The days of praising the wonderful arrival of the spring season is a thing of the past. Summer’s fast approaching and Haligonians know what that means. Summer fests! And we’re not talking about simple “weee” weekend events. We’re talking “street closures-full-weeklong-can-I-get-a-what-what” festivals.
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Festival July 1-8
The highly disciplined world of the Canadian and international military opens its doors and invites you to 2.5 hours of pipes, drums, dancers, military bands, acrobats, choirs, military displays and competitions. Did we mention men in uniform?
TD Atlantic Jazz Festival July 10 – 18
The Atlantic Jazz Festival is more than a full line-up of top-notch jazz musicians. During this musical summer fest, Halifax’s main downtown drag, Spring Garden Rd is closed down and makes way for performances that range from international favourites to local jam sessions.
Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival July 11
Yes indeed. We do mean those games where men throw a 20ft log so that it flies end over end. The Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival gives you the chance to hang with the Scots with a little highland dancing and some Celtic beats. And remember, they’re called kilts, not skirts!
Tall Ships Nova Scotia July 16 – August 1
Think of this festival as days spent with the Black Pearl from movie trilogy Pirates of the Caribbean. You may not see this vessel in person, but when you see humongous ships from all over the world gather in the Halifax Harbour, you’ll only be able to say woooooooooow…
Alexander Keith’s Natal Day Festival July 30 – August 3
Honestly, not all politicians are awful. Alexander Keith, mayor of the city of Halifax and Conservative member of the provincial legislature brought his brewing talents to Canada and founded the Alexander Keith’s Brewing Company. Natal Day Festival also shows his support for civic events. Cheers to that!
Halifax International Buskers Festival August 6 – 16
Wikipedia calls busking “the practice of performing in public places for tips and gratuities”. Well, make way towards the Halifax Harbour and hold on to your hats. These streets performers come from all over the world and their performances are worth the spare change you carry in your pockets.
Did you stumble upon a festival extravaganza during your last trip to Halifax that we haven’t mentionned? Let us know, leave a comment! Looking for more? Take a peek in our 2009 Nova Scotia Festivals & Events calendar!