Grand Oasis x Canada Day Weekend
Friday, July 1, there will be outdoor live performances at the Grand Oasis Festival from 7-10:30pm from Crown Land, Neon Dreams, DeeDee Austin, Drives the Common Man and Eastern Eagle. On July 2 there will be Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Salute To Ukraine and a performance from the Ukrainian band Balaklava Blues.
Fri, Jul 1-2 | Halifax City Hall
Antigonish Highland Games
One hundred and sixty years after The Antigonish Highland Society was founded, the society still aims to uphold Scottish tradition at the Antigonish Highland Games. Help keep the culture and traditions alive this summer by attending the many events like piping and drumming, highland dancing, fiddle music and athletics, and the ancient Scottish Heavy Events.
Sat, Jul 2-10 | Antigonish
Lebanese Cedar Festival
Since 2007 the Lebanese Cedar Festival has been a dynamic and successful festival that focuses and appreciates Lebanese culture. The aim is to bridge the gap between Canadian and Lebanese cultures by providing a space and opportunity for people from both communities to commence and enjoy delicious Lebanese foods while listening to music, dancing and more.
Sun, Jul 3-5 | Clayton Park Drive
Granville Green
The Granville Green free outdoor concert series returns to Port Hawkesbury every Sunday this summer. There will be many excellent Canadian acts performing like Tyler Shaw, The Stanfields, Classified and more. After the two years we’ve all endured in the wake of COVID, the festival is dedicated to highlighting the importance of community, resilience and comradeship.
7pm Sun, Jul 3-24 | Granville Green
Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts
This non-profit celebration of the arts at Peggy’s Cove is a spectacular way to spend an afternoon by the water and to get in touch with your artistic side. There are two main events, the first is a three-day air painting event in the little village of Peggy’s Cove on July 8, 9 and 10. The second is a Studio Tour on July 15, 16 and 17, where more than 60 studio artists, galleries and art groups open their doors to have people meet and interact with artists that range from painters to wood and glass workers.
Wed, Jul 6-17 | Scotiabank Centre
Cavendish Beach Music Festival
The Cavendish Beach Music Festival is entwined in the roots of the country music family tree with 13 years experience providing a stage for country music performers to hone their talents. This year’s lineup includes Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Dustin Lynch and The Cadillac Three and more. Dust off your cowboy hats and boots cause you don’t want to miss this chance to spend a fantastic weekend outside in the sun with friends, listening to some of the genre’s best artists.
Thu, Jul 7-9 | Cavendish Beach
A Final Folly Fest
This magical and free-spirited festival situated alongside the beautiful Wolastoq river, is the perfect camping and festival spot. All you need to bring to stay is your tent and camping gear as the festival provides free water and showers. The Folly Fest isn’t only music but includes markets, performance art, workshops, kid zones, Silent Discos, and much more. The headliners include big names such as G-Nome Projects, Zamani and Apollo Suns.
Fri, Jul 8-10 | Village of Gagetown
2022 Lobster Bash
Prepare to have full bellies and your cravings satisfied, as all your lobster dreams will come true at the annual Lobster Bash celebration. Along the western shore of the Annapolis Basin, lip-licking lobster rolls, lobster chowder, and steamed lobster will be served. There will be many family-friendly events, including lobster banding, lobster trap stacking and hauling, row boat races, and much more.
Fri, Jul 8-10 | Digby Waterfront
Under the Spire Music Festival
Enjoy a secular experience in the most sacred of spaces. Situated in a former church constructed for music in rural PEI is the summer-long music festival, Under The Spire. Returning for the 27th season, the festival previously known as the Indian River Festival, announces many performers such as Reeny Smith & The Sanctified Bros, Twin Flames, David Myles and Catherine MacLellan.
Fri, Jul 8-Sep 2 | Historic St Mary’s
Grand Oasis Reunion
At the Grand Oasis Festival on July 8, 2022, Alan Doyle the lead singer of the Canadian folk rock band Great Big Sea and the band Fortunate Ones will be performing live. On July 9th, there will be performances from Classified and Owen O Sound Lee.
Fri, Jul 8-9 | Halifax City Hall
Halifax Jazz Festival
Spend a couple days of your summer boogie-ing and jive-ing to some funky jazz music at the infamous Halifax Jazz Festival. A collection of renowned performers from all around the world, each with their own unique take on jazz, are brought to Halifax to perform. The lineup for this summer’s event consists of names such as Tank and The Bangas, Perfume Genius, Molly Johnson and The Weather Station.
Wed, Jul 13-17 | Halifax Waterfront
Halifax Pride Festival
Partake in the over 150 colourful and uplifting community and pride organized events for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Celebrate the history, activism, and perseverance of the community at the many exciting and joyous events like the Pride Parade, Queer Music Fest, Comedy Night and much more. Put on your most colourful outfit and join in the vibrant celebration of this extraordinary community.
Thu, Jul 14-24 | Halifax Pride
Acoustic Maritime Music Festival
Get your groove on at the family-friendly four-day Acoustic Festival. Listen to some of Canada’s best artists like JP Cormier, Andrew Waite Band and The Divorcees all weekend long while enjoying good eats and drinks from Smokinstein Food Truck and School House Brewery. If you like to sing, there will also be an open mic session to show off your talent.
Thu, Jul 14-17 | Kempt Shore Ocean View Campground
East Hants Tide Fest
If you’re looking for something entertaining to do, look no further. After two years, The East Hants Tide Fest returns for a jam-packed weekend full of events for everyone. There will be events and tournaments such as the world’s largest washer toss tournament, youth ball hockey, local music, Atlantic Canada’s strongest san and woman, a community fair and many more exciting things.
Fri, Jul 15-16 | East Hants Sportsplex
Lunenburg Arts Fest
Instead of watching something live on tv, head to Lunenburg to watch live and in-person painters’ artistic expressions take tangible form on canvases. For 21 years, The Lunenburg Art Gallery Society has hosted this annual event, formerly known as Paint Sea On Site. During this art festival, participating artists will be scattered in and around the town of Lunenburg painting, providing the public with the opportunity to watch and engage with the artists at work.
10am-5pm Sat, Jul 16-17 | Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic Wharf
Halifax Summer Opera Festival
Listen to the sweet melody of the opera at The Halifax Summer Opera Festival this summer. This year the Halifax Summer Opera Festival presents four fully-staged productions of Glick’s Armide. The festival will also participate in Pride events, Opera Backwards, and performances at the Halifax Public Library.
Mon, Jul 18-Aug 14 | Alderney Landing
Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal
Hop, boogie and leap over to the Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal to watch contemporary dance, dance theatre, acrobatic movement, Indigenous dance and works from Canada’s best choreographers in rural Nova Scotia. The artistic director and award-winning Canadian choreographer Randy Glynn, brings his vision to life through the mesmerizing and flawless movements of the dancers.
Tue, Jul 19-23 | King’s Theatre
Saint John Contemporary Dance Festival
Watch as both professional and emerging choreographers from New Brunswick strut their exceptional dance moves on stage. This festival aims to provide an array of creative performances in contemporary dance for both audience entertainment and for dancers to hone and show off their skills.
Fri, Jul 22 | Halifax Public Gardens
Nova Multifest
Enter a cross-culture utopia and be mesmerized by the celebration of the rich culture and diversity of Nova Scotia at the Nova Multifest. This electric festival embodies Nova Scotia’s multiple cultures through music, art and delicacies local to each culture. Feast your eyes at the festival’s live shows and cave to the temptations of culinary delights, cold beers from a local brewery and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Fri, Jul 22-24 | Alderney Landing
Harmony Bazaar
Did you know that only a two-hour drive from Halifax sits a mile-long white sand beach and the Harmony Bazaar music festival? What could be better than live music and a beach. The Harmony Bazaar music festival stands to promote female artists and songs. This female-only festival consists of great female artists and music coupled with activities like youth stages, industry dinners, art galas, theatre performances and mentorships.
Fri, Jul 22-24 | Seacaps Memorial Park
Stan Rogers Folk Festival
Enter the world of traditional folk music and more at the 25th edition of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. Gather with the extended community to hear a wide range of music that goes beyond folk music such as rock, funk, gospel, and singer-songwriter acoustics. Performers include artists such as Carolyn Dawn Johnson, George Canyon and more.
Fri, Jul 22-24 | Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival
Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival (PIPAF)
PIPAF selects artists from across North America to compete in painting the marvellous sea and landscapes of the Parrsboro Shore. The festival aims to rejuvenate the community and develop the areas cultural economy through artists and artisans. Its success has been chronicled in media across North America, reaching thousands of artists, art galleries and art collectors’ organizations across the continent.
Wed, Jun 22-26 | Parrsboro Band Hall
East Coast Kite Festival
Spend the day outside under the open sky scattered with colours and shapes at the East Coast Kite Festival. Whether you just wish to watch or wish to fly your own kite, this free family-friendly no alcohol event is a great way to spend an afternoon. There will be 50 different types of kites for purchase, food trucks and vendors, craft workshops, kite flying lessons and much more.
10am Sat, Jul 23-24 | Citadel Hill
Hantsport Music Festival
Following the closure of large industries and town amalgamations, local volunteers decided to accumulate and showcase their love for the town by creating the Hantsport Music Festival. The festival focuses on raising money for the community and bringing the best Atlantic Canadian artists like Pail Lamb and Laura Conner with Wreckhouse, The Usual Suspects, Mark Riley Project and many more to the stage.
12pm Sat, Jul 23 | Hantsport Music Fest
Halifax Buskers Festival
No matter what side of the bridge you reside on, you can now enjoy the festivities of the Halifax Busker Festival without having to cross over into Halifax or Dartmouth. The Dartmouth side will have amusement rides, international buskers and music, while the Halifax side will also include international busker performances but will have food and craft vendors. It’s the perfect family-friendly event that everyone will enjoy no matter which waterfront you choose to visit.
Wed, Jul 27-Aug 1 | Seacaps Memorial Park
The Island Fringe Festival
This weekend-long festival is committed to supporting and encouraging independent artists while providing a unique experience outside the conventional theatre and live performance boundaries. Despite being a small festival, it stands loud and proud, offering unconventional performances in unconventional spaces for a rare and uncommon experience, making this an unforgettable music festival you don’t want to miss.
Wed, Jul 27-31 | Various Locations
Natal Day X Grand Oasis
Check out the live outdoor performances from Ria Mae on July 29, and Haviah Mighty, Aquakulture and Mass Choir all on August 1, at the Grand Oasis Festival to celebrate Natal Day.
Fri, Jul 29-Aug 1 | Halifax City Hall
The Riverfront Jubilee
If you love to immerse yourself in the euphoric sounds of music, you’re in luck. The award-winning music festival, the Riverfront Jubilee, opens its stage for national and international acts. Their outdoor amphitheatre is the perfect place to let loose, enjoy the summer sun and listen to great tunes from artists such as Tom Cochrane, Serena Ryder, Glass Tiger, Reeny Smith and more.
Fri, Jul 29-31 | Various Locations
Area 506
Every year around the August long weekend holiday, the AREA 506 festival takes place on the waterfront in Saint John, New Brunswick. Area 506 consists of a shipping container village that showcases vendors’ goods, brands and culture groups, plus the music festival that this summer features artists such as the Arkells, The Glorious Sons, Mother Mother, Sloan and many more.
Fri, Jul 29-31 | AREA 506
Rock the Hub
The annual Rock the Hub event returns. Grab a rock and get rollin’ cause this festival will definitely meet all your rock’ n’ roll fantasies with performances from Monster Truck, Three Days Grace, The Glorious Sons and many others.
Fri, Jul 29-31 | Truro Civic Square
Nova Scotia Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival
Whether it’s your first or 49th time attending, Canada’s oldest continuously running Bluegrass Festival is bound to be a great time. This event is more than a music festival as not only can you enjoy great music and food, but you can also partake in their interactive workshops to hone and improve your musical talents. The performers this summer include artists and bands such as Ray Legere and Acoustic Horizon, Matt Lunn & Echo Mountain, The Stiff Family Band and more.
Fri, Jul 29 | Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival
Sappyfest
Channel your inner good vibes and peaceful nature for this year’s Sappyfest. The festival returns this year better than ever to bring great live music you know and love. No matter your M.O., you are bound to fit into one of the many different groups at the festival like musicians, artists, dancers, punks, hippies and poets!
Fri, Jul 29-31 | Sappyfest
Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival
Lunenburg’s Folk Art Festival is back for the 32nd time this summer. Spend Sunday afternoon at this fundraising initiative looking at the artworks created by over 50 Nova Scotia artists working with wood, pencil, paint, metal, fibre and other materials. Good luck returning home empty-handed after seeing all the amazing art pieces.
12pm Sun, Jul 31 | Lunenburg War Memorial Arena
