three scarecrows standing by the sidewalk in front of a house in mahone bay

13 Fun Things to do in Nova Scotia in September

ByErin Martin

If you’re looking for things to do in Nova Scotia in September, you’re in luck — this month is one of the best times to explore the province. The summer crowds have thinned out, but the weather is still warm enough for hikes, road trips, and days at the beach. You’ll also find plenty of events, festivals, and family-friendly activities happening across Nova Scotia.

September is that perfect in-between season — long enough days to get outside, cooler mornings and evenings, and the first hints of fall colours showing up around the province. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, there are so many fun ways to enjoy Nova Scotia at this time of year.

Best Things to Do in September in Nova Scotia

September is full of great ways to get outside and explore — here are our top picks for what to do in Nova Scotia this month.

1. Hike the Highlands

September 13 – 19, 2025, various trails in Cape Breton

September is one of the best times to hike in Cape Breton — cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the first signs of fall colours.

Hike the Highlands is a 10-day festival with guided hikes on some of the most scenic trails along the Cabot Trail, including the popular Skyline Trail and our favourite, Franey Trail. There are hikes every day, plus evening activities and events. Pack your camera — the views are incredible this time of year.

a boy with a blue backpack and hiking shoes standing on a rock overlooking a valley and forest of green trees
This was Franey Trail at the beginning of September – could you imagine what the view would look like a few weeks later?

2. Atlantic International Film Festival

September 10-17, 2025 Halifax

Movie buffs won’t want to miss the Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) in Halifax. This 8-day celebration is one of Canada’s premier celebrations of film and filmmaking, showcasing the best in Atlantic Canadian cinema, as well as films from around the world.

This year there are 96 feature and short films, which will be shown at Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane in Halifax. Tickets, passes and more information can be found here.

3. Lebanese Festival

Usually the first weekend in September, but held the last week of August for 2025

Kick off September with a weekend of amazing food, music, and dance at Halifax’s Lebanese Festival. Enjoy traditional Lebanese dishes like shawarma, falafel, and baklava, along with live music and entertainment.

It’s a fun (and delicious) way to spend a weekend in Halifax — just double-check the dates each year, as it sometimes happens at the end of August.

4. Windsor Garlic Festival

September 13, 2025 Windsor

Love garlic? Then the Windsor Garlic Festival is the place to be!

Previously known as the Avondale Garlic Fest, this year’s festival will be held on Gerrish Street in Windsor, from Gray to Water Street.

Try some garlic-infused products (even ice cream!), compete (or cheer) at the garlic-eating contest, and enjoy local wines and live music. Garlic and wine might sound like an unusual combo, but it’s a match made in foodie heaven.

A wooden magnet or ornament shaped like a smiling garlic bulb wearing sunglasses and flashing peace signs, engraved with the text “Garlic Fest Windsor, N.S.” It’s displayed on a black metal stand at a festival booth.
A child’s hand holding a vanilla (actually garlic flavoured) ice cream cone wrapped in a napkin, with a blurry background showing hay bales and a crowd of people at an outdoor festival.
garlic ice cream!
Two bunches of garlic bulbs with long stems tied together and hanging from hooks under a vendor tent, with sunlight casting shadows on the brick building in the background.

5. Atlantic Open Farm Day

Sunday September 21, 2025 various locations across the province

On Open Farm Day, farms across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada open their doors to the public. It’s a unique opportunity to learn what happens on a farm, meet the farmers and see where your food comes.

Pet and feed the animals at the French Duck Farm in West Petpeswick, take a free wagon ride tour of the orchard at Gates U Pick, or check out the lavender fields at Seafoam Lavender near River John.  

a woman in a white top and grey skirt standing in between a row in a lavender field. evergreen trees are behind the field.

6. Hants County Exhibition

September 12-14 & 19-21, 2025 Windsor

The Hants County Exhibition is the oldest continuously run agricultural fair in North America and a great way to spend a September weekend. Expect tractor displays, antique engines, animal shows, and horse competitions — all the classic fair favourites.

We stumbled across this fair while spending a week in Windsor waiting for our car to be fixed, and the fair was the perfect way to spend a fall weekend.

7. Explore Your Own Backyard at Burntcoat Head Park

September 20, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm, Burntcoat Head Park

This is a great chance to explore one of Nova Scotia’s most unique natural landmarks — Burntcoat Head Park, home to the world’s highest tides. There will be activities for kids, free hotdogs, and the chance to walk on the ocean floor at low tide.

We’ve made this event an annual tradition in our family. The boys love the chance to walk along the ocean floor, searching for treasures like shells and hermit crabs in the tidal pools, or seeing the huge seaweed piles up close. Just be mindful of the tide times – it can come in quickly!

the ocean floor at low tide at burntcoat head park in nova scotia. the ocean floor has seaweed on it and there are green evergreen trees on the tops of the cliffs
a boy searching the tide pools on the ocean floor while a flowerpot island (rock with green trees on top) is in the background.

8. Go Apple Picking in the Annapolis Valley

September is apple season in Nova Scotia, and the Annapolis Valley is the prime spot for apple picking. Whether you’re looking to pick your own or just want to enjoy the crisp fall air, there are plenty of spots to get your apple fix.

Some popular orchards include Noggins Corner Farm and Dempsey Corner Orchards. You can fill a basket with fresh apples, take a wagon ride, and enjoy the crisp fall air. It’s one of our family’s favourite ways to spend an early fall weekend. 

9. Visit a Sunflower Farm

Sunflowers are one of the prettiest signs that fall is on the way. While sunflower fields aren’t as common in Nova Scotia as in other provinces, there are still a few spots to see them.

Dakeyne Farm near Windsor is one of the best places to stroll through rows of bright yellow blooms. Sunflower season is usually short and wraps up early in September, so plan your visit for the first half of the month if you can.

10. Go Camping

September is a fantastic time to go camping, and while the weather may not be as warm as during the summer months, the cooler nights and fewer bugs make fall camping a real treat. It’s one of the last chances to enjoy a weekend of camping before the provincial parks close for the season (many close by Thanksgiving).

September is one of the best times to go camping in Nova Scotia. The cooler nights and fewer bugs make it perfect for a cozy campfire, and the parks are quieter now that school is back in session.

Kejimkujik National Park is a top choice for fall camping and one of the best spots in the province to see the leaves change. Provincial parks like Blomidon and Dollar Lake usually stay open until Thanksgiving, giving you one last chance to enjoy a weekend under the stars before they close for the season.

Mersey river in fall (Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada). the river is calm and trees that border the river are red and orange at the top, while the evergreen and grass closer to the ground is green.
Keji in the fall

11. Deep Roots Music Festival

September 26-28, 2025 Wolfville

Head to Wolfville for the Deep Roots Music Festival, a vibrant celebration of Nova Scotia’s rich musical heritage. This festival showcases a diverse range of music, from folk and roots to blues, jazz, and even West African songs. You’ll hear talented artists from the Annapolis Valley, across Nova Scotia, and beyond, performing everything from Celtic tunes, to reggae rhythms and or Mi’kma’ki-inspired songs.

And if you can’t make it for the entire weekend, there’s a parade through town on Saturday morning that’s always fun to see. 


12. Nova Scotia Stampede

September 25-28, 2025 Bible Hill (Truro)

When you think of stampedes, you probably picture the wide-open plains of the West — not the Maritimes. But the Nova Scotia Stampede brings all the excitement of bull riding, barrel racing, and rodeo culture right here to the East Coast. It’s a unique opportunity to experience a slice of country-western life without leaving the province.

Even if you’re new to the world of rodeos, this is an event worth checking out. From the impressive skills of the riders to the live music performances by Canadian artists, there’s plenty to enjoy. Grab some food from local vendors, take in the atmosphere, and experience something a little different to close out September in Nova Scotia.

13. Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival

September 27-28, 2025 Mahone Bay

If you’re looking for a unique and fun, family-friendly event, the Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival is not to be missed. With over 250 handmade, life-sized scarecrows displayed throughout the town, it’s a great way to kick off the fall season.

Throughout the town, you’ll find scarecrows of every type – from traditional versions to ones that resemble the Royal Family, and of course, maritime-themed ones, like a lobster fisherman, as well as many more. Grab a coffee and take a walk around town while enjoying the fun displays.

While the main activities of the festival take place on the first weekend, the scarecrows are displayed until mid-October.

three scarecrows are standing in front of a house with a scarecrow crow on the ground in front. the scarecrows are dressed in clothes and one is holding a pumpkin.. this is part of the mahone bay scarecrow festival that happens every year in nova scotia in september
two boys with hoods on are standing by a railing looking at the scarecrows that are leaning on the other side. This is on a street corner in Mahone Bay.

Final Thoughts: What to Do in September in Nova Scotia

September is such a good time to get outside and explore Nova Scotia. From hiking festivals and apple picking to music events and quirky scarecrow displays, there’s something happening every weekend.

Make a plan to check out a few of these events — or turn it into your own September bucket list. And if you’re travelling from away, book your stay early. September is a popular month to visit, so accommodations can fill up fast.

pin image for this post - text reads "13 fun things to do this september in nova scotia" and underneath is a photo of three scarecrows standing in front of a house, as well as a scarecrow crow on the ground

More Inspiration for Your Nova Scotia Bucket List

10 Best Places to Go Apple Picking in Nova Scotia
13 Fun Things to do in Nova Scotia in September
Where to Find the Best Pumpkin Patches Near Halifax
Best Places to See the Fall Colours in Nova Scotia
11 Things to Do in Nova Scotia in the Fall
Best Ghost Tours in Nova Scotia
The Most Haunted Places in Nova Scotia

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