Music in the Park With music most Sundays of the summer, parkgoers can enjoy artists like John Chaisson, Morgan Davis, Jamie Junger Band and more.
Sundays, Sullivan's Pond Bandshell, Dartmouth, 2pm
Summer Concert Series
Check out the Public Gardens bandstand in action every Sunday all summer long, with free shows for every taste from classical to big band to R&B.
Sundays, Public Gardens, 2pm
Canada Day
The biggest free show of the summer, Alderney Landing hosts acts like Kid Koala, Yukon Blonde, Born Ruffians and Dear Rouge this Canada Day.
July 1, Alderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney Street, 5:30pm
Royal NS International Tattoo
All the pipes, drums, military and civilian bands you could want at a series of free lunchtime shows from Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo performers.
July 4-6, Halifax waterfront
Gridlock Festival
If you're lucky enough to be underage, there are spots reserved for you and a couple hundred best pals at the indie rock Gridlock Festival to see Postdata, Owen and Waxahatchee or Crossed Wires, Solids and Beach Slang. RSVP required at gridlockfestival.com.
Saturday, July 9, Spatz Theatre, 1855 Trollope Street (12pm) and The Pavilion, 5816 Cogswell Street (3pm)
Halifax Jazz Festival
For those without festival passes, the Halifax Jazz Festival (as always) is offering a wide range of free afternoon shows on the main stage at noon, 2:30 and 4pm, including the Chronos Band, Zoe Leger, Universal Soul and more, as well as a set of free Jazz Lab shows at the Central and Alderney Gate libraries.
July 12-17
Afrifest
Bringing together Nova Scotians with roots here and in over a dozen African countries, Afrifest offers performances in drumming, jazz, hip-hop, gospel, spoken work and more.
July 22-24, Sackville Landing, Halifax Waterfront
Halifax Pride
Details for the Pride Parade afterparty weren't available at press time, but the free post-parade concert always brings some of Canada and North America's top queer performers.
July 23, Garrison Grounds, Sackville Street and Bell Road
Natal Day Mayor's Garden Party
Schmooze with Mike Savage before this fall's election while taking in the Mellotones, Asia & NuGruv, Rasta Gumbo, Christine Campbell and the Simon Walt Rhapsody.
July 30, Public Gardens, 1-5pm
Busker Festival
Your classic one-stop-shopping trip for everything from musical clowns to digeridoos, the annual Buskers Festival offers plenty of musical options for a cheap date. (But hey, tip the performers if you want to impress your date.)
July 27-August 1, Halifax waterfront