Everything you need to know about OutFest 2023

FESTIVAL

Everything you need to know about OutFest 2023

A celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ stories and voices, OutFest is not only a representation boon, as the largest queer theatre festival in Atlantic Canada: It's also a weeklong feast of new works from some of the scene's most exciting voices—a perfect primer on up-and-comers as well as a chance to see pet projects by seasoned artists.

What is the official name?

OutFest.

What is it also known as?

This festival has no nicknames.

When is it? 

April 26-30.

What is it? 

A six-day theatre festival that sees queer actors and playwrights taking the stage to share stories with a 2SLGBTQ+ perspective, OutFest is the largest queer theatre festival in Atlantic Canada. It's also a chance for audiences to check out a ton of new works and voices in the theatre scene, tiding us over during the draught of big theatres' seasonal wind-downs and seasonal theatre's upcoming beginnings.

Need to know

🌤 Today's weather: Partly cloudy with a high of 5C and a low of -1C. Freezing rain begins in the evening.

🥶 Just when we all thought winter was coming to an end, a special weather statement has been issued for southwestern to northern mainland Nova Scotia from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning for a “potentially significant period of ice pellets and freezing rain.”

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES 2023

16 Sport Competitions

All open to the public: basketball, lacrosse, softball, soccer and more!

The 2023 North American Indigenous Games are bringing 16 sport competitions to Kjipuktuk from July 15-23. All competitions are open to the public, so join the crowd and watch Indigenous athletes from across Turtle Island compete to bring home the gold.

Learn more at NAIG2023.com.

On The Coast

In other news

👮 Canadia’s Chief of Police is looking to meet with all premiers in order to discuss how to best approach the rising issues of gun violence, gangs and drugs.

🏢 Thanks to funding from Ottawa and Nova Scotia Cape Breton University now has the $84 million it needs to build an energy-efficient research and training facility at its Sydney campus.

🚔 A 24-year-old is facing charges after he posed as building management in order to enter a Halifax woman’s apartment and assault her.

🏠 This school year hasn’t even wrapped up yet and University students in Halifax are already worrying about housing—or the lack of housing—for September. CTV has the story.

🏒 Sebastian Foote spoke to Global about the anti-Indigenous and racist comments he received from multiple people at a recent Mooseheads game and is calling out Scotiabank Centre for mishandling the situation.

🚨 Halifax Police are asking the public to help identify a suspect who is believed to be responsible for threatening someone at the Sobeys on Mumford Road with a firearm.

💰 An $8 million contribution from the federal government is allowing Saint Mary’s University to move forward with its planned $20 million Sobey Inspiration Hub–a new facility that will focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

🔪 A woman and a youth were threatened with a knife on Spring Garden this past Monday evening. The suspect, Justin Jay William Tecomba, was arrested shortly after and is facing multiple charges.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEPTUNE THEATRE

A spectacular show with heart, humour and passion

Determined to make his dreams come true, Billy Elliot the Musical is the inspirational story of one boy’s stumble from the boxing ring to the ballet studio. Against all odds, his life is changed forever when his passion inspires not only his family but a community fallen on hard times.

From April 26 until June 18, get tickets here.

BURGER BASH

A thank-you from Feed Nova Scotia

In the midst of Burger Bash, with all the frolicking and feasting, it’s important to remember the goal: donating to Feed Nova Scotia.

Feed Nova Scotia is a vital charity in the province. It distributes food to 140 different food banks, shelters and meal programs. Annually, it donates approximately three million kilograms of food to its members.

Burger Bash has become the largest fundraising event for Feed Nova Scotia, outside of its own efforts. Over the last 10 years, Burger Bash has raised $760,000 for the charity.

“People appreciate the event so deeply. It’s an event all about community engagement,” said Karen Theriault, director of development at Feed Nova Scotia.

“The restaurants and staff all work so hard and the community comes out to support them and the event. It’s really a thrill to see every year.”

This year in particular, the money will make a huge impact. The number of Nova Scotians relying on food banks is up 23 per cent from previous years.

“These aren’t just numbers, these are people,” says Theriault.

Theriault wants to make it clear that this year, the money isn’t just going to purchasing and distributing food—it’s going to advocacy as well.

“Food is not the solution to food insecurity,” she says, “systemic change is.”

Theriault says a portion of the funds will go toward campaigns for affordable housing, affordable childcare, disability support, income assistance and other root causes of food insecurity.

“There’s a lot of work to be done [on] food insecurity, but the donation we’re expecting from Burger Bash this year will be a really important push for us. It always is,” says Theriault.

To donate to Feed Nova Scotia, visit its website.

Thank you to everyone who went out and supported local restaurants and helped raise money to combat food insecurity at this year’s Burger Bash.

And from the Burger Squad: Thank you Feed Nova Scotia for your incredible work in the province. Here’s to another great Burger Bash and many more to come.

🤝 Now hiring

• Full-time Kitchen lead at Luke’s Small Goods

• Summer Museum Programming Coordinator at Cole Harbour Farm Museum

• Garden Engagement Coordinator at Common Roots Farm

• Community Engagement Coordinator at Common Roots Farm

• HR Data Controller at the Halifax Regional Municipality

Hiring? Reply back and let us know!

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