Canada turns 150 this year, and here in Halifax, we’ll be marking the occasion the way Haligonians do best – by hosting a massive celebration commemorating a century and a half of proud Canadian confederation!
Haligonians are nothing if not gracious hosts, so we’ve compiled this list of the top 5 reasons to visit Halifax the 2017 Canada Day celebrations – trust us, there’s really never been a better time to visit!
1. There’s going to be a massive FREE outdoor Deadmau5 concert right on the Halifax Common!
Jul 1, 2017 5:00 PM – 11:59 PM– Halifax Commons
All ages concert with 19+ Licensed Area (I.D. Required)
This one’s a no-brainer as far as reasons to visit Halifax are concerned. Superstar DJ Deadmau5 will return to his Canadian roots on July 1st as the headliner for a FREE all ages show, on what’s been called “the world’s most transformative DJ stand“; the brand new CUBE 2.1. It will be Deadmau5’s first Canadian appearance with the CUBE 2.1 since it was unveiled in March in NYC to rave reviews, including a description of the set as “a canvas for a pure phantasmagoria”.
Bottom line: this concert is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’re not going to want to miss. Oh and did we mention that it’s free?
2. Halifax hosts the BIGGEST Canada Day Parade east of Ottawa!
Jul 1, 2017 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM– starting on the corner of Brunswick and Duke Streets, near the Scotiabank Centre
Featuring Tattoo performers, local artists and businesses, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Canada Day Parade is a spectacle not to be missed. Following the parade, either head over to the Halifax Commons for more family activities, or stick around and experience the 2pm matinee show of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.
3. The day will have something for the entire family – no one will be bored around here!
- Canada Day Family Fun Fest presented by Maple Lodge Farms
Jul 1, 2017 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – South Commons
This is going to be the largest family Canada Day celebration in Atlantic Canada! The day will include:
- Parks Canada Plaza
Jul 1, 2017 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Halifax Commons
Visit the Parks Canada Plaza on July 1st for interactive camping lessons right in the Halifax Commons! The Learn to Camp program teaches young Canadians how to pitch a tent along with other camping basics and games!
- Canada 150 Celebrations at the Halifax Seaport
Jul 1, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Halifax Seaport
From the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market to Pier 22, the Halifax Seaport will be one of the most happening places in Halifax. From bouncy castles and face-painting to petting zoos and carriage rides, kids will be entertained all day long, while parents can enjoy live entertainment on the big stage outside.
4. There’s going to be FREE LIVE MUSIC EVERYWHERE
Jul 1, 2017 @ Halifax Commons ; Sullivan’s Pond ; Halifax Public Gardens
Do you love live music but can’t quite muster the interest required to learn who Deadmau5 is or look up exactly what “EDM” stands for? DON’T WORRY, there’s something for everyone in plenty of different locations around the Halifax region, so you’re sure to find something that interests you!
- Main Event Concert at the Halifax Commons
Jul 1, 2017 5:00 PM – 11:59 PM – All ages concert with 19+ Licensed Area (I.D. Required)
The Canada Day concert on the Halifax Commons not only features Deadmau5, but a wide variety of acts including local favourite Matt Mays, French-Canadian artist Izabelle Ouellet, Canadian new roots band ASHELIN, poet laureate Rebecca Thomas, and Stan Rogers Tribute presented by Neptune Theatre.
- Free Concert At Sullivan’s Pond
Jul 1, 2017 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – All ages concert
Free concert at Sullivan’s Pond featuring Canadian artists, The Rock A Barons, The BBQ Kings and plenty of special guests.
- Free Concert in the Halifax Public Gardens presented by Southwest Properties
Jul 1, 2017 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – All ages concert
Enjoy a FREE Canada Day concert by ECMA nominated singer and songwriter Ian Janes in The Halifax Public Gardens.
5. Halifax Common Official Fireworks presented by Dartmouth Crossing
Jul 1, 2017 10:00 PM – Halifax Commons
This year’s fireworks are going to be a BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER. Canada’s 150th anniversary has inspired event organizers to go above and beyond to create a spectacular fireworks presentation for Canada Day 2017. This year, spectators will be treated to a PYRO-MUSICAL fireworks display, where the show will be choreographed to music.
The Halifax Commons is definitely the place to be to view the entire experience. If you aren’t attending the Deadmau5 concert, check out the designated Fireworks Viewing area in the Emera Oval. Bring your friends and family and some chairs and blankets, and spread out in the green space of the Emera Oval to watch the spectacular display.
**BONUS: on July 1, starting at 11:00 AM, enjoy FREE Dartmouth Shuttle/Ferry Service to and from Halifax. Shuttles provided by Metro Transit.**
For more Canada Day event information, check out HRM Civic Events’ Halifax-Dartmouth Canada Day 2017.
