10 Things To Do in Halifax This June

This June, the Wanderers Grounds take centre stage as Halifax’s hotspot for sports action.

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team makes its first-ever appearance in Halifax, inviting soccer fans to watch their open training session and see some of their favourite players. The Halifax Tides and HFX Wanderers are also bringing the heat to the Wanderers Grounds this month with some exhilarating action you won’t want to miss.

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Open Practice | June 3 | Wanderers Grounds 

Halifax Tides vs Ottawa Rapid | June 10 | Wanderers Grounds 

HFX Wanderers Home Games | June 14, 21 | Wanderers Grounds 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of one of these exciting family-friendly festivals. Dive into a new cuisine and sample authentic gourmet delicacies, enjoy traditional music and dance, and browse artisanal goods to take home with you. With so much to enjoy, there’s no better way to experience the diverse culture of the Halifax region.

Lebanese Cedar Festival | June 5-8 | Cedar Event Centre

Philippine Fiesta | June 21-22 | Garrison Grounds

Gusto! Italian Festival | June 23-29 | Multiple locations 

In the heart of Halifax stands St. Paul’s Church, Halifax’s oldest standing building and Canada’s oldest existing Anglican Church. This church is steeped in history and has seen its share of remarkable events and visitors. Most famously, it houses the “Halifax Explosion Window” – a shattered pane preserved as a result of the 1917 disaster, whose unusual break forms the silhouette of a face, inspiring countless ghost stories. The church has hosted several royal visitors over the centuries, including Prince William Henry (later King William IV), the Duke of Kent (father of Queen Victoria), King Edward VII, Princess Elizabeth before she became Queen Elizabeth II, and others. Beyond its royal connections, St. Paul’s played a vital role in times of crisis, serving as a temporary hospital following the Halifax Explosion and supporting recovery efforts after the Titanic sank. It also has literary ties, having baptized Jane Austen’s niece in 1809 and hosted the wedding of her nephew in 1848.

Take in a weekend of discovery and celebration from June 6-8. Tour the church during an open house that highlights its past and present. Join guided walks – escorted by military personnel – from St. Paul’s to the Old Burying Ground on Barrington Street. Explore the stories behind the church’s stained glass windows during a special evening event. Sip tea and eat cake in Jane Austen’s honour at a whimsical birthday gathering, and dive into rich conversations about history, art, and faith at this weekend-long celebration.

275th Anniversary Capstone Weekend | June 6-8 | St. Paul’s Church 

Breathtaking ocean views and crystalline waters make the Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Get active and experience the wild beauty that makes this region such a gem.

Cap off your week with an After-Work Paddle through the pristine waters of Lower Prospect. Paddle through sheltered coves and inlets as you hear the crashing waves of the open ocean in the distance before making your way back to the wharf for a sunset BBQ. Registration via phone is required at least 24 hours before, and no experience is necessary. Can’t make a Friday evening paddle work with your schedule? East Coast Outfitters offers a variety of experiences nearly every day of the month, weather permitting.

If you’re looking for some heart-pumping action, lace up for the Seaside Scramble, a 10K race through the scenic trails of Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park. This evening race takes you along the beach boardwalk to the rugged coastal Pennant Point Trail. After reaching the point, the trail will head inland through a fun single-track trail that will bring you back to the start/finish area for a complimentary sunset BBQ and social overlooking the ocean.

After-Work Paddle & BBQ | June 6, 13, 20, 27 | East Coast Outfitters 

Seaside Scramble | June 20 | Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park 

Get ready to ‘fill yer boots’ on Nova Scotia’s scenic Eastern Shore at a culinary festival this month.

It’s no secret that the Eastern Shore’s cold, clear waters yield some of the best seafood in Canada, and even North America. Connect with the coast at Memory Lane Heritage Village’s Cold Waters Seafood Festival; whether you’re looking for contemporary dishes, simple steamed shellfish, or tried and true traditional favourites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring the whole family and participate in fun activities and skills demonstrations with paint-your-own-buoy sessions, dory rides, live music, and more.

The Eastern Shore Burger Fest is also happening this month. Quaint coastal communities are lighting up and sizzling with excitement as local eateries dish up gourmet burgers with ingredients and flavours that reflect the Eastern Shore’s wild, rugged landscapes and seascapes.

Cold Waters Seafood Festival | June 7-8 | Memory Lane Heritage Village 

Eastern Shore Burger Fest | June 13-22 | Multiple locations

Drop anchor on the Halifax Waterfront this month for Fleet Week – a showcase of community pride in service, Canada’s naval strength, marine innovation, and maritime heritage. From public ship tours to pop-up concerts, dragon boat races, and a drone light show over the harbour, there’s something for every landlubber and sailor at heart.

Get up close with Canada’s naval vessels, participate in a Navy Bike Ride spin class, and enjoy cultural programming that brings our maritime heritage to life. Kids will love the bouncy castles and hands-on fun zone, while music lovers can catch the Stadacona Band playing pop-up sets along the waterfront. Cap it off with a buzzing street party with live music, deals from local businesses, games, and more.

Halifax International Fleet Week | June 19-22 | Multiple locations 

Kick off the summer season at a neighbourhood market this month.
Whether you’re under the stars at the North by Night Market or soaking up the summer sunshine at Open Street Sunday, these open-air markets are the perfect way to sample gourmet bites, browse through local goods, and meet the faces that make these neighbourhoods such vibrant, welcoming communities.

North by Night Market | June 20 | 2037 Gottingen St 

Downtown Dartmouth Open Street Sunday | June 22 | Portland St 

A brand-new music festival is making its way to Halifax this month and you won’t want to miss it. Major names in music are taking the stage over three electrifying nights during the Halifax Music Fest, headlined by Nickelback, Lenny Kravitz, and The Killers, backed by an incredible lineup of acts including The Glorious Sons, Big Wreck, Lights, Said The Whale, Alvvays, and more. All ages are welcome at this festival with an optional section reserved for those aged 19 and over. Don’t sleep on tickets to this highly anticipated music festival.

Halifax Music Fest | June 27-29 | Garrison Grounds

A plant-based ice cream shop, a sandwich shop, and a pizzeria have opened their doors, making for the perfect excuse to get out and try something new.

Churned | 104 Portland St | Now open

Suzanne’s Pizzeria | 2223 North Park St | Now open

Larry’s Sandwiches & Sides | 63 Portland St | Now open 

Prepare yourselves for the iconic Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, returning to Halifax from June 27 to July 1. Enjoy thrilling acts from marching bands, acrobats, dancers, pipes and drums, and much more. This show is perfect for the whole family to enjoy, and you’ll even get one free kid ticket with the purchase of one adult/senior ticket.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo | June 27 – July 1 | Scotiabank Centre 

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.