10. Film Screening › Shrek. Saturday, July 2. Who's better, Shrek or Donkey? Decide for yourself at this dusk screening of the film! Part of the Animated City Outdoor Film Fest, you'll have the chance to catch this beloved animated flick at Pondside Amphitheatre, Hector Gate, Dartmouth.
9. Food & Drink › Ribfest Halifax. June 30- July 3. Bring your appetite to this giant outdoor barbecue on the Halifax waterfront. Offering ribs, local beer and live music it's bound to be a party. There will even be award-winning "ribbers" (AKA rib chefs) from all over North America. Hungry yet?
8. Special Events › Canada Day Fireworks. Friday, July 1, 10pm. Is it really Canada day if you don't go to a fireworks show? We don't think so! If being part of a teeming, excited mass is your thing, head to Alderney Landing for 10pm's light show. Introverts can skip the crowd and go to Bedford's fireworks at DeWolfe Park at 10pm instead.
7. Visual Arts › Canadian Colour by Danny Abriel. To July 1. Candy-coloured spins on familiar Canadian landscapes (from British Colombian forests to Peggy's Cove) await at this patriotic art showing at Argyle Fine Art. Emerging artist Danny Abriel's acrylic works are on display for a short time only and are the perfect choice for those wanting to add some culture to their July 1 experience.
6. Live Music › The Carleton Canada Day Deck Party. Friday, July 1, 2-5pm. Former Much Music VJ and musicologist Kim Clark Champniss has been spinning hits since the 1980s. For Canada Day, he’s back at the turntables—this time for a free show on the Carleton’s patio, with a blend of ‘80s alternative, Motown and Ska for you to groove to. Get the party started early and see an iconic Canadian DJ work (er, spin!) his magic for a different way to get your dance on this long weekend.
5. Live Music › East Coast Country Night: Samantha Power. Friday, July 1, 9pm. The smoky, blues-infused country sound of east coast crooner Samantha Power will be radiating from the Halifax waterfront this Canada Day, making a perfect way for music lovers to cap off some time exploring the area.
4. Visual Arts › The Carriage Room Photography Studio Thursday, June 30. Visit Dartmouth Heritage House's recreation of a 19th century Photographic Studio to learn how the art of photography has developed through the years. Peer into the past through the lenses of select antique cameras, and witness the process of creating wet-plate photographs.
3. Live Music › HFX Civic Events’ Canada Day Concert. Friday, July 1, 5pm. This free, outdoor show at Alderney Landing might just be the most talked-about event of the long weekend—and if you see the line-up, it’s little wonder why: Pop-rockers Dear Rouge and Born Ruffians share the stage with Montreal’s DJ Kid Koala before local R’n’B crooner (and Jazz Fest performer!) Reeny Smith shows off her pipes. The buzziest bit of all though? Vancouver indie darlings (and this week’s Coast cover stars) Yukon Blonde are headlining.
2. On Stage › BIPOCalypse Performance Festival. Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2, 8pm. A mini theatre fest with works created and performed by queer, transgendered or two-spirited people who are black, Indigenous or people of colour, BIPOCalypse is an explosion of onstage diversity. With acts ranging from spoken word to theatre, the evening promises variety for it’s audience at The Bus Stop Theatre. The July 1 show is a safe space event exclusively for those who are Black, Indigenous or people of colour, while the second evening is open to all.
1. Live Music › Views from the 9 with Boi-1da Canada Day Bash. Friday, July 1, 10pm. Possibly Toronto’s most of-the-moment producer, Boi-1da is bringing his sound out east and bringing the party vibes for Canada’s birthday party! Watch him share the Marquee Ballroom stage with up-and-coming Halifax rapper Ben Francis.
