The Halifax Fringe Festival is back for its 34th year with an impressive lineup of entertainment. The festival happens over 11 days across multiple venues with 60+ productions performing over 350 accessible, unjuried, and uncensored individual performances. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this iconic festival, including theatre, music, circus, dance, comedy, education, and more.

Halifax Fringe Festival | August 28 – September 8 | Multiple locations

The Friends of the Public Gardens has partnered with Fawn to deliver the dreamiest weekend experience, Afternoon Tea in the Gardens. Choose your picnic from a variety of options, each filled with dainty finger sandwiches and delicate pastries crafted in the kitchen at Fawn, rated 7th in Canada’s 100 Best New Restaurants in 2023. With your picnic, you’ll also receive an iced herbal tea to sip under the lush flora. Pre-order your picnic online, pick it up at Fawn, and skip across the street to the Halifax Public Gardens – it’s that simple.

Pair your picnic with a show as the perfect backdrop to your experience – every Sunday from 2-4pm until September 22, enjoy free live music in the Public Gardens from a range of local artists. Whether you’re planning a date with your partner or a fun outing with your friends or family, there’s no better way to wrap up the summer season in the city.

Afternoon Tea in the Gardens | September 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 | Fawn

It’s officially back-to-school season, and there’s no better way to kick it off than with cocktail classes at Compass Distillers, one of Halifax’s finest distilleries. You’ll be guided through the process of cocktail crafting with a variety of Compass spirits, led by the distillery’s expert bartenders. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a complete beginner, these classes are perfect for anyone looking to expand their drink-making skills and sip on some incredible drinks.

Interactive Cocktail Classes | September 2, 9, 16 | Compass Distillers 

The Lebanese Festival is back, bringing a weekend jam-packed with captivating entertainment, mouthwatering eats, and rich culture. Step into the heart of Lebanon’s famed old Souks with a recreated market and browse handcrafted treasures and special Lebanese goods, enjoy live music, Dabke dances, and fill up on traditional cuisine from za’atar flatbreads to baklava, and more. Kids can enjoy a fun zone filled with carnival games, immersive activities, face-painting stations, and a massive bouncy castle, making this the perfect weekend outing for the whole family.

Halifax Lebanese Festival | September 6-8 | Olympic Hall Community Centre

Alderney Landing will be bursting with vibrant hues at the Halifax Colour Festival. Grab your friends and family and get ready to dance, sing, and play in full colour. Get competitive with fun, family-friendly games and take home prizes, enjoy upbeat music, and connect with new faces at this energetic festival.

Halifax Colour Festival | September 8 | Alderney Landing  

Grab your popcorn and get ready to binge-watch some of the best local and international films during the 44th Atlantic International Film Festival.

This year’s festival will showcase nearly 100 feature and short films at the Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane over 8 days and can conveniently be streamed to watch from the comfort of your home if you don’t feel like going out. The week will also be filled with fun evening parties that are free to attend, making for the perfect night out with your pals.

FIN Atlantic International Film Festival | September 11-18 | Multiple locations

Gear up for some major music festivals – Garrison Grounds will be one of Halifax’s most electrifying hotspots this month, and you won’t want to miss it.

SHINDIG, Halifax’s newest music festival, is set to make waves as major rap and EDM artists take the stage. All ages are welcome to this festival.

Magnetic World is back in Halifax this month, also bringing some major rap and EDM artists to the stage over two nights. There’s a surprise guest set to make an appearance – who do you think it will be?

SHINDIG Music Festival | September 13-14 | Garrison Grounds

Magnetic World Music Festival | September 28-29 | Garrison Grounds

If you’re looking for an easy excuse to go out, a new wave of restaurants have opened around downtown Halifax, each with its own personal flare, boasting mouthwatering menus at a variety of price points. Make your reservations; these new spots are all living up to the hype.

Water Polo | 1325 Lower Water St
Toridori | 168-1741 Lower Water St
Stardust Bar + Kitchen | 1688 Barrington St
ASIA Restaurant & Bar | 122-1341 Lower Water St 

Take game night to the next level at the Discovery Centre and get the chance to play nostalgic retro games, including larger-than-life Connect4 and Jenga, STEAM exploration games, and more from Nintendo, Genesis, PlayStation, Xbox, including Game Over and Cancer.

Family-friendly games will be available from 6pm to 8pm before opening exclusively to adults from 9pm until midnight. Propeller Brewing Co. will be onsite serving up craft beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Make plans to check it out with your friends, family, or plan the ultimate date night here.

Level UP: Retro Games Night | September 14 | Discovery Centre 

Dust off your stein and celebrate Oktoberfest in Halifax. Enjoy German-style brews and traditional treats, dance to some oompah music, play fun games, and be merry at The Halifax Beer Garden and Tapestry Beer Bar this month. Both celebrations are free to attend, and you won’t want to miss out on the fun.

Oktoberfest | September 20-29 | The Halifax Beer Garden
Oktoberfest | September 21 – October 6 | Tapestry Beer Bar