Downtown Halifax comes alive in the summer with residents and visitors enjoying the city’s food, culture and natural beauty.
This summer, there will be more choices than ever for things to see and do. Throughout the coming months, Downtown Halifax will be home to an array of exciting events, activities, and entertainment—many of which are free and family-friendly.
Some old favourites will be returning this year along with some exciting new events. With an estimated 325,000 cruise ship visitors expected to sail into port this season, the Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) has every reason to believe it will be a banner year.
“There are some amazing things happening in Downtown Halifax this summer,” says Allana MacDonald Mills, DHBC’s Director of Marketing. “It is the urban destination of the region during the summer months because there is so much to do and see.”
THE ROYAL NOVA SCOTIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO
One of the most notable events is the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, which will take place at the Scotiabank Centre over the Canada Day weekend (June 30 to July 3).
A long-standing tradition in Downtown Halifax, this marquee event attracts a ton of people.
Along with the many attendees, hundreds of staff and performers take part in the spectacular event.
“It’s considered the kick-off to summer for a lot of people,” says MacDonald Mills.
Local and international performers from all over the world will participate in this year’s shows, which include marching bands, acrobats, dancers, military displays, and pipes and drums.
Tickets start at $26 but kids are free with the purchase of an adult or senior ticket. Visit nstattoo.ca to learn more.
KANA’TA: CANADA DAY 2023
Excitement is already building around Canada Day festivities planned for July 1. The festivities will include free events throughout the day on the Halifax Waterfront.
The re-envisioned celebration was developed in partnership with Indigenous communities in the municipality to honour the traditions of the Mi’kmaw Nation and celebrate pan-Indigenous communities that call Halifax home.
Highlights of the day will include an air show by the Canadian Forces (CF) Snowbirds at Halifax Harbour, outdoor showcases and live music.
For more information on Canada Day activities, visit hrmcanadaday.ca.
THE HALIFAX JAZZ FESTIVAL
It wouldn’t be summer without the return of the long-running Halifax Jazz Festival.
From July 11 to 16, the festival will bring a medley of music to venues in the Downtown core.
This year’s lineup includes some big names in music, including Fleet Foxes, Feist, Digable Planets, Sudan Archives, Shaggy, Jenn Grant and Maestro Fresh Wes.
Headliners will take to the main stage on the Halifax Waterfront, while other Downtown venues include St. Matthew’s United Church and The Carleton.
There will also be daytime shows at the Halifax Waterfront that are free and open to the public.
Visit halifaxjazzfestival.ca to see this year’s lineup and purchase tickets.
NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES (NAIG 2023)
This summer, Kjipuktuk will host one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous youth in the province’s history.
The 2023 North American Indigenous Games will take place from July 15 to 23. More than 5,000 athletes, families, coaches and team staff will be in Halifax for the games, which will kick off with the Opening Ceremony at the Scotiabank Centre on July 16.
“This is a really exciting event for Halifax. We’re working together with our partners, including Discover Halifax, to ensure that Downtown Halifax is ready to welcome the participants and their families,” says MacDonald Mills.
Visit naig2023.com to learn more.
OTHER EVENTS TO NOTE
Other notable events taking place in Downtown Halifax this summer include the Halifax Mural Festival (July 3 to 9), the Halifax Busker Festival (August 2 to 7), the Halifax Salsa & Bachata Festival (August 10 – 13) and the Halifax Seaport Cider & BeerFest (August 10 to 12).
Neptune Theatre will also present several shows this summer, including Wannabe: The Return of the Spice Girls (July 20 to 22), The Argyle Street Kitchen Party (August 1 to 27), and a new show, Life’s A Drag (July 23).
Between enjoying the many events that Downtown Halifax has to offer this summer, MacDonald Mills recommends taking time to enjoy being outdoors.
The Submarine Playground at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Train Station Playground in Peace and Friendship Park are must-visits for families with young children. Best of all, they are free.
For those feeling adventurous, you can visit Georges Island, splash into the harbour with a Harbour Hopper Tour or take a cruise with Ambassatours or J. Farwell Sailing Tours.
You can also take a stroll along the Waterfront, enjoy one of Downtown Halifax’s more than 80 outdoor patios—many of which are dog-friendly—or enjoy a cold treat at one of the city’s many ice cream shops.
All patios are listed at downtownhalifax.ca/patios.
PARKING
Although parking can sometimes be a bit of a concern during the busy summer months, it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying what Downtown Halifax has to offer.
Whether it be on-street or at one of the many parking garages or lots, the Downtown core has plenty of options when it comes to parking.
Make your parking plan before you head Downtown at downtownhalifax.ca/parking.
For more ideas of what to do this summer and to stay up to date on events happening around the city, visit downtownhalifax.ca.