Quick Facts
| Dates | May 25, 2026 – June 7, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Dalhousie Arts Centre, Halifax |
| Region | Halifax Metro |
| Category | Arts & Culture |
| Tickets | 2026 Festival Recap |
| GPS | 44.6377, -63.5914 |
About Scotia Festival of Music
The Scotia Festival of Music was an annual two-week chamber music celebration that brought world-renowned classical musicians to Halifax's Dalhousie Arts Centre. Founded in 1980, the festival grew into one of Atlantic Canada's most respected classical music events, known for an eclectic mix of orchestral works, solo recitals, and intimate chamber performances. The 2026 edition ran May 25–June 7.
The 2026 edition delivered an outstanding lineup of international guest artists alongside Nova Scotia's finest classical musicians, with daily concerts, masterclasses, and open rehearsals that gave audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. The festival's accessible programming made classical music approachable for newcomers while satisfying seasoned concertgoers.
Beyond the concert hall, the festival hosted a popular Emerging Artists Program that mentors young musicians, free noon-hour concerts, and post-concert receptions where audiences could meet the performers. The Dalhousie Arts Centre's intimate Sir James Dunn Theatre provided an up-close-and-personal experience with every seat just rows from the stage.
Make the most of your time in Halifax Metro - pair Scotia Festival of Music with our Halifax Dining Guide, Family Travel Guide, and Best Day Trips from Halifax. They're each packed with itinerary ideas, local tips, and everything you need to extend your stay.
🎟️ Tickets & Admission
Festival passes and individual concert tickets were available at scotiafestival.com. Student and senior discounts were offered, and free noon-hour concerts ran daily.
Tickets available through the official event website. Prices and availability subject to change.
📍 Location & Getting There
Plan Your Visit
How long you'll need
Scotia Festival of Music ran May 25, 2026 – June 7, 2026, bridging May and June. The event fills the June window, so book accommodation early for the busiest weekends.
What it costs
Admission details are on the official ticketing page. Buy through the official link in the Tickets & Admission section above.
Getting there & parking
Downtown venues are an easy walk from most central hotels, and Halifax Transit — including the Dartmouth harbour ferry — is often faster than driving on event nights. Street parking and municipal lots fill quickly around start times, so arrive early or park a few blocks out and walk in.
Nearby dining & things to do
- Explore Halifax Metro
Attractions, dining, and places to stay across the region.
- Nova Scotia Cities & Towns
Every Nova Scotia city, town, and region compared - what each settlement is best for, drive times from Halifax, and how they cluster on the map.
- Halifax Local Guide
The complete insider guide to Halifax - neighbourhoods, hidden gems, where locals eat, and off-the-beaten-path spots.
- Halifax Airport Guide (YHZ)
Halifax Stanfield airport guide: Route 320 bus and taxi fares to downtown, 2026 card-only parking rules, exterior lot $25 minimum, ALT Hotel layovers, and winter fog delays.
- Halifax Dining Guide
Where to eat in Halifax - from lobster rolls on the waterfront to fine dining and craft breweries.
Scotia Festival of Music FAQ
When is Scotia Festival of Music?
Scotia Festival of Music ran May 25, 2026 – June 7, 2026 and has concluded for this season. Watch the official listing for any future dates.
Where is Scotia Festival of Music held?
Dalhousie Arts Centre, Halifax, Halifax Metro. Coordinates: 44.6377, -63.5914.
How much are tickets and where do I buy them?
Festival passes and individual concert tickets were available at scotiafestival.com. Student and senior discounts were offered, and free noon-hour concerts ran daily. Tickets: https://scotiafestival.com/
Where can I stay nearby?
Recommended areas to stay: Downtown Halifax, Spring Garden Road, South End Halifax.
🌊 Explore Halifax Metro
While you're in Halifax Metro for Scotia Festival of Music, take time to discover the incredible attractions, dining, and scenery this region has to offer.
🗓️ Plan Around These
Stack your trip with more festivals and events across the province.