Many a festive and eventful choice is yours in Nova Scotia! With hundreds of festivals and events in communities throughout the province, all you need to do is choose your favourite month to experience year-round fun in Canada's ocean playground. Here's just a small selection of all that we have to offer!
Annapolis Royal 300th 1710-2010
2010 Marks the 300th anniversary of the renaming of Annapolis Royal and you’re invited to a year of special events in and around Annapolis Royal. Special events include: parties, concerts, Heritage Day celebrations, reunions, and re-enactments. There's a calendar loaded with events, for further information regarding these events please go to www.annapolisroyal.com.
Membertou 400th: Celebrating the Nation
June 24th 2010 represents the 400th Anniversary of the baptism of Kji Saqamaw ( Grand Chief) Membertou at Port Royale Nova Scotia. This single event signaled the peaceful intensions between the Mi'kmaq and the nations of Europe, with whom the Mi'kmaq had first met through the arrival of the French. Many unique and significant celebrations are planned involving communities across Nova Scotia.
Planters 2010 Celebration in Nova Scotia — 250th Anniversary 1760-2010
In 2010 we will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the arrival of the New England Planters (settlers) in Hants and Kings Counties in Nova Scotia. Under proclamations issued in 1758 and 1759 Governor Lawrence offered free land and attractive terms (including an elected assembly and freedom of religion) to Protestants willing to move to Nova Scotia. In 1760 the first of the New England Planters settled the townships of Newport, Falmouth, Cornwallis and Horton. Many Planter descendants still live in the area, some on the original land grants.
www.planter2010.ca
MAY
May 21-23 Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon, Halifax
Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon has a variety of events for all fitness levels — walkers or runners. From the 4.2k Youth run to the 42.2k Full Marathon, there is something for everyone.
www.bluenosemarathon.com
May 22-23 10th Annual Cape Breton International Drum Festival, Glace Bay
The Cape Breton International Drum Festival was conceived in 2001 and has grown into one of the world's premier drumming and percussion events. The Festival's motto is "Education Through Performance". The educational value of the Festival is known worldwide and includes all ages and all genders, as it showcases the many and varied facets of drum set and percussion performance.
www.capebretoninternationaldrumfestival.com
May 15-July 1 Lobsterpalooza, Cabot Trail
A mouth watering, fun filled learning and cuisine experience that showcases Maritime traditions and celebrates all things seafood — led by our lobster heritage.
www.Lobsterpalooza.ca
May 26-31 Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival, Annapolis Valley
The 2010 theme is "Blossomed Here, Enjoyed Everywhere" The valley's in full bloom and this festival showcases the traditional and agricultural heritage of the area with special concerts, barbecues, art shows and a grand street parade.
www.appleblossom.com
JUNE
June 11-19* Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, Sydney, Cape Breton Island
Following the hugely successful stopover in Sydney in the 07-08 race, Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia is a confirmed stopover in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race and will play host to the fleet in June 2010. The yacht Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia's Masterpiece, will be one of ten yachts, each sponsored by an international city or region competing in the Clipper 09-10 race. *Always remember that sailing yachts have destination ports and NOT arrival times! Visit the website, follow the race route and learn more about the crew and stopovers.
www.capebretonclipper.com
June 25-27 RBC Multicultural Festival, Dartmouth
A celebration of cultural diversity presented by the Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia.This popular family oriented festival is an opportunity to celebrate Nova Scotia’s cultural diversity through music, dance performances, children’s activities, workshops, arts & crafts, food and cultural displays.
www.multifest.ca
June 28-July 3 Canadian Naval Centennial 1910-2010, Halifax
The theme is "Bring the Navy to Canadians". Events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy will be focused to honour the past, to showcase the current navy, and to reinforce the requirement for the future navy. Major events include: International Fleet Assemblies, local and national activities including parades, a musical revue, special exhibitions, naval art displays and much more. For information about Canada's Naval Centennial visit www.canadiannavy100.forces.gc.ca.
JULY
July 1-8 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Halifax
Featuring over 2,000 world-class Canadian and international military and civilian performers, the Tattoo continues to live up to its reputation as one of the world's premiere cultural and entertainment events. This fast moving, exciting, fun-filled spectacular event featuring international, military and civilian performers is for the entire family.
www.nstattoo.ca
July 1-4 Privateer Days, Liverpool
This historically based festival strives to recreate the privateering era with reenactments, a downtown festival, sporting events, music and more! Step back to 1780 for a celebration of the area's colourful privateering history.
www.privateerdays.com
July 3-5 Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Canso
An International Festival of Songwriters, and a musical adventure that pays tribute to a great Canadian singer/ songwriter. The world of folk music, jazz, celtic, gospel, bluegrass and more is yours to discover in this seaside setting. 2010 will bring an enhanced and expanded site featuring new and improved onsite facilities.
www.stanfest.com
July 4-11 Antigonish Highland Games
The Antigonish Highland Games is the oldest continuous highland games in North America. First held in 1863, the Antigonish Highland Games are a mid-July tradition and welcome visitors and participants from across the globe. While attending the Antigonish Highland Games, visitors can enjoy the heavy events, highland dancing, piping and drumming, concerts, ceilidhs, and much more.
www.antigonishhighlandgames.ca
July 9-11 Pictou Lobster Carnival
This three day festival celebrates the end of the fishing season in the area, maritime culture and music. The "Carnie" features musical performances at the Main Stage, a Beer Garden, a Mardi Gras Parade, an Antique Car Show, Derby Races, Boat Races, a Mid-Way, a Children's Parade and many other activities for the whole family.
www.pictoulobstercarnival.ca
July 9-17 TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival, Halifax
The groove kicks in when Halifax comes alive with an eclectic smorgasbord of Jazz, World Beat, Blues and Urban Groove at this annual 9 day festival featuring the best of the east coast alongside a strong international line-up.
www.jazzeast.com
July 14-24 Yarmouth Seafest
Yarmouth Seafest is a celebration by the sea, and has spanned four decades since the inaugural festival in 1979. Many of the events featured in the first celebration are still a big part of Seafest traditions today such as the Seafest Pageant and Main Street Parade as well as the Parade of Lights, Cooks Chowder Cook-off, Children's Parade, and Lobster Eating Challenge. Also keep an eye out for the Main Street Parade, Rum Running Races, the Seafest Queen Pageant, Lighthouse Day and many more traditional activities.
www.seafest.ca
July 18-25 Halifax Pride Week Festival
Atlantic Canada's largest LGBTQ Cultural Festival, a reflective and celebratory of the best of the LGBTQ community and culture in Halifax and throughout Nova Scotia.
www.halifaxpride.com
July 1-August 22 Festival de l'Escaouette
Festival celebrates rich Acadian culture and traditions with a variety of music, dance, theatre and a parade. The highlight of the eight week festival is Le Grand Cercle. This musical depicts the history of Acadie in a series of tableaux and will bring together more than 200 local performers.
www.festivallescaouette.com
July 29-Aug 15 Festival acadien de Clare
Canada's largest and oldest annual Acadian cultural festival with fun-filled activities for all ages promoting our Acadian culture.
www.festivalacadiendeclare.ca
July 29-Aug 1 Mahone Bay Classic Boat Festival
A family festival celebrating Mahone Bay's heritage as a wooden boat building community. See classic boats in the water and on the wharf, take in the workshops and enjoy the parade, fireworks and entertainment.
www.mahonebayclassicboatfestival.org
July 30-Aug. 1 New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee
The Jubilee is known as a mainstay of tourism in Pictou County and a signature music event in Nova Scotia. This 3 time Music Nova Scotia (MNS) Event of the Year recipient and East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Event of the Year nominee continues to be one of the best entertainment values in Atlantic Canada. From its scenic outdoor setting on the East River, the Jubilee promises music lovers the most intimate and engaging music experience of its kind. Each years outstanding lineup continues to deliver on the Jubilee's proud tradition of setting the stage for this region's rising stars to perform alongside seasoned East Coast, Canadian and International acts.
www.newglasgow.ca
July 20-Aug 2 Alexander Keith's Natal Day Festival, Halifax
Natal Day is the annual birthday celebration of the communities of Halifax and Dartmouth... citizens, former citizens, guests & visitors celebrate our civic holiday! Take in parades, live entertainment, sporting activities, family events and the biggest, most elaborate fireworks display of the year!
www.natalday.org
AUGUST
August 5-9 Digby Scallop Days
Celebrate one of the world's largest scallop fleets. Come and taste how many ways succulent scallops can be prepared. Musical events, scallop shucking competitions, parades, and more!
www.digbyscallopdays.com
August 5-8 Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
Celebrate roots and traditional music at its best! An intimate festival experience not to be missed as musical memories are made by the sea.
www.folkharbour.com
August 5-15 Halifax International Busker Festival
Street performers from all over the world come to town for this 11-day event with music, magic and fun for the whole family along the waterfront.
www.buskers.ca
Aug 20- Sept 4 Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival, Fundy/Northumberland
Enjoy a variety of events sharing the wild blueberry theme. Communities throughout the region celebrate the harvest of Nova Scotia's provincial berry, with live music and theatre, farm markets, community suppers and pancake breakfasts, cooking competitions and bake sales, pie-eating contests, a blueberry mash and more.
www.wildblueberryfest.com
For more information on the best of festivals and events
Halifax has to offer, go to:
And for more information on all that you can see and do
throughout Nova Scotia, go to:
Annapolis Royal 300th 1710-2010
2010 Marks the 300th anniversary of the renaming of Annapolis Royal and you’re invited to a year of special events in and around Annapolis Royal. Special events include: parties, concerts, Heritage Day celebrations, reunions, and re-enactments. There's a calendar loaded with events, for further information regarding these events please go to www.annapolisroyal.com.
Membertou 400th: Celebrating the Nation
June 24th 2010 represents the 400th Anniversary of the baptism of Kji Saqamaw ( Grand Chief) Membertou at Port Royale Nova Scotia. This single event signaled the peaceful intensions between the Mi'kmaq and the nations of Europe, with whom the Mi'kmaq had first met through the arrival of the French. Many unique and significant celebrations are planned involving communities across Nova Scotia.
Planters 2010 Celebration in Nova Scotia — 250th Anniversary 1760-2010
In 2010 we will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the arrival of the New England Planters (settlers) in Hants and Kings Counties in Nova Scotia. Under proclamations issued in 1758 and 1759 Governor Lawrence offered free land and attractive terms (including an elected assembly and freedom of religion) to Protestants willing to move to Nova Scotia. In 1760 the first of the New England Planters settled the townships of Newport, Falmouth, Cornwallis and Horton. Many Planter descendants still live in the area, some on the original land grants.
www.planter2010.ca
MAY
May 21-23 Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon, Halifax
Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon has a variety of events for all fitness levels — walkers or runners. From the 4.2k Youth run to the 42.2k Full Marathon, there is something for everyone.
www.bluenosemarathon.com
May 22-23 10th Annual Cape Breton International Drum Festival, Glace Bay
The Cape Breton International Drum Festival was conceived in 2001 and has grown into one of the world's premier drumming and percussion events. The Festival's motto is "Education Through Performance". The educational value of the Festival is known worldwide and includes all ages and all genders, as it showcases the many and varied facets of drum set and percussion performance.
www.capebretoninternationaldrumfestival.com
May 15-July 1 Lobsterpalooza, Cabot Trail
A mouth watering, fun filled learning and cuisine experience that showcases Maritime traditions and celebrates all things seafood — led by our lobster heritage.
www.Lobsterpalooza.ca
May 26-31 Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival, Annapolis Valley
The 2010 theme is "Blossomed Here, Enjoyed Everywhere" The valley's in full bloom and this festival showcases the traditional and agricultural heritage of the area with special concerts, barbecues, art shows and a grand street parade.
www.appleblossom.com
JUNE
June 11-19* Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, Sydney, Cape Breton Island
Following the hugely successful stopover in Sydney in the 07-08 race, Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia is a confirmed stopover in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race and will play host to the fleet in June 2010. The yacht Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia's Masterpiece, will be one of ten yachts, each sponsored by an international city or region competing in the Clipper 09-10 race. *Always remember that sailing yachts have destination ports and NOT arrival times! Visit the website, follow the race route and learn more about the crew and stopovers.
www.capebretonclipper.com
June 25-27 RBC Multicultural Festival, Dartmouth
A celebration of cultural diversity presented by the Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia.This popular family oriented festival is an opportunity to celebrate Nova Scotia’s cultural diversity through music, dance performances, children’s activities, workshops, arts & crafts, food and cultural displays.
www.multifest.ca
June 28-July 3 Canadian Naval Centennial 1910-2010, Halifax
The theme is "Bring the Navy to Canadians". Events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy will be focused to honour the past, to showcase the current navy, and to reinforce the requirement for the future navy. Major events include: International Fleet Assemblies, local and national activities including parades, a musical revue, special exhibitions, naval art displays and much more. For information about Canada's Naval Centennial visit www.canadiannavy100.forces.gc.ca.
JULY
July 1-8 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Halifax
Featuring over 2,000 world-class Canadian and international military and civilian performers, the Tattoo continues to live up to its reputation as one of the world's premiere cultural and entertainment events. This fast moving, exciting, fun-filled spectacular event featuring international, military and civilian performers is for the entire family.
www.nstattoo.ca
July 1-4 Privateer Days, Liverpool
This historically based festival strives to recreate the privateering era with reenactments, a downtown festival, sporting events, music and more! Step back to 1780 for a celebration of the area's colourful privateering history.
www.privateerdays.com
July 3-5 Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Canso
An International Festival of Songwriters, and a musical adventure that pays tribute to a great Canadian singer/ songwriter. The world of folk music, jazz, celtic, gospel, bluegrass and more is yours to discover in this seaside setting. 2010 will bring an enhanced and expanded site featuring new and improved onsite facilities.
www.stanfest.com
July 4-11 Antigonish Highland Games
The Antigonish Highland Games is the oldest continuous highland games in North America. First held in 1863, the Antigonish Highland Games are a mid-July tradition and welcome visitors and participants from across the globe. While attending the Antigonish Highland Games, visitors can enjoy the heavy events, highland dancing, piping and drumming, concerts, ceilidhs, and much more.
www.antigonishhighlandgames.ca
July 9-11 Pictou Lobster Carnival
This three day festival celebrates the end of the fishing season in the area, maritime culture and music. The "Carnie" features musical performances at the Main Stage, a Beer Garden, a Mardi Gras Parade, an Antique Car Show, Derby Races, Boat Races, a Mid-Way, a Children's Parade and many other activities for the whole family.
www.pictoulobstercarnival.ca
July 9-17 TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival, Halifax
The groove kicks in when Halifax comes alive with an eclectic smorgasbord of Jazz, World Beat, Blues and Urban Groove at this annual 9 day festival featuring the best of the east coast alongside a strong international line-up.
www.jazzeast.com
July 14-24 Yarmouth Seafest
Yarmouth Seafest is a celebration by the sea, and has spanned four decades since the inaugural festival in 1979. Many of the events featured in the first celebration are still a big part of Seafest traditions today such as the Seafest Pageant and Main Street Parade as well as the Parade of Lights, Cooks Chowder Cook-off, Children's Parade, and Lobster Eating Challenge. Also keep an eye out for the Main Street Parade, Rum Running Races, the Seafest Queen Pageant, Lighthouse Day and many more traditional activities.
www.seafest.ca
July 18-25 Halifax Pride Week Festival
Atlantic Canada's largest LGBTQ Cultural Festival, a reflective and celebratory of the best of the LGBTQ community and culture in Halifax and throughout Nova Scotia.
www.halifaxpride.com
July 1-August 22 Festival de l'Escaouette
Festival celebrates rich Acadian culture and traditions with a variety of music, dance, theatre and a parade. The highlight of the eight week festival is Le Grand Cercle. This musical depicts the history of Acadie in a series of tableaux and will bring together more than 200 local performers.
www.festivallescaouette.com
July 29-Aug 15 Festival acadien de Clare
Canada's largest and oldest annual Acadian cultural festival with fun-filled activities for all ages promoting our Acadian culture.
www.festivalacadiendeclare.ca
July 29-Aug 1 Mahone Bay Classic Boat Festival
A family festival celebrating Mahone Bay's heritage as a wooden boat building community. See classic boats in the water and on the wharf, take in the workshops and enjoy the parade, fireworks and entertainment.
www.mahonebayclassicboatfestival.org
July 30-Aug. 1 New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee
The Jubilee is known as a mainstay of tourism in Pictou County and a signature music event in Nova Scotia. This 3 time Music Nova Scotia (MNS) Event of the Year recipient and East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Event of the Year nominee continues to be one of the best entertainment values in Atlantic Canada. From its scenic outdoor setting on the East River, the Jubilee promises music lovers the most intimate and engaging music experience of its kind. Each years outstanding lineup continues to deliver on the Jubilee's proud tradition of setting the stage for this region's rising stars to perform alongside seasoned East Coast, Canadian and International acts.
www.newglasgow.ca
July 20-Aug 2 Alexander Keith's Natal Day Festival, Halifax
Natal Day is the annual birthday celebration of the communities of Halifax and Dartmouth... citizens, former citizens, guests & visitors celebrate our civic holiday! Take in parades, live entertainment, sporting activities, family events and the biggest, most elaborate fireworks display of the year!
www.natalday.org
AUGUST
August 5-9 Digby Scallop Days
Celebrate one of the world's largest scallop fleets. Come and taste how many ways succulent scallops can be prepared. Musical events, scallop shucking competitions, parades, and more!
www.digbyscallopdays.com
August 5-8 Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
Celebrate roots and traditional music at its best! An intimate festival experience not to be missed as musical memories are made by the sea.
www.folkharbour.com
August 5-15 Halifax International Busker Festival
Street performers from all over the world come to town for this 11-day event with music, magic and fun for the whole family along the waterfront.
www.buskers.ca
Aug 20- Sept 4 Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival, Fundy/Northumberland
Enjoy a variety of events sharing the wild blueberry theme. Communities throughout the region celebrate the harvest of Nova Scotia's provincial berry, with live music and theatre, farm markets, community suppers and pancake breakfasts, cooking competitions and bake sales, pie-eating contests, a blueberry mash and more.
www.wildblueberryfest.com
Halifax has to offer, go to:
And for more information on all that you can see and do
throughout Nova Scotia, go to:
Halifax, Nova Scotia is a modern port city teeming with culture and heritage, situated on the second largest natural harbour in the world. A year-round tourism destination, Halifax offers an abundance of entertainment options & from festivals in every season to an impressive array of museums, galleries and historic sites to fine restaurants and vibrant nightlife to outdoor adventures along our rugged seacoast.
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