Cue the fall festivals, cozy vibes, and spooky spirit – step into a new season with our list of 10 things to do in Halifax this October.
1. Immerse yourself in full colour at an art festival
If art is your jam, be sure to check out some of Halifax’s most beloved festivals happening around the city.
Prismatic Arts Festival showcases and celebrates innovative work by Indigenous artists and artists of colour from across Canada, bringing audiences vibrant, boundary-pushing new works in theatre, dance, music, film, visual arts, media arts, and spoken word.
Bundle up, grab your pals, and get ready for Nocturne, a city-wide nighttime art show filled with interactive displays by incredible artists. Many local businesses offer special deals, free treats, and fun workshops, making it the perfect excuse to get out and explore.
Prismatic Arts Festival | September 29 – October 8 | Multiple locations
Nocturne | October 12-15 | Multiple locations
2. Catch an explosive NHL game at the Scotiabank Centre
Welcome home three-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and Cole Harbour native Sidney Crosby as he and the Pittsburgh Penguins meet the Ottawa Senators for the Nova Scotia Showdown at the Scotiabank Centre.
Looking to grab a bite to eat before the game? Halifax’s downtown core is packed with restaurants of every kind – whether you’re looking for kid-approved eateries or an intimate date destination, grab a meal at a local restaurant, just steps from the Scotiabank Centre.
Nova Scotia Showdown | October 2 | Scotiabank Centre
3. Fill up on local goods at a festive fall market
Halifax is bursting with fall markets this month. Stock up on farm-fresh produce and browse through one-of-a-kind goods from local artisans at one of these festive markets for the perfect autumn outing.
Fall Vintage Show | October 7-8 | Light House Arts Centre
Halloween Town Market | October 14 | Halifax Brewery Market
Ooky Spooky Spryfield Market | October 15 | Spryfield Lions Rink
Pumpkin Fest Market | October 15 | Fisherman’s Cove
Witches Market | October 21 | Halifax Forum
4. Dare to be scared at the Bluenose Ghosts Festival
Beware! The Bluenose Ghosts Festival at Alderney Landing is back and bigger than ever with 22 nights of horror this October. This festival is not for the faint of heart – with a haunted mansion, an escape room, spiritual readings, a crypt ride, and a haunted selfie park, there are plenty of ways to be spooked.
Bluenose Ghosts Festival | October 6-8, 12-15, 19-22, 24-31 | Alderney Landing
5. Catch peak fall foliage
Fall brings crisp air and vibrant pops of red and yellow to Halifax. Catch the best views of the leaves and landscapes up close on a hike in the region, or climb aboard a Fall Colours Cruise along the Northwest Arm to marvel from afar.
Fall Colours Cruise | October 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 | Depart from Halifax Waterfront
6. Spook yourself into the Halloween spirit on a festive tour, walk, or paddle
Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling guided tour, a haunted walk, or a bewitching paddle, there are tons of ways to get festive for Halloween this month.
Halifax Citadel Ghost Tours | Friday & Saturday evenings until October 28 | Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Zombie Walk | October 8 | Halifax Public Gardens
Halloween Walk The Trail | October 28 | Gaetz Brook Greenway
Witches Paddle | October 29 | St. Mary’s Boat Club
7. Experience awe at a multi-sensory candlelit concert
Settle into an evening of Halloween classics under the gentle glow of candles for a hauntingly magical experience throughout October at The Spatz Theatre. Tickets are selling quickly – grab yours before it’s too late.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics | October 20, 24, 29 | The Spatz Theatre
8. Celebrate light, love, and culture at the Diwali Carnival
Come together and celebrate India’s most awaited festival at the Halifax Forum. Sample gourmet bites, browse the cultural market, and enjoy live dancing and exciting performances. Join in on making the biggest Rangoli design on the East Coast and settle into a vibrant fireworks show during this energetic festival of lights.
Diwali Carnival | October 27-29 | Halifax Forum
9. Warm up to fall with a festive drink
From decadent pumpkin spice lattes to velvety-smooth apple cider, we’ve rounded up 10 must-try cafés around the Halifax region with festive fall drinks to warm the soul.
10. Geek out at Atlantic Canada's biggest Sci-Fi Convention
Dust off your wigs and dig out your dice, Hal-Con is back bigger and better than ever. With a jam-packed schedule of panels, Q&As, workshops, a costume contest, and a dedicated gaming floor, there’s truly something for everyone to experience at the biggest, geekiest sci-fi convention in Atlantic Canada.
Hal-Con | October 27-29 | Halifax Convention Centre
