Exciting Festivals & Events This Summer
Written by Rita Jabbour
Thumbnail and Header Photo by Aranxa Esteve on Unsplash
Are you looking for some fun activities and events to attend this summer? Now that the covid-related restrictions are mostly lifted, concerts, festivals, and summer events are back in full swing! After having limited opportunities to fully enjoy our summer over the past two years, we can finally experience the best of what our city has to offer, from making new friends, to learning about different cultures, and witnessing breathtaking art. This summer, Halifax is offering several musical and cultural events and festivals. From art and jazz festivals, to movie nights and cultural festivals, there are numerous events you can choose to attend and participate in. Here is a quick overview of some of the festivals and events happening in and around Halifax throughout July. Be sure to click on the linked title/event names for more detailed descriptions of each event, including details about venue and time, ticket information, and schedules.
Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts: This festival is made up of two events, the first being a three-day painting event in which more than 40 local and international artists will be gathering with their required tools and bringing them out onto the rocks and park areas to work on new pieces, inspired by the exquisite, artistic nature around them. During this event, you will be able to observe the artists as they work as well as chat with them and inquire about their creative process. After each day, all the artwork will be displayed and sold. The second event is a studio tour in which 70+ galleries and artists will be open to art lovers to view the work of the greatly gifted artists. Visit the official website for the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts to find out which galleries will be joining this showcase event. This is a perfect opportunity for those who have an interest in art such as paintings, pottery, wood and glass work, and so much more.
Venue: Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Date and Time: July 8-9, 10 am to 5 pm; July 10, 10 am to 4 pm
Venue: Peggy’s Cove Coastal Region
Date and Time: July 15-17, 10 am to 5 pm
The Halifax Mural Festival: This is a community-based art event which aims to revitalize and enhance the public sites in Halifax. Stunning murals will be painted on Quinpool Road and the Halifax Waterfront by well-known and up-and-coming artists over the course of a week. Be sure to take a stroll down those roads to get a chance to admire the artists’ work!
Venue: Quinpool Road & Halifax Waterfront
Date: July 11-July 17, all day
Photo by Halifax Jazz Festival
The TD Halifax Jazz Festival: Considered a hallmark event by HRM, the TD Halifax Jazz Festival is one of the oldest and largest festivals in Atlantic Canada, attracting more than 60,000 people from all over. With more than a dozen performers in the lineup, the festival will span across 6 days and take place across the Halifax Waterfront. Some performances to look forward to include acts by Tank and the Bangas, Reeny Smith, Alex Cuba, and the Mellotones. Check out the link for more details about purchasing tickets and the program schedule to join a week of jazz music, daily concerts, and fun activities!
Venue: Halifax Waterfront and throughout HRM
Date: July 13- July 17
Country Music in the Bandstand in the Public Gardens: If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, consider visiting the Public Gardens on a Tuesday evening in July to enjoy country music performances. These recurring shows are hosted by the classic country band “The Farm Team,” with classic country, old time fiddle, and 1960s Folk music. This would make a great, quiet night out with your friends, especially since it’s free of charge!
Venue: The Halifax Public Gardens
Date: Every Tuesday in July, 6:30pm to 8 pm.
Photo by Halifax Pride
Halifax Pride Festival: An 11-day annual gathering for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, the Halifax Pride Festival commemorates and celebrates the history, culture, activism, and perseverance of the queer community through community- and Pride-organized events and activities. As part of the festival, the Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, July 16, 2022 starting at 12:00PM in downtown Halifax. Performers include Fefe Dobson, Peppermint, and Brandon Ash-Mohammed! Visit the Halifax Pride website for more information about the activities and events that are happening over the 11 days.
Venue: Garrison Grounds
Date: July 14-July 24
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert Series: This exciting series of performances will take place in the Halifax Public Gardens to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which is a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne. Held every Thursday from June 30th to July 28th, the concerts will be classical music performances by artists like KLM Trio, and Vladimir Sitnikov Trio. Attending one (or all) of these concerts is perfect for classical-music lovers!
Venue: Halifax Public Gardens
Time: Every THURSDAY, June 30 to July 28 (check website for concert times)
Movie Night in The Gardens by FIN Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF): Yet another event held at the Halifax Public Gardens, FIN AIFF presents ‘The Summer of Sarah Polley’, a series of outdoor summer movie screenings to celebrate the Canadian icon, author, activist, and actress, and director. The screenings include 4 of Polley’s films, including ‘Take this Waltz’, and ‘My Life Without Me’ all of which begin at dusk. While this event is free, you still need to get tickets for it, and you find them at the following link: FIN Outdoor | FIN Outdoor (eventive.org). Bring your blankets and chairs for the event at the Public Gardens, where concessions will be provided. If you’re a movie lover, these movie nights are a great way to spend your Friday night in the summer!
Venue: Halifax Public Gardens
Date: Every FRIDAY, July 8 to July 29 at dusk
Afrifest: An annual celebration of the arts, crafts, and culture of Nova Scotians of African heritage, Afrifest encourages inclusion and cultural diversity by showcasing the remarkable performing talents of African artists and performers. Among many of this year’s performers are the Burundian Ramesha drummers from Ottawa,and Mapou Ginen, Haitian dancers from Montreal.
Venue: The Wave, Halifax Waterfront
Date: July 21- July 24
Nova Multifest: An energetic festival filled with multicultural performances, exciting demonstrations, art exhibits, and food from the diverse population of Nova Scotia. The festival strives to highlight multicultural diversity and encourage cooperation, inclusivity, and positivity.
Venue: Alderney Landing Events Plaza, Dartmouth Waterfront.
Date: July 22- July 24
These are only a few of the countless events and festivals taking place in July, and there are many more happening during the rest of the summer. Be sure to check websites like discoverhalifaxns.com, novascotia.com, and allevents.in/halifax to hear about events, activities, and festivals going on throughout the city. You can also follow the Instagram and Facebook pages @discoverhalifax, @halifaxnoise, and @downtownhalifax to get regular updates.
Make the best of your summer by exploring the city, taking part in different festivals, and attending many unique and vibrant events!