Halifax’s Live Music Revival Draws Artists Back to the Maritimes

After years of quiet stages, Halifax’s music scene is finding its rhythm again, with grassroots festivals and local venues championing homegrown talent.

October 05, 2025 12:30

By Jade Tremblay

Halifax, long known for its salty air and seafaring charm, is finding its rhythm again. After years of quiet stages and shuttered venues, the city’s live music scene is experiencing a renaissance — one driven not by corporate sponsors or flashy festivals, but by community spirit and homegrown passion.

At the heart of the revival are small venues like The Carleton and Gus’ Pub, where local bands share the stage with touring acts in an atmosphere that feels more like a family gathering than a concert. “We’ve always had incredible talent,” says promoter Sarah Landry. “What changed is how we support it. People are showing up again — and that changes everything.”

The pandemic hit Halifax’s arts community hard, forcing musicians to rethink how and where they perform. Pop-up shows in backyards, breweries, and even along the waterfront kept the music alive, proving that creativity can thrive under constraint. Now, those DIY efforts have evolved into permanent fixtures that define the city’s new soundscape.

One of the most popular initiatives is the ‘Harbour Sessions,’ a series of intimate performances streamed live from converted boathouses. The project began as a grassroots effort but quickly gained national attention for its authenticity and storytelling. “We wanted to capture the feeling of a kitchen party by the sea,” says organizer Liam Porter. “No lights, no hype — just music.”

Local universities have also played a role in nurturing the next generation of artists. Dalhousie and NSCAD students are collaborating on multimedia performances that blend music, film, and digital art, turning Halifax into a living laboratory of creativity. The cross-pollination has made the scene more inclusive and experimental than ever before.

For returning musicians who once left for larger markets like Toronto or Montreal, Halifax now offers something those cities can’t — intimacy. “There’s an honesty to playing here,” says singer-songwriter Fiona McKay, who recently moved back from Vancouver. “People listen. They care. It reminds you why you started making music in the first place.”

As night falls over the harbour and the city’s pubs come alive, Halifax’s music revival feels less like a comeback and more like a homecoming — a reminder that the heart of Canadian music still beats loudest by the Atlantic.