Discover Nova Scotia's Vibrant Event Scene
Nova Scotia is alive with events that cater to every taste, from music festivals and cultural celebrations to thrilling motorcycle rallies and scenic marathons. Whether you're exploring the rugged Highlands or delving into the depths of the ocean, there's always something exciting happening in Nova Scotia.
Don't miss out on the endless array of special events that promise to make your Nova Scotia adventure unforgettable.
Pumpkin People Festival
Visit Kentville this October to experience the magic of the Pumpkin People! Each fall, the Pumpkin People take over Kentville with creativity, laughter, and lots of photo ops. This year’s event runs from October 4th to 26th, 2025. You never know what kind of silly antics these gourd-headed folks will get up to next—but you do know it’ll be fun!
Celtic Colours
Revel in a unique celebration of Cape Breton’s living traditional culture. Discover hundreds of events and activities in communities around the Island, with tens of thousands of visitors from over two dozen countries.
Halifax International Spirit Festival
From classics such as Single Malt Scotch, Canadian whisky, and rum to modern favourites, including mezcal, tequila, amaro, gin, and more, there is a spirit and a cocktail to suit all palates at the Halifax International Spirit Festival.
Valley Harvest Marathon
The Valley Harvest Marathon is a signature event in the Valley during the Thanksgiving weekend now in its 33nd year!
Nova Scotia Giant Pumpkin Festival & Regatta
This event takes place Thanksgiving weekend on Shelburnes Historic Waterfront. It includes a giant pumpkin weigh off, pumpkin carving, a pumpkin regatta, local market, and many other fun activities for everyone to enjoy!
Nocturne: Art at Night
The Nocturne program guides residents and visitors alike to a variety of exhibitions in galleries and public spaces throughout downtown Halifax, Dartmouth and beyond.
Devour Food & Film Festival
Join us for the 14th edition of Devour! The Food Film Fest, the world’s largest food film festival focused on all things culinary. Revel in the bounty of the Annapolis Valley while taking in exceptional films, workshops, special events and experiential tourism activities that explore the largesse of our region.
Nova Scotia Music Week
With over 80 artists spanning genres, there's something for everyone at Nova Scotia Music Week! This event engages musicians, fans, and industry professionals globally while showcasing exceptional emerging and established artists from Nova Scotia.
Christmas at the Forum
Christmas at the Forum is back for its 47th year! This festive Halifax tradition brings together handmade crafts, local art, and delicious food. As one of Canada's largest and most beloved craft shows, it attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Hal-Con
Hal-Con, Atlantic Canada’s largest sci-fi and gaming convention, is back in Halifax this fall. With celebrity guests, cosplay competitions, artist alleys, and pop culture panels, there's something for everyone.
Pictou Christmas Light-up
Ring in the Christmas season in Pictou at the annual Christmas Light-up. Watch a festive parade in downtown Pictou, a vibrant tree lighting ceremony, a live Christmas play, story reading with Mrs. Claus, local entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate and, of course, Santa’s visit.
Previous Events
Beat Beethoven
Lace up your sneakers and pick up the tempo in Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 26, 2025. Beat Beethoven presented by Benjamin Bridge is a unique 7.5KM race against Beethoven’s classics, performed live by Symphony Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Stampede 2025
The Nova Scotia Stampede is coming to the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Complex in Truro from September 18 – 21, 2025, for an action-packed weekend of world-class rodeo action and unforgettable concerts. Customize your adventure with flexible tickets, on-site camping, and VIP experiences.
Lunenburg Doc Festival
Lunenburg Doc Fest is a non-profit charity showcasing documentary films that entertain, educate, inspire and enrich the lives of Lunenburg citizens and visitors. The festival promotes local, national and international filmmakers as we share their works with audiences in a four-day celebration of factual storytelling.
Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie
The Gran Fondo has quickly become the largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada, with 970 cyclists last year. Whether you’re a recreational rider, cycling tourist, or avid racer, this fun group grand tour is for anyone who enjoys cycling and beautiful scenery.
Atlantic International Film Festival
The Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) is an eight-day celebration of film and media from around the world, turning Halifax into an international destination for movie-lovers and filmmakers alike.
Halifax International Wine Festival
The region’s biggest wine show is coming back bigger, better, and bolder! With more than 250 wines to try, food samples to taste and with the region’s largest pop-up wine store on-site you try it, like it, and buy it.
YAS! Drinks Fest
Celebrate Nova Scotia's finest beverages at the annual Yarmouth & Acadian Shores YAS! Drinks Fest at the Yarmouth International Airport. Taste locally crafted beer, cider, wine, spirits, RTD, and non-alcoholic drinks. Enjoy DJ music, snacks, and connect with fellow enthusiasts, all while supporting local artisans.
Halifax Lebanese Festival
Experience a weekend of delicious Lebanese cuisine, captivating live dance performances, and fun activities for all ages this August.
Wharf Rat Rally
Rev up your engines for the Wharf Ray Rally in Digby, Canada’s largest multi-day motorcycle rally! Since 2005, this roaring event has attracted thousands of bikes, riders and fans. Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, this rally transforms Digby’s 1.2 km main street into a biker’s paradise, packed with live music, stunt shows, biker games and custom builders. This event happens over Labour Day weekend and promises an unforgettable experience.
Chester Race Week
The Chester Race Week event takes place over 4 days and attracts participating yachts and crews from across Canada. This year they are expecting over 140 boats to participate in several race courses in Mahone Bay.