From savouring summer in an ice cream scoop to outdoor comedy festivals, pop-up stores, and waterfront performances, something is happening on every corner. Whether you’re a style enthusiast excited for The Mills Halifax Fashion Week, a live music lover, or just looking for a reason to get out and explore, the city is buzzing with can’t-miss moments.
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
A fourâevening comedy marathon featuring Canadian and international comics, surprise headliners, improv troupes, and DJs. Hosted at Garrison Grounds, the fest combines laughter with open-air vibes and music between sets. Grab eats from Halifax’s top food trucks and soak in waterfront views with your crew. This is one of the largest outdoor comedy events in Atlantic Canada.
Aug.â¯8–10 | Evening shows | Tickets vary | Garrison Grounds, Halifax
Step into a day of bold ideas and big inspiration at Halifax’s first-ever TEDxArgyleâ¯St. From changemakers to creative minds, 20 speakers will take the stage to share powerful talks that spark curiosity, challenge perspectives, and celebrate the resilient spirit of the East Coast. Whether you’re a deep thinker, dreamer, or doer — this is your chance to connect with a community that believes in “ideas worth spreading.” Come curious, leave inspired.
Aug.â¯9 | 11â¯a.m.–5â¯p.m. | Dnation for tickets | Light House Arts Centre, Halifax
ICECREAM SUNDAYS – Halifax Day Party
Scoop into Halifax’s sweetest day party — Icecream Sundays, where sunshine, chill beats, and pastel-ready vibes collide at Maxwell’s Plum downtown! From 4⯠p.m. to 9⯠p.m., this is your go-to for socializing with a side of sprinkles. Picture pastel hues, cool grooves, and frosty treats — this is as much about the flavours as it is about the fashion-forward, fun-loving crowd. Grab your friends, rock those summer shades, and treat yourself to something sweet.
Aug.â¯10 | 4â¯p.m. – 9â¯p.m. | Tickets vary | Maxwell’s Plum, Halifax
Sounds of Solidarity: Prisoners’ Justice Day
A night of music, remembrance, and resistance. Sounds of Solidarity: Prisoners’ Justice Day Edition is more than just a concert — it’s a powerful community gathering honouring lives lost to incarceration and state violence. Held on Prisoners’ Justice Day, this event features a lineup of local artists, speakers, and DJs who use their platforms to spark dialogue, inspire change, and uplift voices too often silenced. Expect soul-shaking sounds, radical storytelling, and space for healing. Come together to reflect, connect, and move as one in solidarity with those behind and beyond the walls.
Aug.â¯10 | 7–10â¯p.m. | Free | The Bus Stop Theatre, Halifax
A classic county fair with a modern twist: livestock competitions, magic shows, agricultural displays, midway rides, local food vendors and live music. This annual tradition from the Musquodoboit Valley draws multi-generational families and fair lovers alike. Check out the barnyard races, artisan booths, and 4âH youth talent competitions. With pie contests and evening concerts, it’s fullâon summer nostalgia.
Aug.â¯13–16 | All day | Admission varies by day | Halifax County Exhibition Grounds
Get ready to dance under the stars at Halifax’s ultimate Bollywood rooftop party. DJ EXO from Toronto hits the decks with a fire mix of Bollywood, bhangra, and club anthems that’ll keep the energy sky-high all night. This late-night vibe is all about bold beats, bright lights, and big moves — the perfect summer celebration for Desi music lovers and partygoers alike. Bring your crew, dress to impress, and let the rhythm take over.
Aug.â¯10 | 10â¯p.m. – late | Tickets start at $15 | 2037 Gottingen St., Halifax
The Mills Halifax Fashion Week
Running from Aug. 10-17, there are a ton of fashion week events to check out from runway nights to industry networking, a market pop-up and more. Find all the details below.
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Mental Health & Cultural Sensitivity Day | Aug. 10 | 3-6 p.m. | Crystal Crescent Beach
This free kick-off event will bring the community together for beach walks, story circles and shared meals. -
Industry Networking Night | Aug. 11 | 7-10 p.m. | The Mercantile Social, 1579 Hollis St. | $17.30
Designers, stylists, photographers, editors and production teams will come together over cocktails to chat about behind-the-scenes insights. -
Runway Night 1 – ReadyâtoâWear | Aug. 13 | 8 p.m. | Richmond Yards (Almon St.)
The first runway event highlights contemporary collections and wearable fashion with pop-up shops open post-show. -
Runway Night 2 – Upcycled & Thrifted AvantâGarde (“REIMAGINED”) | Aug. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | The Local on Gottingen St.
This free event transforms second-hand pieces into radical new forms. Designers will deconstruct, rebuild and reimagine each piece. -
INâAâBOX Solo Showcase (midday) | Aug. 14 | 12–1 p.m. | The Doyle Shops, 5431 Spring Garden Rd.
This ticketed event will be an intimate capsule collection presentation. It will include tea service, designer commentary, and a one-on-one shopping experience following the show.
Runway Night 3 – Bridal & Menswear Formal Showcase | Aug. 15 | Time (8 p.m.) | The Mills Residence Courtyard, Spring Garden Rd.
From bespoke suits to hand-stitched wedding gowns, this show is for those who love formal luxury. Designers will also unveil bridal capsule lines.
Runway Night 4 – Couture Closing Night | Aug. 16 | 8–10 p.m. | Light House Arts Centre, 1800 Argyle St.
The grand finale pulls out all the stops, showcasing couture creations from across Canada and beyond. Expect performances, flash photography, and unforgettable final walks.
Soli Market – OffâtheâRunway PopâUp | Aug. 17 | 2–5 p.m. | The Mills Grounds
Finish the week by supporting the local slow fashion economy. Shop from the designers featured throughout the week, meet the creators, and enjoy street-style snacks. Expect handmade jewelry, upcycled garments, and pop-up panels.
Whether you’re chasing runway magic, catching international comics, or exploring waterfront buskers, this week in Halifax proves the city is more than just a scenic port — it’s a cultural engine on the rise. With fashion week putting sustainable style on centre stage and events buzzing across every neighbourhood, there’s no better time to be out and about.
This article appears in Aug 1-31, 2025.