PHEW! What a weekend!
SailGP certainly brought the energy to Downtown Halifax, along with huge crowds who soaked up all the action along the Waterfront.
You can see some recaps from the weekend here.
SailGP will return to Downtown Halifax on May 15–16, 2027.
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It's here! 🎉 SailGP takes over Halifax this weekend, June 19–21! Get ready for an action-packed few days in Downtown Halifax! ⛵
Scroll down for tips on how to make the most of this exciting weekend Downtown!
Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax (SailGP) is here!
Known as the most exciting racing on water, SailGP features the world’s best sailing athletes representing national teams from around the globe competing in high-speed, hydrofoiling F50s – capable of speeds of nearly 100 km/h – racing a stone's-throw away from the shoreline.
Following the success of the 2024 event, Halifax Harbour will once again transform into a thrilling Race Stadium stretching from Purdy's Wharf to Georges Island. Fans can look forward to watching up to 12 world-class teams compete head-to-head against Team NorthStar as they represent Canada on home waters.
Along with the opportunity to take in the racing action, there will be lots of other exciting activities happening all around Downtown Halifax for both the hard-core fans and those just checking out the sport for the first time.
👉 Check out what's happening for the Argyle Street Shore Party, taking place from June 19-21, here.
For more information about SailGP in Halifax, visit Discover Halifax's Everything You Need to Know About SailGP in Halifax.
Make the Most of Your SailGP Weekend
With all the excitement happening this weekend with SailGP, the FIFA World Cup, and the Argyle Street Shore Party, it's best to be prepared!
Here are some tips to make the most of your weekend in Downtown Halifax:
- Dress for the weather & wear comfortable shoes
- Plan your transportation in advance
- Allow extra travel time to get Downtown
- Make lunch and dinner reservations early (many restaurants are already booked up!)
- Bring binoculars for a better view
- Leave umbrellas at home
Arrive early to access your ticketed area or to find the best viewing spot (see below) if you don't have tickets.
👉 And remember to bring a little extra patience with you this weekend! With more people than usual enjoying Downtown, cafés, restaurants, and shops will be especially busy. Your patience and kindness are greatly appreciated as staff work hard to provide a great experience for everyone.
Race Times
SailGP race days are happening on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21.
The Race Stadium, between Purdy's Wharf and Georges Island, will be open from 3:00 – 6:30 pm, with the Race Times taking place from 4:00 – 5:30 pm.
Race Day 1: Saturday June 20
Race Stadium: 3:00 - 6:30 pm*
Race Times: 4:00 - 5:30 pm*
Race Day 2: Sunday, June 21
Race Stadium: 3:00 - 6:30 pm*
Race Times: 4:00 - 5:30 pm*
*These times are approximate and may change due to weather or race conditions.
Secure Your Spot on the Waterfront
Don't miss out! Make sure you get your tickets for this electrifying summer event!
The ticketed viewing areas on the Halifax Waterfront are located at the following locations:
- Georges Island
- Bishop’s Landing: Waterfront Boardwalk Viewing
- Sands at Salter/Salter Lot: Waterfront Grandstand
- Foundation Wharf: Velo Beach and Club - sold out
- Plus, there is also a "Bring Your Own Boat" (BYOB) option
👉 BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR Georges Island, the Waterfront Boardwalk Viewing, the Waterfront Grandstand, and BYOB.
👉 While having a ticket will give you the best race-day experience, spectators will also be able to enjoy the action from public spaces along both the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts. The waterfronts are lined with patios and public areas, giving fans plenty of opportunities to take in the excitement of the races without purchasing a ticket.
Areas to watch SailGP on the Halifax Waterfront:
- Cunard District (1325 Lower Water Street)
- Tall Ships Quay (in front of the Nova Scotia Power building)
- Museum Wharf (by Maritime Museum of the Atlantic)
- Queen's Marque (1715 Lower Water Street)
- Nathan Green Square (5079 George Street)
Getting Around
Temporary Access Changes for the Halifax Waterfront
Visitors to the Halifax Waterfront should be aware of the following access changes for SailGP:
- The Salter Parking Lot (1521 Lower Water Street) will close at 7 pm on June 3.
- Parking along Lower Water Street by the Salter Lot will also be removed for SailGP to allow for large trucks to access the Salter Parking lot.
- Foundation Wharf (near 1549 Lower Water Street) will close on June 14.
- The Helipad (where the Drunken Lampposts are located) will close on June 17.
- The end of Sackville Wharf (1655 Lower Water Street) will close on June 18.
- Cable Wharf (1751 Lower Water Street) will be closed to the public from 8 am on June 20 until 7 pm on June 21. Access will be limited to Georges Island ticket holders and Cable Wharf Restaurant ticket holders.
- A harbour exclusion zone will be in effect from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm daily from June 19 to June 21. During this time, ferry service will suspended and vessels will not be able to move freely through the harbour without a designated pass. A shuttle will replace ferry service during these times. More information here.
People will still be able to move along the Halifax Waterfront, except within tickets areas, during the event on June 20 & June 21.
More information here.
Parking
Traffic will be heavier than usual in the week leading up to and during the SailGP event. Make your parking plan before you head out:
Downtown Halifax - note that the Salter Parking Lot on the Halifax Waterfront will be closed for SailGP.
Taking Transit
Bus routes are anticipated to run on schedule with ferry services suspended for the race periods – both ferries will be suspended from 2:30 pm - 6 pm daily from June 19 to June 21. A shuttle will be provided to move people to and from Dartmouth while the ferry is closed.
More information about public transportation can be found here.
Get In On the Excitement
Aside from the races, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the excitement of SailGP in Downtown Halifax. From live entertainment to special deals and promotions, there will be plenty of ways to get involved!
More events and details will be added as details are finalized.
June 13 - 19: Foil4All
June 17: Team NorthStar Opti Races (4 - 5:30 pm) and Team Meet & Greet
June 19 - 21: Argyle Street Shore Party
PLUS, The Bluenose II and the HMCS Oriole will be in port at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and will be open for deck tours.
And don't miss Team NorthStar's Pop-Up Fan Shop on the Halifax Waterfront selling official team gear including t-shirts and hats. Open now next to The Pop Can just behind the Salt Yard open-market area.
Argyle Street Shore Party 2026
June 19 - 21, Argyle Street will be activated from Blowers to Carmichael.
Argyle Street comes alive with the Shore Party, transforming Downtown into a three-day celebration packed with FREE live music, entertainment, activations, and FIFA World Cup excitement! 🌊🏁⚽
ZONE 1 (19+): Red Bull 19+ “Electronic Music” Stage
Where on Argyle Street? Btw Prince – Carmichael.
This stage will be set-up in front of “The Decks” (blocking in from Auction House to 5Fish) on Friday and Saturday, 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. each night.
Friday, June 19
6:00 p.m. BADI w/ Kayo
8:00 p.m. Chasing Luma
9:00 p.m. Cloverdale
Saturday, June 20
6:00 p.m. Karate Kactus
8:00 p.m. BIA
9:00 p.m. Heads or Tails+
ZONE 2 (All Ages): LIVE Music Stage
Where on Argyle Street? Btw Prince – Sackville.
This stage will be set up in front of Moxies & Durty Nelly’s, facing North towards City Hall, and has live music programmed all weekend.
Friday, June 19
7:00 p.m. Mike Lloyd Band
9:00 p.m. Brooklyn Blackmore
Saturday, June 20
7:00 p.m. Mike Lloyd Band
9:00 p.m. Dave Sampson
Sunday, June 21 *National Indigenous Peoples Day
6:00 p.m. Dee Dee Austin
8:00 p.m. Neon Dreams
ZONE 3 (All Ages)
Red Bull will also be activating Argyle Street btw Sackville – Blowers, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
ZONE 4 (All Ages)
Canada Soccer House Halifax - World Cup Viewing Zone
1600 Grafton Street (at the Grafton Art Hub aka the vacant parking lot beside Maxwell's Plum)
Take in the sights and sounds of 2026 FIFA World Cup in an exciting outdoor atmosphere.
Keep in the Loop
Keep in the loop with all the excitement by following SailGP and Team NorthStar on Instagram.
You can also download the SailGP app to get the latest updates and watch the broadcast live from wherever you are.