Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and warm drinks. It must be October! 🍂
And to paraphrase Lucy Maud Montgomery, we're also glad we "live in a world where there are Octobers"; especially since October is jampacked with fun and exciting festivals and events taking place in Downtown Halifax.
Below is a quick rundown of things to do this month in Downtown Halifax. Make sure you grab a pen and mark your calendars, as you won't want to miss any of them!
For a full list of events happening this month, visit our online Events Calendar.
Mi'kmaw History Month
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October is Mi'kmaw History Month in Nova Scotia. A time for all Nova Scotians to increase their knowledge and awareness of Mi'kmaw culture, history and heritage.
Here are a few events taking place for Mi'kmaw History Month in Downtown Halifax (note: there are more events taking place all over the province; see a full schedule of events here):
September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
1 pm: Mi'kmawitasik Vendor Market, Kenneth C. Rowe Hall, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
6-8 pm: Mi'kmaq Cultural Showcase, Kenneth C. Rowe Hall, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
October 1: Treaty Day
10:30 am: Church Service, Saint Mary's Cathedral Basilica
12 pm: Flag raising at Grand Parade
1:15 pm: Veteran's Parade from Government House to Peace and Friendship Park
2:15-3:45 pm: Treaty Day Awards, Kenneth C. Rowe Hall, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
6:30-9 pm: Tuesday Night Talk: The Art of Mi'kmaw Basketry, FREE at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
October 22: Tuesday Night Talk: Magra's Journey: Debbie Eisan, FREE at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Keep up to date with more Mi'kmaw History Month events with our online events calendar.
Welcome to Mi’kma’ki Videos
As a way of providing a welcome to Mi’kmaw territory, the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN) has published a series of Welcome to Mi’kma’ki videos.
Watch them on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@NSITEN/videos
Learn more about Mi'kmaw History Month here.
Downtown Hali Hangouts
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Come hangout with DHBC on the Halifax Waterfront this fall with Downtown Hali Hangouts!
These free, fun events are taking place from 6-8 pm at Foundation Wharf (near 1549 Lower Water Street). There are two nights left in October that you won't want to miss:
October 3: Movie Night - Mamma Mia!
October 10: Silent Disco
Learn more about Downtown Hali Hangouts here.
Arts & Culture Festivals
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For those that love arts & culture, then October is the month for you as two of Halifax's biggest art festivals take place in this month. Grab your art-loving friends and get out to enjoy these two marquee festivals!
To October 6: Prismatic Arts Festival
Prismatic Arts Festival is a multidisciplinary arts festival that showcases and celebrates innovative work by Indigenous artists and artists of colour from across Canada. Enjoy works in theatre, dance, music, film, and more.
October 17 - 20: Nocturne
Founded in 2008, Nocturne is a Halifax's annual free all-night contemporary art festival. It's the largest art festival in Atlantic Canada, and although it takes place all over the Halifax area, the majority of the events and installations take place in Downtown Halifax. Stay up to date with everything happening with Nocturne here.
Live Music, Theatre & Sports
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If you're into live - whether it is music, sports or theatre - then October is the month for you. Check out these "live" events taking place in Downtown Halifax this month:
Music
To October 6: Halifax Urban Folk Festival (HUFF), Various locations
October 11: Tenille Towns, Light House Arts Centre
October 11: Jordan Davis, Scotiabank Centre
October 18: Arkells, Scotiabank Centre
October 24: Trans-Canada Highwaymen, Light House Arts Centre
October 25 - 26: Bahamas, Light House Art Centre
Theatre
October 1 - 6: King Gilgamesh & the Man of The Wild, Neptune Theatre
October 16 - 27: Heathers The Musical: Teen Edition, Neptune Theatre
Sports
October 4: Halifax Mooseheads Season Opener, Scotiabank Centre
October 24: 2024 Skate Canada International, Scotiabank Centre
Wine & Spirits Festivals
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Whether you consider yourself to be a connoisseur of wine and spirits or just enjoy a night out with friends, check out these festivals happening this month:
October 3 - 5: Halifax International Spirits Fest
Taking place primarily at The Westin Nova Scotian, the Halifax International Spirits Fest offers a mix of tasting events including an all local craft spirit event, dining experiences, master classes, and of course, the Grand Tasting with more than 100 premium spirits to sample. Learn more and get your tickets here.
October 19: Wine Fair Halifax
The Wine Fair Halifax is taking place at the Halifax Convention Centre on October 19. Hosted by Cellar Events Inc., you can enjoy over 200+ exquisite wines from local and international producers. Get your tickets here.
Other Can't Miss Events & Notable Days in October
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Other "Can't Miss" Events in October:
October 4 - 6: The Curio Collective's Fall Vintage Show, Light House Arts Centre
October 6: Make Day! Medicine is All Around Us, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
October 9: Jessi Cruickshank, Light House Arts Centre
October 10: Creative Minds: Materiality and Indigenous Sovereignty, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
October 18: Dr. Gabor Maté, Light House Arts Centre
October 26: Science, Spirits and BOOS!, Discovery Centre
Special Days in October:
October 1: Treaty Day
October 1: Seniors Day
October 1: National Pumpkin Spice Day
October 4: National Taco Day
October 11: International Day of the Girl Child
October 14: Thanksgiving Day (Holiday) 🦃
October 14: National Dessert Day
October 18: Persons Day
October 26: National Pumpkin Day
October 31: Halloween 🎃
