Nova Scotia Events

Fiddles and bagpipes, concerts and céilidhs, food and drink, Gaelic language and song, informality and hospitality — consider this your official invitation to Cape Breton’s biggest kitchen céilidh!

The 13th edition of the KitchenFest is a week-long celebration of Gaelic culture. It honours the music, dance, community and delicious food of Cape Breton and those who call the beautiful island home. This festival is perfect for immersing yourself in traditional music workshops, lively dance competitions and captivating storytelling.

A show inspired by Military Tattoos given by military bands and display teams. It has taken place annually in Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax since 1979.

The Pictou Lobster Carnival takes place every July in Pictou, Nova Scotia and is a signature Nova Scotia tourism event that celebrates a successful lobster fishing season.

Serving delicious Lobster Rolls, Lobster Chowder, and Steamed Lobster at the Digby waterfront event. The weekend of activities comes to an end with the boat Parade of Lights, and a spectacular fireworks show over the downtown waterfront.

Held annually for over 150 years, “The Games” are a true showcase of Scottish culture, featuring athletes, pipe-and-drum bands, and highland dancers from across the country and around the world, with Scottish-flavoured ceilidhs, clan activities, and concerts.

The TD Halifax Jazz Festival is the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada. The festival attracts up to 60,000 visitors, involves 400 volunteers and employs over 350 local musicians.

Seafest is a unique maritime festival that takes place every July in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Since 1979, locals and visitors have come together every summer to celebrate the food, culture, and life of our coastal community.

Taking place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this annual 11-day festival features a variety of events including parades, performances, workshops, and social gatherings, all designed to foster a sense of community and support.

River John Festival Days is a vibrant, week-long celebration of community spirit, local talent, and summer fun in the heart of Nova Scotia. From lively parades and family-friendly games to delicious food and live music, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Some of the finest songwriters and performers in North America gather at this international festival to celebrate the lasting contributions Stan Rogers has made to folk music.

The Far Out Festival is an annual music event that brings people together from far and wide for a music-meets-nature experience! Festival-goers enjoy a lineup of artists from across the Maritimes and Canada.

Harmony Bazaar began as a project of the Shelburne County Women’s Fishnet to provide a stage for female singers and songwriters. The festival grew into a weekend of activities including youth stages, workshops, industry dinners, art galas, theatre performances, and mentorships.

The Halifax International Busker Festival transforms downtown Halifax into a vibrant stage for the world’s best and most exciting street performers. From awe-inspiring acrobats and unique jugglers to captivating musicians and mind-bending magicians, this free festival offers something for everyone.

The oldest Acadian festival in the world has always been a celebration of culture and heritage. Thousands of people from all over the world travel to Saint Mary’s Bay every year for a week filled with activities for all ages. The highlight of this festival is the Acadian Parade, but there’s also a popular bazaar filled with local gems, a lumberjack competition, delicious food and concerts with music genres varying from Acadian, Cajun and even Bluegrass.

Steeped in over 160 years of history, the Western Nova Scotia Exhibition has become a Yarmouth area tradition. This long-running event offers top-notch entertainment for the whole family. It features bouncy castles, a multicultural festival, hard-hitting action from the top stars of UCW (Ultimate Championship Wrestling) and lots of food vendors to enjoy and try out.

Digby Scallop Days, the area’s longest-running festival, is a celebration of scallops, the scallop fishing industry, and the people who brave the seas to harvest them. Digby Scallop Days is celebrated over a three day period starting on Friday and ending on Sunday.

Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival is a small town festival with a big reputation! Each year, music lovers flock to this distinct UNESCO World Heritage town for the best of Folk music and a healthy dose of fun.

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.

This week-long event celebrates Wedgeport’s rich tuna fishing traditions. While the tuna have migrated further offshore, the competitions and festivities remain thrilling. Witness skilled anglers compete for the biggest Bluefin. Then, explore the Wedgeport Tuna Museum to learn about the village’s deep connection to these magnificent fish. This family-friendly event draws crowds and fosters community spirit.

Not Since Moses is a one-of-a-kind race across the ocean floor, where runners dash through mud, seaweed, and rugged terrain with the tide at their heels. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Nova Scotia’s Five Islands, this unforgettable event promises fun, challenge, and plenty of mud for all ages.

Experience a weekend of delicious Lebanese cuisine, captivating live dance performances, and fun activities for all ages this August.

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. 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.

The Acoustic Roots Festival offers a variety of acoustic music spanning the genres of Folk, Blues, Celtic, Country, and Bluegrass. The annual festival provides an opportunity to showcase Atlantic Canadian talent including a strong Cape Breton component.

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.

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.

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.

Each September, on the last full weekend of the month, the Deep Roots Music Cooperative brings an awesome blend of up-and-coming, alongside tried-and-true, performers to the stages in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Throughout the three-day festival, there will be plenty of events for all ages – and even some dancing!

Experience the art of Maritime film makers, producers, artists, and directors. Meet and hear stories from those directly involved in making featured films and see local productions that are not yet mainstream during this three-day event!

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.

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!

The Valley Harvest Marathon is a signature event in the Valley during the Thanksgiving weekend.

The Nocturne program guides residents and visitors alike to a variety of exhibitions in galleries and public spaces throughout downtown Halifax, Dartmouth and beyond.

Join us for the 16th 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.

Step into the magic of the season at the New Glasgow Christmas Market! This festive event brings together talented local vendors offering unique, handcrafted treasures—perfect for holiday gift-giving. Stroll through the cozy market atmosphere, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak up the holiday cheer with friends and family. Find the perfect piece of Christmas magic right here in New Glasgow!

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.

Join us for three days of music across multiple venues in the Town of Antigonish, taking in the musical talents of local, regional, and international artists and ensembles.

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.

Laugh & stroll under the twinkle of a million lights at Glow Gardens Christmas Light Festival. Towering exhibits, interactive activities and glowing playgrounds will delight the whole family. Kick back at our bar and enjoy a selection of beverages, food and festive music by local performers. Shop our winter market, showcasing local artisans and boutique businesses.

The Acadia Craft Expo is the longest running Christmas Craft Fair in Nova Scotia and has become an established tradition for generations of makers, crafters and the public.

Join the Season of Father Christmas in Mahone Bay from November 28 – December 24, 2025. Experience the town's holiday magic with twinkling lights, balsam scents, and Christmas gnomes! Fill your stockings with unique treasures and your belly with festive flavours.

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.

The New Ross Christmas celebration begins with a community supper, followed by hundreds gathering to countdown the tree lighting while sipping hot chocolate. The weekend is packed with craft fairs, home-cooked meals, carolers, Christmas tree U-picks, children's fun, and visits to local artisans. The celebration culminates with magical entertainment, singing, and dancing the night away.

Tis the season to shop local! Merry Madness is returning to Downtown Yarmouth for its 8th year on Friday, December 5th, from 4:30–9:00 PM and Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Don't miss out on this holiday shopping spectacular—secure your spot for a weekend of festive finds!

Discover the artistry of Nova Scotia! This market features unique Nova Scotian Artisans and Crafters offering handcrafted pottery, woodcarvings, glass, sewing, wreaths, and various treasures—just in time for your Christmas shopping. Many artisans draw inspiration from the natural landscape to create their pieces. Come and find that unique treasure that captures a little piece of Nova Scotia!

Get ready for another amazing year of Miracle on Dock St!!! A stationary parade on Water and Dock Streets, along with the Guild Hall Market, visits from Santa, fireworks and more!

Ready to hit the open road? Discover an extensive lineup of RV dealers, parts, accessories, and essential gear. Whether a seasoned traveler or just starting a journey, visitors can connect with industry experts and find everything needed to fuel future adventures.

Throughout the entire month of February, indulge in delicious lobster dishes at the 20+ participating restaurants along the South Shore.

The Night Owl 5KM is a family-friendly running and walking event. Now in its seventh year, this annual event will be coming to Halifax’s Point Pleasant Park.

A springtime celebration of traditions and agricultural heritage with parades, teas, fireworks and other family friendly, fun and mostly free events at the peak time of beautiful blooming apple orchards.