10 Things To Do in Halifax This May

Throw on your best costume for Geequinox, Halifax’s geekiest spring gathering focused on gaming, cosplay, comics, and art. There will be cosplay guests and performances, artist and guest panels, Geeks vs Nerds, gaming, and a market selling a variety of comics, board games, art and other merchandise.

Geequinox 2024 | May 4-5 | Mayflower Curling Club 

Need the perfect excuse for a night out? From May 8-11, Halifax will be filled with laughter as 30+ comedians from across North America hit stages across the city for the Halifax ComedyFest. If laughter is the best medicine, a ComedyFest show is sure to cure all your ailments.

Halifax ComedyFest | May 8-11 | Multiple locations

Get outside and explore the many local businesses rolling out their welcome mats and opening their doors to offer special treats, features, and awesome deals. With takeout being served by some of the city’s top chefs, amazing deals at local boutiques, hands-on activations, and live performances, there’s no better way to experience Halifax from a local lens.

Open City | May 11 | Multiple locations

Halifax will be bursting with blossoms this month, making it one of the best times to get outside and soak up the dreamy sights.

Looking for the best spots to take in the scenery? If you want to feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale, the Halifax Public Gardens is the ticket. With stunning symmetrical garden features, this is the only true Victorian Garden in North America. Stroll through to see a variety of spring blossoms, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the adorable ducklings waddling about.

If you’re looking for the best spots to catch cherry trees in full bloom, make your way to the eastern edge of the Dartmouth Common by Leighton Dillman Park on Park Avenue to see over 30 cherry trees bursting with pink blossoms – make sure to bring a camera here to capture the most stunning spring Instagram-worthy shots.

Expect to catch these areas in bloom in mid to late May.

The season is officially underway for the HFX Wanderers – catch an electric home game that’ll have you on the edge of your seat this month.

HFX Wanderers Home Games | May 11, 20 | Wanderers Grounds

Get ready to giv’er at the Blue Nose Marathon, Halifax’s most iconic annual marathon that invites thousands of participants to race through the city streets. Known as ‘the people’s marathon’, this event welcomes all ages, abilities and fitness levels, with 6 running events to choose from, including the Blue Nose Full Marathon, a Boston Qualifying event that takes participants on a 42.2KM (26.2 mile) adventure through the dynamic streets of Halifax and Dartmouth.

Fun fact: Legend has it that, back in the age of sail, when the sea was at the core of our existence, mariners would arrive in the port of Halifax with noses stained blue by the dye of their peacoat sleeves – the perfect substitute for a handkerchief.

Emera Blue Nose Marathon | May 17-19 | Emera Oval

Make your way down to the Halifax waterfront for Taste Asia, an immersive celebration of the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine, art, and culture. Expect a weekend jam-packed with incredible events, including live cooking sessions at the Demo Kitchen Stage, where renowned chefs, both local and national, will showcase their culinary skills with engaging demonstrations, epic battles, and interactive Q&A sessions. Indulge further with Brews & Bites, where you’ll savour dishes paired with local craft beer, Asian wines, and handcrafted cocktails. You’ll also have the chance to catch some incredible live entertainment and shop through the open-air market at this energetic seaside festival, happening from May 17-20.

Taste Asia | May 17-20 | Halifax Waterfront

Did you know that Nova Scotia is home to one of Canada’s five main apple-growing areas? The Annapolis Valley is the oldest apple-growing region in Canada, and possibly in North America, with apple trees first planted in Mi’kma’ki by French settlers as early as 1633.

Sample the best ciders from Atlantic Canada from over 20 cideries at the East Coast Cider Festival. Your ticket will include 12 cider sample tickets, a food ticket to sample snacks crafted by a local chef, and a glass to take home with you. If you haven’t become familiar with Halifax’s blooming cider scene, this is the perfect opportunity to check it out.

East Coast Cider Festival | May 18 | Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

Go beyond brunch this Mother’s Day and celebrate motherhood in all of its many forms with some fun local suggestions.

It’s no question that Haligonians are devoted to shopping local from the incredible range of crafters, growers, makers, bakers, and farmers here in Halifax. There’s no better way to greet the spring season than with a trip to a farmers’ market.

Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or pastries, you can find it all at one of Halifax’s many farmers’ markets.