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Listings to get the most out of the city: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.
Grand Parade square in downtown Halifax, in front of Halifax City Hall, hosts Atlantic Canada’s biggest New Year’s Eve party. Festivities begin at 9:30pm, with live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show at midnight.
"Belmont Park" at the MSVU Art Gallery.
Continuing through November 20 at Mount Saint Vincent University Art Gallery: Works by photographer Lisette Model (1901–1983), famed for her shoot-and-run portraits of strangers.
Continuing through November 27 at Dalhousie Art Gallery: Stealing the Gaze features symbolic portrait photographs and video installations by Canada’s most celebrated Native artists.
Finger 11.
November 18: Canadian rockers Finger Eleven, best know for hits like “One Thing” and “Paralyzer,” perform at Casino Nova Scotia on Upper Water Street.
In the midst of a third-successful season of The Ron James Show, the acerbic comedian hasn’t lost a bit of his sharp edge. On November 4 and 5, Ron James returns home to Halifax for two nights of raucous comedy, as he deconstructs a world gone mad.
Live Art Dance Productions is in the midst of a busy season of contemporary dance, with three shows at the Dalhousie Arts Centre on University Avenue. On November 2, BJM Danse from Montreal offers an evening of playful jazz dance. Following them on November 18, contemporary dancers Bill Coleman and Laurence Lemieux perform three works by James Kudelka. And from December 1 to 3, O Vertigo makes its Halifax debut with Onde de choc, a “hymn to the body’s internal forces.”
Photo: Jennifer Payne
The Fall for Flamenco Festival, October 22 to 30, celebrates everything flamenco with: stomping feet, coiling wrists, scrumptious tapas, roses, guitar melodies and soulful song. Check out free concerts, local talent features, workshops, master classes, and an authentic flamenco performance with guest artists from Spain.
Murray McLauchlan performs at Casino Nova Scotia on October 21.
Casino Nova Scotia on Upper Water Street posts slot machines and table games galore, but it’s also one of Halifax’s busiest entertainment venues, with live concerts in the Schooner Showroom. Highlights this month include multi-instrumental singer/songwriter Murray McLauchlan on October 21 and the CMT Hitlist Tour on October 22. The unique concert showcases some of the hottest young names in Canadian country: Dean Brody, Aaron Lines and Deric Ruttan.
The Thermals at the Halifax Pop Explosion.
Running from October 18 to 22, the Halifax Pop Explosion is one of Canada’s coolest music festivals. It showcases top indie acts from across the country performing at small venues around the city. Highlights include The Thermals, a collaboration between Amelia Curran and Symphony Nova Scotia, Stars, Thee Oh Sees and many others.
The Maritime Fall Fair (October 6 to 10) is a beloved October tradition for many Maritime families. Exhibition Park on Prospect Road hosts live entertainment, competitions, animal displays, a midway and more.
The Halifax Mooseheads, of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, have a daunting schedule this month. Highlights include matches with always tenacious Moncton on October 5, provincial rivals Cape Breton on October 9 and league champions Saint John on October 21.
Sobey Art Award finalists at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
• October 15: Nocturne, the “art at night” festival, brings art to the streets of Halifax between 6pm to midnight. The free event celebrates the visual arts scene in Halifax with exhibitions in galleries and public spaces throughout the city.
• Continuing through January 8: The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on Hollis Street showcases works by artists short-listed for the Sobey Art Award. It’s the pre-eminent prize for Canadian contemporary art.
Trapeze Restaurant
Steps from the waterfront boardwalk, Trapeze Restaurant at Casino Nova Scotia is the perfect place to relax with a drink and watch the ships go past. It boasts a commanding panorama of Halifax Harbour—practically every table has a view of the water.
Photo: Chris Randle
September 29 to October 1: Live Art Dance Productions kicks off another season of contemporary dance at the Dalhousie Arts Centre with Four Quartets. Deborah Dunn’s company, Trial & Eros, melds social commentary and historical inquiry, inspired by the poetry of T.S. Eliot.
Morris East, Photo: Scott Munn
Tired of ordinary pepperoni and cheese pizzas? Morris East on Morris Street is a haven for the discriminating pizza fanatic. Made with seasonal local ingredients, the inventive and tasty offerings change often, all expertly prepared in a wood-burning oven.
Halifax Reptile Expo, Photo: Denise MacKay
September 25: Children with a fondness for creepy-crawlies will love the Halifax Reptile Expo at the Dalhousie Student Union Building on University Avenue. There are opportunities to meet many different reptiles; seminars for pet owners run throughout the day.
Atlantic News
If you’re a traditionalist and need to get your news on paper, head to Atlantic News on the corner of Queen and Morris streets. The friendly newsstand offers same-day editions of 400 newspapers from over 60 countries. The satellite newspapers are copyright editions sent directly from publishers and printed on newsprint.
Onyx, Photo: Julé Malet-Veale
Stylish Onyx on Spring Garden Road offers one of Halifax’s most unique dining experiences. Chef Tahir Salamat’s dynamic menu showcases traditional French cuisine with an Asian influence. For a tipple, try the house specialty Mojitos, a Cuban cocktail made with muddled fresh tropical fruit. Critically acclaimed, Onyx
was named “best restaurant in Halifax” by Where to Eat in Canada, was awarded four diamonds by AAA/CAA and has garnered the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence yearly since 2005.
Bogside Gallery
Find creative works of art from local crafters working in a variety of media at Bogside Gallery on Young Street. Located in the heart of The Hydostrone neighbourhood, the award-winning gallery has an ever-changing selection of unique pieces.
Rock Bottom Brewery
Checking out the Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival? Then odds are good you’ll want to take some of that acclaimed local wine home with you. Downtown, you’ll find some of the region’s best (and rare vintages from around the world) at Bishop’s Cellar on Lower Water Street. This unique boutique also boasts an upscale selection of wines and spirits.
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