Inside the Halifax Mural Festival

Unlike ticketed events or traditional gallery shows, Halifax Mural Festival unfolds right in the middle of everyday city life. Murals appear across downtown, the North End, Quinpool Road, and beyond, encouraging visitors to explore neighbourhoods on foot, wander side streets, and linger in places they might otherwise pass by.

“Walking is definitely the best way to enjoy it,” says festival founder Mike Burt, a mural artist who has been working in public art for more than a decade. “Follow the routes, pop into shops or cafés along the way, grab a snack or a beer, and enjoy the city as you’re enjoying the festival.”

Burt founded Halifax Mural Festival with a simple but powerful idea: give artists the freedom to create their own work in a public space.

“For a lot of artists, the goal is to be making their own art, not just commission pieces,” he says. “This festival gives artists a platform to build their portfolios, express themselves, and create something meaningful for the city.”

Each year, dozens of artists take part, with the majority coming from Halifax and the East Coast, alongside artists from across Canada and occasional international guests. The result is a mix of local perspectives and fresh voices, all shaped by the city itself.

Artists from away often research the neighbourhoods they’re painting in, drawing inspiration from Halifax’s history, culture, and communities, adding new layers of meaning to the walls they transform.

One of the most compelling parts of the festival isn’t just the finished murals—it’s seeing them be created in real time.

“You don’t get to see that every day,” Burt says. “A lot of artists are approachable. You can stop, ask questions, and watch something come to life straight out of someone’s head.”

Murals are painted throughout the week, meaning attendees may encounter artists at any stage of the process, from early sketches to final details.

What truly sets Halifax Mural Festival apart is its lasting impact. While many festivals come and go, the murals remain, becoming part of the city’s visual identity year-round.

“That tangible part is what makes this festival different,” says Burt. “The art stays. You can walk the streets months or even years later and still experience it.”

Some murals have become beloved landmarks, including the iconic John Dunsworth mural on Quinpool Road, created by artist Jeks One, which continues to resonate deeply with the community and visitors alike.

Beyond beautifying walls, the festival has helped reimagine overlooked spaces—back alleys, aging buildings, and quiet streets, turning them into destinations.

“Murals bring culture and beauty to places people might not have walked through before,” Burt explains. “It’s one step toward breathing new
life into the city.

After five years, Burt says his favourite part of the festival isn’t just the art—it’s the people.

“Meeting artists, connecting with the community, and seeing others enjoy the work, that’s the best part,” he says.

That sense of openness is what makes Halifax Mural Festival so welcoming for all. There’s no barrier to entry, no right way to experience it, just streets to explore and stories painted on walls

To mark its fifth anniversary, the Halifax Mural Festival is planning a first-ever indoor art show. The exhibition will give participating artists a chance to showcase and sell their work in a gallery setting, offering attendees a new way to experience the festival beyond the streets while supporting artists directly.