Matt Mays Halifavourites, Giveaways, and this weekend's festival guides
Plus a new single from Rankin MacInnis
Hey Halifax!
This week, we’ve teamed up with Island Folk Cider House for a new content series and contest, Matt Mays shares his Halifavourites, and we've got a signed copy of Bryn Pottie's hilarious The Great Lunenburglary to give away.
Plus we've got Halifamous guides to this weekend's Grou Tyme and Vibrancy Festivals, a brand new single from Rankin MacInnis, every Halifax reference from Josh Johnson's stand-up show last week, and all the best events happening in Halifax this weekend.
Let’s dig in.
PS: Enjoying the newsletter? Grab a Hali Hat from our shop to show your support!
 When life hands you lemons Lemons to Lemonade is our new series in collaboration with Island Folk Cider House about Nova Scotians who turned a tough chapter into something good. First up: Elyse Aeryn, who rebuilt her ability to play guitar one chord at a time after a motorcycle collision—then worked her way back to a sold-out hometown stage. Know a story in your community that deserves to be told? Nominate the person behind it for a future Lemons to Lemonade feature—or put your own name forward. We'll choose 3 winners to take part in a special Good Company Gathering next month! A Halifamous series presented by Island Folk Cider House. |
Matt Mays’ Halifavourites Matt gave us ten people, places and community lifelines that make Halifax and Nova Scotia special to him: Burnside gravy, Lawrencetown glass, the vibiest Tim Hortons in the country and the mental-health heroes he wants Nova Scotia to back. He plays Shore Club on the Cove with Joel Plaskett Emergency and Terra Lightfoot August 20–22—and our August 20 four-pack contest closes Sunday night. |
 Spend the summer exploring Burnside Collect stamps at Burnside taprooms, events, and every Thursday in the Halifamous newsletter to earn Burnside giftcards, a 12-pack, and a chance to win the grand prize: Beer For a Year!
Open to Nova Scotia residents age 19+. No purchase necessary. See the Passport for full details and rules. |
 Win a signed copy of The Great Lunenburglary Bryn Pottie’s 2026 Leacock-longlisted debut drops two teenage musicians into a cartoonish 1922 plot to steal the original Bluenose. I just finished reading it and it's hilarious. Meet Bryn tomorrow, Friday, August 14 from 5–7 p.m. at Indigo Halifax in Bayers Lake to grab a copy, or enter for your chance to win the signed paperback we’re giving away. |
Three free days of Acadian celebration start today Festival Grou Tyme runs August 13–15, and every event is free: family programming and a waterfront concert today, Friday’s flag raising and Chef Joey Martin at Grand Parade, then an Acadian menu and French For Horse DJ sets at Stillwell on Saturday. Trevor Murphy of Acadian Embassy wrote our guide to the whole weekend. |
Quick Hits Seven things worth knowing this weekend. 🚨 Max McNown’s Halifax show has been rescheduled. Tonight’s Scotiabank Centre date moves to Tuesday, September 8 because of illness. This guy was booked at The Marquee two years ago, and is not headlining Scotiabank Centre. Grab tickets for the Septmeber show if you haven't already! 🐢 Every Halifax reference in Josh Johnson’s new comedy hour. The Daily Show correspondant hit Halifax last week for a run of shows and we've got every Halifax reference with timestamps ready for you. 🏝️ Georges Island is holding a Family Fun Day Friday. Games, a treasure hunt and tunnel tours run from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The programming is free; regular ferry fares still apply. ⚡ Not sure where to start at Vibrancy? Brandon Young’s first-timer guide picks three sets you should check out and explains why the event isn't just for ravers. 🛍️ North by Night’s final summer market is on Friday. The North End evening bazaar runs 7–10 p.m. on The Local’s back patio at 2037 Gottingen Street. 🍺 Seaport Beerfest starts today. Four sessions across three days bring more than 300 beers and ciders—plus 100-plus sodas, seltzers and premixed cocktails—to the waterfront through Saturday. 🎸 Rock the Harbour takes over Alderney Landing this weekend. Spoons and Helix play Friday, Kim Mitchell anchors Saturday, and Lee Aaron and Nazareth close three days of Canadian classic rock Sunday. |
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🛒 Fresh Markets Fresh produce, local makers and a couple of good rummages for August 15 and 16. Saturday 8 AM — Brewery Market · Halifax Forum Farmers Market · Seaport Market 9 AM — Warehouse Market at Richmond Yards · open until 4 PM Sunday 9 AM — Funky Flea · Halifax Forum Flea Market 10 AM — Seaport Market · Musquodoboit Harbour at the Railway Museum
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More Halifax worth knowing
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