10 Things To Do in Halifax This July

From July 3-9, both well-established and emerging artists will bring colour to iconic public spaces on Quinpool Road and throughout Halifax. Get ready for pop-up parties, live music, and tons of art during this week-long festival.

Halifax Mural Festival | July 3-9 | Multiple locations

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in all things local than by checking out a market. Browse through goods from local artisans, try incredible food, and enjoy live entertainment – each market offers something different from the others. With so many markets popping up this month, the hardest part will be deciding which one to check out first.

Summer Pop-Up | July 8 | Crab Apple Cookery
Summer Vintage Show | July 8 | Light House Arts Centre
Shop Local at Fisherman’s Cove | July 8 | Fisherman’s Cove
Dartmouth at Dusk | July 14 | Alderney Landing

Take a cruisy coastal drive out to Peggy’s Cove for a day of scenic views and incredible art, where coastal landscapes meet canvases during the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts.

From July 7-9, artists from several provinces will be bringing brushes, oils, watercolours, pastels, and pencils, and setting up on the rocks, wharfs and park areas to create new works inspired by the charming fishing village. Fall in love with a painting? Once the artist completes their masterpiece, you’ll have the chance to purchase it onsite.

If you’re looking for a fun road trip, embark on a self-guided Studio Tour around St. Margaret’s Bay, happening from July 14-16. With 45 locations showcasing 72 artists, there’s no shortage of stops to make. Explore quaint communities, coves and harbours, and witness the artistic process at work through demonstrations and displays.

Feeling hungry along the way? Grab a bite at a nearby eatery such as Tom’s Lobster Shack, White Sails Bakery, Crab Apple Cookery, or Labour Day Picnic Café and savour the local flavours of the Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region.

Finish off your tour with a visit to the newly opened shop, Holy Mackerel, which features a curated collection of unique, whimsical products and crafts by Atlantic Canadian artisans and vendors.

Paint Peggy’s Cove | July 7-9 | Multiple locations
Peggy’s Cove Studio Tour | July 14-16 | Multiple locations

Gear up for the Halifax Jazz Festival, a week-long celebration of music throughout Halifax.

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. Free behind-the-scenes Jazz Labs and shows will be available in the daytime before the stages erupt with energy at night. There are tons of ways to enjoy this festival, no matter your age or music preference.

TD Halifax Jazz Festival | July 11-16 | Multiple locations

Gather the kids and head out for a thrilling day of kite flying at the East Coast Kite Festival. Purchase a kite online or onsite and get ready to soar sky-high. Don’t feel like flying a kite? No problem – sit back and watch dozens of kites dance in the sky. With food trucks, face painting, bouncy castles, and more, this free event makes for the ultimate family outing.

East Coast Kite Festival | July 15-16 | Garrison Grounds

The 10th North American Indigenous Games kicks off in Halifax on July 15, bringing together more than 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from over 750 Indigenous Nations celebrating, sharing and reconnecting through sport and culture. NAIG will have athletes competing in 16 different sports with three traditional Indigenous sports including Canoe/Kayak, Lacrosse, and 3D Archery.

The Halifax Common will become the cultural heart of the games where you’ll find the NAIG 2023 Cultural Village, featuring a marketplace with over 50 Indigenous artists and artisans, daily food and cultural demonstrations, 40 performances, and a captivating closing ceremony.

2023 North American Indigenous Games | July 15-23 | Multiple locations

What’s better than seaside live entertainment? Grab your friends and family and make your way to Point Pleasant Park to see incredible plays. See Romeo & Juliet or Pinocchio this month. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, or you can reserve a premium seat for extra. If you don’t feel like bringing your own chairs or blankets, you can rent some for a small fee.

Take your experience to the next level with a Picnic in The Park package – only offered on Wednesdays, this package includes 2 sweet seats, a table, and a picnic basket for two from Rudy’s Catering. Dinner and a show doesn’t get any better than this.

Shakespeare By The Sea | July – September | Point Pleasant Park

Step into a cross-culture utopia at Nova Multifest. With 3 days of cultural performances, live music, exceptional cuisine, and a market filled with one-of-a-kind gifts and goods, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the many cultures found in Nova Scotia. This family-friendly festival has something for everyone to enjoy, and it’s completely free to attend.

Nova Multifest | July 21-23 | Alderney Landing

The Halifax Pride Festival is bringing vibrant energy to the city from July 20-30. Celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community with a range of events spanning from live music to dance parties, kid-friendly events, and so much more. With tons of fun events happening around the city, including a parade on July 23, Halifax Pride will be a festival you won’t want to miss.

Halifax Pride Festival | July 20-30 | Multiple locations

One of the best parts of Halifax’s location on the Atlantic coast is the stunning beaches in the surrounding area. Nova Scotia is home to more than 13,000 kilometres of stunning coastline, packed with beaches of every kind. Whether you’re looking for a coastal adventure, planning a family beach day, or seeking a relaxing seaside retreat, we’ve put together a selection of local favourites that offers some of the best beaches in the Halifax region.

Tip: Want to experience the beach without the crowds? Take a trip to the beach during the week, or better yet, plan an evening trip and enjoy the crashing waves while you watch the sunset.