Special Events
Canada Day
© Parks Canada/H. Thompson
2013
May 11 - I Love Local HFX Open House - Become an Ambassador
May 19 - Blue Nose Marathon - Run the Johnson 5K Around the Citadel
June 1 - War of 1812 Band Concert
June 8-9 - World War II D-Day Commemorative Display
July 1 - Canada Day Free!
July 12 - Public Ghost Tours
July 20-21 - Explore Georges Island 2013 Open House
August 17-18 - Celebrate ‘Fab Forts’
August 23 - Freedom of the City
August 29–September 1 - American Revolutionary War to War of 1812 Grand Encampment
October 19-20 - World War II Living History Encampment
November 23-24 - 24th Annual Victorian Christmas
May
May 11
I Love Local HFX Open House - Become an Ambassador
The best way to share your love of Halifax and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is to become a Halifax Citadel Ambassador! All local residents that visit the front kiosk will receive their very own Parks Canada Ambassador Pass at no charge on Saturday. Present the pass the next time you’re entertaining friends and guests and you’ll receive complimentary entry to the Citadel when you bring paying guests with you.
May 19
Blue Nose Marathon - Run the Johnson 5K Around the Citadel
Parks Canada is thrilled to be partnering with the Blue Nose Marathon and for the second year in a row, over 2100 enthusiastic 5K participants will run around the 19th century fort and enjoy the spectacular views of the city. 2013 marks the 10th year running of the Blue Nose - don’t miss the chance to be a part of this amazing community event and experience firsthand what it feels to charge up Citadel Hill! Register today at www.BlueNoseMarathon.com
June
June 1
Citadel 1813 Commemoration Concert
The Tri-Service Cadets and Fife and Drum will join forces with the Citadel’s own 78th Highlanders to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the infamous battle between the HMS Shannon and the USS Chesapeake during the War of 1812. Enjoy traditional music and military demonstrations from this era inside the walls of the historic British fort. 2–3 pm
June 8-9
World War II D-Day Commemorative Display
Commemorate Canada’s contribution to the
D-Day landings on the 6th of June, 1945, with a World War II living history display featuring uniformed re-enactors, dioramas, models and
authentic period vehicles.
July
July 1 10am-2:30pm Free!
Canada Day
Halifax Regional Municipality’s official celebration of Canada Day featuring the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo Choir and the Royal Canadian Navy’s Stadacona Band. Following the traditional noon gun and the twenty-one gun salute, the official Canada Day cake will be served. Be part of this annual historic celebration!
July 12
Public ghost tours
Public ghost tours begin for 2013 season.
July 20-21
Explore Georges Island 2013 Open House
Your chance to explore Georges Island is back
this summer! Don’t miss the opportunity to see first hand one of the most important British forts that defended Halifax. Tunnel tours, guided
interpretation and an 1812 encampment – interactive fun for the whole family. Stay tuned for more details including how to get your tickets
to this special weekend.
August
August 17-18
Celebrate ‘Fab Forts’
The Halifax Citadel was built to protect a city, a
culture, and a way of life. Rediscover the reason why the Halifax Citadel is so fabulous! Special activities planned for the entire family to enjoy –
watch for more details coming soon!
August 23 11am–1pm
Freedom of the City
The Halifax Citadel’s iconic 78th Highlanders exercise the Freedom of the City of Halifax by parading through the town with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed. Parade begins at the Halifax Citadel at 11am and continues to Grand Parade and Government House.
August 29–September 1
American Revolutionary War to War of 1812 Grand Encampment
Discover a pivotal event in the making of both Canada and the United States: the American Revolution! This living history event will feature a military encampment and demonstrations of authentic camp cooking and period food, as well as battle tactics, cannon and musket firings from the late 18th century.
October
October 19-20
World War II Living History Encampment
The Halifax Citadel recalls its role during the Second World War - members of the Atlantic WWII Living History Association will again be at the Halifax Citadel NHS dressed in the uniforms
of Canadian, British, American, German and Russian troops, and will join members of the Citadel’s garrison who will interpret the Canadian troops who defended Halifax during this dark time in world history.
November
November 23-24 12 noon–4 pm
24th Annual Victorian Christmas
Experience the traditions of Christmas as enjoyed by Queen Victoria’s soldiers and their families inside the Halifax Citadel at the 24th Annual Victorian Christmas. See how the troops celebrated the season in the barracks, enjoy a soldier’s version of Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” meet Father Christmas, enjoy musical performances – it’s a family tradition!
In the community:
Halifax Regional Municipality events