Things to do this August Long Weekend in Halifax
Friday, August 4 – Monday, August 7, 2023
The first Monday in August is Natal Day and it is jam-packed with things to do, whichever side of the harbour that you are on. So, gather your friends and family and head outside for a whole bunch of fun, all weekend long.
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Natal Day Celebrations
The 2023 Natal Day celebrations offer plenty of family fun and festivities for both young and old. Details
August 5 – 7, 2023
Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day Harbour Fireworks | Saturday, August 5 | 10:00 PM – 10:15 PM @ Halifax or Dartmouth Waterfront
ANSMA Natal Day Pyro Show | Sunday, August 6 | 9:30 PM – 9:35 PM @ Dartmouth Waterfront
Natal Day Lake Banook Fireworks | Monday, August 7 | 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM @ Lake Banook on Prince Albert Road
Halifax or Dartmouth Waterfront and at Grand Parade
Free
126th Pepsi Natal Day Parade
The 2023 Halifax-Dartmouth PEPSI Natal Day Parade will take place Monday, August 7th starting at 10:00 am. Details
Monday, August 7, 2023 | 10:00 AM
Start in Halifax at the Hydrostone, cross the Macdonald bridge and end in Dartmouth at Sullivan’s Pond.
Free
Halifax Busker Festival
Nova Scotia’s favourite summer festival is excited to announce its return to the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts from August 2 to August 7, 2023. Added stages and an incredible roster of international talent will provide locals and visitors with exciting and unique entertainment.
An exciting new addition for 2023, the Seaport Busker Performance Stage, located at the south end of the boardwalk near the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, Pier 21 and Garrison Brewery, will be filled with fun and entertainment featuring hourly shows, the Glow Party Family Fun Zone, and food trucks.
The Halifax waterfront will also feature three action-filled busker performance stages, and food and craft vendors around the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Sackville Landing (site of Halifax’s infamous Wave) and Foundation Wharf. Details
August 2 – 7, 2023
Busker All Star Show | Sunday August 6 | 9:00 PM @ Grand Parade
Halifax and Dartmouth Waterfront
Free
Kiwanis Family Fun Day
Join us for a day packed full of FREE family fun on the Dartmouth Waterfront! Kicking off at 2pm with a series of concerts and performances and crowd inclusive shows, and SO MUCH MORE! Details
Monday, August 7, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Matt the Music Man | 2:00 PM
The Big Sing | 3:30 PM
OKay Tk DJ | 4:45 PM
Dartmouth Sunshine Series Stage, Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park
Free
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, until September 4, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Atlantic Splash Adventure, 1200 Lucasville Rd, Lucasville
Admission only $18.95; Activity charges: vary
Indigenous Ingenuity
You’re invited to explore Discovery Centre’s newest featured exhibit. Indigenous peoples from North America have long demonstrated a great sense of ingenuity, using nature as inspiration. The world we know today is influenced by their innovations and scientific knowledge. The exhibition invites visitors to experience the innovative processes that give rise to Indigenous knowledge by observing, listening, experimenting, and sharing. Details
Wednesday – Sunday, until September 3, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax
Regular admission $12 – $15; 2 and under & Members Freex
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 – $4.50, 4 years old and up $8.00
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 4 – 6, 2023
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
Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 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 at 2:30 pm 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 7, 2023 | 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Fort Anne National Historic Site, 323 St George St, Annapolis Royal
Regular admission
II. Live Music
Dartmouth Summer Sunshine Series Free Concerts
The 2023 Dartmouth Sunshine Series is back with 7 weekends of programming at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park. Details
Saturdays & Sundays
August 5 | Charlie A’Court | 7:30 PM
African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) Freedom Festival | Sunday, August 6
Dartmouth Kiwanis Natal Day Family Fun Day | Monday, August 7
Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park
Free
Natal Day Crescendo Main Event Concert
Crescendo Fest is an event designed to turn up the volume on Black music artists. For years, African Nova Scotian/Black artists have been outnumbered and overlooked at festivals within Atlantic Canada. Details
Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Grand Parade, Halifax
Free
‘Freedom Festival’ Concert
16th Annual African Nova Scotian Music Association ‘Freedom Festival’ Concert. Featuring B & D Productions, Mark Riley, Owen “O’Sound” Lee, Suzy Hansen, and more artists. Details
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Gospel Concert | 2:00 PM
R&B Concert | 6:00 PM
Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park
Free
Tunes by the Tracks
On the eve of the 50th year of Hip Hop music, 22-year-old Harmony Adesola gets the party started! Better known as HARMZ, his Hip Hop and RnB, authentically reflects his life experiences and upbringing. Joined by the rap group DSO, featuring Ryan Vincent, Romaine, and their producer, Acalus, (also known as Alex) this group is known for their genre-bending versatility, hard-hitting anthems and sentimental tracks. Details
HARMZ | Friday, August 4, 2023 | 12:00 PM
Alderney Plaza, Dartmouth
In the event of inclement weather the concert will move indoors to Alderney Gate Library’s main entrance
Free
Sleepy Kicks – Fizz Release Show
Steel Cut Oats, Like A Motorocycle, Sleepy Kicks w/ a Mysterious DJ Set?! Details
Friday, August 4, 2023 | 9:30 PM
Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen, Halifax
$10 – $15
Retro Night
w/ R$ SMOOTH. All things vintage. No genre or style is safe! Details
Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 10:30 PM
Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen, Halifax
$9 – $12
Stonebrother
Every once in a while, we think it’s fun to get some seriously heavy rock on the stage, and that’s going to happen on Friday, August 4th when Stonebrother makes its début at The Carleton. The lads (a trio) will start making a rock racket around 8 PM. Details
Friday, August 4, 2023 | 8:00 PM
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St. Halifax
Free
TOAST: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop
In celebration of 50 years of East Coast Hip Hop, Pineapple Express Media presents TOAST: An Industry Recognition & Tribute show. This event highlights the Hip Hop predecessors who have preserved and paved the way in the region. Join us on August 5th at 1:30pm at the Carleton to celebrate Nova Scotia’s Hip Hop history with a tribute show recognizing the work of MC J & COOL G, SHY LUV, GHETTOCHILD, HELLAFACTZ & UNIACKE POSSE. Details
Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 1:00 PM
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St. Halifax
$28.75
Crescendo Fest Concert
Crescendo Fest free concert featuring Nonso Amadi, Michie Mee, Maggie Andrew, Reeny Smith, and DJ Nasty Nuck. Details
Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Grand Parade, 1770 Barrington St. Halifax
Free
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, August 5, 2023 | 7:00 PM
The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St. Halifax
Free
Kim Harris
Kim Harris will perform an intimate set at Ramblers in North End Halifax. Kim Harris‘ lush, emotionally driven alternative pop is rich, deep and moving. Her sophomore album, Heirloom, was named by CBC Music as one of the top 25 Canadian albums to look for in 2020, and received an 8/10 review from monthly Canadian music magazine, Exclaim! Harris has been hailed by CBC Music as “the mightiest voice coming out of the East Coast” and has shared the stage with artists like Jenn Grant and Amelia Curran. Heirloom was recorded with award-winning producer Daniel Ledwell and released in January 2020 on LHM Records. Details
Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Ramblers, 5576 Cornwallis St, Halifax
$27.96
Country Music in the City
Enjoy an evening concert at the Gardens. Details
Friday, August 4, 2023 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Haifax
Free
Natal Day Concert at Halifax Public Gardens
Don’t miss Mike Cowie & The Booty Boppin’ Brass Band live on the Halifax Public Gardens bandshell. Come kick up your heels to the sound of the great tunes in the Gardens. Details
Monday, August 7, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Halifax Public Gardens, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Haifax
Free
III. Theatre/Performing Arts
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: Pinocchio and Romeo & Juliet. Details
Pinocchio | July 8 – September 2, 2023
Romeo & Juliet | July 19 – September 1, 2023
Cambridge Battery at Point Pleasant Park, 5530 Point Pleasant Drive, Haifax
Pay-What-You-Can: Recommended donation is $20 but we accept any and all donations as our mission is to keep local theatre accessible!
Hello City (by the sea)
Hello City is back this summer in the most Pleasant of Parks to do some improv and give you the goods. (Laughter, exclusively laughter.). Details
Monday, August 7, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cambridge Battery, Point Pleasant Park, Halifax
$11.98 – $54.58
IV. Sports
Yoga on the Deck of CSS Acadia
East Coast Wellness Clinic and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic are hosting free yoga classes on the deck of the CSS Acadia. Details
Friday, August 4, 2023 | 12:00 PM
1675 Lower Water St, Halifax
Free
HFX Wanderers FC
vs. Pacific FC. Details
Monday, August 7, 2023 | 3:00 PM
Wanderers Grounds, 5819 Sackville Street, Haifax
$16 – $52
Sunday Feels – Garden Flow Yoga
In this class we slow things down by focusing on the connection of our breath with gentle asana in an all-levels class. We take the time to be mindful of our movement, our thoughts, and our breath, to fully cultivate those Sunday feels. Details
Sunday, August 6, 2023 | 9:00 AM
Salt Yard Social, Salt Yard Social
$15
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 6, 2023
Women | 9:00 AM
Men | 9:30 AM
Girls | 10:00 AM
Boys | 10:30 AM
Macdonald Bridge, Halifax
Race kit pick up is set for August 5 at the HHB garages at 125 Wyse Road.
There is no entrance fee for 2023 runners. Registration is required
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.
In 2023 we will return to our traditional course and offer the two mile and six mile events. Both races start and finish near Christ Church on Ochterloney Street. Details
Monday, August 7, 2023 | 8:00 AM
61 Dundas Street, Dartmouth
$25 for adults registering online before Aug 6th, $22 for adult RNS members registering online before Aug 6th, $10 for youths, (age 17 and younger), $30 for adults who register in person on August 6th
V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Destination: Canada
In 2022, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands published a graphic novel called “Destination: Canada”, telling the story of ten Dutch immigrants, illustrated by ten comic book artists. The Museum has adapted two of these stories for a special exhibit, presenting the story of George Zwaagstra, a Pier 21 immigrant and volunteer, and Tayebeh Farooqi-Wahedi, a refugee from Afghanistan and immigrant from the Netherlands. Details
May 4 to October 4, 2023
Daily | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax
Regular admission: $10.25 – $15.50; Children (5 and under) are Free
Summer Spotlight Series
Craft Nova Scotia Members and our Designer Craft Shop are taking over the Craft Lair Space at our Mary E Black Gallery in a series of pop up markets this July & August. Details
Featured member Leandra Brandson | August 4 – 6, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
CraftLair, Mary E. Black Gallery, 1061 Marginal Rd, Halifax
Free
Crescendo Fest: A Black Music Festival and Conference
This is an annual festival in Halifax Nova Scotia celebrating Black Music Artists where people gather for music, education, networking, empowerment, and culture. The event will take place in Halifax and will span two days of activities including a conference, celebrity interview, a free public concert at Parade Square and the Crescendo Fest Wrap party featuring local DJ’s. Details
August 4 – 5, 2023
Various locations, Halifax
Free
Halifax Fashion Week
Join us for the inaugural Halifax Fashion Week 2023, an expansion of Soli Productions’s successful “This is Us” event that has captivated audiences for three years. Our aim is to align NS Fashion with global fashion weeks, providing a platform for promoting and showcasing the talented designers, models, and creatives who are essential components of our thriving fashion industry. Details
August 4 – 25, 2023
Opening Night Grand Parade Square | Friday, August 4 | 8:30 PM @ 1841 Argyle St
Various locations
Free and ticketed events
#HopeAndHealingCanada
Since July 2021, Métis installation artist Tracey-Mae Chambers has created over 100 installations at residential school historical sites, museums, art galleries and other public spaces. Many of these spaces present a colonial viewpoint and primarily speak about the settlers who arrived and lived here, but not the Indigenous people that they displaced. The installations are constructed with red wool, silk, cotton yarn. #HopeAndHealingCanada aims to bridge the gap between settlers and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit by creating art that is approachable and non-confrontational and by starting a conversation about decolonization and reconciliation.
Tracey-Mae Chambers has created a unique site-specific intervention of #HopeAndHealingCanada in the Museum’s Canadian Immigration Hall. Details
June 6 to August 29, 2023
Daily | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax
Regular admission: $10.25 – $15.50; Children (5 and under) are Free
Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax
This permanent exhibit tells the story of Titanic’s creation and demise, drawing out the key role Halifax played in the disaster. While Titanic’s survivors went to New York, all who perished came to Halifax. The cable ship crews braved awful conditions to recover bodies and invented a unique system to solve the mystery of many unidentified victims.
Visitors will be introduced to life aboard Titanic — from the crew stoking the boilers to the immigrants in third class to the passengers travelling in first-class style. Sit in a reproduction of a rare Titanic deck chair and imagine what it would have been like to relax aboard deck of the most luxurious vessel in its time. In addition to a Titanic deck chair, there are over 50 objects including artifacts (collected as flotsam at the time of the great ship’s sinking) and historic photographs. Details
Daily | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Tuesday until 8:00 PM
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Lower Water StreetHalifax
$5.15 – $9.55; Child 5 and under Free
Enjoy a Bike Ride
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.
Journey Back to Birchtown festival
The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre is proud to announce our Journey Back to Birchtown festival is returning this year on August 5 & 6. To mark the 240th Anniversary of the Black Loyalist Landing in Nova Scotia, we will be hosting a special FREE concert with Juno-Award winner, Measha Brueggergosman. The concert will be held in the Lindsay Gallery of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre on August 5 at 9PM. Admission is free, but donations to support the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre are welcomed and encouraged. On Sunday, August 6th, enjoy Breakfast at the Birchtown Community Hall, Backyard Market feat. Takin’ BLK Market, Information Booths feat. Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs and Shelburne’s Museums by the Sea, Indigenous Drumming, There will also be a Gospel Celebration feat. Remembrance of the Ancestors and a Service with Reverend and Donna Fells. Details
August 5 – 6, 2023
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, 119 Old Birchtown Road, Shelburne
Free museum admission; Free concert, breakfast is ticketed
West Coast Swing Dancing at the Waterfront
Halifax West Coast Swing hosts dancing on the Halifax Waterfront on some fair-weather evenings during the summer. If you are familiar with West Coast Swing, you’ll love this outdoor venue, across from George’s Island. Bring your flat shoes. special guest Sonya Dessureault will be present on Friday, August 4th. Details
Friday, August 4, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Monday, August 7, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday at Tall Ships Quay (Gazebo)
Monday at Queen’s Marquee
Free; Donations Appreciated
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.
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 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.
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 – 5:30 PM; Tuesday until 8:00 PM
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Lower Water Street, at the base of Prince Street
$0 – $9.55
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
Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour
Learn about the Halifax Citadel’s haunted past as you explore casemates, passageways, and ramparts by candlelight with a costumed guide. Details
August 4 – 5, 2023 | 8:30 PM – 9:45 PM ADT
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax
$20.82
VI. Food Events & Activities
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
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.