Natal Day Guide: Everything You Need to Know for a Fun-Filled Weekend
As Halifax gears up for the 127th Natal Day celebrations, residents and visitors can look forward to a weekend packed with exciting events, parades, races, and fireworks. Here’s a guide to navigating the festivities and ensuring a seamless experience.
Grocery Stores and Shopping Centers
Most major grocery stores including Atlantic Superstore, Sobeys, Costco, and Gateway Meat Market will be open on Natal Day, but expect some to operate on reduced hours. The Mic Mac Mall and Halifax Shopping Centre will be welcoming shoppers from noon until 5 p.m. Additionally, all NSLC outlets will be open, although many will have shortened hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Road Closures and Traffic Delays
Natal Day Road Race
Location: Christ Church, opposite 80 Ochterloney Street
Date: August 5
Time: 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
The Natal Day Road Race will cause significant traffic delays. The race starts and ends at Christ Church, passing through Ochterloney Street, Crichton Avenue, Hawthorne Street, Portland Street, and Alderney Drive. Motorists should plan for alternative routes during this time.
Natal Day Parade
Location: Novalea Drive to Sullivan’s Pond
Date: August 5
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
The Natal Day Parade will commence at Novalea Drive and Gottingen Street, making its way across North Street and the Macdonald Bridge, down Wyse Road and Alderney Drive, and concluding at Sullivan’s Pond. Expect heavy traffic and road closures along the route.
Macdonald Bridge Closures
The Macdonald Bridge will close twice to accommodate the Natal Day events:
Sunday, August 4:
- Closed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for MACPASS Miles and Bridgewalk 2024.
Monday, August 5:
- Closed from 7 a.m. to noon for the Natal Day Parade.
While the bridge is closed to vehicle traffic, the bicycle lane and pedestrian walkway will remain open.
Event Highlights
- Crescendo Festival on Saturday, August 3 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park Stage.
- Halifax-Dartmouth Harbour Natal Day Fireworks on Saturday, August 3 at 10 p.m. on the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfront (Rain date: Saturday, August 4 at 10 p.m.)
- African Nova Scotian Music Association “Freedom Festival” on Sunday, August 4 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park Stage.
- “Freedom Festival” Pryro Show on Sunday, August 4 at 9:30 p.m. on the Dartmouth Wharf.
- Lake Banook Natal Day Fireworks on Monday, August 5 at 9:30 p.m. at Lake Banook.
MACPASS Miles and Bridgewalk 2024
Date: August 4
Time: Races begin at 9 a.m., family fun starts at 2 p.m.
Join in for a day of races, live entertainment, and community booths. Don’t miss the “Ask an Engineer” booth and the Bridgewalk Passport activity. Free treats will be available, and MACPASS stickers can be activated online.
Halifax-Dartmouth Harbour Natal Day Fireworks
Date: August 3
Time: 10 p.m.
Enjoy the spectacular fireworks display on the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts. The rain date is set for August 4 at the same time.
African Nova Scotian Music Association “Freedom Festival”
Date: August 4
Time: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Head to the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park Stage for an afternoon and evening of music, culture, and the Freedom Festival Pyro Show at 9:30 p.m.
Lake Banook Natal Day Fireworks
Date: August 5
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Cap off your Natal Day celebrations with a breathtaking fireworks show at Lake Banook.
Municipal Services and Adjustments
Solid Waste Collection
There will be no waste collection on August 5. Collection usually scheduled for Monday will occur on Saturday, August 3. Ensure materials are curbside by 7 a.m.
Transit Services
Halifax Transit buses will operate on holiday schedules on August 5. Both Alderney and Woodside Ferry services will run on 30-minute schedules, with the first trip from Alderney at 7:30 a.m. and Woodside at 7:37 a.m.
Recreation Facilities
Outdoor pools, supervised beaches, and splashpads will be open. The Emera Oval will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 5. Check online for the status of recreation facilities and pool schedules.
Customer Contact Centres
The 311 Contact Centre will be closed for full service on August 5, but urgent calls can still be reported. Regular operations will resume on August 6.
Parking
On-street parking will be free on August 5. Remember to follow all posted signage and avoid blocking intersections or sidewalks.
Celebrate Safely
Residents are encouraged to attend professional fireworks displays instead of using consumer fireworks. Always check burning restrictions updated daily at 2 p.m. If consumer fireworks are permitted, select a wide, clear site away from structures, trees, and dry grass.
For more information on Natal Day events and updates, visit natalday.org.
Enjoy a safe and festive Natal Day weekend!