July is here! Let the summer begin! July is packed full of exciting events and festivals in HRM. We start the month off with a bang celebrating Canada’s Birthday on July 1st and then the Summer Festivals come alive. We have the Maritime Fiddle FestivalHalifax Pride Festival and the Afrifest – African Festival of Arts and Culture all happening this month!

If you are looking for ideas on how to keep the kids busy this summer, check out Summer Bucket List Guide.

Here is our month-at-a-glance which highlights some of the events going on in July and if you are looking for more ideas, the Family Fun Halifax calendar is continually being updated with the latest events. Also, each Wednesday, we publish our ‘Weekend Roundup’ – family friendly Halifax events for the upcoming weekend. Happy July, everyone!

Halifax Royal International Tattoo (June 30-July 3): Not only is it the family show of the summer, but it’s also the 42nd production of The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo!

Canada Day Events (July 1): There are tons of events going on around HRM to celebrate Canada’s 152nd birthday. Whether you are looking for an early morning event or wanting to celebrate until the wee hours, from pancakes and music to water fun and fireworks… there is something for everyone!

Dartmouth Summer Sunshine Series (Saturdays & Sundays starting June 25- Aug 7): Get ready for an exciting summer of live music and special events on the Dartmouth Waterfront! There will be 7 weeks of live entertainment at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park on Saturdays and Sundays.

Dartmouth at Dusk (Friday, June 23, July 14, August 25, and September 1). Head to Alderney Landing to check out Dartmouth at Dusk – Dartmouth’s first night market of the summer! There will be lots of vendors of food, arts, crafts… and fun!

The Halifax Mural Festival (July 3- 9) This multi-day event takes place on Quinpool Road and the Halifax Waterfront. See artists from near and far add splashes of colour, and bringing life to blank walls.

Maritime Fiddle Festival (July 7-8): Get ready for some toe tappin’ fun at the 70th Annual Maritime Fiddle Festival – Canada’s longest running old-time fiddle festival and competition.

East Coast Kite Festival (July 15 – 16): Fly as high as you can at the 7th Annual East Coast Kite Festival at the Halifax Citadel.

Halifax Pride Festival (July 20-30): The Annual Halifax Pride Festival boasts some of the best events in the city with TONS of events for kids and families. This 10-day long festival hosts loads of events for all ages.

AFRIFEST: African Festival of Arts and Culture (July 27 – 30): The African Festival of Arts and Culture showcases the unique cultural heritage and artistic works of people of African descent living in Nova Scotia. Follow the drum beat down to the Halifax waterfront to join in the weekend fun.

Nova Multifest (July 20-30): Come celebrate Nova Scotia at the Annual Multifest at the Alderney Landing! Nova Multifest is a celebration of culture and diversity and will showcase music, art, displays and lots of delicacies from many cultures.

Halifax Pride Parade (July 23): It goes without saying that the Halifax Pride Parade is one of the city’s best events of the year! Not only does the Parade celebrate a remarkable display of community strength, vibrancy, activism, and beauty but it does so with music, dancing and community spirit which makes this event an incredibly fun afternoon!

Don’t forget, in addition to these events above, there are lots of ongoing activities at these great Halifax attractions:

Halifax Public Gardens, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Discovery Centre, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Museum of Natural HistoryAfricville Museum, Halifax Central LibraryArt Gallery of Nova Scotia, Be sure to visit our calendar for current events happening in your community. Have a fantastic July everyone!