Hey Halifax!

Festival Season is in full swing in Halifax. This week, we’ve got three amazing August festivals for you that cover all the bases. From comedy to hip-hop to folk to rock to techno, there is something for everybody happening in Hali this month! We’ve also got Halifavourites from Sullivan’s Crossing star and Halifax Hallmark Hunk Steve Lund and a great new Song of the Week from Taylor Jensen, plus a TON of events happening around the city.

Three August Festivals You Need To Know About

Great Outdoors Comedy Festival - Aug 7-10
GOCF kicks off tonight and runs through Sunday, featuring some of the biggest comedians in the world: Aziz Ansari, Matteo Lane, John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, Fred Armison, Bert Kreischer, Tony Hinchcliff and a ton more! There are afternoon and evening shows, so grab a ticket and a lawn chair and take in some amazing comedy this weekend. Tickets available here.

From Day 2 Dusk - August 16-17
FD2D is a brand new outdoor music festival featuring one of the best local lineups you’re ever going to see in one place: Ria Mae, Neon Dreams, Quake Matthews, Kayo, Loviet, Taylor Jenson, Basyl and The Gilberts will all be hitting the stage for weekend of daytime concerts at Maxwell’s Courtyard. Full weekend passes are only $60, and individual show tickets are also available. Get your tickets now.

Vibrancy Festival - August 22-23
Vibrancy Festival is a weekend of the best house & techno music inside the fort at Citadel Hill! It features legendary acts like Juan Atkins (the original creator of techno music 🤯) and Nova Scotia’s own Cloverdale, one of Canada’s most in-demand rising electronic artists. Do not miss your chance to experience one of the most unique dancefloor experiences you’ll find anywhere in the world right here in Halifax. Tickets are on sale now.

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Steve Lund is a former Halifax Moosehead turned Hallmark Hunk. He’s appeared in over 50 movies and shows over his career, including a stretch on Schitt’s Creek and a recurring role on CTV’s hit show Sullivan’s Crossing. You can also catch him in the upcoming feature film Little Lorraine (based on Adam Baldwin’s song Lighthouse in Little Lorraine) and occasionally around town performing as the drummer for Halifax rock band Burnt Reynolds.

We asked Steve to share his favourite spots around Halifax for this week’s Halifavourites feature:

Hair Salon: Jãs
A magician should never reveal his tricks, and I’m giving away my secret weapon here, but Jason is the only man that touches my head. He is a wizard with the scissors and I am now safely among the legions of his adoring(and adorable-looking) fans out here causing strained necks and traffic accidents.

Cafe: Tribute
Tribute is Halifax’s The Bear, and Colin is our Carmy—but way more likeable. He has gone away and learned from the best of us, only to be called back home to share with the rest of us. The vibe, culture and commitment to service at Tribute are a fitting complement to the exquisite adventure that awaits your palate. You might end up bopping to Biggie and Tupac while eating the best pasta and sipping the best wine you’ve ever tasted in your life.

Corner Store: Hydrostone Groceteria
“The corner store where everybody knows your name” - You can be sure owner/operator Lee knows every one of his customers by name, or where any of his seemingly thousands of products might be found. Regardless of the current conditions, this optimist will tell you what a “beautiful day it is” or regale you with a touching anecdote that will make you feel like it’s suddenly just stopped raining on you. I guarantee you’ll be sure to come again.
3220 Isleville St.

Best Wings: Jacob’s Lounge
And it’s not even close. Owner Mike sources the best quality cuts that are fresh, never frozen, and deeply penetrated with a signature blend of spices that built the legend which continues to attract folks from across the bridge and beyond, every, single, Thursday.

Vintage Clothing: Reiyee Clothing
Fed up with the old man’s teasing that you can’t fit into the retro, designer shirt he rocked when he was your age and much cooler than you? (Me too.) Well, this is where you can come trade-up with friendly neighbourhood Thread God Bob, walk out of there with a fresh-fit and straight onto the catwalk with the cool kids. Eat it, Dad.

Best Diner: Cheeky Neighbour
While recently out for an innocent stroll with his family, I violently accosted the defenceless owner Drew, shamelessly proclaiming me and my family’s genuine love for his establishment, our dedicated gathering place. I was quickly put at ease by his undeniable charm and warmth, the same that is in every bite of his dishes.

Best Chicken: CHKN CHOP
This is a new find for me. I had no idea this gem of a patio existed until recently. It’s perfectly hidden from Quinpool road, and the menu and beer (obvs) are amazing.

⭐️ Song of the Week

Taylor Jensen star has been rising on the East Coast over the past year. After performances at Rankin’s Winter Warmer and Blueberry Jam last year, she found her way to the Cavendish Beach Music Festival stage this summer. You can catch her live in Halifax with Ria Mae on August 16 at the absolutely stacked From Day 2 Dusk festival. GET TICKETS HERE!

Thursday, 8/7

Bearly's Trivia with Kieran! @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 6:30 PM

Joe & Adam @ Durty Nelly's Irish Pub - 7 PM

Songwriters’ Circle W/Silas Bonnell, Maeron Sullivan, Seamus Dempster & Ethan Tyler @ The Carleton - 7:30 PM

Tomkat Samurai @ Economy Shoe Shop - 8 PM

Better Times Comedy @ Good Robot Brewing - 8 PM

Wicked Deadly Thursdays! @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 9 PM

Friday, 8/8

StART Fest 2025 @ The Bus Stop Theatre - 5:30 PM

Big Easy Fridays - Sounds of New Orleans with Mike Cowie & John Alphonse @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 5:30 PM

Moira & Claire & Housewife W/ Special Guest Edie Hunter @ The Carleton - 8 PM

Andrew Evans @ Yuk Yuk's Halifax Comedy Club - 8 PM

MONTE'S ROCKS: Showcasing the Best in Local Emerging Rock Bands @ Monte's Showbar Grill - 8 PM

An Evening of Comedy with Chad Anderson @ Halifax Live Comedy Club - 8 PM

HALIFAX HEATWAVE @ Seahorse Tavern - 8:30 PM

Dookie in Dartmouth @ Woodside Beverage Room and Grill - 8:30 PM
Nimrods play Dookie

The Mellotones @ Pacifico - 8:30 PM

Carson Downey Band @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 9:30 PM

Mel B & Sammy Live @ The Basement of The Shoe - 10 PM
Halifax's hottest dance party

Big White Dog @ Roxbury Urban Dive Bar - 10:30 PM

Saturday, 8/9

TEDxArgyle St @ Light House Arts Centre - 11 AM

StART Fest 2025 @ The Bus Stop Theatre - 4:00 PM

Musical Roots w/ Charise Pohl, Chloé Dionne, Mary Austin, Stephen Deturbide & Greg Myra @ The Carleton - 1:30 PM

The Relics @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 4 PM

Halifax Tides vs. Vancouver Rise FC @ Wanderers Grounds - 7 PM

Andrew Evans @ Yuk Yuk's Halifax Comedy Club - 8 PM

Dave Rave (Teenage Head) & Friends - FREE SHOW! @ The Carleton - 8 PM

An Evening of Comedy with Chad Anderson @ Halifax Live Comedy Club - 8 PM

G-Street Band @ Pacifico - 8:30 PM

Skunk Motel + Guests @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 9:30 PM

SWIFT @ Seahorse Tavern - 10 PM

The Legendary Goldblooms @ The Basement of The Shoe - 10 PM

Big White Dog @ Roxbury Urban Dive Bar - 10:30 PM

Jordan & Brooklyn @ Durty Nelly's Irish Pub - 10:30 PM

Sunday, 8/10

Trivia Brunch @ Chain Yard Urban Cidery & Taproom - 11:30 AM

Blessing Tangban @ Sullivan's Pond Park - 2 PM

Mills Halifax Fashion Week 2025 @ Light House Arts Centre - 2 PM

Sunday Afternoon Trivia @ Village Taphouse of West Bedford - 4 PM

Tunes On Tap w/ Revelstoke Power Supply @ Good Robot Brewing - 4 PM

Ross Rankin @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 4 PM

Sounds of Solidarity- Prisoners’ Justice Day Edition @ Seahorse Tavern - 7 PM

Pop Quiz Trivia @ Charlie's Club - 8 PM

Sunday Sesh @ The Basement of The Shoe - 8 PM

Legendary Sunday Night Blues Jam @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 8 PM

Michael Lloyd @ Durty Nelly's Irish Pub - 10 PM

Monday, 8/11

Trivia Night @ Durty Nelly's Irish Pub - 7 PM

Monday Night Trivia @ Village Taphouse of West Bedford - 7:30 PM

Laura Merrimen @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 7:30 PM

Halifax Beatlemania! @ Light House Arts Centre - 7:30 PM

Big Cat Comedy Show @ Gus' Pub - 8 PM

Jordan LeBlanc @ Durty Nelly's Irish Pub - 10 PM

Tuesday, 8/12

The East Enders @ Stone's Throw Patio - 6:30 PM
Celtic On The Harbour

Tacos & Trivia by Wave Foods @ The Local Restaurant and Bar - 7 PM
Food starts at 4pm, Trivia at 7pm

Pint Sized Comedy @ Celtic Corner Public House - 8 PM
HRM's only Show up & Go up style Open Mic Comedy Night.

THE BIG SING: I'M GONNA GETCHA GOOD! @ The Basement of The Shoe - 8 PM

Garrett Mason @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 8:30 PM

Wednesday, 8/13

Music Bingo @ Stardust Bar + Kitchen - 7 PM

Bingo Night @ Chain Yard Urban Cidery & Taproom - 7 PM

Gin & Jazz @ The Local Restaurant and Bar - 7:30 PM

Video Music Bingo @ Roxbury Urban Dive Bar - 7:45 PM

Open Mic & Karaoke @ Economy Shoe Shop - 8 PM

Catherine Robertson Comedy Hour @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 8 PM

Karaoke with Mimi! @ Bearly's House of Blues & Ribs - 10 PM

That’s it for this week!

Got an event we should know about? Hit reply and let us know!

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