OUT OF TOWN
June 21-23
FULL CIRCLE FESTIVAL
The self-described "newfangled stringband hootenanny" returns to mark the summer solstice at sweet Avon River Heritage Museum. Imagine a more indie, wholesome spin on Woodstock and that's what you can anticipate at this family friendly fest that features the stylings of Raine Hamilton, Terra Spencer and Willie Stratton, amongst others. Avon River Heritage Society Museum, 17 Belmont Road, Newport Landing, fullcirclefestival.ca
OUT OF TOWN
June-September
INDIAN RIVER FESTIVAL
Nestled inside a historic church within sight of scenic Malpeque Bay, PEI, this fest sees headliners Jeremy Dutcher, Rose Cousins,
The Once and others let their voices ring from the acoustically advantageous stage.
Historic St. Mary's, 1374 Hamilton Road, Route 104, Indian River, PEI, indianrrivierfestival.com
OUT OF TOWN
June 21-23
PRIVATEER DAYS
Liverpool helps you do the time warp again as the town kicks it back to the year 1780 with a tradition-steeped festival that sees battle reenactments, historical encampments and more tumble through. Live music, an artisan fair and reptile zoo add to the good times. Liverpool, privateerdays.ca
OUT OF TOWN
June 26-30
PEI JAZZ & BLUES
FESTIVAL
Halifax's own R&B powerhouse Reeny Smith headlines the island's edition of Jazz & Blues Fest for the second year running. Go, Reeny! Confederation Landing, 2 Great George Street, Charlottetown, PEI, $79, jazzandblues.ca
Jun 27-Jul 1
BEDFORD DAYS 2019
The 42nd annual celebration of community in Bedford returns, with multicultural celebrations, a beer fest, movie nights in DeWolf Park and more. DeWolf Park, Bedford Waterfront
OUT OF TOWN
June 28-30
FOLLY FEST
This three-day fest in the petite village of Gagetown, New Brunswick is full of sleepy hippie vibes, with as much of an emphasis on green camping and visual arts as the music itself. Headliners The Fortunate Ones bring folky fun to the forefront, while fest attendees better not sleep on Alysha Brilla, who blends Indian and African rhythms, reflecting her Indo-Tanzanian heritage. Queens County Fair, 20 Court House, Gagetown, NB, $148, follyfest.ca
June 28-30
HALIFAX RIBFEST
Carnivores, get ready! The celebration of ribs returns to the waterfront this summer for your feasting pleasure, with barbecue legends from across the continent dishing up their best. Halifax waterfront, ribfesthalifax.ca
June 29-July 6
ROYAL NOVA SCOTIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO
With performances ranging from highland dancers to military brass bands to battle reenactments, the Tattoo is two-and-a-half jam-packed hours of multicultural entertainment. Scotiabank Centre,
5284 Duke Street, $32-$75, nstattoo.ca
OUT OF TOWN
July 7-August 11
GRANVILLE GREEN
While it's never a bad time to stop by Port Hawkesbury, this Sunday evening series of free, outdoor concerts held on the, yup, Granville Green is the excuse that'll seal the deal. With a lineup of local rock mainstays—Wintersleep! Joel Placket Emergency! Tim Baker!—and built-in sunsets, this is peak summertime radness. Sundays, granvillegreen.ca
OUT OF TOWN
July 3-15
PEGGY'S COVE AREA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
The annual hat-tip to the visual arts scene along this coastal Halifax community features a swish opening-night gala on July 3 at Shining Waters marina in Tantallon. July 5-7 sees artists open their studio doors for drop-in tours that'll leave you all breathless and inspired—and then, from July 13-15, you'll burn up that spark, taking part in the Paint Peggy's Cove event, which sees artists set up easels all over the beloved fishing village to capture outdoor scenes in real time. Peggys Cove,
peggyscoveareafestivalofthearts.com
OUT OF TOWN
July 5-7
2019 LOBSTER BASH
Digby's annual celebration of the local lobster-fishing industry sees live music from the likes of Al Dupuis and Fraser Newcombe and fishing-related fun like a three-kilometre mud run along the slick shoreline filling residents' calendars. Search Digby Lobster Bash on Facebook for up-to-the-minute info.
Digby waterfront
OUT OF TOWN
July 5-7
CAVENDISH BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Country greats like Carrie Underwood, Russel Dickerson and Eric Church make this trip to a PEI beach more studded with stars than seashells! The outdoor mega-concert is the Osheaga of the honky-tonk set, so prepare accordingly for the rager that awaits. 8779 Route 6, Cavendish, PEI,
$85-$599, cavendishbeachmusic.com
JULY
FIN OUTDOOR
Musical lovers, get ready: The always-epic outdoor screenings series that is FIN Outdoor has upped the ante AGAIN, announcing 2019's theme is the Summer of Singalongs. What this means for you, dear reader? You could be watching classics like Grease, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Mamma Mia! in the rose-tinged dusk of a summer Friday in the always-gorge Public Gardens. Halifax Public Gardens, Spring Garden and South Park, Fridays, free
July 5-8
MARITIME FIDDLE FESTIVAL
This year is a biggie for the Dartmouth-based celebration of jigs and reels: 2019 is the fest's 70th anniversary. To mark the noteworthy occasion, there'll be three days of fiddle competitions and entertainment showcases, complete with contra dancing. Get the full sched at maritimefiddlefestival.ca.
East Dartmouth Community Centre,
50 Caledonia Road
OUT OF TOWN
July 5-6
MARITIME METAL & HARD ROCK FESTIVAL
Windsor's celebration of all things heavy and loud and face-melting and raw turns seven this year, highlighting hardworking acts from the local metal and hard rock scenes. Hants Exhibition Arena,
221 Wentworth Road, Windsor,
$10-$25, maritimemetalfest.com
OUT OF TOWN
July 5-7
SAINT JOHN CONTEMPORARY DANCE FESTIVAL
The other harbour city celebrates contemporary stepping styles with showcases popping up all over uptown by both local and international choreographers. Dance lovers will wanna peep the extensive list of gigs at connectiondanceworks.com. Saint John, NB
OUT OF TOWN
July 12-14
ANTIGONISH HIGHLAND GAMES
The annual showcase of Scottish culture returns to Antigonish for three days of highland dance, tug-of-war, road races and more. Get in on the cardio or witness the feats of physical strength—and see the whole schedule of events at antigonishhighlandgames.ca. Antigonish
OUT OF TOWN
August 2-4
AREA 506 FESTIVAL
The Saint John, NB, waterfront fest has stealthy become one of the region's biggest rock 'n' roll offerings, with Interpol and Tokyo Police Club gracing the top of the bill.
Saint John, NB, $149, area506.ca
OUT OF TOWN
July 5-6
SMOKIN' BLUES FEST
The Hants County Exhibition Grounds in Windsor heat up this early July weekend with the return of the blues-rock-focused fest. Headlining this year's effort? Tragically Hip cover outfit The Fabulously Rich and Fleetwood Mac hat-tip ensemble Gypsy. Hants County Exhibition Grounds,
Windsor, $50, smokinbluesfest.ca
July 6
HALIFAX WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL
It's a perfectly picturesque scene that awaits at the Halifax Water Lantern Festival: A soft, strawberry-hued summer sunset that benefits from the added rosy glow of a host of personalized water lanterns floating out en masse over Sullivans Pond. "Watch your unique lantern drift into the water as it joins other lanterns that bring hope, love, happiness, healing, peace and connection. It's a night you'll never forget," event organizers promise. Ticket cost includes entry and a floating lantern for you to personalize. Get tickets at eventbrite.com. Sullivans Pond, 66 Crichton Avenue, 6-10:30pm, free-$87
July 6-7
EAST COAST KITE FESTIVAL
Peak wholesomeness awaits at this two-day, free fest that sees kite lovers float on with a mix of bring-you-own varieties and over 40 huge kites from the Atlantic Kite Festival Society. Food vendors, face painting and kite workshops round out the fun. No sails of your own? The society will let you rent a kite on-site so no one is left out. Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, 5425 Sackville Street, 10am-7pm
July 7-11
CHANGING TIDES: HALIFAX ORGAN FESTIVAL
A host of the country's top ivory-ticklers come to town to wow you with recitals, concerts and hymn sings at church around Halifax. Pro tip? Fans of the historically steeped instrument won't wanna sleep on the July 7 show, which sees Peter Togni debut new work. various locations, $15-25,
changingtides2019.com
July 9-14
HALIFAX JAZZ FESTIVAL
These days a jazz festival is less about brass horn solos and more about music that captures the freewheeling spirit jazz embodies. Once again, Halifax Jazz Fest hits this specific nail on the head, bringing legendary golden-age Chicago MC Common, Canadian treasure Kathleen Edwards, lauded drummer Shelia E., Elise Le Grow and the percolated rhymes of Toronto rapper Shad to the waterfront. Various locations, $20-$189,
halifaxjazzfestival.ca
July 11-14
LEBANESE FESTIVAL 2019
Leb Fest returns for year 18, offering unmissable, authentic eats, traditional dance performances and live Lebanese music. An on-site artisan gift shop and cafe the fest says is known for its baklava rounds out the good times. Olympic Community Hall, 2304 Hunter Street, 11am-11pm, free
OUT OF TOWN
July 12-14
EAST HANTS TIDE FEST
The Tide Fest swirls around things as strong as the ocean's pull: a strongman and strongwoman competition are each marquee events, while a Guinness-Record-holding washer toss tourney makes sure things stay competitive. There's also live music, ball hockey, a free community fair and more. East Hants Sportsplex, 1076 Hwy 2, Lantz, tidefest.ca
OUT OF TOWN
July 18-21
ACOUSTIC MARITIME MUSIC FESTIVAL
Kempt Shore Ocean View Campground keeps offering up its IRL version of an MTV Unplugged album, inviting various acts to do the reverse of when Dylan went electric. Here, chill tunes and times abound, with folky duo Tomato/Tomato, legendary guitarist JP Cormier and New Brunswick's purveyors of honky-tonk, The Hypochondriacs, among the appearing acts. Most folks make a night of it. You can learn more by emailing [email protected]. 5701 Hwy 215, Kempt Shore, Hants County, $40-$95
JulY 18-28
HALIFAX PRIDE FESTIVAL
It's the most colourful 10 days of the year! While a full schedule of fun, activism and celebration is still TBA, we've got one date for you to circle on your calendar: The pride parade is Saturday, July 20 and Best of Halifax Readers' Choice Award-winning drag queen Elle Noir is the 2019 parade ambassador. various locations, halifaxpride.com
OUT OF TOWN
July 19-21
EVOLVE
The biggest music lovers and party animals in your dorm already have their weekend passes to see the likes of Rich Aucoin, Thumpasaurus, DJ NDN and more shred, drop the bass and fuck the tempo. The good news? It's not too late to join them at greater Moncton's biggest summer slam slash semi-rural camp-out. 274 Girvan Road, Clairville, NB, $190, evolvefestival.com
July 19-21
NOVA MULTIFEST
A free, three-day fest held outside Alderney Landing, MultiFest is a cross-cultural sampler pack, with dance, performance and song from across the globe. From the Pilipinas got Talent-famous pop group Daughters 5 to a dance showcase by Shan-e-Punjab to jazz-steeped songs by local singer Karen Myatt, there's a world awaiting you.
Alderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney Street, free
July 19-21
TRUNK 7 MUSIC FESTIVAL
Musquodoboit Harbour's celebration of the season—and sweet summer tuneage—returns with a lineup so fire it's hard to believe the fest is only four years old. Held in the community's Peace Park, Trunk 7 2019 sees T. Thomason lay down synth-laced, textured rock, Keonté Beals deliver early 2000s-infused R&B that'll make you move and Makayla Lynn bring big Nashville/early-Taylor Swift vibes to the stage—and that's just the top of the bill. Musquodoboit Harbour Peace Park,
Park Road, trunk7musicfestival.com
Jul 20-Aug 11
HALIFAX SUMMER OPERA FESTIVAL
The annual celebration of duets and arias returns to stages around town to share Mozart-laced works, LGBTQ stories and more. various locations, tickethalifax.com
OUT OF TOWN
July 20
HANTSPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL
In an attempt to stop the slow atrophy that occurred after several area businesses closed, this community-minded fest—which donates a huge chunk of its profits to local orgs—decided to grab a collection of musical acts to have a time at Foundry Field in Hansport. Signal Hill headlines the party, with Pretty Archie and The Thomas Stajcer Band warming the stage. Hantsport, hhmf.ca
OUT OF TOWN
July 25-28
NOVA SCOTIA BLUEGRASS & OLD-TIME MUSIC FESTIVAL
The family friendly fest is the ultimate #FlashbackFriday, serving borderline-antique tunes from old-time and bluegrass traditions. This year's showcase sees Carolina Blue and Bluegrass Diamonds headlining the fest of bountiful banjos. Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Grounds, Bible Hill, $20-$85, downeastgrass.com
OUT OF TOWN
July 25-28
STAN ROGERS FOLK FESTIVAL
The town of Canso gets like the Grinch's heart at the end of the movie each summer: It lights up and grows three sizes. Here, though, instead of a redistributed amount of toys, the gift is sweet music and time in the great outdoors. Headliners this year include Suzanne Vega, Jeremy Dutcher and Donovan Woods. Canso, $58-$167, stanfest.com
OUT OF TOWN
July 26-29
FUTURE FOREST FESTIVAL
If ever you needed proof against the (totally flat) argument that electronic music lacks depth, tell the haters that your multi-layered self basks in the bass of EDM while twirling through a 200-acre wilderness preserve near Fredericton at the deliciously high-contrast celebration that is Future Forest. Wear neon, shake it under a strobe light and then retreat to your quiet tent on the edge of a field knowing you know better than them, anyway. Fredericton, NB, $165, futureforest.ca
OUT OF TOWN
July 26-27
HARMONY BAZAAR
Lilith Fair dreams live on in Lockeport, with an all-female lineup for the all-genre Harmony Bazaar. This year, Mo Kenney's crunchy rock shares headliner status with the honeyed back-and-forths of duo Madison Violet. If that isn't enough, the ocean-hemmed location at Seascape Memorial Park is the sugar dusting on top. Lockeport, $35, harmonybazaar.com
July 31-August 5
HALIFAX BUSKER
FESTIVAL
Strongwomen, fire eaters, Elvis impersonators and more wild, wonderful delights light up the waterfront with five stages' worth of wacky offerings. As the entertainers bring their A-game, bring change and small bills to throw in their hats while wandering through the massive, tourist-dense crowds. Halifax waterfront, buskers.ca
OUT OF TOWN
August 1-4
THE ISLAND FRINGE FESTIVAL
A mixture of music, comedy, dance, theatre and more awaits at the indie performing arts fest. various locations, Charlottetown, PEI, islandfringe.com
August 2-5
NATAL DAY FESTIVAL
Celebrating 124 years of the settler state of Halifax, this long-weekend jamboree promises over 30 events, most of which are free and family friendly. The biggest ticket on deck? The parade, which will be held in Dartmouth and kicks off at 10:30am on August 5. various locations, natalday.org
OUT OF TOWN
August 2-4
THE RIVERFRONT JUBILEE
The New Glasgow summer send-up returns, with a reliable mix of local favourites (Wintersleep and Ria Mae) and legacy acts ("Patio Lanterns" crooner Kim Mitchell) to give you the ultimate IRL sunny day playlist. Held at the open-air, riverfront-facing amphitheatre Glasgow Square Theatre, the scene will be as sweet as the sounds. 155 Glasgow Street, New Glasgow, $40-$95, ticketpro.ca
OUT OF TOWN
August 2-4
SAPPYFEST
For year 14, Julie Doiron's brainchild of an indie oddball fest brings its signature mix of high art and deep camp, with the uniting feature across the genre-skipping lineup being sheer quality and originality. Held in Sackville, NB, and linked to Doiron's Sappy Records, the fest sets up shop on the town's main street, with bizarro-rocker Fet.Nat and hip hop heavyweights Snotty Nose Rez Kids and Haviah Mighty marking the first wave of announced artists. Sackville, NB, $110, sappyfest.com
August 4-11
EASTERN PASSAGE COW BAY SUMMER CARNIVAL
This sweet celebration of summer features all kinds of down-home fun, from the car show and flea market on August 11 to fireworks on MacCormack's Beach on August 7. The carnival that runs the duration of the fest will hold you over till Bill Lynch comes to town, too. Eastern Passage,
epcbsummercarnival.ca
OUT OF TOWN
August 4
NOVA SCOTIA FOLK ART FESTIVAL
Lunenburg's 31st annual celebration of folk art sees over 50 Maud Lewis types share their work, with over 1,500 pieces for sale. An impossible mission? To scout the scene without buying anything. Lunenburg War Memorial Arena,
19 Green Street, Lunenburg
OUT OF TOWN
August 8-11
LUNENBURG FOLK
HARBOUR FESTIVAL
The sweet, sea-swept town of Lunenburg dials up the charm with this fest that sees varied acts like Matt Andersen, The Jerry Cans and Joel Plaskett play outdoor, all-ages sets. Bluegrass and afternoon dances round out the folky fun.
Lunenburg, $87-$175,
folkharbour.com
August 9-11
INDIA FEST 2019
The three-day celebration of Indian culture, food, dance and music returns to the forum for a roaring good time. While details are sparse as of yet, the much-loved henna booths have confirmed they'll be returning, so what else do you need to know?
Halifax Forum, 2901 Windsor Street, 11am-9pm
August 9-10
HALIFAX SEAPORT CIDER & BEERFEST
The toast to craft suds of all sorts returns for a beer on the pier this summer! With a newly expanded offering of ciders, too, there's something for everyone at the 13th annual fest—including gluten-free brewskis—and you can sample them all at this swell swilling sesh. Cunard Event Centre, Pier 23, 961 Marginal Road, $50-$75, seaportbeerfest.com
OUT OF TOWN
August 10
ATLANTIC CANADA
HARMONICA FESTIVAL
The 16th annual celebration of all things harmonica promises to blow fans away with everything from beginner workshops to master classes with some of the region's top harmonica players. Things really get swingin', though, when everyone joins in on the Afternoon Jamboree, which is followed by a dinner and showcase concert spanning sounds from Isle of Skye to the Mississippi Delta.
Memory Lane Heritage Village, 5435 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte, 11am-10pm, $55, harmonicafestival.ca
OUT OF TOWN
August 11
CANAAN MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Kentville's country-focused fest returns for some toe-tappin' and do-si-do-in' with Blue Rodeo, Tim Hicks and River Town Saints all nestled at the top of the bill. Kentville, $90, canaanmountainmusicfest.com
OUT OF TOWN
August 11
CLAM HARBOUR BEACH
SANDCASTLE COMPETITION
If this sounds like a lighthearted child's gathering, it's clear you've never swung by the competition—entering its 41st year—when the sand artists are at work. Armed with petite, perfectionist tools like toothbrushes to get every grain of sand into submission, many of the fest's diehard fans create sculptures that'll surrender to the tide by day's end. Bear witness to the art—or maybe pick up a pail and join the fun! Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park, Route #7, Lake Charlotte, 9am
OUT OF TOWN
August 13-17
FESTIVAL OF DANCE
ANNAPOLIS ROYAL
The fifth annual celebration of dance in the valley sees decorated choreographer Randy Glynn at the helm, showcasing a selection of diverse, contemporary works from across the country mixed with remounts of classic dance pieces. King's Theatre,
209 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal, fodor.ca
OUT OF TOWN
August 14-17
CHESTER RACE WEEK
North America's largest annual keel boat race week, this event sees the sweet seaside village of Chester offering port to sailboats from as far away as Bermuda. The first in a series of different size-and-distance-related races is held on Aug 14. And if you think it all wraps up as the sun sets, you're wrong: Race Week's Chester After Dark component sees the docks lit up with live music from the likes of party-starters Asia & NuGruv and Dub Kartel. Chester, chesterraceweek.com
August 14-17
THE HALIFAX COUNTY
EXHIBITION
It's not summer without the exhibition, as any east coast kid can attest. This year, the Halifax County Ex celebrates 130-plus years with activities that include a parade, a pageant and the agricultural demonstrations that these old-school fairs are famous for (think cleaning wool, butter churning and archery).
190 Exhibition Grounds Road, Middle Musquodoboit, halifaxcountyex.com
OUT OF TOWN
August 16-17
COUNTRY ROCKS THE HUB
Truro's annual celebration of the season goes into honkey-tonk mode this year, offering a full lineup of country artists in addition to its usual rock 'n' roll focused weekend. Dust off your cowboy hat and catch headliners Tim Hicks and Brett Kissel do-si-do, and don't miss Hicks' opener Makayla Lynn, a Nova Scotian signer who gives off Speak Now-era Taylor Swift vibes. Civic Square, 740 Prince Street, Truro, $69-$129, countryrocksthehub.ca
OUT OF TOWN
August 17-18
THE WHITE RABBIT ARTS FESTIVAL
Upper Economy's two-day surrendering to beauty and nature returns, with artists-in-residence presenting their works in the surrounding woodlands for your eyes and ears and heart to drink in. It works like this: Show up at Red Clay Farm, wander the grounds and discover everything from sculpture to fire spectacles to performance, music and more. Many camp overnight, as the party goes late, and you can get more info by searching White Rabbit Arts on Facebook. 4715 Trunk 2, Upper Economy, NS, $35-$50
August 17-18
DARTMOUTH COMIC ARTS FESTIVAL
Grab a hot cup of DCAF as the two-day celebration of comics, cartoonists and crafts returns. Saturday is all about panels and programming (all of which is TBA at press time) while Sunday is more exhibit- and vendor-based—so bring yer wallet. Alderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney Street
OUT OF TOWN
August 23-24
NOVA SCOTIA SUMMER FEST
Antigonish County's late-summer sendup has a title so all-encompassing it feels like an attempt to capture the spirit of the season itself. With a blend of camping, hiking, seafood, beer gardens and live music (more on that in a sec) it's essentially distilling all the elements of a quintessential Nova Scotian summer into a tidy two-day sesh. Attendees can expect sets by the likes of Great Big Sea alum Alan Doyle, Classified—the east coast's answer to Eminem—and the legendary, trad-steeped Heather Rankin, among others. Antigionish, novascotiasummerfest.ca
OUT OF TOWN
August 23-24
RIVERFEST
This fest—held at Fox Mountain Camping Park—bills itself as "the brainchild of Country 100.7 announcer Jonathan Crouse, who wanted to bring a festival to the south shore of Nova Scotia." Well, Crouse did it, and now you can shake a leg at the fest that boasts a surprisingly heavy sensibility, thanks to acts like Shadow of Everest, Dali Van Gough, Dogs of Sun and Dazor. Not the head-banging type? Reggae-infused Smoke n' Rhythm and pop-punk effort The Flakes help round out the remaining undercard. Fox Mountain Camping Park, 6128 Aylesford Road, Aylesford, $40/$70, rockthebush.com
OUT OF TOWN
August 23-25
ROCK THE HUB
Truro's annual rock and roll weekend returns with a collection of the usual suspects: Monster Truck, The Sheepdogs, Matt Mays and The Trews all share headlining status on one of the province's biggest tickets. After a roasting from The Coast last year about absolutely failing on the front of lineup diversity, this year's roster does include the all-girl Toronto offspring of Garbage and Hole that is The Beaches, the only non-male headliner announced so far. On the one hand, it might be your only local chance to catch the four-piece this summer as it supports its aaaahmazing new EP, The Professional. On the other hand, at this rate the fest won't reach gender parity before the year of our lord 2024.
Civic Square, 740 Prince Street, Truro, $59-$139,
rockthehub.ca
August 25-
September 1
HALIFAX URBAN FOLK FESTIVAL
Putting forth the convincing case that summer's swan song would be a folk tune, this annual celebration of roots and trad and folk music returns. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the fest is offering 90s idol Matthew Sweet, Catherine MacLellan, Alejandro Escovedo and members of Hillsburn and Hello Delaware performing a tribute to Phoebe Bridgers. halifaxurbanfolkfestival.com
August 30-September 1
MOSAIC FESTIVAL
The festival celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity has grown by leaps and bounds for year two, branching out into a three-day affair that opens with a film fest, continues with a parade and wraps with an all-day concert. Peep the screenings—all Atlantic Canadian filmmakers—at Pier 21, while the rest of the fun can be caught at the water. Halifax waterfront,
mosaicfestival.ca