May 2010
Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon
May 21-23
Halifax - Halifax Metro
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.
website
10th Annual Cape Breton International Drum Festival
May 22-23
Glace Bay - Cape Breton Island
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.
website
Lobsterpalooza
May 24 - July 1
Cabot Trail - Cape Breton Island
A mouth watering, fun filled learning and cuisine experience that showcases Maritime traditions and celebrates all things seafood- led by our lobster heritage.
website
Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival
May 26-31
Fundy Shore & 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.
view details | website
June 2010
Lobsterpalooza
May 24 - July 1
Cabot Trail - Cape Breton Island
A mouth watering, fun filled learning and cuisine experience that showcases Maritime traditions and celebrates all things seafood- led by our lobster heritage.
website
Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race
June 11-13
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.
website
RBC Multicultural Festival
June 25-27
Dartmouth - Halifax Metro
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.
website
Canadian Naval Centennial 1910-2010
June 29 - July 3
Halifax - Halifax Metro
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.
website
July 2010
Lobsterpalooza
May 24 - July 1
Cabot Trail - Cape Breton Island
A mouth watering, fun filled learning and cuisine experience that showcases Maritime traditions and celebrates all things seafood- led by our lobster heritage.
website
Canadian Naval Centennial 1910-2010
June 29 - July 3
Halifax - Halifax Metro
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.
website
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
July 1-8
Halifax - Halifax Metro
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.
view details | website
Privateer Days
July 1-4
Liverpool - South Shore
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.
website
Stan Rogers Folk Festival
July 3-5
Canso - Eastern Shore
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.
website
Antigonish Highland Games
July 4-11
Antigonish - Northumberland Shore
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.
view details | website
Pictou Lobster Carnival
July 9-11
Pictou - Northumberland Shore
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.
view details | website
TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival
July 9-7
Halifax - Halifax Metro
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.
website
Yarmouth Seafest
July 14-24
Yarmouth - Yarmouth and Acadian Shores
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.
website
Halifax Pride Week Festival
July 18-25
Halifax - Halifax Metro
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.
Festival de l’Escaouette
July 1 - August 22
Yarmouth and Acadian Shores
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.
view details | website
Festival acadien de Clare
July 29 - August 15
Yarmouth and Acadian Shores
Canada's largest and oldest annual Acadian cultural festival with fun-filled activities for all ages promoting our Acadian culture.
view details | website
Mahone Bay Classic Boat Festival
July 29 - August 1
Mahone Bay - South Shore
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.
website
New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee
July 30 - August 2
New Glasgow - Northumberland Shore
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.
website
Alexander Keith’s Natal Day Festival
July 20 - August 2
Halifax - Halifax Metro
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!
website
August 2010
Festival de l’Escaouette
July 1 - August 22
Yarmouth and Acadian Shores
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.
view details | website
Festival acadien de Clare
July 29 - August 15
Yarmouth and Acadian Shores
Canada's largest and oldest annual Acadian cultural festival with fun-filled activities for all ages promoting our Acadian culture.
view details | website
Mahone Bay Classic Boat Festival
July 29 - August 1
Mahone Bay - South Shore
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.
website
New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee
July 30 - August 2
New Glasgow - Northumberland Shore
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.
website
Alexander Keith’s Natal Day Festival
July 20 - August 2
Halifax - Halifax Metro
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!
website
Digby Scallop Days
August 5-9
Digby - Fundy Shore and Annapolis Valley
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!
website
Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
August 5-8
Lunenburg - South Shore
Celebrate roots and traditional music at its best! An intimate festival experience not to be missed as musical memories are made by the sea.
view details | website
Halifax International Busker Festival
August 5-15
Halifax - Halifax Metro
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.
view details | website
Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival
August 20 - September 4
Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley/Northumberland Shore
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.
view details | website
September 2010
Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival
August 20 - September 4
Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley/Northumberland Shore
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.
view details | website
Wharf Rat Rally
September 2-7
Digby - Fundy Shore and Annapolis Valley
An action packed weekend for motorcycle enthusiasts! “Atlantic Canada's Fastest Growing Motorcycle Rally". You're invited to come and enjoy entertainment, competitions, a bike blessing, vendors, stunts, scenic sights, celebrities, food and much more! Get out of the city or drag yourself out of the woods, this is a "must attend" event for the whole family.
website
Atlantic Fringe Festival
September 2-12
Halifax - Halifax Metro
Theatre that goes for the edges, presses the form, takes risks, and is offbeat and fresh! New work from emerging / established artists from across Canada, the US and the UK.
website
Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival
September 16 - October 17
Province-wide
With over 55 events celebrating our local wines, there is something for every palate. Indulge your taste buds during the fifth annual Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival. Get involved with one of the grape stomps, tour a vineyard, enjoy an elegant night out at a wine dinner.
website
Hike the Highlands
September 10-19
Ingonish - Cape Breton Island
Ten days of guided hikes in the Cape Breton Highlands of Cape Breton Island.
view details | website
Nova Scotia International Air Show
September 11-12
Shearwater - Halifax Metro
Atlantic Canada’s largest air show featuring outdoor spectator events with air show, air craft displays and on-ground activities to engage children.
website
Atlantic Film Festival
September 16-25
Halifax - Halifax Metro
Considered one of the top film festivals in the country, the festival features 10 action-packed days of screenings, industry panels, events, receptions, special presentations and award ceremonies.
website
Canadian Deep Roots Music Festival
September 24-26
Wolfville - Fundy Shore and Annapolis Valley
Musical roots stretch deep and wide, twining people together in a shared experience of culture and heritage. The Canadian Deep Roots Music Festival celebrates Nova Scotia's rich and diverse musical traditions - blending the music of our founding cultures with modern roots music from across North America and around the world. The three-day festival kicks off Friday afternoon. Activities especially for young people take place throughout the three days. Most Festival activities take place indoors.
view details | website
October 2010
Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival
September 16 - October 17
Province-wide
With over 55 events celebrating our local wines, there is something for every palate. Indulge your taste buds during the fifth annual Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival. Get involved with one of the grape stomps, tour a vineyard, enjoy an elegant night out at a wine dinner.
website
Valley Pumpkin Fest
October 1-31
Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley
October is Pumpkin Fest in the Annapolis Valley - a month of food, fun and family events to celebrate our harvest season. Join us for Pumpkin fun, Pumpkin food, Pumpkin art and fresh Valley Pumpkins!
website
Celtic Colours International Festival
October 8-16
Cape Breton Island
Autumn is the time when the sounds of fiddles, pipes and voices in song echo over the island with Celtic Colours International Festival. An event to remember with over 250 musicians, dancers, singers, and storytellers at venues across the Island.
website
Halifax Pop Explosion
October 19-23
Halifax - Halifax Metro
One of Canada’s most respected festivals of new and emerging music, art and culture. It’s a five day music, culture, and media festival and conference taking place in Halifax. 2010 is the music festival's 18th anniversary.
website
November 2010
Father Christmas Festival
November 28 - December 6
Mahone Bay - South Shore
Larger than life Father Christmas figures are wonderfully adorned throughout the village - it’s a winter wonderland of Christmas festivities.
website
December 2010
Father Christmas Festival
November 28 - December 6
Mahone Bay - South Shore
Larger than life Father Christmas figures are wonderfully adorned throughout the village - it’s a winter wonderland of Christmas festivities.
website