Halifax Seaport Cider and Beer Fest 2026 | Event Information & Guide
If you enjoy sipping craft beer or cider on a warm summer day by the water, it's time to plan a trip to the Halifax Seaport Cider and Beer Fest. This waterfront festival draws brewers from across Canada and beyond and is a perfect excuse for a summer getaway. Start planning your visit today with this event guide.
Halifax Seaport Cider and Beer Fest: General Information
As Atlantic Canada's largest gathering of craft, specialty, and import beer and cider, the Halifax Seaport Cider & Beerfest is one of Halifax's top summer festivals, eagerly anticipated by locals and tourists. Now celebrating its 18th year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to the waterfront each summer, promising an unparalleled selection of over 400 beers, ciders, sodas, seltzers, and pre-mixed cocktails.
Event Dates
One of the most anticipated festivals of the year, the Halifax Seaport Cider and Beerfest is held in August, when Halifax weather is at its best. It is the perfect time to enjoy a drink by the water.
The 2026 festival will take place August 13–15, 2026, featuring four distinct tasting sessions over three days:
- Thursday Evening
- VIP: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- General Admission: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday Evening
- VIP: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- General Admission: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday Afternoon
- VIP: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- General Admission: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday Evening
- VIP: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- General Admission: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Each session offers the opportunity to sip, sample, and discover new favourites along the Halifax waterfront.
Location
Every year, the Halifax Seaport Beerfest and FizzFest are held outdoors on the waterfront in front of Garrison Brewing. This picturesque setting provides beautiful summer weather and the perfect Atlantic Canada backdrop for enjoying a refreshing beverage by the water.
Address: 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4P7
Ticket Prices
Tickets for the 2026 festival are now on sale, with General Admission and VIP tiers available.
General Admission Tickets
- Thursday Evening: $40 + fees
- Friday Evening: $50 + fees
- Saturday Afternoon: $50 + fees
- Saturday Evening: $50 + fees
VIP Tickets
- Thursday Evening: $60 + fees
- Friday Evening: $75 + fees
- Saturday Afternoon: $75 + fees
- Saturday Evening: $75 + fees
All tickets include festival entry, unlimited samples during your session, a souvenir festival mug, and live entertainment. Food and merchandise are sold separately.
Age Requirements
In accordance with local alcohol regulations, the festival is restricted to attendees aged 19 and older.
Halifax Seaport Cider and Beer Fest Highlights
The Halifax Seaport Cider and Beer Fest is more than its name suggests. While craft beer is at the heart of the event, it is a celebration of craft beverage culture, bringing together communities from across Halifax and Atlantic Canada to enjoy a lineup of food, drinks, and entertainment. Here are some of the top highlights you can look forward to at the 2026 festival.
Exclusive Craft Beverage Selection
One of the biggest draws is the festival's craft beverage lineup. With over 400 beverages to sample, including craft beers, ciders, hard seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, and sodas, the festival features something for every palate.
Dedicated International Craft Beer Pavilions return in 2026, including featured breweries from Bristol, UK and Ireland, offering festival-exclusive selections and unique imports not typically available locally.
Many products featured at the festival are not available at NSLC stores. This gives attendees access to rare and limited-edition beverages, with agents and representatives on hand to guide you through the tasting experience.
In addition to Beerfest, FizzFest runs alongside the event, offering more than 100 sodas, hard seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails, along with low and no-alcohol options.
Food Vendors and Culinary Pairings
What is a nice cold beer if you don't have a few finger foods to go with it? Luckily, an assortment of food vendors is present at the Halifax Seaport Cider & Beerfest, including local favourites like Buddy’s Subs and the Smokinstein Food Truck, promising a lineup of culinary pairings to go with your favourite drinks.
You'll find these food vendors spread throughout the festival grounds, giving you plenty of chances to snack, sip, and discover your perfect pairing.
Live Entertainment
The atmosphere at the Halifax Seaport Cider & Beerfest wouldn't be complete without some great live entertainment. Each session features music to keep the energy high, including performances and DJ sets from DJ Karate Kactus.
Whether you're relaxing with an afternoon drink or enjoying the lively Saturday evening session, the music adds another layer of fun to an already vibrant waterfront experience.
In addition, the festival supports a meaningful cause. All merchandise sales benefit Adsum for Women & Children, with the festival matching funds raised.
Where to Stay for the Halifax Seaport Cider and Beer Fest
Planning the perfect trip to the Halifax Seaport Cider and Beer Fest starts with your choice of accommodation. Whether you are a local or visiting from out of town, you need a nearby base to fully embrace the variety of beverages the event offers.
Set within Halifax's historic entertainment district, Cameo Hotel & Suites is just steps from the festival's waterfront venue and within walking distance of some of the city's top craft breweries and nightlife hot spots.
With festival weekend drawing thousands of visitors to the city, booking early is strongly recommended.
Prepare for an amazing night on the town and reserve your room now.