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August in Halifax hits all the high notes, with a vibrant blend of music, magic, and summer memories waiting to be made. From waterfront fireworks and wild busker performances to classic county fairs and seaside sandcastles, we’ve rounded up 10 unforgettable ways to make the most of August in Halifax.
Great for families
1. Catch thrilling performances at the iconic Halifax Busker Festival
Gear up for the 39th annual Halifax Busker Festival and prepare yourselves for 6 days of show-stopping entertainment from some of the best performers across the globe on the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts.
From musicians and fire breathers, to acrobats and magicians, there’s a show for everyone to enjoy at this iconic festival. Beyond these incredible performers, Buskers will also feature an electrifying midway at Alderney Landing, a Glow Party Funland at Sands at Salter, plus a variety of vendors and food trucks to shop and eat from.
Halifax Busker Festival | July 30 – August 4 | Multiple locations
Great for families
2. Celebrate the founding of Halifax during Natal Day Weekend
Natal Day Weekend is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get festive in the city. From free concerts to family-friendly festivals and so much more, Natal Day Weekend is jam-packed with fun things to do for all crowds.
Grab a blanket and pull up a seat on the Halifax or Dartmouth waterfronts to see an epic fireworks show over the harbour on Saturday, August 2, join thousands of Haligonians on the Macdonald Bridge as it closes for pedestrians during the 2025 Bridgewalk on Sunday, August 3, and be sure to catch the 128th Pepsi Natal Day Parade on Monday, August 4.
Natal Day Festivities | August 1-4 | Multiple locations
3. Laugh until it hurts at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
Prepare yourselves for the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival as legendary comedians take the stage from August 7-10. While seats are selling hot, there are still limited tickets to see major comedy stars John Mulaney, Bert Kreischer, Tony Hinchcliffe, and Aziz Ansari, to name a few, over 4 wildly hilarious nights this month. Grab tickets now before it’s too late.
Great Outdoors Comedy Festival | August 7-10 | Garrison Grounds
Great for families
4. Soak up the charm of a true country fair at the Halifax County Exhibition
Looking for an event the whole family will love? Look no further than the Halifax County Exhibition, a 4-day celebration of the Musquodoboit Valley and beyond. This iconic exhibition has been a tradition for the past 141 years, featuring a kick-off parade, livestock shows and competitions, live music and magic shows, fresh flowers and vegetables, a midway filled with games and rides, and tasty treats from a variety of local food vendors. This charming exhibition channels all the nostalgic vibes of a classic county fair, from the beloved 4-H shows to the pie-eating contests.
Take your weekend to the next level and turn your day trip into a staycation in Musquodoboit Valley; stay at cozy cottage or a luxury camper with bison as your neighbours at Lindsay Lake Farms, a geodesic dome among the trees at FlowEdge Riverside Getaway, or at Luna Rosa Chalet, a quiet lakeside cabin.
Halifax County Exhibition | August 13-16 | Halifax County Exhibition
5. Savour Nova Scotia's wild flavours off the beaten path
Go beyond the beaten path and experience a gourmet farm-to-table experience in its truest essence at Lupin Dining.
Inspired by the surrounding region, Lupin’s bright and vibrant menus change often to showcase the best locally sourced ingredients from farmers, fishermen, and butchers, as well as ingredients grown and harvested from the garden just outside the restaurant. This month, they’re hosting 2 special experiences that will make your tastebuds run wild.
If you love the art of mixology, plan to grab tickets for Lupin’s Cocktails & Canapés experience, an evening of flavour and firelight, featuring Giffard’s signature liqueurs, seasonal canapés, music, and a hands-on cocktail experience that will leave you feeling like a mixology master.
If you’re in the mood for a casual night of local flavour, gather around the table at Neighbourhood Night, a social evening centred around a family-style feast that celebrates the land and seascapes of the Eastern Shore. Break bread and be nourished by the flora and fauna that grow wild in this region, while making memories with friendly new faces at the table.
Lupin x Giffard: Cocktails & Canapés | August 13 | Lupin Dining & Pantry
Neighbourhood Night | August 17 | Lupin Dining & Pantry
6. Raise a glass at the Seaport Cider & Beerfest + Fizzfest
Make your way to the Halifax Seaport for the Halifax Cider & Beerfest + Fizzfest to sample an assortment of over 300 craft beers, premium imports, and ciders and over 100 seltzers, sodas, and canned cocktails – with over 50% of offered beverages being unavailable in the NSLC or locally, this is the perfect opportunity to try something new. The best part? There’s something here for everyone to enjoy, no matter what your choice of beverage is.
With a live DJ, beer-friendly fare, and high spirits, there’s so much to love about this event.
Halifax Seaport Beerfest & Fizzfest | August 14- 16 | Halifax Seaport
7. Feel Halifax's rhythm and energy at an iconic music festival
Hop across the harbour to Alderney Landing and enjoy 3 days of incredible live music from some of your favourite Canadian classic rock bands, including Honeymoon Suite, Big Sugar, and Trooper at Rock The Harbour. Choose to grab a pass for the whole festival or grab single-day tickets and get ready to rock out to iconic, unforgettable seaside tunes.
If you’re in the mood for dancing, you won’t want to miss Vibrancy Festival as it takes over the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site for 2 electrifying nights. Vibrancy Festival is bringing some of the world’s most exciting names in house and techno, including genre pioneers from Juan Atkins and Todd Edwards to today’s newest killers including HNTR, Avalon Emerson, OMNOM and more.
Rock The Harbour | August 15-17 | Alderney Landing
Vibrancy Festival | August 22-23 | Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
8. Hike through Canadian History on McNabs Island
McNabs Island is the largest island at the entrance to Halifax Harbour. Just a short boat ride from Halifax or Eastern Passage, this hidden gem feels a world away, offering a rich history and untouched natural beauty that make it a true escape. This month, you can experience it all for yourself on a guided tour around the island.
Join the Friends of McNabs Island for a guided hike through Canadian history on a scenic Heritage Tour. Discover the important role McNabs played for the Mi’kmaq people, early French settlers, and the British, who built several forts to defend the Port of Halifax. Along the way, you’ll visit a number of forts, houses, ruins, and even the Victorian Gardens that once thrived on the island, with tons of scenic lookout points to capture the perfect photo. The tours wrap up with a relaxing stop at Maughers Beach, ideal for beachcombing or sunbathing. If you’re looking for a tour that blends history with wild beauty, look no further.
McNabs Island Heritage Tours | August 17, 24 | McNabs Island
Great for families
9. Be part of a Nova Scotian summer tradition at the 45th annual Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition
Make your way to the Eastern Shore on August 24 to see Clam Harbour Beach come to life with wild, whimsical sandcastles and sculptures. With over 10,000 attendees each year, it’s no question that this is one of the most iconic summer events in the Halifax region.
45th Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition | August 24 | Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park
Great for families
10. Get behind the scenes at a wildlife sanctuary
Situated in Seaforth along the Eastern Shore lies Hope for Wildlife, a charitable wildlife rehabilitation and education organization that has rescued, rehabilitated, and released over 90,000 injured and orphaned wild animals representing over 250 species. With over 7,000 animals taken into care each year, this rehabilitation centre has made a significant impact on wildlife conservation in Canada.
This month, you’ll have the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility with tours of the medical facilities, access to the bird and mammal nurseries, recovery units, the marine unit, and the giant flight cages. Enjoy a barbecue complete with live music, local vendors, a silent auction, crafts, activities for kids, and more. Be sure to grab some ice cream and stretch out on the rooftop of the Café Catio where you can get up close to Jessie the bobcat – a permanent resident at the facility.
This event only happens once a year, and it’s completely free to attend. If you’re looking for a fun and inspiring way to cap off your August, look no further.
Hope For Wildlife Annual Open House | August 30 | Hope For Wildlife
