From winter festivals to kid-approved activities, make the most of this month with our list of 10 things to do in Halifax this February.
1. Dig deep into Halifax's dynamic dining scene
Get ready to taste your way through the Halifax region as you savour special prix-fixe menus priced at $10, $20, $30, $40, $50, or $60. From menus made for two to meals that come with a specialty drink, take advantage of inventive culinary creations all February long. With over 100 restaurants participating, there’s never been a better time to explore Halifax’s dining scene and support local.
Dine Around | February 1-29 | Multiple locations
2. Get your sports fix
From boxing to hockey and more, the Scotiabank Centre will be bursting with electrifying energy all month long with tons of incredible sporting events.
The Homecoming | February 2 | Scotiabank Centre
Halifax Mooseheads Home Games | February 8, 10, 18, 28, 29 | Scotiabank Centre
Halifax Thunderbirds Home Games | February 9, 16 | Scotiabank Centre
AUS Basketball Championships | February 23-25 | Scotiabank Centre
3. Learn about and commemorate the roots, history, family traditions, and narratives of people of African descent during African Heritage Month
February in Nova Scotia marks African Heritage Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the rich history and vibrant culture of African Nova Scotians. This year’s provincial theme, “Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians,” encapsulates the enduring spirit and resilience demonstrated by people of African descent throughout the centuries in our province.
While there are many opportunities to get out and celebrate African Heritage Month, the Halifax Jazz Festival will be hosting an annual African Heritage Month concert featuring visiting artist, bassist Rich Brown, joined by two of the country’s finest: saxophonist Mike Murley, and drummer Greg Ritchie. You’ll also have the opportunity to see a brand-new PBS documentary of Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes for free at the Halifax Central Library.
Jazz Labs: African Heritage Month | February 1, 21 | Multiple locations
4. Check out a new interactive exhibit
Take shelter from the winter weather and explore Halifax’s great indoors with a visit to a brand-new exhibit. Dig for dinosaur fossils at the Museum of Natural History, test your slapshot speed at the Discovery Centre, or build the LEGO creation of your dreams at the Steele Wheels Motor Museum this month.
LEGO Experience | January 31 – March 31 | Steele Wheels Motor Museum
Dinosaur Exploration | February 2 – June 23 | Museum of Natural History
Hockey: Faster Than Ever | February 10 – September 4 | Discovery Centre
5. Immerse yourself in Halifax's local music scene
With The JUNO Awards right around the corner, celebrate Nova Scotia’s local music scene with Road to The JUNOS, a five-night series of concerts highlighting some of Halifax’s top local talent, including Adam Baldwin, Aquakultre, Jenn Grant, Gary Beals, and more. Tickets are $12.81 for each night, with all proceeds going to MusiCounts, a music education charity associated with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and The JUNO Awards.
Rankin’s Winter Warmers concert series is also happening throughout the month, with live shows happening every Saturday afternoon at the Marquee Ballroom. Expect a variety of talented guest performers every week until March 16. These concerts are suitable for all ages, with the exception of February 3, where the show will be a 19+ event.
Rankin’s Winter Warmers | February 3, 10, 17, 24 | Marquee Ballroom
Road to The JUNOS | February 5-9 | Marquee Ballroom
6. Get festive at a Valentine's Day event
From festive markets to brunches and more, there are tons of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day across the Halifax region.
Valentine Market | February 4 | The Brewery By Quinns
Galentines Paint Night | February 9 | The Pink Piano Café & Lounge
The Drag Show: Brunch Edition | February 10 | Gahan House Nova Centre
Valentine’s Cookie Decorating Class | February 10 | Ataraxy Farm
LOVE Market | February 11 | Mic Mac Mall
Pretty in Pink: xoxo, Galentines | February 11 | Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Afishionado Valentine’s Day Oyster Shucking Workshop | February 14 | Frabjous Delights
7. Check out a new local business
From glossy cocktail bars to cozy cafes and more, there are tons of new eateries popping up across the Halifax region. Grab your friends and make plans to check out one of these new spots.
Sip Bar + Fare | 20 Wentworth St
Daily Grind Café | 2155 Gottingen St
Dejan’s European Bakery | 1810 Granville St
The Pink Piano Café & Lounge | 585 Sackville Dr
2 Crows Brewing + Yeah Yeahs Pizza | 2983 Oxford St
8. Get crafty at a creative workshop
Looking to learn a new skill or just get crafty? Look no further – tons of local businesses offer creative workshops, perfect for unleashing your inner artist. During the winter season, this is one of the ultimate ways to spend time with your friends, family, or a date. Check out one of these hands-on workshops and bring home your own handmade creation.
Patch Halifax Workshops | All throughout February | Patch Halifax
Make Day! Mini Galleries | February 11 | Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Soap Making Workshop | February 16-17 | Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum
Terrarium Class | February 1, 15, 29 | Audrey’s Little Shop of Plants (Halifax)
Terrarium Class | February 8, 22 | Audrey’s Little Shop of Plants (Dartmouth)
9. Ring in the long weekend with the family
Long weekends were made for spending time with the family. Get out and do something the whole family will love at a local event this month.
With over 25 events happening during Sackville Snow Days, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, including a thrilling fireworks show and a parade.
If music is your jam, take in a relaxing show by Symphony Nova Scotia with tickets to Moon Over Halifax, an orchestral performance designed for families to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a fun day filled with furry friends, pony rides, cookie decorating, and toasty drinks, make your way to Ataraxy Farm for their first-ever Family Fun Day.
10th Annual Sackville Snow Days | February 16-19 | Multiple locations
Family Series: Moon Over Halifax | February 17-18 | Multiple locations
Family Fun Day | February 19 | Ataraxy Farm
10. Sweeten up Valentine's Day
Every occasion calls for chocolate, especially when it’s gourmet. We’ve rounded up a selection of local crave-worthy chocolate shops in Halifax, decadent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.