Bring on the festivals, beach days, and sunshine. Make the most of the month with our list of 10 things to do in Halifax this July.
1. Get lost in the coastal landscapes of Peggy's Cove during an iconic art festival
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 5-7, artists from several provinces will be bringing brushes, oils, watercolours, pastels, and pencils, and setting up on the rocks, wharves 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 12-14. With 44 locations showcasing 70 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 Rhubarb Restaurant, 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 Holy Mackerel, which features a curated collection of unique, adorable products and crafts by Atlantic Canadian artisans and vendors. If you’re in the mood to explore further, check out Peggy’s Cove Glass, a one-of-a-kind glass-blowing studio with a whimsical artisan shop to browse and bring a piece home with you.
Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts | July 3-14 | Multiple locations
Paint Peggy’s Cove | July 5-7 | Peggy’s Cove
Peggy’s Cove Studio Tour | July 12-14 | Multiple locations
2. Immerse yourself in colour at the Halifax Mural Festival
From July 6-14, 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 6-14 | Multiple locations
3. Check out a brand-new exhibit
The Museum of Natural History is opening its doors to invite visitors to check out the latest summer exhibit, Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend. Dive deep into the narwhal’s Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition reveals how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with scientific research, heighten our understanding of these animals, and our changing global climate.
Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend | July 6 – September 2 | Museum of Natural History
4. Connect with the community at a neighbourhood event
From open-air markets to kid-approved festivals, July brings a load of fun ways to get in touch with Halifax’s local communities.
North By Night Market | July 5 | 2037 Gottingen Street
Kiwanis Mother Goose Festival | July 6 | Ferry Terminal Park
Gottingen Street Festival | July 13 | Gottingen Street
Sackville Sunset Market | July 20 | Acadia Park
5. Sing and dance your heart out at a music festival
Gear up for two major music festivals happening at exciting venues this month.
The Halifax Jazz Festival kicks off first, with a lineup including Killer Mike, Fitz and the Tantrums, Emmylou Harris, and Charlotte Day Wilson, to name a few. 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.
Vibrancy Festival also happens this month, showcasing vibrant electronic music squeezed into four unique shows in four incredible venues, all culminating with the main event on Saturday night inside the fort at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
TD Halifax Jazz Festival | July 9-14 | Multiple locations
Vibrancy Festival | July 12-13 | Multiple locations
6. Beat the heat with local frozen treats
Be it in a cup or a fresh, buttery waffle cone, scooped or swirled, topped with all the fixings or nothing at all, nothing says summer like going for ice cream. Whether you’re strolling through one of Halifax’s vibrant neighbourhoods, enjoying the waterfront views, or venturing off the beaten path, get the scoop on the coolest ice cream shops across the Halifax region.
7. Paint the town rainbow during Halifax Pride
The Halifax Pride Festival is bringing vibrant energy to the city from July 18-28. 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 20, Halifax Pride will be a festival you won’t want to miss.
Halifax Pride Festival | July 18-28 | Multiple locations
Halifax Pride Parade | July 20 | North End Halifax & Spring Garden Area
8. Celebrate the rich culture and diversity of Nova Scotia
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 19-21 | Alderney Landing
9. Mix floristry with fine dining
Venture out to Lupin Dining & Pantry, a quaint and charming farm-to-table eatery, for an enchanting experience in the garden. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours and fragrances of the summer season as you craft your very own flower bouquet and enjoy an al fresco dining experience in the garden. Your ticket will include the bouquet demonstration, your own take-home bouquet and a full-spread meal served al fresco. Is there any better way to spend a Sunday afternoon on the Eastern Shore?
Petals & Plates: A Garden Affair | July 21 | Lupin Dining & Pantry
10. Check out a dreamy seaside play at the largest and longest-running outdoor theatre festival in Atlantic Canada
What’s better than seaside live entertainment? Grab your friends and family and make your way to Point Pleasant Park to see Alice in Wonderland or Twelfth Night throughout the summer starting this July. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, and you must bring your own chair or blanket. If you don’t feel like bringing your own belongings, you can reserve a premium seat or rent chairs and blankets for an extra fee.
Take your experience to the next level with a Picnic in The Park package – only offered on Thursdays, this package includes two 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
