Temperatures are rising, the sun is shining and the shows coming to Halifax in May are hot!
As always, The Coast has you covered with everything that’s happening in the city this month.
Casey & Diana
In 1991, at the height of the AIDS crisis, the residents of Casey House—Toronto’s first free-standing AIDS Hospice—receive word that the Princess of Wales is coming to visit. This potent and moving drama by Nick Green, vividly captures a moment in time when a rebel princess, alongside fearless caregivers and advocates, reshaped the course of a pandemic—and how those stricken by the virus found hard-won dignity, community and love in the face of astonishing hardship.
April 22-May 16, Neptune Theatre’s Scotiabank Stage, tickets $33 and up
The Ennis Sisters
The JUNO award-winning trio hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador have been captivating audiences worldwide for over 25 years with their seamless harmonies and compelling songwriting. Flavoured by Celtic and traditional Newfoundland influences, their music offers a broad mix of original songs as well as uniquely interpreted tunes and ballads.
May 2, Light House Arts Centre, tickets $44.80 and up
2025 Ha!ifax Comedy Fest featuring Shaun Majumder, K. Trevor Wilson, Nikki Payne and more
Ha!ifax Comedy Fest is one of only three major comedy festivals broadcast nationally during prime-time hours on CBC Television, as well as streamed on CBC Gem, as part of a six-episode series. The festival has had a positive impact on stand-up comedy in Canada, as well as on the careers of many stand-up comedians from Newfoundland to British Columbia. As one of the most successful and longest-running comedy festivals in Canada, Ha!ifax Comedy Fest is a must-attend event each spring in Halifax.
May 7-10, ticket prices and venues vary by show
Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Bachman-Turner Overdrive, the legendary rock ‘n’ roll band behind worldwide hits such as “Takin’ Care Of Business” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” announced an extensive tour across Canada in April and May of next year titled, Back In Overdrive Tour 2025. Multi-platinum April Wine and Headpins, two fellow Canadian rock bands, will open in support.
May 8, Scotiabank Centre, tickets $49 and up
Wintersleep
Straight out of Halifax, Wintersleep is rooted in indie rock and has ambient and occasional shoegaze elements. Performances have been described as “entirely honest” and “deeply moving” with “captivating ambiance.” While playing live, the band attempts to make the listener as much a part of the music as the band themselves by encouraging everyone to sing along.
May 9-10, Marquee Ballroom, tickets $42 for Friday and Saturday
Avril Lavigne
Eight-time GRAMMY®-nominated diamond-certified icon Avril Lavigne announced the 2025 extension of her highly successful, sold-out Greatest Hits Tour. The Greatest Hits tour will again see Avril perform her biggest songs to-date, “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” “Girlfriend,” “Here’s To Never Growing Up,” and many more from her record-breaking catalogue.
May 20, Scotiabank Centre, tickets $112.50 and up
Jann Arden – The Mixtape Tour
Jann Arden is a multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and author. She has released 15 albums and 19 top-10 singles. Jann kicks off The MIXTAPE Tour across Canada starting in Halifax. Don’t miss Jann performing music from her brand new album plus all her favourite ‘90s hits.
May 30, Scotiabank Centre, tickets $75.50
This article appears in May 1-31, 2025.