fun family musicals in Point Pleasant Park! Details

July 4 – August 29, 2026
Saturday, August 1 | 7:00 PM

Cambridge Battery, 5800 Point Pleasant Dr, Halifax

Same-day “PWYC” seats available at the door; Sweet Seats are $30+hst/seat; Sweetest Seats are $50+hst/seat

Beauty and the Beast: The Fairy-tale Game-show Musical

Leading the charge is beloved Nova Scotian actor Burgandy Code, making a highly anticipated SBTS debut as the titular Julius Caesar, commanding the stage as Rome’s fate hangs in the balance.

SBTS favourites return to ignite the production, including Jade Douris-O’Hara in dual roles as Mark Antony and Portia and Patrick Jeffrey as the conflicted Brutus at the heart of one of Shakespeare’s most explosive tragedies.

Packed with tension, power struggle, and emotional intensity, Julius Caesar delivers a gripping night of theatre under the stars where every decision changes history and no one leaves unscathed. Details

July 17 – August 28, 2026
Friday, July 31 | 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 1 | 1:00 PM
Sunday, August 2 | 7:00 PM

Cambridge Battery, 5800 Point Pleasant Dr, Halifax

Same-day “PWYC” seats available at the door;Sweet Seats are $30+hst/seat; Sweetest Seats are $50+hst/seat

RENT

Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme , RENT ran for over 5000 performances on Broadway. The show follows a year in the life of a group of young artists living a bohemian life in New York City’s East Village, as they navigate love, poverty, and gentrification under the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Full of anthemic rock tunes, heartbreaking ballads, and lyrics that inspired a generation, RENT is a cultural phenomenon you do not want to miss. Details

July 7 – August 30, 2026
Friday, July 31 | 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 1 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 2 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

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

$40 – $99

IV. Sports

HFX Wanderers FC

vs. Forge FC. Details

Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Wanderers Grounds, 5819 Sackville Street, Halifax

$27 and up

Halifax Tides FC Game

vs. Ottawa Rapid FC. Details

Monday, August 3, 2026 | 3:00 PM

Wanderers Grounds, 5819 Sackville Street, Halifax

$25 and up

Harbour Hustle: One Bridge, Endless Hustle

Run, walk, or hustle your way along the harbour! Harbour Hustle is a family-friendly summer event designed for runners and aspiring runners of all ages — from 3 to 93. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just looking for a fun day outdoors, this is your chance to move and make a difference. Details

Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

All races start on the Halifax side of the Macdonald Bridge

$13.07; Youth Free

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 2, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:30 AM

Macdonald Bridge, Halifax

Free

120th 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 3, 2026 | 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.

$18.47 – $45.46

V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events

Emancipation Day 2026

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

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM

Halifax Waterfront at 1521 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Free

Family Fun Day

Set sail for Georges Island for Family Fun Days with Parks Canada this Summer! Don’t miss the chance to explore this historic hidden gem in the centre of Halifax Harbour with the whole family. Join Parks Canada for special games, a treasure hunt, guided tours of the underground tunnels and much more! Pack a picnic or pre-order a Parks Canada Perfect Picnic from Sapori Italian Street Food.

Details

Friday, July 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Georges Island National Historic Site
The Ferry to Georges Island departs/returns from Cable Wharf, 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Regular Admission

Welcome to Turtle Island

Celebrate the knowledge, artistry, and technologies that have always shaped Turtle Island. Tthe installation is grounded in research and authentic representation based on tribal linguistic family groups. It includes references to language, cultural practice, innovation, and spirituality. We hope this installation inspires excitement to learn more about the rich culture of the original peoples of these lands. Details

December 2025 to December 2027
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.

The Schoolhouse Tour

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, May 15 – October 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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

Admission to The Schoolhouse Tour is free.

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

Paint the Gardens

Creativity and community come together once again as The Friends of the Public Gardens’ plein air Paint the Gardens program returns for the 2026 season. Details

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

Registration is required for each session

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 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 1, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax

$23.29

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

$6.50 – $11; 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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