I know we just got the busy holiday season wrapped up, but if you’re itching to fill in that new calendar you just received, here are some 2017 events coming up that you don’t want to miss.
1: January – Discovery Centre opening
The Discovery Centre has been a fixture on Barrington Street, but during 2016 it bid the address farewell to move to a new location. Opening in January 2017 and located on the Halifax waterfront, the new Discovery Centre has something for everyone.
Boasting “twice as much space for hands-on fun, with five galleries, an open atrium, an Innovation Lab, a Travelling Exhibits Gallery and the first Immersive Dome Theatre in the region,” it’s got something for everyone.
Learn more on their recently revamped website.
2: February 15 – Arkells at the Scotiabank Centre
Halifax has been lucky to see the rise of the Arkells, playing at the Seahorse (sold out!) to the Multi-Purpose Centre and everything in between.
they’re coming back on their 2017 Morning Report Tour to play the Scotiabank Centre, with special guest Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls. Buy tickets for the February 15 show today.
3: February 19 – UFC Fight Night 105 in Halifax
With the main event being confirmed as a rematch of heavyweight contenders Stefan Struve and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos, Halifax is pumped up for the return of UFC to the Scotiabank Centre.
Tickets are on sale now, check out Ticket Atlantic for more details.
4: March 9 – 12 – Men’s College Basketball Final 8
While Canadian teams may not be competing in NCAA March Madness, that doesn’t men we can’t have our own college hoops excitement. For the second consecutive year, Halifax plays host to the Arcelormittal Dofasco U Sports Men’s Basketball Final 8.
While we don’t know the teams vying for the title just yet, tickets are currently available from Ticket Atlantic.
5: April 4 – May 28 – ‘Once’ at Neptune Theatre
Running from April 4 to May 28, Once is adapted from the film of the same name and is currently running on Broadway. The musical is the winner of 8 Tony Awards, an Oscar for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. This is definitely not an event to miss.
Learn more and buy tickets here.
6: April 26 – 29 – Halifax Comedy Fest
With over 30 comedians appearing on 14 stages, the Halifax Comedy Fest brings all the laughs to the city.
Some comedians have been announced, with more to come – you can buy tickets now for select events.
7: May 20 – 21 – Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon Weekend
There’s something about normal people setting a goal and committing to succeed that brings the rest of us out in droves to cheer them on.
Blue Nose Marathon Weekend is always a special time where it just feels good to get out and celebrate the achievements of others across the city. Also, no matter what the weather may be for race day, it always lets us know that summer is just around the corner, which is really a victory for everyone. With 6 distances spread across 2 days, there is something for everyone.
Commit to those resolutions that felt like a great idea a few weeks ago, and register today.
8: June 19 – July 6 – Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
A Nova Scotian summer tradition! Celebrated as the world’s largest indoor show, the Tattoo features everything from bagpipes and military traditions, to acrobats and trampoline routines.
Tickets are already on sale, so grab yours today.
9: July 1 – Canada 150
Halifax hasn’t announced their plans for celebrating Canada 150, but it’s bound to be something special! There are sure to be some great events taking place to celebrating the diversity and history of the region, so check back for more details as they become available.
10: July 8 – Mud Hero
Muddy obstacle races seem to be a summertime fixture, and lucky for us it’s only a short trip outside of the city to participate in Mud Hero. There are a couple of distances to choose from, and discounts for registering in advance, so sign up today!
11: July 13 – 23 – Halifax Pride Festival
The Halifax Pride Festival is known as one of Canada’s Premier Pride Festivals, and draws over more than 150,000 participants each year. 2017 marks the 30th year of the festival, so you can pretty much guarantee there will be something special planned. Details are forthcoming, be on the lookout!
12: July 12 – 16 – TD Halifax Jazz Festival
While few details have been released about the 2017 TD Halifax Jazz Festival, if 2016 is any indication it’s going to be another one for the books. On the heels of last years sold out Lauryn Hill show, and great performances by Metric, City and Colour, Chic and Thundercat, I can’t wait to see what’s in store!
Keep an eye on the official website for more details.
13: July 29 – August 1 – Return of the Tall Ships
40 Tall Ships will be sailing into Halifax next summer, as a stop on the Tall Ships Regatta – a 7,000 nautical mile Transatlantic race. Additional information will be available in the coming months, but be prepared for lots of excitement on the waterfront!
14: August 11 – 12 – Seaport Beer Fest
Come celebrate the 10th year of Beer on the Pier, August 11 – 12th at the Halifax Seaport. It’s Atlantic Canada’s “largest gathering of Craft Beer, Specialty, Import and Cider!” There are also “special pavilions from regions such as BC, ON, QC and Ireland.”
This event is always a sellout, and tickets are already on sale, so buy now.
15: September 22 – 24 – Hal-Con
Often selling out of their passes, this yearly event brings a large selection of actors, authors and illustrators to Halifax to sit on panels and engage with their fans. While the 2017 lineup has yet to be announced, you can be sure it’s going to have something for all the sci-fi fans in your life.
Learn more on the Hal-Con website.
16: October 18 – 21 – Halifax Pop Explosion
It seems as though 2017 is a big year for anniversaries, and Halifax Pop Explosion is no exception – this favourite fall event is celebrating 25 years!
While the lineup is generally not announced until a bit later in the year, wristbands are already available for purchase on the HPX website.
17: December 6 – 100 Year Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion
On December 6, 1917, our city was changed forever. Resulting from the collision of two ships in the harbour narrows, the Halifax explosion devastated Halifax, killing approximately 2,000 people and injuring 9,000 others.
The municipality is currently working with the Halifax Explosion Anniversary Committee on memorial plans – details will be released as they become available.
