Guest Writer: W. Andrew Powell, Editor-In-Chief, The GATE
When is the best time to catch live music in Halifax? Any time!
Halifax is charming, lively, and it’s one of the best cities in Canada for live music. Even though the weather may change through the seasons, the city’s incredible music scene is always warm and welcoming. And Haligonians love their live music. Almost any day of the week you can find music in Halifax, from blues and jazz, to traditional, folk, and much more. Around Halifax’s city centre, and the North End, music venues of all kinds will welcome you, and you can have a drink, and a bite to eat, while you enjoy one of the city’s iconic music venues.
Read on for a few local favourites for the best live music in Halifax, and why they are so unique. Check listings with the venues to explore their upcoming calendars, and keep in mind that some events may require tickets in advance.
The Carleton
The Carleton is an institution in Halifax. The esteemed venue is the oldest building in the city, but more than that, it’s the perfect space to enjoy a show. Sit down for dinner and drinks and listen to artists in an intimate space where audiences come to listen. Expect an excellent menu with lots of local dishes, including seafood, and you have to try the Carleton’s famous frites. Highlights from recent performers at The Carleton include Julia Cunningham, Ashley MacIsaac, Reeny, Royal Wood, Harry Manx, Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, and The Hello Darlins, to name a few. (1685 Argyle Street, Halifax)
Bearly’s House of Blues
For beer and blues lovers, Bearly’s House of Blues is a must visit when you visit Halifax. And if you’re lucky, you may catch Garrett Mason at the bar, one of the best blues performers that I’ve seen in Canada. Bearly’s has excellent local draft beer, with specials every day of the week, plus food, a pool table, and two floors of seating. No matter where you sit you can hear the music, and their new location on Grafton Street sets the perfect mood. (1269 Barrington Street, Halifax)
The Narrows Public House
Imagine what Halifax could have been like at the turn of the 20th century, and The Narrows Public House may be pretty close. The Victorian home was built in 1896, and recently transformed into a historic pub, complete with a polished, rustic charm, and impressive old fashioned menu options. From the moment you step in the door, The Narrows feels like it takes you back in time, in a lively, cozy setting. On select nights you can enjoy dinner to the sounds of live traditional music, with a fiddle player, and songs from yesteryear. (2720 Gottingen Street, Halifax)
The Local Restaurant & Bar
For something completely different, The Local is an eclectic pub that draws in a diverse crowd, from university students to a hip, older crowd. The highlight for me has to be Gin & Jazz night. Order some local gin—the local Compass Distillers gin is highly recommended and made just a few blocks away—and sit back for the bar’s absolutely incredible jazz band. The band plays the standards, and a diverse playlist, and you can likely expect a few surprises during the show. For more local music venues check out The Marquee Ballroom and Seahorse Tavern. All three venues are operated by 2037 Gottingen, and offer live music. (2037 Gottingen Street, Halifax)
More Ideas for Live Music
Halifax has a number of other local favourites, and if you love music you can plan ahead to visit a few venues during your trip. For a few more ideas, consider The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse on Prince Street, Durty Nelly’s Authentic Irish Pub on Argyle Street, The Split Crow Pub on Granville Street, and Gus’ Pub & Grill on Agricola Street. Most of the venues are steps from downtown, making them walking distance from the central hotels. You should consider calling a taxi or ordering a ride for The Narrows, Gus’ Pub & Grill, and potentially The Local, depending on where you stay in the city as they are a little further away.
About W. Andrew Powell
W. Andrew Powell is a writer, photographer, and videographer with over 25 years of experience covering entertainment. After launching The GATE in 2001, his interests have expanded to include travel, lifestyle, gadgets, food, and whisky. Andrew is a member of the Critics Choice association, and the Travel Media Association of Canada. Andrew was a travel media guest of Tourism Nova Scotia and Discover Halifax.
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