October has almost arrived in Halifax, bringing crisp fall weather, colourful leaves, spooky season fun, and plenty of reasons to get out and explore! From haunted houses and ghostly cruises to fall festivals and colourful outdoor adventures, there’s something happening throughout the city all month long. Whether you’re looking to embrace everything Halloween, take in the fall colours, or simply try something new, discover some of the best things to do in Halifax this October!
Ghosts of Halifax Cruise
📅 October 24, 25, 30 |📍Tall Ship Silva
Climb aboard Halifax's Ghost Ship, Tall Ship Silva, and set sail for an evening discovering the darker side of Halifax's history.
Roller Disco on the Commons
📅 October 3 |📍Emera Oval
Throw on your best roller disco look and enjoy an evening filled with rollerblading, retro beats, and fun for all ages.
Halifax Wine Fair
📅 October 3 |📍Halifax Convention Centre
Explore over 200 exceptional wines produced from some of Nova Scotia's best wineries along with world-renowned producers from around the world.
Nova Scotia Forest Festival
📅 October 3 |📍Memory Lane Heritage Village
Take a trip to Memory Lane Heritage Village, and experience first hand how Nova Scotians connect with and rely on the forest for their livelihood, recreation, heritage, and more!
Halloween Party Cruise
📅 October 31 |📍Harbour Queen
Celebrate Halloween night on the water with costumes, music, dancing, and one last Party Cruise for 2026!
Halifax Bird Festival & Market
📅 October 9 |📍Halifax Brewery Market
Adventure through a marketplace dedicated to all things birds, featuring wildlife conservation, interactive exhibits, local artisans, and more!
Alderney Landing's Bluenose Ghosts Festival
📅 October 4-31 |📍Alderney Landing
Spend an evening exploring this years brand new horrifying haunted house at the Bluenose Ghosts Festival.
Spooky and Scary Halloween Market
📅 October 11 |📍 Spryfield Lions Rink
Show your support for local small businesses and kick-off spooky season with a day strolling through spooky goodies, crafts, treats, and more!
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
📅 September 29 - October 25 |📍Neptune Theatre
Experience Dracula like never before in this hilarious comedy packed with pop culture references, clever wordplay, and plenty of fantastical fun.
Movie Night on Georges Island
📅 October 3 |📍Georges Island
Experience Georges Island after hours for a movie night unlike any other, featuring The Lighthouse, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson.
All Things Fall Bedford-Hammonds Plains Craft & Vendor Market
📅 October 17 |📍St. John's Church
Go for a fall shopping spree at this local market with over 45 local vendors to browse through.
McNabs Island Fall Foliage Tours
📅 October 18 |📍Cable Wharf -> McNabs Island
Spend the day exploring McNabs Island, surrounded by vibrant fall colours while discovering the island’s fascinating history and wonderful environment.
Alderney Landing's Fire and Water Cultural Festival
📅 October 18 |📍Alderney Landings Plaza
Witness incredible fire dancing and join in on an Indigenous teaching circle as the Fire and Water Cultural Festival brings all ages together for a unique celebration on the Alderney Waterfront.
Mini Pet Expo
📅 October 18 |📍Halifax Brewery Market
Bring your pet to an exciting day at the market, featuring local pet vendors, a pet photobooth, live music, and more!
Eastern Shore Harvest Food Festival
📅 October 24 |📍Lupin Dining & Pantry
Celebrate Harvest Season and explore the Lupin Dining & Pantry garden, then stop by the 10 chef-curated food stations all with unique beverage pairings.
October is packed with tons of reasons to get out and explore Halifax! Whether you’re celebrating spooky season, taking in the fall colours, discovering local food, or trying something completely new, there’s something happening for every age and interest. So make some plans and get ready to make the most of October in Halifax!
