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Crisp air, colourful leaves, and cozy corners – October in Halifax is pure magic. From honouring Mi’kmaw History Month to strolling through vibrant art festivals, savouring seasonal flavours, and embracing all things spooky, this month is brimming with experiences to inspire. Whether you’re looking for culture, music, food, or fall adventures with the family, here are 10 things to do in Halifax this October.
Great for families
1. Deepen your understanding of Mi’kmaw and Indigenous culture
October marks Mi’kmaw History Month, a month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage.
The Mi’kmaq (meeg-maw) are the Indigenous people of the Maritime region in Canada, which encompasses present-day Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, parts of the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec, and Maine. This area is known as Mi’kma’ki (meeg-maw-gi). Archeological findings have shown evidence of Mi’kmaw presence in and around the area for thousands of years. They have a rich cultural heritage and a deep spiritual connection to the land. Whether we realize it or not, everyone in Nova Scotia travels across ancestral Mi’kmaw lands every day.
Halifax is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. The people of the Mi’kmaw Nation have lived on this territory for millennia, and we acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land.
Deepen your understanding of Mi’kmaw and Indigenous culture and explore the unique perspectives and experiences of Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island through stories, exhibits, artwork, and even traditional games throughout this month and beyond.
2. 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 26 – October 5 | Multiple locations
Nocturne | October 16-19 | Multiple locations
Great for families
3. Treat your ears to some live tunes in intimate venues at a music festival
As temperatures cool and the weather turns moody, there’s nothing like cozying up to some incredible live music in an intimate venue.
Two music festivals are happening this month, both bringing all the autumn feels to Halifax. Catch a variety of laidback and upbeat shows during the Halifax Urban Folk Festival, from intimate solo performances headbanging ragers.
Nowadays Festival is also happening this month, delivering incredible shows in small, charming venues that ooze coziness. From Sheer Mag to The Weather Station and Hayden Pedigo, Nowadays celebrates artists from a range of genres, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
October wraps up with Rejigged Festival, a celebration of Celtic music and dance at St. Andrews United Church. But it’s not just about the music – this festival offers a variety of engaging workshops where you can learn traditional dance steps, explore Celtic instruments, or discover the fascinating history behind the tunes. Whether you’re a music lover, a dance enthusiast, or just seeking a unique Celtic experience, you’re guaranteed some incredible entertainment here.
Halifax Urban Folk Festival | September 29 – October 5 | Multiple locations
Nowadays Festival | October 9-11 | Multiple locations
Rejigged Festival | October 23-25 | Multiple locations
Great for families
4. Take forest bathing to the next level
Grab your best plaid and head for the woods at the Nova Scotia Forest Festival, a showcase of the many ways Nova Scotians connect to our forests for their livelihood, housing, recreation, food, and heritage. Embark on a guided nature walk, test your axe-throwing skills, and cozy up by a fire with some comfort food and enjoy live music among the forest brush. If you’re looking to take forest bathing to the next level, look no further than this tree-mendous festival.
Nova Scotia Forest Festival | October 4 | Memory Lane Heritage Village
Great for families
5. 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 4 | Light House Arts Centre
All Things Fall Market | October 18 | St. John’s Anglican Church
Witches Market | October 18-19 | Halifax Forum
Ooky Spooky Market | October 18-19 | IKEA
Pumpkin Fest Market | October 19 | Fisherman’s Cove
Halloween Town Market | October 25 | Halifax Brewery Market
Ghosts & Ghouls Market | October 26 | Cole Harbour Place
6. Sip your way through Halifax’s craft beverage scene
From casual craft beer tastings to low-lit whiskey sessions, check out one of these exclusive craft beverage events.
Wine Fair Halifax | October 4 | Halifax Convention Centre
Oktoberfest | October 5 | Stillwell Beergarden
The First Pour | October 10 | The Post Office Speakeasy
Craft Beer Kitchen Party | October 25 | Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Great for families
7. Spook yourself into the Halloween spirit
From haunted houses to ghost ship cruises, chilling tours, and so much more, there are tons of hair-raising experiences happening this month in Halifax, if you dare to be scared.
Note: Some of these events are not suitable for children. Be sure to check event details before attending.
Bluenose Ghosts Festival | October 4-5, 9-12, 16-19, 22-31 | Alderney Landing
Spooky Mi’kmaq Stories | October 17 | Every One Every Day
Jack O’Lantern Walk | October 25 | Nine Mile River Trails
Halloween Party Cruise | October 25, 30, November 1 | Cable Wharf
Spooky Fun for Little Monsters | October 26 | Museum of Natural History
Ghostly Gala | October 26 | Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum
Science, Spirits, and Boos 19+ Halloween Party | October 31 | Discovery Centre
Halifax Ghost Walk | Every night until November 2 | Old Town Clock, Citadel Hill
Halifax Citadel Ghost Tours | Thursday – Saturday all month | Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
8. Connect with place and people through fall flavours
Savour the season and dig into fall flavours; feast on your foragings, crafted by a local chef, discover your new favourite dish on a local food crawl, and wander through a garden while grazing on artfully crafted plates, all while connecting with the community and the talented individuals that shape Halifax’s culinary scene.
Gather & Graze | October 5, 12 | Multiple locations
Autumn Harvest | October 17 | Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
Downtown Dartmouth Fall Food Crawl | October 23 | Multiple locations
Eastern Shore Harvest Food Festival | October 25 | Lupin Dining & Pantry
9. Check out a new business
From elevated Italian dining to sustainable shopping, and more, get out and discover a new local business in the Halifax region.
Via Condotti | 1480 Queen St | Now open
Threadz Thrift Shop | 782 Main St | Now open
Krust Haus | 635 Portland Hills Dr | Now open
The Beaver’s Den | 6273 Quinpool Rd & 101A-16 Portland St | Now open
Weird Harbour Espresso Bar | 1470 Queen St | Opening soon
10. Warm up to fall with a festive drink
As the summer’s warmth gives way to the crisp embrace of fall, there’s no better way to ring in the new season than with a toasty fall drink in your hand. 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.
