10/16/2026
Lots going on this weekend in Halifax ๐ป๐จ๐ง๐
๐ **HALIFAX & DARTMOUTH WEEKEND GUIDE**
**October 16โ18, 2026**
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If you're looking for something to do this weekend, Halifax and Dartmouth have plenty happening!
And the good news? Some of the biggest events won't cost you a cent.
We've got outdoor art, waterfront entertainment, Halloween activities, concerts, hockey, markets and plenty of ways to entertain the kids.
Here's what's on the go!
๐จ **FREE EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS**
**NOCTURNE: ART AT NIGHT**
๐
Saturday, October 17 | 6 PMโmidnight
๐ Various locations throughout Halifax and Dartmouth
๐ฐ FREE
One of the most interesting nights of the year to explore the city! Art installations, performances and creative displays transform familiar spaces into something completely different.
Great for a date night, an outing with friends or an evening with the older kids.
๐ฅ **FIRE & WATER CULTURAL FESTIVAL**
๐
Saturday, October 17 | 6โ9 PM
๐ Alderney Landing, Dartmouth
๐ฐ FREE
Head to the Dartmouth waterfront for an evening of fire performances, cultural entertainment and activities for all ages.
If you're trying to plan a fun evening without spending much, this one deserves a spot on your list.
๐๏ธ **HALIFAX FORUM WITCHES MARKET**
๐
Saturday, October 17
๐ Halifax Forum
๐ฐ Free admission
A little spooky shopping, handmade creations and Halloween-inspired finds.
๐ **OOKY SPOOKY MARKET**
๐
Saturday, October 17
๐ IKEA Halifax, Dartmouth
๐ฐ FREE admission
Browse Halloween-themed vendors and seasonal creations.
๐ป **HALLOWEEN FUN**
**BLUENOSE GHOSTS FESTIVAL**
๐ Alderney Landing, Dartmouth
๐
Seasonal programming through October 31
A Dartmouth Halloween tradition! Check the schedule for individual attractions, dates and ticket prices.
**HALIFAX PARANORMAL SYMPOSIUM**
๐
Saturday, October 17
๐ Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre
๐ฐ Ticketed
If ghost stories, paranormal investigations and unexplained mysteries are your thing, this might be right up your alley.
**DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS**
๐ Neptune Theatre, Halifax
๐
Running through October 25
๐ฐ Ticketed
A funny twist on the classic vampire story.
๐ธ **CONCERTS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT**
**The Sheepdogs**
๐
Friday and Saturday, October 16โ17
๐ Light House Arts Centre, Halifax
**Loreena McKennitt**
๐
Saturday and Sunday, October 17โ18
๐ Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax
**The Fabulously Rich โ Tragically Hip Tribute**
๐
Saturday, October 17
๐ Marquee Ballroom, Halifax
๐ **HOCKEY THIS WEEKEND**
**Halifax Mooseheads vs. Val-d'Or**
๐
Friday, October 16
๐ Scotiabank Centre
**Halifax Mooseheads vs. Shawinigan**
๐
Sunday, October 18 | 3 PM
๐ Scotiabank Centre
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ **FAMILY ACTIVITIES**
**Discovery Centre**
๐ Halifax waterfront
๐ฐ Regular admission
Hands-on science exhibits and interactive activities for kids.
**Halifax Public Gardens**
๐ Downtown Halifax
๐ฐ FREE
Enjoy the fall colours before they're gone. A great little outing if the weather cooperates.
**Dartmouth Waterfront**
๐ฐ FREE
Enjoy a walk, watch the harbour traffic and explore the Alderney Landing area.
**Halifax Central Library**
๐ Spring Garden Road
๐ฐ FREE
A good indoor option for families, especially if the weather turns miserable. Check the library calendar for weekend programs.
๐ฅ **WEEKEND FARMERS' MARKETS**
**Saturday, October 17**
โข Alderney Landing Farmers' Market โ 8 AMโ1 PM
โข Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market โ 8 AMโ2 PM
โข Halifax Brewery Farmers' Market โ 8 AMโ1 PM
Markets are great for browsing even when you're not planning to buy much. Sometimes it's just nice to get out, have a look around and enjoy the atmosphere.
โค๏ธ **LOW-COST DATE NIGHT IDEA**
Here's one for Saturday evening.
Start with a walk through Nocturne's art installations, grab a coffee or hot chocolate, and enjoy a night out together.
You don't need an expensive dinner and a pile of tickets to have a good evening.
**DID I MISS SOMETHING?**
Halifax and Dartmouth always have more happening than any one guide can cover.
If your community is hosting a fundraiser, Halloween activity, family event, live performance or something free this weekend, please add it in the comments!
And tell me, **what are you most looking forward to this weekend?**
Save this guide for later, share it with someone looking for weekend plans, and tag a friend who might want to join you.
**Follow Forking Frugal for weekly Halifax and Dartmouth event guides, family activities and affordable things to do across Nova Scotia.**
*Schedules, admission and availability may change. Check with organizers before heading out.*