Looking for things to do in Halifax this August? Look no further! We have 10 great ways to get the most out of summer in Halifax.
1. Cheer on Team Canada at the Canoe '22 Festival
GREAT FOR FAMILIES
2022 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World ChampionshipsCANOE '22 | Aug 3-7 | Lake Banook, Dartmouth
Dartmouth hits the global stage this month, hosting the world’s most powerful paddlers at Lake Banook for the 2022 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships.
The event will feature a street festival along Prince Albert Road with food trucks, free concerts, a licensed area, a local vendor marketplace, family-friendly activities, and of course a place to cheer on Team Canada!
2. Catch a show in Point Pleasant Park
GREAT FOR FAMILIES
Looking for some seaside entertainment? Head to Point Pleasant Park to experience Shakespeare by the Sea, the largest and longest-running outdoor theatre festival in Atlantic Canada.
Signature productions for the 2022 summer season include Cinderelly (Jul 15-Sep 4) and Hamlet (Aug 5-Sep 3), with Hello City improv in the park every Monday night until the end of August.
SHAKESPEARE BY THE SEA | Jul-Sep | Cambridge Battery, Point Pleasant Park
3. Raise a glass to local craft at the Halifax Seaport Cider & Beerfest
From August 4-6 enjoy an assortment of craft beers, premium imports, and ciders at the Halifax Seaport Cider & Beerfest. New this year, Fizzfest will feature a variety of pre-mixed cocktails, hard seltzers and sodas.
HALIFAX SEAPORT CIDER & BEERFEST | Aug 4-6 | Halifax Seaport (1209 Marginal Rd)
4. Fly a kite on Citadel Hill at the East Coast Kite Festival
GREAT FOR FAMILIES
On the weekend of August 20-21, watch Citadel Hill transform as hundreds of colourful kites fill the sky for the East Coast Kite Festival. Enjoy snacks from food trucks, join a kite craft workshop, and fly your kite right in the heart of the city.
EAST COAST KITE FESTIVAL | Aug 20-21 | Garrison Grounds
5. Soak up the sun (and sand) at the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition
GREAT FOR FAMILIES
The Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition attracts more than 10,000 people every year to Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore.
Head to Clam Harbour on Sunday, August 21 for the 42nd annual competition, and marvel at jaw-dropping sandcastles and artistic sand sculptures lining the shore. Be sure to remember your sunscreen!
CLAM HARBOUR BEACH SANDCASTLE COMPETITION | Aug 21 | Clam Harbour
6. Eat somewhere new
Catch up with some of the latest additions to Halifax's food scene. Some of Halifax's newest eateries include:
Emile's Black Point Bistro (St Margaret's Bay Rd, Black Point)
Pho Maniac (Hollis St, Downtown Halifax)
Eva’s Original Chimneys (Grafton St, Downtown Halifax)
The Brewery by Quinns (Quinpool Rd, West End Halifax)
7. Take the ferry to explore Downtown Dartmouth
GREAT FOR FAMILIES
Did you know that you can ride the Alderney Ferry on Fridays and Saturdays for free? This summer, hop across the harbour to explore Downtown Dartmouth, and catch some of the best views in the region on your way.
While you're in the area, check out the free Dartmouth Summer Sunshine free concert series at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park on Saturdays and Sundays until August 28.
FREE FARES FRIDAYS & FREE SAIL SATURDAYS | Jul 1-Aug 31
Halifax Transit service is free of charge every Friday (including bus and ferry service), as well as free ferry service on the Alderney Ferry every Saturday until August 31. Kids 12 years old and under ride Halifax Transit free of charge year-round.
8. Go island hopping
Sun-soaked August days call for an island-hopping adventure.
Tour the tunnels of Georges Island, explore the forts and hiking trails of McNabs Island, or escape to the white sand beaches and idyllic coves of the 100 Wild Islands.
Explore the islands:
Get to Georges Island
Get to McNabs Island
Experience the 100 Wild Islands
9. Get your live music fix at the Halifax Urban Folk Festival
From August 28 to September 4, immerse yourself in a full week of live music at the Halifax Urban Folk Festival. The event features a great lineup of international and Canadian artists performing at some of the best venues in the city. Check out solo performances and see artists come together as they perform as specially-curated "All-Star" bands.
HALIFAX URBAN FOLK FESTIVAL (HUFF) | Aug 28-Sep 4 | Multiple venues
10. Hit the beach
Nothing says summer like a day at the beach. Lucky for us, there are plenty of great options in and around the Halifax region.
Note: While we have made every effort to ensure that the information listed here is accurate and up-to-date, dates and times of events are subject to change. Make sure to check the relevant event websites or social media channels before attending.
