As Halifax blooms into life this May, so does its calendar of events. Celebrate the best of community spirit, culinary delights, and comic performances with our curated list of 10 exciting things to do this month.
1. Taste your way through Halifax’s expansive food scene
Halifax’s food and drink scene is vibrant, diverse, and plentiful. This month, there are tons of ways to get a taste of the flavours that flow through the Halifax region and beyond.
From craft beverage showcases to a seaside Asian food and cultural festival, there’s an event happening to please every palate this month.
Rare & Fine Wine* | May 2 | Casino Nova Scotia
ByBlacks Restaurant Week | May 12-18 | Multiple locations
East Coast Cider Festival* | May 17 | Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Downtown Dartmouth Food Crawl | May 22 | Multiple locations
Taste Asia Food & Cultural Festival | May 29 – June 1 | Halifax Waterfront
*19+ event only
2. Get familiar with the faces and places of Halifax
Step into the stories of Halifax during Jane’s Walk, a weekend of free, locally led walking tours that celebrate the people, places, and history of our city. Whether you’re interested in mural tours, dog-friendly strolls, or a bike ride along the waterfront, there’s a walk for every curiosity. History buffs will love learning about the beginning of democracy in the city of Halifax, Bedford’s role in WWII’s Battle of the Atlantic, and the hidden history of Dalhousie University, to name a few.
Open City is back this May, and it’s bringing the buzz with it. Step out and support the local shops, cafes, and restaurants that make our communities one-of-a-kind. Expect special sidewalk snacks, pop-up deals, street performances, and spontaneous fun as the city comes alive. It’s the unofficial kick-off to summer – and the perfect excuse to spend a day discovering hidden gems and familiar favourites across Halifax’s vibrant neighbourhoods.
Jane’s Walk | May 3-4 | Multiple locations
Open City | May 10 | Multiple locations
3. Get your sports fix
Cheer on the Halifax Thunderbirds, Halifax Wanderers, Halifax Tides, and the Halifax Hoopers at a thrilling game that will have you on the edge of your seat this month.
Semi Finals: Halifax Thunderbirds vs Saskatchewan Rush | May 3 | Scotiabank Centre
Halifax Wanderers FC Home Matches | May 3, 10, 24 | Wanderers Grounds
Halifax Hoopers | May 8, 9, 10, 18, 23, 24, 25 | Zatzman Sportsplex
Halifax Tides FC vs. AFC Toronto | May 17 | Wanderers Grounds
4. Lace up and run wild at a local race
If you love trail running, scenic routes, and a little adventure, Wild Lakes 10K is your next great story. Starting at the Maskwa Aquatics Club, this loop winds through the stunning Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Protected Wilderness Area, passing five sparkling lakes and weaving through epic single-track trails. The run takes place May 4th, so don your best Star Wars gear and may the course be with you.
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 that takes participants on a 42.2km (26.2 mile) adventure through the streets of Halifax and Dartmouth. The Blue Nose Full Marathon is a certified Boston Marathon qualifier, making it an ideal choice for runners seeking an early BQ for the 2026 race.
Fun fact: Legend has it, 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.
Wild Lakes 10K | May 4 | Birch Cove Lake Wilderness Area
Blue Nose Marathon | May 16-18 | Multiple locations
5. Laugh Until You Cry at Ha!ifax ComedyFest
Ha!ifax Comedy Festival is celebrating a huge milestone this year – 30 years of laughs! The lineup is stacked with more than 30 comedians from across North America, performing in multiple venues throughout the city. Whether you’re into stand-up, sketch, or something a little different, there’s a show (and a seat) with your name on it.
Ha!ifax ComedyFest | May 7-10 | Multiple locations
6. Go beyond brunch for Mother's Day
Celebrate motherhood in all its forms with memorable experiences beyond brunch in Halifax. Whether it’s hiking the coast, crafting pottery, designing a signature scent, or cuddling therapy goats, discover inspired ideas to make this Mother’s Day a celebration of everything she is.
7. Frolic around a bison farm
In 2019, Jan and Christiane Teerling purchased a property that would transform their lives. Originally from Germany, the long-time deer farmers sought to expand their operations but faced limitations in their home country. A worldwide search for the perfect land led them to Nova Scotia. This May, they’re inviting you to kick the season off with a celebration you won’t want to miss.
Cruise out along the rolling hills of Musquodoboit Valley to Lindsay Lake Farms for their Spring on the Farm celebration. Meet the majestic bison that roam the land, shop handcrafted and local goods, and feast on farm-fresh eats from their on-site food trailer. Whether you’re after a relaxing stroll, a tasty bite, or a peek at some friendly giants, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Spring on the Farm: Shop, Tour, & Taste | May 17-18 | Lindsay Lake Farms
8. Tune into something extraordinary at the Scotia Festival of Music
For two weeks this spring, Halifax plays host to a gathering of some of the world’s most accomplished classical musicians at the Scotia Festival of Music. Enjoy breathtaking performances in an intimate setting, where musical giants and up-and-coming artists come together to create unforgettable moments. With 20+ guest musicians and a roster of talented young artists, this is a festival where classical music lovers will feel right at home.
Scotia Festival of Music | May 26 – June 8 | Multiple locations
9. Check out a new business
Halifax’s only official tip-free restaurant has opened its doors, serving up cozy comfort food with an emphasis on dietary accommodations. The Bonfire ensures that their fryer never comes in contact with gluten or meat, and gluten-free buns never come at an extra charge. With an expansive offering of plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian options available, The Bonfire makes it easy to dine with confidence, offering something the perfect plate for everyone at the table, no matter their dietary needs.
Two brand-new eateries have opened in Peggy’s Cove under Six by the Sea, a collection of six historic buildings that have been lovingly restored to host East Coast-inspired businesses and cultural experiences. Margaret’s is a cozy East Coast café serving freshly brewed coffee and tea, seafood chowder, delicious grab-and-go gourmet paninis, and East Coast-inspired baked goods. Hunky Dory is a seaside take-out serving gourmet french fries, from lobster poutine to Halifax donair fries, and out-of-this-world soft serve ice cream. While the expression “hunky dory” literally means “very satisfactory or pleasant”, this adorable spot’s name is a loving nod to the dory fishing boats historically used in the area.
The Bonfire | 2394 Robie St | Now open
Margaret’s | 126 Peggy’s Point Rd | Now open
Hunky Dory | 110 Peggy’s Point Rd | Now open
10. Discover whimsical art galleries on a self-guided tour along the Eastern Shore
Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore is peppered with one-of-a-kind galleries that offer eclectic art and curiosities from local artisans. These galleries are beginning to open their doors for the season – cruise along the coast and stop in at these charming little spaces that tell a story beyond the incredible art found inside.
