Magnetic World Music Festival 2026: Halifax Guide & Where to Stay
Two days of live music, Citadel Hill as the backdrop, and a weekend away with your favourite people: Magnetic World Music Festival returns to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on September 25–26, 2026. With EDM, hip hop, R&B and pop on the bill, there’s plenty to build your trip around.
Looking for an affordable place to stay nearby? At Cameo Hotel & Suites, our furnished downtown Halifax suites give you a full kitchen, room to unwind and a walkable base for the festival. Here’s your guide to the dates, lineup, tickets and making the most of the weekend.
Magnetic World 2026 at a Glance
| Event detail | 2026 information |
|---|---|
| Dates | Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, 2026 |
| Venue | Garrison Grounds at Citadel Hill |
| Address | 5425 Sackville Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3Y3 |
| Music | EDM, hip hop, R&B and pop across both days |
| Admission | All ages, with licensed areas and VIP access restricted to guests aged 19+ |
Founded in Moncton in 2022, Magnetic World moved to Halifax in 2023. This year marks its fifth edition overall and its fourth on the Hill. The Indigenous-owned festival takes place on Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq.
Garrison Grounds and Citadel Hill
The grassy slopes of Garrison Grounds create a natural amphitheatre, with Citadel Hill providing an iconic backdrop. It’s a setting that puts the celebration right in the heart of the city, close to downtown restaurants and places to stay.
Organisers bill Magnetic World as Atlantic Canada’s largest music festival. Alongside the performances, the event advertises art installations, on-site games and attractions, and food and drink vendors. Leave yourself time to explore the grounds between the acts on your list.
Magnetic World Halifax 2026 Lineup
Both days bring together several genres on The Magnetic Stage, so you can catch a mix of dance music, hip hop, R&B and pop without choosing a day devoted to just one style.
Friday, September 25, 2026
Headliners: Sexyy Red and Alesso. Special guest: Swae Lee.
Friday pairs Sexyy Red’s hip hop with Alesso’s EDM sound for a high-energy start to the weekend. Audien, CID, TwentyThree, Davo, Chvpman and Heads or Tails round out the announced bill.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Headliners: Ne-Yo and Akon. Special guest: Khalid.
Saturday brings R&B favourites alongside Mother Mother, Classified, Carolina Liar and Quoia States. If you and your friends have different music tastes, the variety across the weekend gives everyone something to look forward to.
See the official 2026 artists for more on the performers. The organiser currently lists an 11 p.m. closing time each day; final gate-opening and set times will be posted through its festival information page.
Magnetic World Music Festival Tickets
Choose a single-day pass for your favourite lineup or a weekend pass for both days. The prices below are the advertised starting prices in Canadian dollars, checked on September 8, 2026. Taxes and booking fees are extra, and availability can change.
| Pass | Friday | Saturday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $189 | $207.90 | $272 |
| GA+ | $225 | $248 | $312 |
| VIP (19+) | $339 | $407 | $559 — currently sold out |
View current tickets and availability on Fever, the festival’s official ticketing platform.
- General Admission: Entry to the grounds, performances, food vendors and public facilities, with access to licensed areas for guests aged 19+ with valid ID.
- GA+: General Admission benefits plus faster entry.
- VIP: Express entry, an elevated viewing terrace, private bars and washrooms, and lounge areas for guests aged 19+. The terrace is not a front-of-stage area.
Travelling with friends? Fever currently lists a limited four-person GA weekend bundle for $924.80 before booking fees, a 15% discount on four individual GA weekend passes.
E-VIP executive tables are separate packages for eight guests aged 19+. Single-day tables start at $6,400, while the weekend table is listed at $9,999.04 before booking fees. The weekend table has a $2,500 daily minimum spend; read the full package terms before booking.
Planning Your Festival Weekend
A little planning before you leave your suite means more time enjoying the music once you’re there.
- Eat before heading out. Re-entry is not permitted, so plan to stay at the grounds once you enter. Food and drinks are sold on site, including vegan and gluten-free options; outside food and drink are not allowed.
- Dress for an outdoor September event. Comfortable shoes and an extra layer will earn their place in your bag. Bring your ticket QR code and valid ID for licensed areas.
- Leave the car parked. There is no parking at the festival site. Staying downtown makes walking a practical option.
The organiser’s FAQ covers entry rules and pass benefits. Guests aged 16 and under need a guardian aged 19 or older, with up to three minors per guardian; guests aged 17 and up may attend unaccompanied. If you’re bringing younger music fans, read the family attendance guidance before choosing tickets.
Where to Stay for Magnetic World Music Festival
Make the most of your festival weekend with a downtown suite that works for the way you travel. Cameo is at 1572 Barrington Street, surrounded by Halifax’s dining and entertainment district, with furnished suites for couples, friends and groups travelling together.
A Walkable Stay Near Garrison Grounds
Google Maps lists the walk from Cameo to Garrison Grounds at approximately 12 minutes and 750 metres via Sackville Street. Allow a little extra time for festival crowds and the designated entrance.
That means you can start the day with breakfast in your suite, head out when you’re ready and walk back after the final set. If you’re arriving by car, our parking guide explains the nearby paid public options; Cameo does not have its own parking.
Furnished Suites with Full Kitchens
A full kitchen gives you more choice over your food budget. Keep coffee and breakfast supplies on hand, make a meal before heading to the grounds, and enjoy a slower morning after a late night. A living area gives you space to relax together between your plans.
When comparing accommodation, look at the total cost of a furnished suite alongside booking separate hotel rooms, including the meals you can prepare yourself. It’s a practical way to plan an affordable downtown Halifax stay without giving up space or a central location.
Room for Friends Travelling Together
Our two-bedroom suites sleep up to four guests, while the three-bedroom suite accommodates up to six. Separate bedrooms and shared living space make it easier to enjoy the trip together. Compare the bed arrangements with your group before selecting a suite.
Couples can also explore our studio suites for a downtown base with the convenience of a kitchen. If the festival is part of a longer Nova Scotia trip, our free on-site laundry makes it easy to refresh your clothes along the way.
Leave a Little Time for Halifax
Build in a morning by the waterfront, a meal at a downtown restaurant or a visit to the Citadel before the festival. Arriving a day early or staying an extra night gives you more time to enjoy the city without squeezing sightseeing between performances.
For another way to explore, the Magnetic World Passport lets fans collect digital stamps in participating areas across Atlantic Canada. It’s an optional extra if you’re turning your festival weekend into a wider trip.
Ready to make it a Halifax weekend? Check Cameo’s suite availability for your festival dates and choose the space that suits your stay. You can also browse our Halifax events and festivals guide for more reasons to stay a little longer.