Canada Day 2025

Canada Day is quickly approaching! 🍁

Join the celebrations in Downtown Halifax on Tuesday, July 1, with some of these fun and FREE events!

 

KANA'TA: Canada Day 2025 

Mawio'mi on the Halifax Waterfront 

Enjoy Mi'kmaq music, cultural demos and more at Foundation Wharf from 11:30 am - 11 pm

Canada Day Fireworks

The Canada Day fireworks will start at 10:00 pm and go to 10:30 pm. Most locations along the Halifax Waterfront will offer great views of the fireworks. 

We recommend:
- Queens Marque area
- Sands At Salter stage
+ most locations on the Dartmouth and Halifax waterfront will be GREAT!

 

Desi Summer Music Fest

Desi Summer Music Fest returns on July 1st to the Halifax Waterfront from 3–6 PM for a vibrant celebration of global beats featuring DJ Nish! Experience the energy of Desi Bollywood, Folk, Middle Eastern rhythms, Hollywood hits, and EDM vibes. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music, culture, and dance that bridges traditions and electrifies the summer spirit.

 

 

Atlantic Breaking Alliance Showcase

Join  from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM for an all styles dance battle showcase with Atlantic Breaking Alliance at Sackville Landing, right next to the wave!
 

 

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Enjoy live music, activities, a cookie scavenger hunt, and visit the Museum's exhibitions for free, including our new interactive exhibition eat make share: a taste of immigration. Visitors can also witness a citizenship ceremony or visit our Scotiabank Family History Centre to research their family roots.

Wondering what time to come? Here’s some things to make your decision easier (or harder!):

  • 9:30 am – 5:30 pm: take part in our scavenger hunt, crafts, explore our exhibitions, a photobooth, and more!
  • 10:00 am: Citizenship Ceremony (open to public)
  • 11:30 am: New Canadian Pep Rally (open to public)
  • 10:00 am to 4:00 pm: Freddy Mujica plays his special brand of Latin Music at the Museum’s entrance

 

 

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

In honour of Canada’s 158th birthday, enjoy FREE admission all day, 9 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, July 1st.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore our newest indoor exhibit, Fortress Halifax, A City Shaped by Conflict which offers the most comprehensive and inclusive history of Halifax in one location. Canada Day cake will be served! The iconic noon gun signals the official 21-gun salute from the Halifax Citadel saluting battery.

 

 

Georges Island

Admission to Georges Island is FREE on Monday, July 1st for Canada Day ( transportation fees still apply, so you'll just need to purchase a discounted ferry ticket to get there). Visit Ambassatours to book your trip. 

 

 

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will be open July 1, with FREE admission! Everyone is welcome to visit from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

 

 

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo 

Canada Day Parade

Celebrate Canada’s birthday in Halifax with the return of the Sobeys Tattoo Canada Day Parade! On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, join the festivities as the parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. from the Scotiabank Centre. The route winds through downtown Halifax, featuring over 25 groups and floats, before returning to the starting point. It's the largest Canada Day parade east of Montreal! 

The Tattoo Festival

Enjoy free band performances by Tattoo bands on the Halifax Waterfront from 10:30 - 11:30 am

 

 

Other Canada Day Weekend Activities:

Ambassatours

Enjoy the Canada Day fireworks from the water this year with two boat cruise options with Ambassatours Grayline. Take a family fireworks cruise on the Tall Ship Silva or enjoy a party cruise on the Harbour Queen. Learn more and book your tickets here.

 

Discovery Centre

Celebrate the start of summer vacation at The Discovery Centre with Summer Blast-Off. This 2-day event, taking place on June 29 & 30, will feature a variety of fun activities and events for the whole family! Purchase your tickets here

 

Supernova Market

Shop local at the 5th Annual Supernova Market on the Halifax Waterfront, Saturday, June 28, from 1 - 6 pm. Free admission. 

 

Rainbow Vision Markers Market

This vibrant, inclusive market is your chance to support queer-owned small businesses, discover one-of-a-kind handmade goods, and connect with the local queer community. Taking place at the Light House Arts Centre on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, from 11 am - 5 pm both days.

Expect:

  • 60+ talented queer vendors
  • DJ sets and live drag performances
  • Food and drinks
  • A celebration of pride, resilience, and radical joy
  • All are welcome!

 

 

GUSTO! Italian Festival

Bringing the vibrant spirit of Italian culture, cuisine, and traditions to the heart of Halifax's waterfront. Enjoy the free Open Air Italian Market at Queen's Marque on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 from 10 am - 3 pm both days. 

Plus, enjoy the Bocce Tournament for Charity on the Cable Wharf Plaza, the Italian meals at restaurants throughout Queen's Marque, and more. See all the activities here

 

 

Keep up to date with everything happening for Canada Day at KANA'TA: Canada Day 2025.

Wondering what businesses are open on Canada Day? Check out Discover Halifax's "What's Open in Halifax" page. 

 

And finally, wondering what else is happening Downtown this summer? Check out our list of 110 Things to Do Downtown This Summer