10 Things To Do in Halifax This May

Head out to the Eastern Shore for a one-of-a-kind weekend celebrating Nova Scotia’s first ever moon festival. Martinique Moonfest kicks off with a full moon ceremony on the sandy shores of Martinique Beach, setting the tone for two days of markets, meditation, a moonwater flask workshop, and mead and cider tasting.

Martinique MoonFest | May 1-2 | Multiple locations 

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, nature strolls, or an interactive city stamping tour, there’s a walk for every curiosity. History buffs will love learning about the beginning of democracy in the city of Halifax, the hidden history of Dalhousie University, the stories behind the city’s oldest cemeteries, the beauty of the Halifax Public Gardens, and the storied fortifications of York Redoubt, just 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 1-3 | Multiple locations

Open City | May 9 | Multiple locations

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.

Rare & Fine Wine Tasting | May 1 | Prince George Hotel 

Science of Beer | May 9 | The Discovery Centre 

East Coast Cider Festival | May 16 | Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel 

Halifax is home to an array of incredibly talented artisans of all kinds. Whether you’re looking to shop for festive goods or prefer to browse all kinds of specialty items, there’s a themed pop-up market waiting for you to explore this month.

Halifax Crafters Spring Market | May 2-3 | Light House Arts Centre

Annual Spring Market | May 3 | Oxalis

Mother’s Day Market | May 3 | Halifax Brewery Market

Halifax Vintage Paper Show | May 23 | Halifax Forum

Barn Blooms Night Market | May 28 | Hubbards Barn Market

Halifax Vintage Glass Show | May 30 | Halifax Forum

Cheer on the HFX Wanderers, Halifax Tides, and the Halifax Hoopers at a thrilling game that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Halifax Wanderers FC Home Matches | May 2, 23, 30 | Wanderers Grounds

Halifax Hoopers Home Games | May 8, 10, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24,  | Zatzman Sportsplex

Halifax Thunderbirds Home Match | May 9 | Scotiabank Centre

Halifax Tides FC Home Matches | May 18, 29 | Wanderers Grounds 

Halifax Comedy Festival is celebrating 31 years of laughs, and bringing a lineup 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.

Halifax ComedyFest | May 5-10 | Multiple locations 

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.

Fresh flowers are always the right call for Mother’s Day, and Halifax is home to a variety of florists offering dreamy arrangements of all styles. We’ve rounded up a few local florists just for the occasion.

For one week this May, ByBlacks Restaurant Week is giving food lovers the perfect excuse to explore the rich flavours and creativity of Black-owned restaurants across the Halifax region. From May 11–17, participating spots, including The Opus Cafe, Mary’s African Cuisine, Flavors From The Savannah, and Brawta Jamaican Jerk Joint, will be offering prix-fixe menus or a $10 special to give you a taste of some of the best Black culinary talent in the city at unbeatable prices.

ByBlacks Restaurant Week | May 11-17 | Multiple locations 

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, 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.

Blue Nose Marathon | May 15-17 | Multiple locations

Catch the next wave of Nova Scotia talent at NovaFest, bringing two days of live music to Alderney Landing over the holiday weekend, showcasing student ensembles, alumni acts, and local community artists, all brought to you by NSCC’s Music Arts program. With weekend and day passes available, it’s a great excuse to get outside, soak up some homegrown creativity, and connect with the community.

For two weeks this month, Halifax is hosting 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, plus a roster of talented young artists, this is a festival where classical music lovers will feel right at home.

NOVAFest | May 16-17 | Alderney Landing

Scotia Festival of Music | May 25 – June 7 | Multiple locations