things to do in halifax
Welcome to Halifax, where ocean views meet unapologetic queer joy. Whether you're here for the festival or just soaking up the east coast vibes, our city is full of inclusive spaces, bold art, local eats, and queer-owned gems. From drag brunches and theatre festivals to community cafés and seaside adventures, Halifax is ready to show you a good time- on your terms.
Venus Envy
1727 Barrington St
VENUSENVY.ca
Venus Envy Halifax is a queer-owned, education-forward sex shop and bookstore that’s been serving the community since 1998.
Cape & Cowl Comics & Collectibles
622 Sackville Dr, Lower Sackville
capeandcowlcomics.ca
Cape & Cowl Comics & Collectibles in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, is far more than a typical comic shop. Founded in 2014 by Jay Aaron Roy, a trans entrepreneur and Dalhousie Theatre alum, the store serves as a vibrant community hub and safe space for LGBTQ+ and disabled youth.
Rumours
1668 Lower Water Street
rumourshfx.com
Rumours is Halifax's revitalized queer nightlife venue, hosting a variety of events including drag performances, trivia nights, and themed parties, operating with a cabaret license that allows for late-night festivities.
Drag Brunch @ Stardust
1688 Barrington Street
stardustbar.ca/drag-brunch
Stardust Bar + Kitchen hosts a high-energy Drag Brunch every Saturday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The event is hosted by local drag performers Mya Foxx or Anna Mona-Pia, featuring a rotating cast of special guests each week.
Dyke Night Halifax
instagram.com/dykenighthalifax/
Dyke Night Halifax is a queer dance party series centering sapphic and trans joy, offering a vibrant and inclusive space for the community. While Dyke Night Halifax doesn't follow a fixed schedule, it frequently hosts events that draw a diverse crowd, celebrating queer culture through music, dance, and community engagement.
Bus Stop Theatre
2203 Gottingen St
busstoptheatre.coop
The Bus Stop Theatre Co-operative is a cornerstone of Halifax’s arts and queer communities. As a member-owned, not-for-profit venue, it champions accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity, providing a vital platform for emerging artists and marginalized voices.
Raymond Taavel Park
1004 Barrington Street
Raymond Taavel Park stands as a tribute to the late Raymond Taavel- a dedicated 2SLGBTQ+ activist and former chair of Halifax Pride. The park was officially dedicated during a Halifax Pride candlelight vigil in 2019, serving as a lasting memorial to Taavel's contributions to the community.
HALIFAX 2SLGBTQIA+ SPACES & VENUES MAP
A stylized illustrated map titled "Kjipuktuk/Halifax 2SLGBTQIA+ Spaces and Venues" highlights queer spaces and safer spaces throughout downtown Halifax. The background is a purple and pink gradient map of the city with yellow location markers.
On the left, a list titled “Queer Spaces” identifies:
Venus Envy
Glitter Bean
Garrison Grounds (Festival Site)
Rumours
Stardust Bar
Chosen Family monument
Raymond Taavel Park
Youth Project
To the right, another list titled “Queer Safer Spaces” includes:
Khyber Centre for the Arts
Parade Route
Wanderers Grounds
Unitarian Church
Staggers Pub & Grub
Garrison Brewing
Art Gallery of NS
Halifax Convention Centre
Salter St Lot
Commons/Indigenous Space
MacPhee Centre
John W. Lindsay YMCA
Bus Stop Theatre
Neptune Theatre
The Duke's Public House
Landmarks such as Halifax City Hall are illustrated, along with symbols like a waving Progress Pride Flag and a jellyfish. Arrows outline the parade route. The map blends wayfinding with queer cultural visibility, using playful iconography and accessible design.
