We’ve reached the time of year when Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” takes over your reel soundtrack. It’s the season of “hot summer nights, mid-July / when you and I were forever wild.”
Halifax has fully transformed into the arts and culture hub of the Maritimes. The streets are alive with the hum of jazz saxophones echoing between historic brick buildings, Pride stickers dot shop windows, and the sidewalks are a colourful blur of festival fashion. Maritimers pause to give directions or lend a hand to wide-eyed cruise ship visitors as they step off the docks into a city buzzing with summer energy. Beaches and lakes around the municipality are speckled with people sunbathing, paddling, and making core memories under long, golden daylight.
Whether you’re a local soaking up every moment of sun or a visitor looking to catch Halifax at its finest, this weekend is full of chances to dive into the city’s rhythm. From world-class music and queer joy to outdoor concerts and family fun, here are the top events to make your Halifax summer unforgettable.
The city’s biggest music event continues this weekend with a stellar lineup of concerts, workshops and free programming across the downtown core. From international headliners at the waterfront main stage to intimate club sets and educational jazz labs, the TD Halifax Jazz Festival offers something for everyone. Free daytime shows and creative labs round out a full festival experience.
Highlights:
• The Decemberists with Goldie Boutilier | July 18 | 8:15 p.m. | $70+ | Salter Street Main Stage, Downtown Halifax
• Bill Frisell Trio | July 18 | 8:15 p.m. | $47.50 | Light House Arts Centre, 1800 Argyle St.
• Carl Mayotte Quintet | July 18 | 8:30 p.m. | $35 | The Carleton, 1685 Argyle St.
• Big Boi with Kxng Wooz and JupiterReign | July 19 | 8:15 p.m. | $70+ | Salter Street Main Stage
• St. Vincent with Leanne Hoffman | July 20 | 8:15 p.m. | $70+ | Salter Street Main Stage
• Free shows daily | July 18–20 | 11:30 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. | Free | Salter Street Stage
• Jazz Labs & Workshops | Ongoing | Times vary | Free | Halifax Central Library & NSCC Waterfront Campus
Halifax bursts with colour and community as the Pride Festival hits full swing. The city’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies come together for joy, activism, art and dancing—from the highly anticipated Pride Parade to drag showcases and inclusive late-night parties. The Halifax Pride Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of identity and solidarity across generations.
Highlights:
• melaNATION: A QTBIPOC Showcase | July 17 | 9 p.m. | Free | Garrison Grounds
• The Bump featuring Detox | July 18 | 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Ticketed | Garrison Grounds
• Halifax Pride Parade | July 19 | 12 p.m. | Free | Downtown Halifax to Garrison Grounds
• Community Market | July 19 | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Free | Garrison Grounds
• Drag on the Mainstage | July 19 | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Free | Garrison Grounds
• The Grind featuring MINOE | July 19 | 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Ticketed | Garrison Grounds
This lively social dance brings together singles aged 35+ for a night of great music, friendly conversation, and plenty of opportunity to hit the dance floor. Hosted by DJ Brian Rosen, the event offers a mix of popular hits, classic tracks, and slow dances in a relaxed, welcoming setting. A cash bar and door prizes round out the evening. Whether you’re new to the city or just looking to meet people, this is a fun and easygoing night out.
The event takes place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 90 in Eastern Passage, with free parking available on-site.
July 20 | 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. | $10 cash at door | Legion Branch 90, 1341 Main Rd., Eastern Passage
Bedford Hammonds Plains Craft & Vendor Summer Market
Shop handmade goods, baked treats, jewelry, local art, and more at this community craft and vendor market. Over 40 local artisans and small businesses will fill the LeBrun Recreation Centre with one-of-a-kind items perfect for gift-giving or treating yourself. This indoor, family-friendly market is part of a summer-long series that supports local makers and creates a festive weekend atmosphere.
There’s ample free parking at the LeBrun Centre, and the market is wheelchair accessible.
July 20 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Free | LeBrun Recreation Centre, 36 Holland Ave., Bedford
Halifax Live Comedy Club Presents: An Evening with Scott Belford
Comedian Scott Belford brings his sharp, energetic stand-up style to Halifax for one night only. Known across Canada for his national tour “Comedy Empire,” Belford’s mix of personal storytelling and quick wit has made him a favourite on club and festival stages alike. This show is part of the Halifax Live Comedy Club’s headliner series and promises a full evening of laughs in a laid-back setting.
Located upstairs at Hopyard Halifax, the club is accessible via Gottingen Street with nearby parking and bus routes.
July 20 | 8 p.m. | $25 | Halifax Live Comedy Club, 2037 Gottingen St., Halifax
Neon Dreams with Maggie Andrew and Atay Jax – Live at The Shore Club
Catch Halifax’s own Neon Dreams live at one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic venues. Known for their electric energy and platinum-certified hits like “Life Without Fantasies,” the duo will be joined by rising stars Maggie Andrew and Atay Jax for an unforgettable night of high-energy pop, hip-hop, and alt-R&B. This show promises beach town vibes, big hooks, and a crowd ready to dance.
The Shore Club is located in Hubbards, about 40 minutes from downtown Halifax. Advance tickets are recommended as this will likely sell out.
July 18 | 9:30 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.) | $38 | Shore Club, 250 Shore Club Rd., Hubbards
Exhibition: Jack Bishop – The Wind Within the Trees
Painter Jack Bishop presents his newest body of work at Hermes Gallery, exploring movement, memory, and the natural world through sweeping brushwork and vivid landscapes. This solo exhibition captures fleeting light and atmospheric conditions in Atlantic Canadian forests, inviting viewers into meditative, richly textured environments. A must-see for lovers of local art and emerging Canadian painters.
Hermes Gallery is located on Barrington Street and is walkable from downtown. Admission is free and open to the public during gallery hours.
On until July 28 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Fri.–Sun.) | Free | Hermes Gallery, 5682 Barrington St., Halifax
Country Music Jamboree – Public Gardens Bandstand
This free evening concert brings live country music to one of Halifax’s most beloved public spaces. Set at the ornate cast-iron bandstand in the Halifax Public Gardens, the Jamboree invites you to tap your toes, clap along, and enjoy classic tunes by local country and bluegrass musicians. The event is part of a summer-long series and is designed to appeal to all ages. Come early to stroll the flower-lined paths or enjoy an ice cream before the music kicks off.
The Public Gardens are located at 5665 Spring Garden Rd. Limited metered parking is available, and the gardens are accessible via multiple Halifax Transit bus lines.
July 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Free | Public Gardens Bandstand, Spring Garden Road, Halifax
With sunshine stretching late into the evenings and Halifax buzzing with music, art, and celebration, this weekend is your chance to dive into everything that makes summer in the city unforgettable. Whether you’re dancing at Pride, swaying to jazz by the waterfront, exploring artist studios, or simply strolling the boardwalk, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories. Grab your sunscreen, gather your friends, and experience the vibrant heart of the Maritimes in full swing.
This article appears in Jul 1-31, 2025.