Top 10

Plays, concerts, and sports—live entertainment is back! Ten can’t-miss events to put it your calendar

1. Saint Mary’s Huskies Football

SEPT. 17, HUSKIES STADIUM

Varsity sports are back! And league officials are planning on a full “normal” season of action. Things kick off on the gridiron today, as the Huskies host their bitter rivals from St. Francis Xavier. atlanticuniversitysport.com

Katelyn Osmond

Danielle Earl

2. Stars on Ice

OCT. 8, SCOTIABANK CENTRE

Returning to North American ice after a 17-month hiatus, the figure-skating exhibition presents its new production Journey, reflecting on our shared COVID-19 experience. The roster includes world champion Kurt Browning, two-time American champion Alissa Czisny, two-time Olympic silver medallist Elvis Stojko, and multiple-medal-winner Katelyn Osmond. ticketatlantic.com/events/stars-ice

Halifax Mooseheads

3. Halifax Mooseheads

OCT. 2, SCOTIABANK CENTRE

After the last fitful season — full of stops, starts, and postponements — the Mooseheads return for another season of major-junior hockey. They start their home slate on Oct. 2 against Nova Scotia rivals Cape Breton on Oct. 2, and host Val d’Or on Oct. 15, the first visit by a non-Maritime team since the pandemic began. halifaxmooseheads.ca

4. Dartmouth Summer Sunshine Series

CONTINUING THROUGH SEPT. 19, FERRY TERMINAL PARK ON ALDERNEY DRIVE

Up-and-coming local talents take the stage for this free series of alfresco performances, in a dog-friendly venue overlooking the summer splendour of Halifax Harbour. halifax.ca/parks-recreation/events/ dartmouth-summer-sunshinefree-concerts

5. Supernova Celebration

OCT. 1, SCOTIABANK CENTRE

Organizers are billing it as “Nova Scotia’s biggest live event in almost two years” — a showcase of local musical talent featuring Classified, Ria Mae, Matt Andersen, The Trews, and Jrdn, with a special appearance by Trailer Park Boys Ricky and Julian. ticketatlantic.com/events/supernovacelebration

Aaron Li-Hill

6. Hopscotch 2021

SEPT. 23 TO 26, GRAND PARADE

Eighteen months without live venues hasn’t dampened Halifax’s smokin’ hot hip-hop scene, and this festival is your best spot to connect with your favourites and discover a new wave of rising talents. facebook.com/hopscotchhalifax

7. Rose Cousins

OCT. 30, DALHOUSIE ARTS CENTRE

The Dalhousie Arts Centre is marking its 50th anniversary with the quietest year in its history, so seize this opportunity to see one of Halifax’s most talented singer/ songwriters on the stage where she built her career. dal.ca/dept/arts-centre

Trent McClellan

8. Halifax ComedyFest Unplugged

OCT. 29 TO 30, VARIOUS VENUES

Last year it ran virtually, but for 2021, organizers postponed the typically-inspring festival to October, and are planning an in-person event. The lineup includes Trent McClellan, Pete Zedlacher, and more. halifaxcomedyfest.ca

9. Tyranny

ONGOING, ART GALLERY OF NOVA SCOTIA

Timely and thought-provoking, this exhibition brings together contemporary artists to confront “dominant cultural narratives.” Challenge your perspectives and learn wider truths about your world through powerful sculptures, installations, videos, and paintings. artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/ exhibitions/tyranny

10. Fully Committed

SEPT. 14 TO OCT. 10, NEPTUNE THEATRE

Neptune returns to the stage (at last!) with Becky Mode’s farcical one-person show about an award-winning, ridiculously trendy restaurant. In a dingy basement office, far from the magic of molecular gastronomy, skillful reservation-taker Sam has to use his charisma and wits to handle a demanding, elitist clientele. neptunetheatre.com

Editor’s Note: COVID-19 has made event schedules a moving target. This information was up-to-date at press time, but may have changed in the interim; call ahead to verify schedules and details.