Experience Arts & Culture in Nova Scotia this Winter
Create unforgettable memories with friends and family this winter through vibrant arts and crafts, UNESCO World Heritage sites and more!
A visit to Halifax would not be complete without a meal served with a side of musical entertainment.
Pull up a seat at your new favourite pub or restaurant from this list of pubs that are well known for their food as well as their live music.
The Auction House
1726 Argyle Street
Enjoy live entertainment and a pint of local draft beer in this storied and historic building. True to its name, auctions are held here on the daily with proceeds going to local charities. In addition to the variety of brews available, The Auction House offers a modern twist on traditional favourites like a grilled mac & cheese sandwich, seafood crêpe and PB & J waffles, which appear on the brunch menu.
The Carleton
1685 Argyle Street
Known as one of Atlantic Canada’s premier live music venues, with numerous awards and accolades for its live entertainment experience, The Carleton also delivers fresh, locally inspired, elevated comfort food and a top selection of Nova Scotia craft beers, wine, and spirits from within one of the oldest commercial buildings in downtown Halifax.
The Lower Deck
1887 Upper Water Street
Check out this waterfront mainstay for traditional pub food, lively bands seven nights per week and a pint with a harbour view. Touting ice-cold beer, maritime hospitality and guaranteeing a good time for their patrons, this pub has long been considered a “must visit” when in Halifax. During the summer months, be sure to take in one of their popular outdoor courtyard patio parties with a live band.
Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
5136 Prince Street
Self-described as “the Celtic Heart of downtown”, this pub offers live music seven nights per week. Known for its lively St. Patrick’s Day bash each March, it also has a patio for summer pints and a wide variety of import, local and craft beer available to go with hearty Irish pub fare.
Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
1645 Argyle Street
From the perfect pint pour, including Guinness of course, to pub food with an Irish flare, Durty Nelly’s is serving up an Irish experience in the heart of downtown Halifax. Named for the fabled Irish woman who discovered one of Ireland’s secret brews, a poteen with supposed healing powers, raise your glass at this pub which hosts live music five nights per week.
The Loose Cannon Scottish Public House
1566 Argyle Street
One wouldn’t expect to visit a Scottish public house without having a wide range of Scotch available, as is the case here! In addition to the 75+ varieties of Scotch available and live entertainment, The Loose Cannon serves up hearty Scottish favourites like traditional haggis and steak and ale stew.
Split Crow
1855 Granville Street
Dubbed as “Nova Scotia’s Original Tavern”, the Split Crow is steeped in history with the roots of its name dating back to 1749. Today, live music can be heard many nights of the week and pitchers shared on the patio complementing a lunch of pub grub alongside the cobblestone streets of Halifax’s Granville Mall within the Historic Properties district.
Stubborn Goat Gastropub
1580 Argyle Street
Eat, drink and be social at the Stubborn Goat Gastropub! Serving upscale comfort food with an emphasis on sharing plates and local craft beer. Live music entertainment flows through the inside as well as out onto the cozy outside patio. In the summer and fall, be sure to find your way to their sister waterfront beer garden, The BG – Halifax Beer Garden.
Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs
1579 Grafton Street
This mainstay venue on the live music scene in Halifax has been entertaining audiences with live acts for decades. Pull up a seat and enjoy music or entertainment nearly every night of the week. You won’t leave here hungry either, with a varied and full menu available ranging from poutine to noodles to tacos.
Gus’ Pub & Grill
2605 Agricola Street
Drop by the corner of North and Agricola Streets and check out this iconic North End Halifax establishment offering live music of all varieties. Order up pub favourites like nachos, wings, and fish and chips, paired with a local cold brew as you enjoy the show.
2037 Gottingen
2037 Gottingen Street
This address is home to two iconic live music venues in Halifax–The Seahorse Tavern and The Marquee. Don’t miss national, international and Atlantic Canadian acts at The Marquee, while downstairs at The Seahorse patrons can enjoy live music and take in top notch nightlife. Most events are ticketed for both venues so check ahead prior to visting. Drop by The Local Restaurant & Bar, also onsite, for a bite to eat.
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