James MartinAs someone who has spent many unforgettable nights painting the town red in Halifax, I can genuinely say that our night scene is a good reflection of our city: unpretentious, lively, and full of surprises.
The hottest nightclubs have great music, refreshing drinks, and a chill dress code. It’s no wonder that the likes of David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd liked to party here.
From small, underground dance floors to parties in the sky, I know there’s a party out there that fits your vibe. So grab your dancing shoes, and I’ll show you the best nightclubs in Halifax.
The Basement of the Shoe
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Website: http://www.economyshoeshop.ca/entertainment/
Location: 1665 Argyle Street
Phone: +19024048934
Opening hours:
Sun-Thu, Noon to Midnight
Fri-Sat, Noon to 3 AM
Right below the Economy Shoe Shop, you can catch live performances and dance parties at The Basement. For 25 years, “The Shoe”, as locals call it, has been a source of good food and live entertainment.
They host a variety of acts, ranging from local musicians to internationally acclaimed artists like Hozier. What I like about this spot is that there’s enough space to dance, but they’ve also got room for hungry party-goers.
If you come early, you can have a meal and perhaps watch a comedy show before dancing the night away. Along with a craft beer, you can get burgers and donairs, served with a side of fries or house salad, all for a reasonable price.
| Pro Tip: Tickets are sold at certain live performances. Follow The Basement’s socials to keep up with their line-up of acts for the month. |
The Marquee Ballroom
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Website: http://www.2037gottingen.ca/
Location: 2037 Gottingen Street
Phone: +19024064255
Opening hours: Varies per event
The Marquee Ballroom throws the coolest shows and parties in Halifax, usually packed with locals. Their stage has seen everyone from up-and-coming indie bands to internationally renowned artists like David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix.
However, this legendary nightclub isn’t just about music. It’s also a hub of entertainment where comedy nights, themed parties, and eclectic events ensure you always have something exciting marked on the calendar.
Unlike other clubs on this list, The Marquee Ballroom opens only during events. The opening times may vary, but they usually start at 8 PM to 9 PM.
| Pro Tip: The Marquee Ballroom’s bar only accepts cash. They have an ATM on-site, but the lines can be long—be sure to have cash on hand before dropping by. |
Seahorse Tavern
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Website: http://www.2037gottingen.ca/
Location: 2037 Gottingen Street
Phone: +19024064255
Opening hours: Varies per event
Seahorse Tavern might be Nova Scotia’s oldest nightclub, but it’s still one of the most popular spots for music and dancing. They host live bands spanning a wide variety of genres, DJ parties, festivals, and other fun events.
If you drink, you must, at least once in your life, try Horsepower draught, which they concocted along with Propeller Brewery. Its bold, malty flavor has a smooth and slightly sweet finish, ideal for those who enjoy a full-bodied beer with a touch of complexity.
Believe it or not, this old tavern is located on the basement level of the legendary Marquee Ballroom. Although it isn’t as spacious, there’s a lot of room for dancing as it can accommodate more than 250 people.
| Pro Tip: Check Seahorse Tavern’s website for upcoming events so you can plan your visit and book tickets ahead of time. |
Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
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Website: https://durtynellys.ca/
Location: 1645 Argyle Street
Phone: +19024067640
Opening hours: Daily, 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Durty Nelly’s is a local favorite, known mostly for serving hearty Irish pub fare with East Coast hospitality. It’s a cozy, welcoming space, where you can also enjoy live music and dancing.
A unique experience you must try is their Celtic sessions, held every Thursday and Sunday. You can dance to Celtic melodies and sounds with an amazing crowd of patrons.
It’s open daily, perfect for locals and tourists who are having a spontaneous night out. No matter the season, you can warm up and party on the dancefloor.
| Pro Tip: Some events at Durty Nelly’s are free, while others may require a cover charge or a minimum purchase. Always check their socials or website for more information on the performances you want to attend. |
Buck Ugly’s
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Website: http://buckuglys.ca/
Location: 5287 Prince Street
Phone: +19024462825
Opening hours: Daily, 6 PM to 2 PM
Buck Ugly’s is one of the lesser-known gems in Halifax. They regularly host a wide selection of entertainment, including DJ parties, cover bands, and drag shows.
I like it because I can get a drink and a hefty meal here—even hangover grub like burgers and fries until 2 in the morning. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to bring patrons healthy, reasonably priced, and delicious meals.
Plus, Buck Ugly’s has one of the best rooftop bars in Halifax(rooftop bars halifax). When the weather is nice and warm, you can take the party outdoors and sip some cocktails while taking in the stunning views of the city.
| Pro Tip: Visit Buck Ugly’s website to keep up-to-date on themed events, live entertainment, and other special celebrations. |
Hide + Seek Nightclub and Lounge
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Website: https://www.graftonconnor.com/hide-seek-nightclub-and-lounge/
Location: 1737 Grafton Street
Phone: +19024149486
Opening hours: Fri-Sat, 9 PM to 3:30 PM
Hide + Seek is where the city’s night owls go to lose themselves in a night of music, dancing, and expertly crafted cocktails.
With DJs spinning everything from house to hip-hop, it has quite a young crowd of students and professionals. If you prefer a more laid-back evening, you should stop by during their live music nights, where they feature local bands and acoustic sessions.
This nightclub opens only on Fridays and Saturdays so plan your trip ahead of time. Arrive early to snag one of the cozy lounge spots, perfect for people-watching and enjoying your drinks before the dance floor heats up.
| Pro Tip: There’s no official dress code. Partygoers wear anything from casual to semi-formal, depending on the event and the vibe. |
The Dome Nightclub
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Website: https://www.graftonconnor.com/the-dome/
Location: 1739 Grafton Street
Phone: +19024226907
Opening hours: Fri-Sat, 10 PM to 3:30 PM
Operated by Grafton Connor, the same people behind Hide and Seek, The Dome is the ultimate party place. This multi-level nightclub has a large dance floor and several bars spread throughout the area, so everyone can grab a drink even when it’s packed.
It’s so spacious that it even has a VIP section overlooking the dance floor. But no matter where you decide to stay, it will be a fun, boozy experience, which you, hopefully, remember.
Their cocktail menu has a variety of crowd-pleasers, from classic mojitos to fruity concoctions like their signature “Electric Lemonade.” Drinks are affordable, making it easy to keep the good times rolling.
| Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting multiple nightclubs, The Dome is a great end-of-the-night spot so you can avoid the long lines at the entrance. |
Pacifico
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Website: http://www.pacificohalifax.com/
Location: 5171 George Street
Opening hours: Thu, 4 PM to 10 PM, Fri-Sat, 4 PM to 2 PM
Pacifico in Halifax is where the city’s nightlife goes into full swing, offering a high-energy atmosphere that draws a diverse crowd ready to dance the night away.
From university students to cool grandmas, everyone comes here for the good vibes and great music. Whether it’s a themed party or a live performance, the entertainment never disappoints, making it a go-to spot for a memorable night out.
You can also get classic and craft cocktails. Choose your drinks wisely as the prices are in line with the upscale experience, but still worth it.
| Pro Tip: Pacifico can get packed, especially on weekends. If you’re with a group, reserve a booth ahead of time. |
The Decks
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Website: https://www.graftonconnor.com/the-decks/
Location: 1732 Argyle Street
Phone: +17824147286
Opening hours:
Wed-Thu, 3 PM until late
Fri-Sat, 12 PM until late
Sat-Sun, 12 PM to 3 PM
The Decks is a multi-level rooftop patio, serving refreshing cocktails and hearty meals with some live entertainment. Unlike other Grafton Connor clubs in Halifax, this spot opens on weekdays from the afternoon to the late hours of the night.
They have local DJs but live entertainment is a big draw. With a rotating lineup of local bands and solo artists bringing everything from acoustic sets to upbeat covers, you can sing and dance to the music.
What makes this place a standout choice for a summer party is the cocktails. They always have fresh, flavorful options that are reasonably priced, so you can enjoy a few without breaking the bank.
| Pro Tip: Head to The Decks during the early evening to catch the sunset over the water while enjoying a cocktail. It’s the perfect way to kick off a night out in Halifax. |
