Wolfville is famous for its Rockwellian-like blend of picturesque vineyards, charming country inns and restaurants. For the past 15 years each fall this bucolic town, and my ancestral home, has been brought to life by Devour! The Food Film Fest—the world’s largest celebration of food and film.
Now, with the official launch of Devour! Studios, the community’s cultural and culinary identity takes a bold leap forward. Housed in a beautifully repurposed 24,000-square-foot apple warehouse in the heart of town, the space is set to become a beacon for chefs, artists, and food lovers year-round.
And with the launch of The Nova Scotia Seafood Academy—a signature initiative of the Studios—Devour! is diving headfirst into immersive, hands-on education, rooted in local sourcing, sustainability, and skill-building. Designed for chefs, home cooks, and culinary travellers, this new offering celebrates the province’s world-renowned seafood bounty with courses that not only sharpen kitchen skills but connect people more deeply to the region’s culinary heritage.
The first class, Mastering Seafood Cookery, runs June 11–13, followed by Tide to Table: Seafood Masterclass with sessions in July, August and September. These intimate, 20-person courses ($750 per person for multi-day immersion) will guide participants through filleting, smoking, grilling, and shellfish cookery, all while mastering the art of sauces, plating, and wine pairing.
“Little did we know when we launched Devour! The Food Film Fest that it would one day evolve into a culinary and cultural space for the next generation of chefs, farmers, artists, and filmmakers,” says Michael Howell, executive director of Devour! “We’re excited to officially open Devour! Studios and with our new Seafood Academy, we continue to put Nova Scotia on the map as a top food and travel destination year-round.”
As for the long-awaited space? The main hall—once filled with crates of apples—is now a sleek, modular 7,000-square-foot venue that can transform into a theatre, banquet space, performance venue or conference hall. With room for up to 500 guests standing, it also features a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, a mezzanine meeting room, a 20-seat presentation theatre, and accessible amenities throughout. Recording studios, second-level viewing decks and office spaces are still under development, but the vision is clear: this is more than a venue—it’s a movement.
“At Devour! Studios, we believe that cooking is not just a skill but a journey through culture and community,” adds Lia Rinaldo, managing director of Devour! “We are thrilled to be able to create unique culinary courses, and we can’t wait to host art exhibits, musical performances, workshops and cultural events that Nova Scotians and travellers can enjoy.”
That sense of community, creativity and collaboration is the beating heart of the Studios. And as the smell of butter-poached lobster and wood-smoked mackerel begins to fill its walls, one thing’s for sure: Wolfville just became an even more delicious destination.
Opa! Greek Fest Returns, June 12-15
Greek Fest 2025 is set to bring the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavours of Greece back to Halifax from June 12–15 on the grounds of St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. One of the city’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, the festival is a joyous expression of Hellenic heritage, where everyone is invited to dance, eat, and embrace the warmth of Greek hospitality.
This year’s event promises an exciting mix of live traditional music, and dance performances from the church’s talented youth groups. But the real star? The food. Festivalgoers can indulge in a rich menu of authentic Greek favourites—from spanakopita and souvlaki to baklava, all lovingly prepared by the local Greek community.
Whether you’re of Greek descent or just Greek at heart, Greek Fest is a must-attend celebration of culture, family, and good food.
A Philippine Fiesta, June 21-22
Join the vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage at the Philippine Fiesta 2025, happening on June 21–22 at the Halifax Garrison Grounds. Organized by the Filipino Cultural Society of Nova Scotia (FCSNS), this annual event marks the culmination of Philippine Heritage Month, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences for all ages.
Attendees can indulge in authentic Filipino cuisine from local establishments, savouring dishes like adobo, lumpia, and halo-halo. The festival features performances by local musicians, dancers, and artists, showcasing the talents within the community. Educational exhibits provide insights into Filipino history and traditions, while interactive family zones, photo booths, raffle prizes, and games ensure fun for everyone.
Fiesta 2025 promises a weekend filled with joy, learning, and community spirit.
Gusto! Italian Festival Premieres in Halifax, June 23-29
Who doesn’t love Italian food, wine and culture? Gusto! has it all with a weeklong celebration of Italy featuring dining events, a gala Art of Women & Wine dinner at Mystic – Halifax’s most elevated restaurant, cooking classes, free to the public showings of Italian and Italian-inspired movies, an open-air Italian market, and a Grand Italian Wine Tasting and Master Tastings featuring the best of Italian wines. The latter hosted by Michaela Morris, Italian wine critic for Decanter Magazine. Most events happen at the Queen’s Marque, on the Halifax Waterfront, including the movies shown on a big screen with the iconic Rise Again stairs in the Queen’s Marque acting as a theatre. The Grand Italian wine tasting takes place at the Italian Canadian Cultural Association of Nova Scotia’s home on Agricola Street just north of the Halifax Commons. A week of pasta, pizza, great wine, movies, markets and more….it all adds up to ‘la dolce vita’ right here in Halifax.
This article appears in Jun 1-30, 2025.