Halifax Things To Do: Bucket List Edition

2024-05-01 vSL Blog image Halifax Things-to-do Bucket List Edition. Summer

Ready to turn your summer into an epic adventure?

As the season of sun approaches, get ready to embark on unforgettable journeys and create memories that will last a lifetime. With a multitude of events planned to land in Halifax, and the rest of Nova Scotia, you’ll have fun all summer long – and beyond! 

We’ve put together a mix of events taking place throughout the summer season. From tour stops to grand prix races, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, dance or music lover, sport fanatic, or car enthusiast, you’ll finds lots of fun things to do in Halifax!

Sports 

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines! Summer in Halifax has always been enjoyable, as this is when a lot of sports kick off, like:

  • Cycling
  • Sailing (spoiler alert: new event)
  • Canoeing 
  • Football

These competitive activities unite communities, as we rally together to support our favourite clubs, teams, or athletes. 

Rockwool Sail Grand Prix Sailing athlete in the spray. Halifax Things To Do: Bucket List Edition Small & Local Blog image

Devoted to all things sailing? 

Well look no further, as this summer the SailGP makes its exciting debut in Canada on June 1st.

Set to take place on the Halifax waterfront, the GP offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with the athletes and explore the teams’ “pit-lane-style Tech Base”.

In addition to two days of thrilling racing action, attendees can enjoy giant screens, live race commentary, vibrant music performances, entertainment, and a variety of food and beverage selections.

To purchase tickets, or simply learn more, click here

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters are an internationally celebrated team of basketball entertainers who blend their impressive athletic skills with crazy antics and laugh-out-loud fun. 

Watch as they bring their basketball entertainment to Halifax this summer! With gravity-defying dunks, acrobatics and a multitude of skills, the globetrotters showcase their extraordinary athleticism with flair and finesse. But it’s not just about the game; the globe trotters carry an infectious energy and put on a show that will make you ALOL. A lot!

Entertainment

Step into a lived moment where emotions guide you, laughter embraces you and wonder awaits at every turn.

This summer you are invited to fully immerse yourself in breath-taking performances as generational idols and celebrated artists make pit stops in Nova Scotia. 

Musical

Charlotte Day Wilson Canadian R&B Singer performing Live at Terminal Five, NY.
Charlotte Day Wilson, acclaimed Canadian R&B Singer, performing live.

With artists from diverse genres gracing stages across the province, this summer promises to be a symphony of memorable moments.

So far Halifax has been added to a plethora of tour stops for globally acclaimed artists. With announced dates from names like:

And more!

From the much loved live music and entertainment at the Halifax Buskers Festival, to classical music in historic venues, there’s something for every music lover to experience.

Royal Tattoo

Though this is a recurring event, the Royal International Tattoo has forever been a common Bucket List item for those visiting Nova Scotia – and locals too. The Tattoo embodies a mix of  historical and modern medleys that entertain audiences of all ages and uphold long standing traditions. With performances from: Highland Dancers, Marching Bands, Acrobats, Bag pipes & Drum, and so much more!

This non-profit event, aims to honour Canada’s Armed Forces, and other first responders and to celebrate the heritage of Canadians’ contributions to national and international peace and stability. 

Great Outdoors Comedy Festival Diverse people laughing. Great Outdoors Comedy Festival . Halifax Things To Do Bucket List Edition Small & Local Blog image

The Great outdoors comedy Festival (GOCF) is the best place for laughs this summer. With appearances from renowned comedians such as:

  • Tom Segura 
  • Chelcie Lynn
  • Bobby Lee
  • Nate Bargatze

And many more. There will also be a headline appearance from the acclaimed Louisiana native Theo Von. Von has garnered a massive following in the last four years through his podcast “This Past Weekend” and his hit Netflix Comedy Special “Theo Von: Regular People”.  

Join together for two days of unending laughter and fun at the Garrison Grounds Downtown.

Natural Attractions 

Experience the abundant beauty nature provides this summer.

Canada as a whole is overflowing with natural wonders. From the Rocky mountains to the Northern Lights in Yukon, to The Bay of Fundy. And below, you’ll find unique opportunities for full emersion in the natural beauty of Nova Scotia – AKA, ‘Canada’s Ocean Playground’.

Ballet By the Ocean

With each performance tailor made to suit its location, this exquisite production of classical and contemporary dance captivates audiences of all backgrounds. Watch in awe as you are transported into a realm where artistry and emotion intertwine. The experience amplified by the backdrop of Nova Scotia coastlines. Bask in the sounds of waves breaking along the shoreline and the smell of the ocean breeze, enhancing your dance performance experience.

While this event is a trip outside Halifax, and well worth it for the experience of a lifetime! Get your tickets while they last here.

Dining on The Ocean Floor 

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like! Indulge in the best of Nova Scotian Cuisine at the bottom of the Bay of Fundy; site of the world’s highest tides.

Your day starts out with a personal guided lesson by local forager, Jonathan Newell. Engage your 5 senses as you explore a range of local edible wild plants and learn more about their benefits.  From there you are invited to enjoy a seafood feast atop a cliff as well as other culinary offerings set with scenic Nova Scotian backgrounds throughout the day. 

Tickets are limited and sell quickly, so be sure to secure yours here.

Cape Split 

Beautiful View off Cape Split, Nova Scotia. A Nature Lover's dream. Halifax Things To Do: Bucket List Edition Small & Local Blog image

Cape Split in Nova Scotia beckons to those seeking an escape into nature’s embrace. Its rugged coastal beauty, panoramic vistas, and serene wilderness make it a destination worth exploring.

The hike to The Cape unveils lush forests, wooden footbridges, and stunning views of the Bay of Fundy, where the world’s highest tides create an ever-changing spectacle. Wildlife enthusiasts can also revel in birdwatching and the chance to spot seals and other creatures along the coast.

Cape Split’s allure transcends seasons, offering vibrant foliage in the fall, wildflowers in the spring, snowy tranquillity in the winter, and sunny hikes in the summer. Whether seeking solitude, photography inspiration, or a memorable outdoor adventure, Cape Split promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure amidst the beauty of the Canadian maritime landscape.

AutoMotive/Motorsport

Have you noticed an increased presence of vintage and modern sports cars in town?

The car scene in Halifax continues to grow every year. Whether you like cars for their speed, look, or build, the automotive category offers something to ignite the passion of every enthusiast, whether you’re drawn to the thrill of acceleration or the artistry of engineering.

Kart Bahn

Have you ever tried Karting? karting racers on a track

Quench your thirst for speed with Kartbahn’s FIRST outdoor racing track. Let your inner speedster run wild; and feel yourself come alive as you race through tight turns and fast corners. Test your stamina and reflexes when switching through gas and braking, all while defending from other competitors.

Kartbahn currently hosts a range of events  that you can enjoy with friends and family.

These offerings include:

  • Grand Prix
  • Endurance Races
  • Pit-stop Competitions
  • Private Track Reservations

And More. Looking to go solo? Single 10 minute sessions are currently priced at $25. Doesn’t sound long but, when it’s filled by speeding along the racetrack, it’s a jam-packed 10 minutes!

To learn more visit the official Kartbahn website here.

NSCS Summer Car Meet

Nova Scotia Car Scene(NSCS) welcomes you to Atlantic Motorsport Park for the biggest car meet of the summer!

Here you can find a wide range of high-performance and show stopping vehicles set on display. From vintage classics to cutting-edge supercars, there’s something to captivate every automotive cognoscenti.

NSCS also welcomes vendors to showcase their products at the event. To secure your spot follow the instructions of the post linked here.

Vintage Orange car at car show. SL Blog image Halifax Things-to-do Bucket List Edition. Summer

Driven Halifax Car Show

Join the Aftermarket Car Show Tour as they land at the Halifax Exhibition Centre(HEC). This showcase includes two aspects. An indoor car show where show cars will be on display for viewers, and an outdoor PRO Drift Demo.

Whether you are a seasoned car enthusiast or simply appreciative of unique builds, the Driven Car Show will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world of automobiles.

Fun in Nova Scotia this Summer – and After!

Want to keep tabs on all the happenings in Halifax and throughout the province? Subscribe to our continuously updated Nova Scotia Events Calendar here.

Did we miss a Bucket-List-worthy event? Feel free to drop a comment below and share your can’t miss experience suggestions!