Open City Halifax 2024

Participating Downtown Halifax Businesses

• Ambassatours Gray Line | Harbour Hopper Tours - 1751 Lower Water Street

  Save 20% on all Harbour Hopper Tours during Open City 2024.

  Use promo code OPENCITY20 at checkout.

  All aboard Halifax's most popular boat tour – the Harbour Hopper Tour - a fun, fast-paced adventure by land and sea! From your seat aboard this impressive, retrofitted military vehicle, you'll have unparalleled views of Halifax’s most noteworthy sites, beautiful landscape, and historic and modern architecture. Your knowledgeable and very entertaining guide will share historical facts and lesser-known stories about Halifax and will keep you somewhat entertained with the occasional knee-slapper. From the winding streets of Halifax, your adventure continues as you SPLASH into the Halifax Harbour. Your driver is now your Captain, and there’s more to explore so keep your camera ready for unique photo opportunities of our active harbour, Georges Island National Historic Site, the Halifax Waterfront, and more. This award-winning, fully narrated amphibious tour is one you won’t soon forget! Tours depart/return from 1549 Lower Water Street, Halifax. 

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• Another Shop - Queen's Marque, 1715 Lower Water Street

  Tax-Free Shopping Store-Wide & Sidewalk Sale. Visit us on the waterfront at the Queen's Marque! We can't wait to see you.  

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• Antojo Tacos + Tequila - 1667 Argyle Street

  All Dressed Esquites

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• Argyle Fine Art - 1559 Barrington Street

  Meet & Greet ARTISTS!

  Two new shows will OPEN during OPEN CITY. Pop by to be the first to see new paintings by emerging artist Caileigh Lambie. Also, check out the latest body of work by artist Heidi Holloway in her show of new paintings called "The Size of Life" Both artists will be here from 1:30-3:30pm, with refreshments available while supplies last.

  We'll have a FREE DRAW for a Mother's Day gift pack. 

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• Argyle Station Cafe - 1659 Argyle Street

  Specialty Coffee with Baked Goods and Signature Ice Cream.

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• Art 1274 Hollis Street - 1274 Hollis Street

  Our gallery offers original art work from 22 local artists and artisans. Paintings, jewellery, pottery, fibre art and infused glass. Will have light refreshments and giveaways to welcome visitors.  

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• Bird's Nest Cafe - 1547 Barrington Street

  Portuguese Custard Tarts 

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• Bishop's Cellar - Bishop's Landing, 1477 Lower Water Street

  Free wine tasting from 1-3pm with popcorn & prosecco 

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• Black Market Boutique - 1545 Grafton Street

  Black Market and Friends Sidewalk Sale!!! We are having a spring fling sidewalk sale and our oh so sweet and talented staff are selling their art and handicrafts. Cute! Fun! See you there xo 

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• Brown Hound Public House, Ironstone Lane - 1450 Ironstone Lane

  Happy Hour from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 

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• Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 - Halifax Seaport, 1055 Marginal Road

  The Museum is hosting the official opening of a new special exhibition, "Operation Parasol: Urgent Need, Swift Action"

  RSVP

  Visit from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

  Click here for details on admission 

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• Captured Escape Rooms - 1684 Barrington Street

  15% off bookings on May 11th!  

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• Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) - 1546 Barrington Street

  11 am to 2 pm

  Drop in for FREE face painting and balloon animals, a fun sucker pull, Downtown trivia, and special treats from Freak Lunchbox. Fun for all ages!

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• East Coast Lifestyle - 1099 Marginal Road, Halifax Seaport

  30% Everything *almost* all weekend!  

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• Garrison Brewing Company - Seaport Taproom, Halifax Seaport, 1149 Marginal Road

  12 PM - 4 PM: Beer Sampling, Soda and Beer Ice Cream Floats!

  12 PM - Sell Out: Buddy's Deli Pop Up!  

  Learn More

• Halifax Bra Store - Brewery Market, 1496 Lower Water Street

  We can support women one fit at a time!

  Free gift for coming by shop during Open City for a bra fitting. No purchase necessary. (Value $20) 

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• Halifax Circus - 1479 Barrington Street

  Come by and see what makes Halifax Circus the Circus Centre of the Maritimes.

  It's a great opportunity to ask questions, and see our students and teachers practicing and demonstrating aerials, unicycling, acrobatics, tightrope, juggling, and many other circus skills.

  Saturday, May 11, 5:30-7:30 pm

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• Halifax Citadel National Historic Site - 5425 Sackville Street

  Parks Canada is excited to welcome everyone back to the Halifax Citadel! Open 9am-5pm daily, visitors can join a guided tour, visit the exhibits and the Army Museum and catch the noon gun, one of the oldest in the world! Drop by the refurbished Coffee Bar and enjoy a delightful hot or cold meal, or a freshly made home-style sweet. A warm and welcoming café with a distinctly 19th century flavour awaits! 2024 is the final year to visit the 'Storm the Beach D-Day Exhibit' in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Hope to see you! 

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• Halifax Gallery Hop - Various Locations

  Join participating galleries for a day of art and special events. List of participating galleries in Downtown Halifax coming soon. Downtown galleries include:

  • Argyle Fine Art
  • Art 1274 Hollis
  • Teichert Gallery
  • The Prow Gallery

• Halifax Waterfront - Foundation Wharf

  Bring your pups down to the Halifax Waterfront for Open City!

  Wet Nose Images will be taking FREE dog portraits from 11 am - 3 pm up on Foundation Wharf (behind Salt Yard kiosk area).

  They’ll be accompanied by the SPCA collecting donations and Bailey’s Barkery, selling tasty treats for your furry friends.

  Also on Foundation Wharf, the East Enders will be performing all of your favourites, from 12 - 3 pm. Some of our seasonal businesses will be open and it should be a great day on the Waterfront!  

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• Heartwood by the Sea - Salt Yard, Halifax Waterfront, Lower Water Street

  Back Door Takeout: Heartwood Bowls - $15

  Now open on the Halifax Waterfront for the season! Join us to celebrate and get your Heartwood Bowl

  11 am - 5 pm  

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• HFX e-Scooters - Halifax Waterfront, 1549 Lower Water Street

  We're offering 15% off all e-scooter rentals to allow people to explore as much of the city as possible!  

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• I Heart Bikes - Halifax Waterfront

  WE HEART TREES! Free Tree Seedlings while supplies last. One per person.  

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• Lilac and Thistle - Brewery Market, 1496 Lower Water Street

  Pop by for a FREE gift with purchase. 

• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic - 1675 Lower Water Street

  Gully MPA 20 Year Celebration at the MMA 

  DFO, Oceans North, and SeaBlue are hosting an event on Saturday, May 11 at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Gully Marine Protected Area!

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• Market Price - Bishop's Landing, 1477 Lower Water Street

  25% OFF Market Price Merchandise  

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• Mountain Equipment Company - 1550 Granville Street

  Free bike safety checkups, an extra mark down of clearance clothing, and free samples of dehydrated camp meals. 

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• Neptune Theatre - 1593 Argyle Street

  Neptune Theatre Theatre School students will be doing performances throughout the day. Everyone is welcome to stop by for some fun, lively entertainment.

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• NSCAD University - Port Campus, 1107 Marginal Road

  Coinciding with Open City 2024, Artist for a Day is a full, fun day of hands-on art making for people of all ages.

  This free event is suitable for artists at every level. At Artist for a Day, you can try your hand at printing, embroidery, wax casting, sculpture and so much more!

  Everything is hands on, and everything is free. nscad.ca/artist-for-a-day-2024/ 

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• Obladee, A Wine Bar - 1600 Barrington

  Open City Finisher! Crab & Sesame Bao! 2 for $12, or 1 for $7! Pair with 1/2 glass local wine (your choice: rosé or white) for $6 more! 4-6pm! 🥂 

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• Peace by Chocolate - Queen's Marque, 1741 Lower Water Street

  Stop by during your waterfront walk on Saturday the 11th for 20% the whole store of delicious chocolate, tasty treats, and all hot or cold drinks! Oh, and we can't forget about a complimentary hand made artisanal truffle with every purchase! 

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• Rousseau Chocolatier - 5151 South Street

  Soft Serve ice cream POP-UP!

  What could be better than Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Sundae?!

  All made from scratch - $7.75 + tax

  Or try: Strawberry Rhubarb (vegan) & Vanilla Bean in a cone or cup

  • Reg size: $5.75 + tax
  • Kiddie size: $3.75 + tax

  Available as a twist or just the one flavour. 

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• Sketti & Ball - 1584 Argyle Street

  Signature Meatballs with Tomato Sauce. 

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• Spirit Spa - 5150 Salter Street

  Tax Free Retail (select brands). 

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• Spontaneity Improv Company - Light House Arts Centre, 1800 Argyle Street

  Spontaneity Improv will be offering free improv drop-in throughout the day and spontaneous performances around Light House Arts Centre.  

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• Stubborn Goat Gastropub - 1580 Argyle Street

  Build Your Own Mac & Cheese for $5 

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• Terra Cafe - Brewery Market, 1496 Lower Water Street

  $1 Drip Coffee and great retail deals! 

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• Teichert Gallery - 1723 Hollis Street

  Spring Group Show: Teichert Gallery will be hosting a collection of works from maritime artists represented by Teichert Gallery. This event will be in conjunction with the Halifax & Bedford Gallery Hop.  

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• The Board Room Game Cafe - 1256 Barrington Street

  At the Board Room Game Café, we will have 15% off the entire board game and Chain Reactions disc golf retail section, free americanos and cold brew, and $1 chocolate chip cookies for Open City 2024!  

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• The Curio Collective Halifax Vintage Show - Light House Arts Centre, 1800 Argyle Street

  For Open City we will be offering FREE retro MOM tattoos on Saturday while supplies last! (No admission or purchase necessary) 

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• The Prow Gallery - Bishop's Landing, 1479 Lower Water Street

  Create a Mother's Day card with gallery artist Farah Niarad. 

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• The Waterfront Warehouse - Halifax Waterfront, 1549 Lower Water Street

  A dozen local oysters shucked on the half shell for $24 from 12 - 6 pm 

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• World Tea House - 1592 Argyle Street

  10 minute $10 speed Tarot Readings 

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