It's July in Downtown Halifax and summer is officially here!
And did you know that July is National Anti-Boredom month? Good thing there are tons of fun events happening in Downtown Halifax this month to help you keep boredom at bay.
To help you stay on top of all the fun, here's a quick rundown of all the exciting events and notable days to look forward to this month.
For a full list of events happening this month, visit our online Events Calendar.
Annual Favourites
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Some of Halifax's most loved annual festivals and events take place during July. Locals and visitors alike come out to celebrate these crowd pleasers every year - don't let this year be the exception!
July 1: KANA'TA: Canada Day 2024
KANA'TA: Canada Day 2024 celebrations are taking place on Tuesday, July 1, on the Halifax Waterfront starting in the morning and going late into the evening. Enjoy family-friendly programming like Mawio'mi, the annual Canada Day Fireworks, plus many attractions are offering free admission like the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and Georges Island.
Learn more and keep up to date with everything happening on July 1 at hrmcanadaday.ca.
July 15-20: TD Halifax Jazz Festival
The TD Halifax Jazz Festival is taking July 15-20 and features an exciting lineup of artists including St.Vincent, Big Boi, and Iron & Wine. Downtown venues include the Halifax Waterfront, St. Matthew's United Church, and The Carleton.
Check out the schedule here and tickets are still on sale - purchase yours here.
July 18-21: Afrifest
Taking place at Sackville Landing on the Halifax Waterfront, Afrifest celebrates and showcases the talented diaspora from the African continent with free performances and activities. Learn more about it here.
July 17-27: Halifax Pride
Halifax Pride is lighting up downtown this July with a vibrant mix of celebration, remembrance, and unapologetic joy. The iconic Pride Parade on July 19 marches proudly through Barrington and Spring Garden to the Garrison Grounds, while a moving Candlelight Vigil at Peace and Friendship Park honors queer lives and history. Catch laughs and local talent at the X of Pride improv show at Grafton Street Dinner Theatre, and don’t miss Gaylidh -a proudly Queer twist on the traditional Scottish ceilidh! Dance the night away at Eden Unleashed Dance Party at the Lighthouse Arts Centre, or take the party to the harbour on the Ambassatours Pride Cruise. LGBTQIA+ bars Rumours and Stardust will be buzzing with drag shows, themed partiesall week long. Whether you're here for the parade, the parties, or the powerful moments in between, Downtown Halifax is the place to be for Pride 2025. 🏳️🌈
July 31-August 5: Buskers
The Buskers are back on the Halifax Waterfront from July 31-August 5. This annual crowd-pleaser attracts thousands to Downtown Halifax to take in all the free fun. See all the performers slated to perform here.
Free Music and Dancing
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Get into the groove this summer with free music and dancing all over the Downtown area.
July 2- August 20: Tuesday Night Tunes, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic's annual free summer music series is starting July 2 and runs to August 20, from 6:30-7:30 pm Tuesday nights. Stay tuned for more information by following @ns_mma on Instagram.
Mondays from July 7 - 28, : Open Barre and Aging Actively
Join Halifax Dance for FREE movement classes on the waterfront. 🌊 In July, we’ll be offering Aging Actively for older adults and Open Barre for the ballet enthusiasts!! 🩰 Catch us on Mondays July 7-28th at Queen’s Marque!🥰
⏰ AGING ACTIVELY: 5:30pm-6:00pm
⏰ OPEN BARRE: 6:15pm-7:00pm
No pre-registration required! Just show up and dance! 💃🏻July 10-14: Halifax Jazz Festival's Free Daytime Events, Halifax Waterfront
The Halifax Jazz Festival offers free daily concerts starting Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14 from 11:30 am to 3 pm for fans of all ages! Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
And in addition to these, there are free dance classes most nights on the Halifax Waterfront including free Latin Dance Waterfront Socials, every Friday night until September 27 at Queen's Marque from 7 - 11 pm; and Haliente's Salsa on the Waterfront at Cunard Wharf every Thursday night until September 5 from 7 - 11 pm.
Other Can't Miss Events
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Don't miss these other fun events happening in July:
July 5-13: Halifax Mural Festival, various locations
The Halfiax Mural Festival is back and taking place all around the city from July 6-14. Keep up to date here.
July 5: McNab's Half Marathon, McNab's Island
Urban Trail Racing is crossing the 'seas' to run the inaugural Half Marathon Trail Race on McNab's Island.
July 1-August 31: Mamma Mia, Neptune Theatre
A can't-miss fan favourite is going to be dancing and jiving at Neptune Theatre all summer, with Mamma Mia, on stage until August 31.
Other Notable Events and Days in July
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July 4: USA Independence Day
July 21: National Ice Cream Day - check out our list of frozen treats to try in Downtown Halifax
July 22: National Hammock Day - check out the hammocks on the Halifax Waterfront
July 26: The Paris 2024 Olympics Begin
July 30: United Nations International Day of Friendship
Patio Days & Nights
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And finally, July is prime time for patio season, and did you know that Downtown Halifax has over 80 patios?
From sidewalk cafes to rooftop terraces and waterfront beer gardens, Downtown Halifax really is the patio capital of the region.
Find your perfect patio with our list of Downtown patios here.
And looking for a patio for a specific occasion? Check out, "There's a Patio for That"
Did you know that many patios are now dog-friendly in Downtown Halifax? Check out our list of all the dog-friendly places in Downtown Halifax.
Wondering what else to do this summer in Downtown Halifax? Check out our list of 110 Things To Do Downtown This Summer.
Plan ahead for parking before your Downtown Adventure. Make your parking plan here.