FamFest this weekend + more shows to know about

Hey Halifax!

The weather is definitely cooling, but the calendar is still jam packed. This week we've got FamFest on the Dartmouth waterfront, Agricola Open Street Sunday, new music from Basyl, Kayo, Acalus and Strange Plants, and four films on our AIFF list. Plus some good causes to support and a lot of shows happening this weekend.

Let's dig in!

FamFest takes over the Dartmouth waterfront this weekend

Craig Mercer and Allegra Swanson are Dartmouth neighbours and parents who have spent years in the local music industry. They wanted a festival their kids would love, with a lineup they'd want to see themselves. So they made one.

FamFest Atlantic takes place at Alderney Landing this Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13.

Wintersleep, Good Dear Good, Slowcoaster, and The Public Service all play Saturday. Sunday brings Neon Dreams, Bill Ricky, and a Rankin MacInnis & the Broken Reeds hosted jamboree featuring some of the city's top artists singing their own songs plus songs chosen by their kids.

For parents: you can leave for a break and come back, bring your own food, or return kid-free for the evening headliners. The ferry drops you right beside the site.

Saturday's programme runs 3–9:30 p.m. and Sunday's 1–7:30 p.m. Pick your day from the full schedule; the FAQ covers the practical details.

Last chance to win: we're giving away two weekend passes and an on-site photo session. Entries close today, Thursday September 10, at 5 p.m. Atlantic.

Get festival tickets

A few good causes to get behind

Hockey for Hope. Cancer survivor Shay Needham's fundraiser supports mental-health care for cancer patients through the QEII Foundation. Join Saturday's social at Village Taphouse in West Bedford, September 12 at 7:30 p.m., with Shipwreck providing the music. Watch Laura and Shay on CTV. Get social tickets or make a donation.

Rachel Reid's donation is creating library jobs. Annapolis Valley Regional Library is hiring full- and part-time staff thanks to the author's support. These are six-month contracts beginning in October, with possible extensions. Your Halifax Now has the story behind her donation. Know someone looking for library work? Send them the openings.

Mike Hamson's Climb for a Cause runs from noon Friday, September 11, to noon Saturday: 24 hours of hill running for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax. Read the Chronicle Herald story. Support the climb.

Agricola Open Street Sunday

Walk down the middle of Agricola this Sunday. Open Street Sunday closes the street to vehicles from Cunard to Almon, September 13, noon–4 p.m., making room for people, activities, a makers market and a community yard sale.

Browse the vendors, stop into the shops and restaurants, and enjoy a few blocks without cars. Rain date: September 20.

Four HUFF shows to put in your calendar

HUFF runs September 27–October 3, and these are four shows we're keeping an eye on:

The Million Experience

Saturday, October 3, 9 p.m., Marquee.

Million Vibes brings BASYL, Kayo, aRENYE and more to the Marquee with a full band. More on this collective soon, but do not miss this show! Get tickets.

Elyse Aeryn + friends

Saturday, October 3, 9 p.m., Seahorse.

Elyse brings her roots-rock to the Seahorse with Connor Fox, Casual Cries for Help and Bethany. Get tickets.

Sorrey with Coyote, Marian and Sisters

Friday, October 2, 9 p.m., Seahorse.

Sorrey brings guitar-driven indie rock and dream-pop melodies to a four-band Atlantic bill. So excited to see her back in action! Get tickets.

Jon Hines Band, Jah'Mila and Joce Reyome

Thursday, October 1, 8:30 p.m., Basement.

Jon Hines' Cape Breton blues, Jah'Mila's reggae and soul, and Joce Reyome on the same bill. A strong reason to get out on a Thursday. Get tickets.

In partnership with HUFF.

Four films on our AIFF list

AIFF starts Wednesday, September 16, and runs through September 23. Here are four films with local connects we're recommending you check out:

Captain Newfoundland. Geoff Stirling, NTV and Newfoundland's psychedelic superhero mythology. The billionaire newfy who invented 24h cable, his own superhero franchise, and was pals with John Lennon. Incredible story and man - who knew! Film and screening.

The Snake. Susan Kent plays a woman whose housing, family and relationship troubles collide in Jenna MacMillan's PEI dark comedy. Jonathan Torrens is also hilarious in this one. Film and screening.

111 Echoes from Halifax. AIFF's opening film dramatizes the aftermath of Swissair Flight 111 through intersecting lives, including a surgeon and a father-daughter team of lobster fishers. About the opening film.

Al Tuck My Blues Away. Brian Harrington spent eight years making this portrait of Al Tuck, with appearances from Joel Plaskett, Amelia Curran, Matt Mays and more. A must-see for any local music fan. The September 20 screening is sold out. Film and screening.

Browse the AIFF programme

More shows and things to know about

Tonight, September 10

Roger Mooking at Dalhousie Art Gallery: the opening reception for SoundBites and Burnt Sugar Blue, 6–8 p.m. Free.

Friday, September 11

Open Mic House Fridays: free outdoor music at Carlo Auto's lot on Agricola, across from Stillwell Beer Garden and The Brasserie. 7–9 p.m.

No Holds Barred: Family Ent.'s artist-and-producer battle at the Toothy Moose. 10 p.m.–1 a.m.

Saturday, September 12

Matt Andersen at the Shore Club: a band show in Hubbards. 10 p.m.

The Brood + Esdaile: Bearly's, 9 p.m. Another chance to catch Esdaile after last week's feature.

Y2K at the Seahorse: a night of 2000s music and singalongs. 10 p.m.

East Coast Emo Night at the Marquee: this edition puts local talent Jewelz, DEEN and Phrognosis on the lineup. 10 p.m.

Leilani Farha's CBC Massey Lecture: Housing, Inc. at Neptune. The former UN housing rapporteur looks at how homes became an investment asset and what that has meant for the people living in them.

Sunday, September 13

Emilie-Rose & Imogen Ash: an afternoon at Bearly's, 3–6:30 p.m.

Ariana Nasr at the Carleton: a rare solo show with accordion, French chanson, jazz and songs from around the world. 7 p.m.

Market Pulse

Agricola Open Street Sunday

Sunday, September 13 · noon–4 p.m.

A makers market and community yard sale on Agricola between Cunard and Almon. Full street-festival details above.

Halifax Crafters Winter Market

Applications close Friday, September 11

A heads-up for the makers planning their holiday season.

Know an East Coast artist, event or story we should have on our radar? Hit reply.

Thanks for reading,

Greg