We asked you all where your favorite places were to listen to some live music here in Halifax and your responses did not disappoint.
1) The Lower Deck
Although this one seems a little obvious for the locals here in Halifax it can't be forgotten. For students, this is the place that our parents raved about back in the day, and it has stayed in style since. The lower deck has been a Halifax gem since 1974 bringing live music, great food, and great beer to all! They have live music very weekend. The fan favorite is coming by on a Sunday to listen to Signal Hill perform outside at the courtyard.
2) The Local - Gin & Jazz Wednesday
Every Wednesday at the Local is Jazz night! If you are looking for some mid week fun on the north end of Halifax the Local is the place to be. You can enjoy some discounted gin drinks, play pool, and hangout with beautiful Jazz music in the backround all at once. It really is a win win win.
3) The Split Crow Pub
Governor Cornwallis granted the very first liquor license in New Scotland in 1749 (now Nova Scotia) to a gentleman named John Shippey. He opened a tavern called: ‘The Split Crow.’
The Split Crow was a popular place for sailors, mariners, and travelers! The tavern was a lively spot where music played, ladies entertained, politics were hotly debated, and the occasional brawl broke out.
Fast forward over 250 years, and the Halifax-based Split Crow, now in a different location, still has the same maritime spirit! The Power Hour is on Thursdays and Saturday with Canadian draught for $2.50. Splitties is the perfect place for some cheap drinks and fun to accompany their live music scene!
4) The Bearly’s House of Blues
The Bearly’s House of Blues has events happening almost every day of the week and a menu that’s sure to satisfy any craving—tacos, carnitas, fish & chips, shrimp, calamari, wings, pad thai, salads, burgers, wraps, and more!
Bearly's is a cornerstone of the Halifax music scene, especially known for its legendary Blues Jam. This jam session has been running for decades and is a fantastic place to welcome musicians of all ages and skill levels. It's a great opportunity for up-and-coming artists to play alongside some longtime musicians including a stellar house band led by Andrew Gillis (harp, vocals), Gary Potts (drums), and Morrow Scott Brown (bass), with a new guest soloist each week.
The spontaneity of the Blues Jam makes for a great weekly show— you never know who might show up! So, if you’re in the mood for great food, and some of the best live music in town, Bearly's House of Blues is the place to be.
5) The Basement of the Economy Shoe Shop
The Shoe is a student staple here in Halifax. When the excitement of summer fades and students are back into the school year hitting the books with the cold weather creeping in, the warmth of The Shoe’s basement and the electric live music is what's keeping us going. My favorite band? Sam and Mel's Friday performances—they never disappoint. This bar is perfect for those rainy or chilly Halifax days, where you want to stay inside and jam out. The vibes are simply unmatched.
6) Marquee Ballroom
Even though the Marquee Ballroom and the Local are almost the exact same location, they have very different energy. When this location is not catering to some casual drinks, a game of pool, and Jazz music from the Local, its stage, dance floor and main floor bar comes comes to life for events hosted throughout the year. Some of my favorites that I have attended so far have been a Fleetwood Mac Cover band this summer, and their iconic Taylor swift cover nights. This is one of the Premier venues on the East coast and we recommend checking out their schedule as there is a concert for everyone.
7) Durty Nellys
Durty Nellys is our Irish gem here in Halifax. This pub was built in Ireland and then shipped to and assembled here in Halifax and that's about as Irish as it gets. Within the weekdays there is outdoor seating and great cocktails and food, but they also have live music regularly with Michael Lloyd being a Sunday Speciality to check out.
8) Maxwell's Plum
Maxwell's Plum is the perfect spot to catch a game or enjoy some fantastic live music. Established in 1983, Maxwell's has mastered the art of being a top-tier pub.
They have a summer-inspired patio cocktail and food menu coming soon, and are the ideal place to relax outdoors. The drinks are great, as well as the service and the live music is always worth the visit. Their live music schedule changes frequently, but you can count on performances from Wednesday to Saturday. To keep up to date on their music schedule make sure to check out their website!
9) Mccafferty's bar
Mccafferty's bar has live music every night! This Irish pub picks bands to keep the music flowing and the toes tapping each day of the week. This pub knows that the Irish love sports almost as much as they love pubs so if you're looking to watch a high quality game with some live music in the background this is the place to be.
10) Gus' Pub & Grill
Gus’ pub is a north end specialty here in Halifax. They have great food, drinks, and music every weekend! This pub has fun events such as trivia happening early in the week followed by live music Thurs-Sun.
