James MartinLost in Halifax and clueless about where the party’s at? Or worse, you call yourself a Haligonian and still haven’t found the beat of the city?
I used to spend endless weekends in my PJs, twiddling my thumbs. But like a true adventurer, I turned to the ultimate oracle: my smartphone, tapped into the local hive mind, and presto — discovered the juiciest spots for live music in Halifax!
If you’re as lost as I was or just craving a change of scene, then this little guide is your ticket to the hippest joints for live music in Halifax! So put on your singing hat and your dancing shoes because we’re about to hit all the right notes in this city.
The Carleton
Media credit: careltonhalifax
Website: http://www.thecarleton.ca/
Address: 1685 Argyle St
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Saturday: 4 PM–12 AM
- Sunday: 4–10 PM
The Carleton is Halifax’s legendary live music hotspot that also dishes out killer comfort food. Housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings, this place is a history buff’s dream with walls dating back to 1759.
What to buy? A front-row seat to watch everyone from Grammy-winner Gordie Sampson to indie rocker Joel Plaskett. And don’t forget the Carleton Burger and a cold Nova Scotia craft beer!
Now, what to see and do? Live music, obviously! Just sit back and enjoy performances from all genres while lounging next to ancient stone walls.
| Pro Tip: Weeknight shows often feature upcoming acts so get there early for the best seats and ask your server about the newest craft beers. And try not to drool over the menu! |
Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
Media credit: durtynellyspub
Website: http://www.durtynellys.ca/
Address: 1645 Argyle St
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM–2 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Durty Nelly’s — where the Guinness flows like poetry and the pub food has an Irish twist! Right in the heart of downtown Halifax, this place is like a little piece of Ireland in Nova Scotia.
You’ll definitely want to raise a glass of the good stuff, including the legendary Guinness. And while you’re at it, dive into some pub grub with that unmistakable Irish flair.
Then, get ready for a toe-tapping good time because Durty Nelly’s is all about the live music scene. With performances happening practically every night, you can catch everything from traditional Kitchen Ceilidhs to modern tunes!
| Pro Tip: Head over on a Wednesday through Saturday night for live music that’ll have you dancing a jig in no time. |
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
Media credit: oldtrianglehfx
Website: http://www.oldtriangle.com/welcome/
Address: 5136 Prince St
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM–11:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM–1 AM
Just let the mighty craic run its course at the Old Triangle! Nestled in a city steeped in Irish history, this pub is the real deal when it comes to authentic Celtic vibes.
If you’re looking to let loose some loonies, a pint of your favorite import, local, or craft beer will be your poison of choice! Just pair it with some hearty Irish pub grub and you’ll be living your best life.
There’s live music seven nights a week — and get ready to tap your toes to lively fiddle tunes and maybe even try your hand (or feet) at some Irish set dancing. Who knows, you might discover a hidden talent you never knew you had!
| Pro Tip: Before a round of impromptu Irish dancing, be sure to stretch those legs beforehand — you’ll thank us later! |
Bearly’s House of Blues
Media credit: bearlyshouseofblues
Website: http://www.bearlys.ca/
Address: 1269 Barrington St
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 AM–1 AM
- Sunday: 2 PM–1 AM
You’ve gotta give it to Bearly’s, where the blues are as smooth as the bourbon and the food is a delicious mashup of pub classics and Filipino flavors. Tucked away in the south end, this joint is a haven for blues lovers and karaoke enthusiasts alike.
You can begin with the classic pub grub — nachos, wings, and burgers — but don’t sleep on the Filipino fare from Kusina Express. Tapsilog and noodle dishes are just a taste of what’s on offer!
Then, you can indulge in some Kansas City-style BBQ and stick around for live music and dancing. The crowd here tends to be a bit more seasoned, making it the perfect spot for the 30+ crowd looking for a low-key night out.
| Pro Tip: Get some bangsilog for a fishy feast! And if you’re feeling brave, belt out your favorite tune during Wednesday karaoke. |
The Loose Cannon
Media credit: theloose.cannon
Website: http://theloosecannon.ca/
Address: 1566 Argyle St
Hours:
- Open daily from 4 PM–2 AM
The Loose Cannon is Halifax’s own slice of Scotland where the scotch selection is as vast as the Highlands. This Scottish-style pub is like stepping into Edinburgh itself, minus the bagpipes!
Besides drowning your sorrows in a pint of the finest brew, you can indulge in over 75 varieties of scotch. And don’t forget to pair your drink with hearty Scottish classics like haggis or steak and ale stew.
Oh, definitely dive into the fish and chips or Shepherd’s pie — your taste buds will thank you!
| Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a scotch flight to taste a range of flavors. And if you’re not sure where to start, just ask the bartender — they know their stuff! |
The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Media credit: thepressganghfx
Website: http://thepressgang.net/
Address: 5218 Prince St
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Monday
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 5–10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 5–11 PM
Looking for a spot where history meets haute cuisine and live music adds a touch of magic? The Press Gang is where it’s at!
You can start with a plate of fresh oysters and a cocktail, then settle in for the musical stylings of Mike Cowie and Gerry Carruthers. These Friday and Saturday night shows are legendary, featuring their unique take on pop, rock, soul, and blues classics.
Plus, they’ll even take your requests — just don’t ask for “Free Bird.”
You can then kick back, relax, and let the music wash over you as you savor every bite and sip. From Leonard Cohen to Elton John, their repertoire spans the classics, ensuring there’s something for everyone to groove to!
| Pro Tip: Make your reservations early, especially for those coveted weekend shows. And if you’re feeling brave, slip a request to the band — just be prepared for them to knock it out of the park! |
The Lower Deck
Media credit: thelowerdeckhfx
Website: http://www.lowerdeck.ca/
Address: 1887 Upper Water St
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 5 PM–12 AM
- Thursday, Sunday: 5 PM–12:30 AM
Fancy feeling high at the Lower Deck? Found along the waterfront, this pub is a staple for anyone craving traditional pub grub, lively bands, and a pint with a view of the harbor.
We dare you to grab yourself a pint of ice-cold beer and indulge in some classic pub fare while enjoying the lively bands that grace the stage seven nights a week.
And if you’re lucky enough to visit during the summer, don’t miss out on one of their legendary courtyard patio parties — it’s a maritime tradition! You can even wear your kilt (or borrow one) for the occasion!
| Pro Tip: Arrive early to snag a prime spot on the patio during those summer patio parties — they fill up fast! And don’t be shy about joining in on the dancing; it’s practically mandatory here. |
The Split Crow Pub
Media credit: splitcrowhali
Website: http://www.splitcrow.com/
Address: 1855 Granville St
Hours:
- Open daily from 11:30 AM–12 AM
The Split Crow is Halifax’s OG tavern — and here, history meets hops and live music rocks the house. With roots dating back to 1749, this place practically invented pub culture in Nova Scotia.
You can go ahead and get pitchers of local brews to share on the patio and pair them with classic pub grub. And don’t forget to grab a spot on the cobblestone streets for prime people-watching!
And if your feet are itching, get ready to groove to live music almost every night, with acts like The Persuaders keeping the party going since the ’80s!
| Pro Tip: If beer’s a bit strong for you, get the cider — pick between the Strongbow Dry and the Lake City Feature! |
Economy Shoe Shop
Media credit: econshoeshop
Website: http://www.economyshoeshop.ca/
Address: 1663 Argyle St
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM–3:30 AM
Do you want to be where the drinks are cold, the music is hot, and the vibes are straight-up legendary? Welcome to the Economy Shoe Shop!
Since 1995, this joint has been slinging cocktails and hosting live music like nobody’s business. Oh, and we’re all about their donair dip for that delicious Haligonian dish!
Just prepare to soak in the retro bistro vibes and feast your eyes on the stunning interior. Plus, don’t miss their monthly art shows and weekly jazz concerts — it’s like living in a movie!
| Pro Tip: Trust me, you’ll want to grab a seat and order their famous Dirty Burger ASAP. And while you’re at it, wash it down with one of their killer cocktails. |
Pacifico
Media credit: pacificohalifax
Website: http://www.pacificohalifax.com/
Address: 5171 George St
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Wednesday
- Thursday: 4–10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 4 PM–2 AM
Pacifico Bar is right in the heart of downtown Halifax, beating like a drum with its glorious tunes! Here, you can get ready to bust a move on the dance floor while soaking in the historic vibes of the Meryll Lynch Building.
How about a round of cocktails and some small plates to fuel your dance moves? And don’t miss catching local legends, The Mellotones, every Friday, or getting your groove on with the G Street Band on Saturdays!
| Pro Tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot on the dance floor, and don’t be afraid to try some of their signature cocktails — we’re all for the Coconut Sunset! |
The Auction House
Media credit: auctionhousehfx
Website: http://www.auctionhousehalifax.com/
Address: 1726 Argyle St
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday: 4–9 PM
- Thursday: 4–11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
The Auction House is cocooned in a storied and historic building, where history meets hops and charity reigns supreme!
Besides a pint of local draft beer, you can bid on some treasures at the daily auctions. Yep, it’s a real auction house that raises money for charities.
Here, you get to enjoy live entertainment while sipping your brew and maybe even snagging a deal at the auction. And when hunger strikes, dive into the mouthwatering menu that puts a fresh spin on old favorites.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the modern twists on classics like the grilled mac & cheese sandwich or the PB & J waffles during brunch. |
