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.
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
Crescendo Festival | Saturday, August 2 | 3:00 PM @ Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park
Rock A Barons | Saturday, August 2 | 2:00 PM @ Sullivan’s Pond Park
ANSMA 20th Anniversary “Freedom Festival” Gospel Concert | Sunday, August 3 | 2:00 PM @ Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park
ANSMA 20th Anniversary “Freedom Festival” Showcase Concert | Sunday, August 3 | 7:00 PM @ Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park
DJ Douvet | Monday, August 4 | 12:00 PM @ Sullivan’s Pond Park
Culture Shock | Monday, August 4 | 1:10 PM @ Sullivan’s Pond Park
The Big Sing | Monday, August 4 | 1:45 PM @ Sullivan’s Pond Park
Alan Syliboy and the Thunder Makers | Monday, August 4 | 2:45 PM @ Sullivan’s Pond Park
Natal Day Family Concert: The Town Heroes | Monday, August 4 | 6:30 PM @ Sullivan’s Pond Park
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.
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.
Halifax Citadel Ghost Tour
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.