From cosmic celebrations to culinary festivals, spring into a new season with 10 things to do in Halifax this April.
1. Raise a glass to Nova Scotia's expansive craft beverage scene
Halifax is home to an incredible craft beverage scene, spanning from specialty spirits to finely brewed beer. Whether you’re into craft beer or cocktails, treat your tastebuds to some of the finest craft beverages Nova Scotia has to offer.
Make your way to Pavilion 22 to experience the largest taproom for local craft beer in the province at Together We Brew. Sample craft beer from over 40 breweries across Nova Scotia while getting to know the brewmasters behind the creations.
If cocktails suit your preference, you won’t want to miss Imbibe. Over 20 of Nova Scotia’s best mixologists are gathering to shake up their best cocktails, delivering wild flavours and high spirits.
Aside from the craft beverages you’ll sample, you’ll also be able to enjoy live music and snacks at both of these events.
Together We Brew | April 6 | Pavilion 22
Imbibe: A Cocktail Event | April 10 | Lighthouse Arts Centre
2. Connect with the cosmos during the solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse is passing over North America on April 8, and there’s no better way to witness this event in Halifax than by experiencing it at the Discovery Centre.
From engaging with experts in the field to safely observing the eclipse through solar telescopes and eclipse glasses, you will have the opportunity to delve into the marvels of space exploration. With activities ranging from galactic scavenger hunts to hands-on learning about lunar missions and the science of space suits, there will be no shortage of fun at this cosmic celebration.
Eclipse 2024 Viewing Event | April 8 | Discovery Centre
3. Eat your weight in burgers during the Halifax Burger Bash
One of Halifax’s most iconic food festivals is back this month: Halifax Burger Bash.
From April 11-20, eat your way through Halifax as you indulge in burgers from over 150 restaurants. The lineup features creations of all kinds, from classic to experimental burgers. If you’re planning to try a few burgers, pick up a Burger Bash passport at a participating restaurant – get out to at least 3 locations and have your server stamp or initial your passport for a chance to win beer for a year from local brewing legend, Garrison Brewing.
If you’re looking for an exclusive experience, climb aboard the Halifax Burger Bash Bus to tour around the city and try samples of burgers paired with beverages at 5 participating restaurants. This experience is only available before Burger Bash begins, so you’ll be among the first to get a taste of this year’s inventive offerings.
Halifax Burger Bash | April 11-20 | Multiple locations
4. Get inspired by a multimedia performance off the beaten trail
While major concerts and performances are always a treat to experience, sometimes the intimate, lesser-known shows stay with you longer.
Cruise out to Musquodoboit Harbour and experience SEASONS, a multimedia performance at Steeple Green Books, a charming bookstore operated out of a former church. SEASONS is a performance set to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons as reinterpreted by contemporary composer Max Richter. Through music, projected text and images, and live performance, SEASONS playfully explores the cycles of nature woven through a collage of words written by the cast.
SEASONS | April 12-13 | Steeple Green Books
5. Check out a pop-up market
Get familiar with Halifax’s local artisans at a pop-up market this month.
Hello Spring | April 6 | Halifax Brewery Market
Halifax Vintage Paper Show | April 6 | Halifax Forum
Haligonian Vendor Market | April 14 | Halifax Brewery Market
The BIG ONE Vendor Market | April 21 | Prospect Road Community Centre
Indigenous Craft & Vendor Market | April 21 | 2021 Brunswick St
Season Opener at The Cove | April 27 | Fisherman’s Cove
6. Catch a larger-than-life show at the Scotiabank Centre
The Scotiabank Centre is hosting some incredible shows this month – grab tickets before it’s too late.
Queens of the Stone Age | April 17 | Scotiabank Centre
Stars On Ice | April 25 | Scotiabank Centre
Jann Arden & Rick Mercer | April 29 | Scotiabank Centre
7. Immerse yourself in the captivating narratives and discussions by award-winning authors at a literary festival
Calling all bookworms! Readers, writers, storytellers, and booksellers are gathering in intimate spaces during Spring ForeWord, a five-day literary festival. Listen to late-evening stories, conversations, and book readings by award-winning authors. Spring ForeWord comes to a close with Indie Bookstore Day where you can expect giveaways, discounts, and other fun surprises. Individual tickets to events can be purchased, or you can buy an all-access pass for $20.
Spring ForeWord | April 23-27 | Multiple locations
8. Enjoy some of the best professional Queer theatre in Canada
OutFest is back bigger than ever this month, presenting some of the best professional work from local, regional, and national artists.
From contemporary dance to plays, standup comedy, and more, this year’s festival brings an eclectic lineup of performances for all to enjoy. While most shows are better suited for a mature audience, kids will love Everyone’s Story, an immersive show that combines shadow-puppetry, music, and storytelling under a whimsical blanket fort on Saturday, April 27.
OutFest | April 23-28 | Multiple locations
9. Celebrate the Feria of Seville in the heart of Halifax
Make your way to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to immerse yourself in Spanish culture at the second annual Seville’s April Fair.
If you’re looking for an outing the kids will love, be sure to check out the Family Fair Day, where kids can enjoy fun activities and workshops, dancing, and interactive experiences.
Once night falls, this festival comes alive with Spanish flair for the Night in Seville Flamenco Show & Fiesta, complete with traditional Seville striped casetas, flowers, and festive lights. Throw on your favourite floral patterns and enjoy an evening full of gourmet Spanish food and drink with a fiery flamenco performance of live dance and music.
Seville’s April Fair | April 26-27 | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Night in Seville Flamenco Show & Fiesta | April 26-27 | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Family Fair Day | April 27 | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
10. Check out a new business
Drop by one of these new local businesses this month – you just might discover a new favourite spot.
Bramble | 2851 Agricola St | Now open
Buddy’s Deli | 5217 Blowers St | Now open
The Empanada Shop | 1532 Granville St | Opening soon
Neighbourhood Witch General Store | 1663 Barrington St | Now open
Explore Halifax sustainably on Earth Day
April 22 marks Earth Day, a day to promote environmental protection and climate action. Exploring Halifax through a conscious lens is easy; from curated itineraries to sustainable shopping and dining lists, experience Halifax sustainably on Earth Day and every day.
