Weekend Wrap-Up July 28-30

All things ocean this weekend (with a pinch of equine)! Count as many Tall Ships as you can, learn about ocean conservation, take a trip to a rarely-walked-on island, and watch horses in the city!

1. The Tall Ships Regatta has many free and low cost children’s events from when the ships start arriving early Friday morning till their Parade of Sail in the Halifax Harbour on Tuesday from 9-12. Daily Mi’kmaq cultural demonstrations, ceremonies and storytelling will be held at the Sands at Salter, by mid-morning Saturday-Monday there will be rides outside the Cunard Centre, CBC Kids is taking the stage Saturday and Sunday at the Salter Lot at 10 and 3, every day from noon-6 Parks Canada will have costumed interpreters all over the Halifax Waterfront, and there will be free concerts in the afternoons at Sackville Landing. On Friday night, “The Pirates! – Band of Misfits” will be shown at 8 at the Tall Ships Quay as part of Atlantic Film Festival and every following night there will be fireworks at 10! So gather your scallywags and set sail, this promises to be an extra special Rendez-Vous!

2. Have a gander at this little gem—or underwater treasure—we found! An Ocean Art Workshop Hosted by the Canadian Sea Turtle Network that takes place on the Waterfront near the base of Salter Street every Saturday morning from 10:30-12:30. Send sea-loving children ages 6 and up to this marine biology club for curious minds. They will learn about sea turtles and how to help them while getting crafty with hands-on activities! It’s free or by suggested donation of $2 to support ocean research and conservation.

3. This weekend’s Urban Parent Roadtrip Recommendation takes you so far off the road only a boat can take you! It’s a rare treat…Parks Canada is opening up Georges Island for exploration this Sunday and Monday only! Don’t miss this opportunity and catch a ferry from the Halifax Ferry Terminal. The boats start at 10 and the last one departs to the island at 3, the cost is $15 per person. Learn about the early French connection to Halifax harbour as you experience the “Life of a Soldier” with costumed interpreters from the Fortress of Louisbourg. Plus, there are tunnels! Get in on a tunnel tour and go beneath Fort Charlotte!

4. And for a little horsing around, there’s the 26th Annual Downtown Horse Show! At the Bengal Junior Lancers’ space on 1690 Bell Road in Halifax on Sunday from 9-5ish. The jumpers will be jumping near the end of the day. The show is free for anyone to come and watch. BYO chair. Bell Road will be closed off, entrance to the show is by The Museum of Natural History.