111 Things to Do Downtown this Summer

1. Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax (SailGP) returns to Halifax this June (June 19-20). Don't miss Team NorthStar (Canada) race against 12 other nations in this high-speed, high-adrenaline event. Learn more about SailGP in Halifax here. AND don't miss the Argyle Street Shore Party, running along Argyle Street from June 19-21!

Tickets are still available for SailGP! Get yours here. 

2. Cheer on Team Canada🍁 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11-July 19) at pubs & restaurants all around Downtown Halifax! PLUS, take in the excitement in an outdoor atmosphere at the Michelob ULTRA Canada Soccer House (1580 Grafton Street) from June 17-29. 

3. The TD Halifax Jazz Festival returns to the Salter Lot on the Halifax Waterfront this summer from July 7-12. The Festival is celebrating 40 years this summer, with an exciting line-up of shows that includes a a number of free concerts and jazz labs. 

4. The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is back at the Scotiabank Centre from July 1 – 5. 

• PRO TIP: Kids 18 and under GET IN FREE with the purchase of an adult/senior ticket. Get yours now!

5. Halifax’s premier electronic festival, Vibrancy Festival 2026 is taking place from August 14-15 at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

6. Take in the Halifax Pride Parade on Saturday, July 18 on Barrington Street, followed by a week packed with various celebrations all around the city during Halifax Pride, running from July 16-26.

7. Celebrate 40 years of the Halifax Busker Festival, taking place from July 29 – August 3 on the Halifax Waterfront. This FREE family-friendly event is a summertime tradition for most locals.

8. Don’t miss some exciting live shows at the Scotiabank Centre and the Light House Arts Centre this summer. From big name musical artists like Deep Purple with special guest Kansas at Scotiabank Centre, to Canadian favourites like Kathleen Edwards at the Light House Arts Centre, there’s something for every musical taste. 

9. If you’ve never been to Afrifest, this is the year to go! Taking place at Sackville Landing on the Halifax Waterfront from July 16-19, this showcase of African talent is not one to miss. 

10. “Get fizzy with it” and enjoy the Halifax Seaport Cider & Beerfest, August 13-15 at the Halifax Seaport. 

11. Learn to dance at Haliente’s Halifax Salsa and Bachata Festival. The 8th annual Festival will take place from August 13-16. 

12. The 2026 Halifax Fashion Week will run from August 9-15. This multi-day event celebrates local established and emerging designers, fashion talent, and community engagement. Keep up to date here. 

13. Don’t miss the second annual Maritime Heritage Festival, taking place on the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic’s property and wharves on September 12-13. And while you’re there, make sure to check out the new Boat School, a beautiful new state-of-the-art building that will give young Nova Scotians, especially those from underserved communities, access to hands-on boatbuilding and on-the-water learning opportunities. 

14. The Taste Asia Food & Culture Festival takes place on the Halifax Waterfront by Salter Park Lot (1521 Lower Water Street) on September 10-13. Celebrate the diverse cuisine and culture of Asia with performances, demonstrations, crafts, and more. Stay up to date by following @tasteasiafest.

15. Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and learn about the beloved Nova Scotian folk artist, Maud Lewis. 

• PRO TIP: Enjoy FREE admission every Thursday as part of BMO Free Access Thursdays from 5 - 9 pm. 

Under 25 and living in Nova Scotia? Get unlimited access to the AGNS with a Free Access Pass. 

16. Discover 400 years of immigration history in Canada at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

• PRO TIP: Enjoy FREE or discounted admission thanks to the Canada Strong Pass from June 19 to September 7. 

17. Discover the historic tunnels and admire the scenic views of Georges Island. Ride the ferry from Cable Wharf with Ambassatours (1751 Lower Water Street), Saturday and Sundays only until June 28 and from September 12 to October 11; and on Mondays and Thursdays to Sundays between July 2 and September 7. 

PLUS, you can enjoy free admission to Georges Island from June 19 to September 17 as part of the Canada Strong Pass (fees for ferry still apply). Book your tour here.

• PRO TIP: Kids 5 & under are FREE

Enjoy excitement of the Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax (SailGP) from Georges Island! Buy your tickets here. 

18. Step back into time with a visit to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site (5425 Sackville Street) and immerse yourself in the rich social and military history of Halifax. 

• PRO TIP: Enjoy FREE or discounted admission thanks to the Canada Strong Pass from June 19 to September 7.

19. Discover the rich history of Province House (1726 Hollis Street), the oldest legislative building in Canada still in operation. Visitors are welcome to explore the building on a self-guided tour during regular operating hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

20. Learn more about Halifax’s rich maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (1675 Lower Water Street). And while you're there, check out the new Boat School.

• PRO TIP: Enjoy FREE admission Tuesdays from 4 - 8 pm (admission for children 5 and under is always free). 

21. Experience all the fun exhibits and hands-on science experiences at The Discovery Centre (1215 Lower Water Street). And don't miss their new exhibit "Mission: Astronaut". 

• PRO TIP: Skip the line and book your tickets online. 

22. Step into brewing history with a tour of the historic Alexander Keith’s Brewery (1496 Lower Water Street). Learn about the history of Mr. Keith’s legacy and see the brewing process in one of North America’s oldest working breweries. 

• PRO TIP: Tours are FREE for children 10 and under. 

23. Visit The Old Burying Ground (1541 Barrington Street) and find out more about the fascinating history of Halifax or just enjoy the quiet solitude of this National Historic Site of Canada. 

24. Explore the Halifax Waterfront’s Harbourwalk, the 4.4 km boardwalk that stretches from the Halifax Seaport to Casino Nova Scotia. This accessible walking path is the most visited attraction in the region and one not to miss, especially during the summer months when the patios and the Salt Yard are in full swing.

• PRO TIP: Bring your pup along for a walk on the Halifax Waterfront (on leash)! Poop bag dispensers are available throughout the boardwalk, so cleaning up after your furry companion is quick and easy.

25. Tour Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and a National Historic Site. Built between 1799 and 1805, it is the oldest continuously occupied government residence in North America. Free guided tours are offered every July and August, Friday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. Tours depart every 30 minutes and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

26. Explore Argyle Street, the heart of Halifax’s Entertainment District. Argyle Street becomes pedestrian-only in the warmer months (no vehicles allowed), and with all the restaurants, pubs, and clubs that line the street, it is the place to enjoy a night out with family and friends. 

27. Visit St. Paul's Church (1749 Argyle Street), the oldest surviving building in Halifax. Dating back to 1750, this historic church is known not only for its beautiful Georgian architecture but also for the mysterious silhouette said to have been left in a window after the Halifax Explosion in 1917.

• PRO TIP: Take a FREE self-guided tour Monday – Friday between 10 am and 3 pm (closed on Wednesdays between 12 noon and 1 pm for the Rector’s Outreach Lunch program). 

28. Visit the Salt Yard on the Halifax Waterfront. This open-air market features a variety of small, local businesses offering food, souvenirs, and unique experiences. 

• PRO TIP: Looking for a lobster roll? Try Dave’s Lobster. They serve a local cold roll and a fancy warm roll, but we recommend getting a “Half & Half” so you can try both.  

29. Try a Donair, Halifax’s official food, at Mezza Lebanese Kitchen.

30. Dine in style at Mystic, one of the top ranked restaurants in the country. This award-winning restaurant was recently named North America's Best New Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards. 

• PRO TIP: Book your reservations online here.

31. Enjoy live music while you eat at The Carleton (1685 Argyle Street), Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs (1579 Grafton Street), The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse (5136 Prince Street), Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub (1645 Argyle Street), and more.

32. Grill your own Korean BBQ at Gangnam KBBQ (1261 Barrington Street).

33. Grab a seat at The BG (1599 Lower Water Street) on the Halifax Waterfront. Serving up East Coast food, drink, and hospitality, all with spectacular view of the Harbour.

34. Be a kid again and buy ALL the candy at Freak Lunchbox (1729 Barrington Street).

35. Grab some take-out and enjoy lunch at one of the brightly coloured picnic tables around Downtown Halifax including wheelchair accessible ones. Various locations, May to October.

• PRO TIP:  Get some BBQ from Boneheads BBQ (1014 Barrington Street) and enjoy it at the rainbow picnic table in Raymond Taavel Park.

36. Explore the restaurants in the Cunard Residences (1325 Lower Water Street) – from enjoying a sangria at Matadora, to sampling the expertly handmade pastas at Tribute, to sitting under one of the blue and white striped umbrellas on the patio of Water Polo.

37. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone from COWS Cable Wharf (1751 Lower Water Street), a deluxe soft serve creation at Sweet n' Salty (Salt Yard, Halifax Waterfront), or a fog cone at The Fog Company (Queen’s Marque, Halifax Waterfront).

38. Enjoy some fresh oysters at Shuck Seafood + Raw Bar (5120 Salter Street), the Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar (1662 Barrington Street), or The Press Gang Restaurant & Oyster Bar (5218 Prince Street). 

39. Spoil yourself with a traditional lobster dinner at  5 Fishermen (1740 Argyle Street), or the Waterfront Warehouse (1549 Lower Water Street).

40. Brunch it up at one of the many restaurants in Downtown Halifax. Check out all the restaurants that offer brunch in Downtown Halifax here.

41. Visit the Lower Deck (1887 Upper Water Street, Historic Properties) for a pint of Keith’s and some live East Coast music and learn what "Sociable!" means. 

42. Grab some late-night eats at Pizza Corner (Blowers & Grafton Streets), Halifax’s famous late-night landmark, to grab some "street eats". Options include Sicilian Pizza (5245 Blowers Street), Rosie's Burgers (5246 Blowers Street), Johny's Pork Shack (5244 Blowers Street), Rocky’s Original Filipino BBQ (5237 Blowers Street), and Willy’s Fresh Cut (5239 Blowers Streets).

• PRO TIP: Many of the restaurants at Pizza Corner are open until 4 am!

43. Visit Stillwell Beer Bar (1672 Barrington Street) and try one of their famous burgers with their namesake beer. 

44. Enjoy a special treat at Craig's Cookies (1581 Barrington Street), including their classic chocolate chip cookie or one of their special monthly creations, or really treat yourself with one of their new Ice Cream Cookie Sammies. 

45. Check out The Egg Villa (2013 Brunswick Street), Halifax’s first Indian egg specialty restaurant, serving bold egg dishes and comfort food all day long (open to midnight every day!).  

46. Spin some records while you sip on your coffee at Rooms Coffee – Listen (1237 Barrington Street), open 8 am – 6 pm, 7 days a week. 

47. Don’t miss KANA’TA: Canada Day 2026 on the Halifax Waterfront on Wednesday, July 1. There will be FREE activities all day including live music shows, parades, fireworks, and more! 

48. Play some beach volleyball at the Sands of Salter, Halifax Waterfront. It’s FREE to play, just remember to bring your own volleyball.

49. Dance the nights away all summer long with FREE dancing on the Waterfront: 

• Tuesday Nights: Swing Dancing, Tall Ships Quay (by the NS Power Building), 7 – 9:30 pm.
• Thursday Nights: Salsa on the Waterfront,  Tall Ships Quay (by the NS Power Building), 7 – 10 pm
• Sunday Nights: Blues Social Dancing, Tall Ships Quay (by the NS Power Building), 8 – 10 pm.

50. Enjoy FREE live music at the Halifax Jazz Festival! From all-ages shows along the Halifax Waterfront, to Jazz Labs, late night jam sessions, and more, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy FREE live music during this Festival running from July 7-12. 

See all the FREE Concerts and Jazz Labs at the TD Halifax Jazz Festival here. 

51. Attend the 14th Annual Art of Disability Festival, taking place Saturday, August 15 at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. This annual fest, organized by Independent Living Nova Scotia, celebrates artists with disabilities in an accessible environment. Admission is FREE and open to everyone. 

52. Take a break in one of the colourful Adirondack Chairs in Grand Parade (1770 Barrington Street), or along the Halifax Waterfront by the Salt Yard (between Salter and Sackville Streets) and the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel (1919 Lower Water Street). OR if you’re lucky, you could snag one of the orange hammocks along the Salter Boardwalk and rock the day away! 

53. Learn more about Acadian culture and music at the Conseil Communautaire du Grand-Havre’s (CCGH) FREE and family-friendly Grou Tyme Festival taking place August 13-15. 

54. The Halifax Mural Festival is taking place July 4-11. Come see both emerging and well-established artists bring colour to places around Downtown Halifax for FREE.

55. Unleash the kids’ energy at the Submarine Playground (Halifax Waterfront) and the Train Station Playground (Peace and Friendship Park, Barrington and South Streets).

• PRO TIP: Playgrounds are always FREE to enjoy!

56. Relax in one of Downtown Halifax’s many FREE to enjoy green spaces including Peace and Friendship Park (Barrington and South Streets), the gardens at Province House (1726 Hollis Street), Raymond Taavel Park (1004 Barrington Street), Nathan Green Square (5079 George Street), and more.

57. Natal Day is always a celebration in Downtown Halifax. This year, Natal Day falls on Monday, August 3. Stay up to date here.

58. Climb to the top of Rise Again, the steps that lead up to the art installation called ‘Tidal Beacon’ in Queen’s Marque. As the tides rise and fall, the lights on Tidal Beacon react, culminating in a beam that shines out over the harbour. Then descend the Queen’s Marque steps and dip your toes in Halifax Harbour.  

59. Sing loud for all the hear at The Big Sing! Taking place the second Tuesday of every month at The Basement of the Shoe (1665 Argyle Street), The Big Sing is a group singalong event. The Big Sing sells out quickly, so keep up to date with their ticket drops by following @thebigsinghfx. 

Don’t miss “Singing by the Sea”, a FREE all-ages event on the Halifax Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 at 1 pm.  

60. 'Splash’ into Halifax Harbour with an Ambassatours’ Harbour Hopper Tour (5050 Salter Street). This super popular adventure will show you the best of Halifax by land AND sea! Tours run multiple times a day until October 23, 2026. Book your tickets here.

61. Take in the scenic views of Downtown Halifax from the water with a boat cruise with JFarwell Sailing Co, City Harbour Cruise, Halifax Harbour Tours, FlyteBoat, or, for more of a party atmosphere, check out Tiki Tour Halifax. 

62. Dare to be scared with a guided Ghost Tour of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Explore all the dark shadows of the Citadel by candlelight. Private and public ghost tours are available year-round.  

63. Grove the night away with The Mellotones, every Friday night from 8:30 – 11:30 pm at The Pacifico.

64. Take a guided tour of Downtown Halifax with Segway Nova Scotia, located on the Halifax Waterfront (Cable Wharf, 1751 Lower Water Street). Segway Nova Scotia also has mobility scooters for rent for both visitors and locals looking for a more accessible way of getting around Downtown Halifax. 

 

65. Discover the new Cogswell District, one of the most transformative city-building projects in Halifax’s history. Explore Granville Park’s new public art and green spaces in this new neighbourhood that reconnects Downtown Halifax with the North End.

66. Explore Halifax by water with a jet-ski, kayak or sea-doo tour of Halifax Harbour with Harbour Watercraft Tours & Adventures (1597 Lower Water Street). Available until the end of October.

67. Sail around the Harbour on Halifax’s signature ship, the Tall Ship Silva. Enjoy live music and relax with a cool beverage as you sail past some of the city’s well-known landmarks. Book your tour with Ambassatours (1655 Lower Water Street), April to late October.

• PRO TIP: Many of the tours are family-friendly, so kids are welcome too!

68. Visit the Split Crow Pub, the oldest pub in Nova Scotia (1855 Granville Street).

69. Climb Citadel Hill during at lunchtime and experience the ‘BOOM’ of the noon gun – fires every day, right at noon, except for Christmas Day. 
 

70. Take the self-guided Downtown Art Tour and discover all the public art in Downtown Halifax, all year.

71. Rent a bike (or e-bike) from I Heart Bikes on the Halifax Waterfront and explore Downtown Halifax at your own pace; OR take one of their guided tours. 

72. Get your body moving by the ocean with an exercise class at Queen’s Marque. Enjoy Pilates on Saturday mornings at 10 am or sunset yoga on Wednesday evenings at 730 pm with Elite Elements Club.

73. Hit the dancefloor at The Dome (1739 Grafton Street), Halifax’s largest nightclub. This iconic multi-level venue can host over 2,000 partygoers and is one of the few clubs that stays open late, typically pouring drinks to 3:30 am! 

74. Buy unique and local art at Argyle Fine Art (1559 Barrington Street), the Gallery Shop at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (1723 Hollis Street), The Prow Gallery (1479 Lower Water Street), Art 1274 Hollis (1274 Hollis Street), Verve Fine Craft Gallery (1573 Barrington Street), and other independent art galleries around Downtown.

75. Shop fresh and local at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market (961 Marginal Road) open Saturdays, 8 am – 2 pm and Sundays, 10 am – 2 pm; and the Halifax Brewery Market (1496 Lower Water Street), open 8 am - 1 pm on Saturdays.

• PRO TIP: Park FREE at both markets! Parking around the Halifax Seaport area is free on weekends, and the Salter Lot along Lower Water Street is free for market goers (just register your license plate at the Info Desk). 

NOTE: The Salter Lot will be closed until July 11 for the Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax (SailGP) and the TD Halifax Jazz Festival.

76. Shop for local goods and souvenirs at the Historic Properties (1869 Upper Water Street), open for business year-round. Stores include Colwell’s, Lisa Drader-Murphy, POSH!, Carrefour Atlantic Emporium and The Puffin Gallery, Shoreline Design, and Twisted Willow. See all the stores here. 

77. Purchase a comic book or 2 (or 10!) at Strange Adventures (5110 Prince Street).

78. Find the perfect gift for the chocolate lover in your life at Rousseau Chocolatier (5151 South Street). These award-winning, hand-crafted chocolates are sure to delight the tastebuds of everyone who tries them.  

79. Visit the Dockside Shops at Pavilion 22. Filled with local vendors and unique products. Open only on cruise ship days.

80. Browse the shops along Barrington Street. Explore a variety of shops like The Loop Modern Fibre Craft (1557 Barrington Street), FireWorks Gallery (1569 Barrington street), The Flower Shop (1705 Barrington Street), Venus Envy (1727 Barrington Street), Wang Clothing Boutique (1272 and 1668 Barrington Street) and more.

81. Shop second-hand and vintage at The Loot Vintage (1711 Barrington Street), Shotgun Vintage (5194 Blowers Street), Elsie's Consignment Clothing (1531 Grafton Street), Threadz Thrift Shop (1669 Barrington Street) and KingsPIER Vintage (1549 Barrington Street).

82. Discover some unique shops at the Brewery Market (1496 Brewery Market) including Skin Decision, Patagonia Halifax, and Suit Yourself.

83. Get everything you need for an outdoor adventure at MEC (1550 Granville Street).  

84. Discover authentic Mi’kmaw and Indigenous art, crafts, jewellery, clothing, and more on the Halifax Waterfront at Sitamuk (1549 Lower Water Street - not open yet for the season)) and the Sipekne’katik Treaty Truckhouse (Salt Yard). 

85. Explore the shops at Bishop’s Landing (1475 Lower Water Street) including Frida Custom Fine Jewellery, MXM Fashion Studio, Sage and Sweetgrass, URBN-ish, Sherzad's Tailoring's Ruffles & Tassels, Market Price, and more.

86. Pop over to the Queens Marque and check out the amazing boutique stores like stare., 7 Virtues Perfume Altelier, Brilliant Jewellery, and Another Shop.

87. Visit Peace by Chocolate on the Halifax Waterfront (1741 Lower Water Street, Queen’s Marque) and pick up a few of one of their Canada-themed chocolate bars like the “Hey Buddy”, “Eh Canada” or the “Give’Er” – they make great gifts for family and friends who are missing home!

 

88. Pick out the perfect bottle of local wine at Bishop’s Cellar (1477 Lower Water Street, Bishop’s Landing) on the Halifax Waterfront. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find exactly what you're looking for, from local favourites to non-alcoholic options.

• PRO TIP: Bishop’s Cellar is dog-friendly, so your pup is welcome to join you while you browse!

89. Snap a photo of the Old Town Clock on Citadel Hill.

90. Capture the Drunken Lamp Posts on the Halifax Waterfront at Bishop’s Landing during sunset.

DID YOU KNOW: The names of the Drunken Lamp Posts are “The Fountain”, “Get Drunk”, and “Fall Down”?

91. Strike a pose next to the Wave on the Halifax Waterfront, the most visited attraction on the Halifax Waterfront.

92. Get a picture of the Canada sign by the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel.

93. Snap some selfies with some of the amazing public art in Downtown Halifax.

94. Capture a relaxing afternoon on a patio – there are over 80 of them around Downtown!

95. Get a photograph of Peace and Friendship Park with a view of the historic The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel (1181 Hollis Street) in the background.

96. Capture the energy of the Halifax Harbour from one of the colourful Adirondack chairs lining Foundation Wharf on the Halifax Waterfront. 

97. Snap a photo with the black & white Holstein Cow at the new COWS Cable Wharf Store.

98. Get a photo of The Last Steps Memorial Arch on the Halifax Waterfront behind the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on the Halifax Waterfront. This memorial symbolizes the "last steps" that thousands of Canadian men and woman took on Canadian soil before they embarked on ships to Europe during WWI. 

99. Take a selfie in the purple glow of the Halifax Convention Centre (1650 Argyle Street) on Argyle Street. 

100. Test your sleuthing skills at Captured Escape Rooms (1684 Barrington Street).

101. Get tickets to see "RENT" at Neptune Theatre, on stage from July 7-August 31.

102. Play your favourite board game with friends or discover a new one at The Board Room Game Cafe (1256 Barrington Street).  

103. Experience the elegance of an afternoon tea at Crème, (1341 Lower Water Street) or The Seaport Social (The Westin Nova Scotian, 1181 Hollis Street). 

104. Take a tufting workshop at Yolo Crafts (1359 Barrington Street), grab one of their DIY craft kits to do at home, or just enjoy perusing the shop. 

105. Explore the Downtown Halifax Link System, a network of climate-controlled pedways that connects The Prince George Hotel (1725 Market Street) to the Casino Nova Scotia (1983 Upper Water Street).

106. Visit the Grafton Street Dinner Theatre for a unique dining experience – food, music, and comedy! Book your tickets here.

107. Have a staycation at one of the hotels in Downtown Halifax. Many of them have pools and are dog-friendly, so the whole family can enjoy a night away.  

108. Visit Casino Nova Scotia (1983 Upper Water Street) the largest casino in Atlantic Canada. 

• PRO TIP: Enjoy FREE live music every Friday and Saturday night in the 3Sixty Lounge.

109. Pamper yourself with a manicure or pedicure at one of Downtown Halifax’s many spas including Spirit Urban Spa (5151 Salter Street), Interlude Spa (1715 Lower Street, Queen’s Marque), THE TEN SPOT (5165 South Street), Spice Nails & Spa (5201 Duke Street), The Wine Spa (1447 Hollis Street), and V Nails & Beauty (1863 Barrington Street).

• PRO TIP: THE TEN SPOT offers kiddie manicure and pedicures at reduced rates for kids under 12.

110. Visit the Halifax VIA Rail Station (1161 Hollis Street) and check out the Beaux-Arts-style architecture. Dating back to the late 1920s, it was built as a hotel and railway station complex with what is now known as The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel. Learn more about the building here.

111. And finally, make your parking plan before your next Downtown adventure! From on-street parking to lots and garages, there are thousands of places to park in Downtown Halifax. Start planning here.