🗞️ Films and Free Bird

Good morning Halifax,

When I heard that Lynyrd Skynyrd was set to make a stop in Halifax for their 50th anniversary tour, my stomach dropped. For the majority of their career as a band, the Confederate Flag has served as the main symbol for Skynyrd—who utilized the imagery as part of their Southern bad boy image.

Because of that, and what I picture now when I think of the Confederate Flag—Neanderthals storming the capital, for example—I immediately assumed that Lynyrd Skynard were likely racist, MAGA freaks.

But that isn’t actually true. In fact, they reportedly do not support Donald Trump and refused to let him have the rights to their classic song “Free Bird” as the soundtrack to some unhinged video he made in 2019.

Their argument has been—and continues to be—that the Confederate Flag is used on stage at their shows because they will always be a Southern American rock band first. They also use the state flag of Alabama and the American flag because “at the end of the day, we are only Americans” (according to a Facebook post by the band in 2012).

The band is clear that the Confederate Flag—to them—means heritage and not hate and have publicly admonished those that “unfairly” use it as a symbol of hate.

Ok, I can get on board with that argument. I don’t agree, but I get what they’re saying. It has been their “thing” for decades. But they also acknowledge that they are aware that the flag has a connection to hate groups and can hurt people's feelings, and they state they are not trying to cause harm. So, why continue to do it?

Basically, read the room guys.

My fear is that the people that show up for this show will do so because they believe that the band’s use of the Confederate Flag equals hate, racism and violence. Which it does…now. This is a much different time and being so closely equated with such a harmful symbol makes me scared for who will show up and what kind of emotions or violence it could incite.

I guess we’ll have to wait and see—the show is on Sept. 23—and I myself will be “Sweet Home on My Sofa” for this one.

Love and light!

– Julie

📷 @editorjulesl

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: 🌤️ 24°

Tomorrow: ☁️ 19°

Next Day: 🌤️ 24°

7-day forecast

🚗 Driving, biking or busing today? Check out the current traffic conditions and ongoing road closures.

💨 Here is Halifax’s Air Quality Index and the smoke report.

CITY

 Every big show happening in September 2025

It’s back to school season—which means back to the grind of reality. But that doesn’t mean all fun has to be put on hold too. The temperatures may be cooling off, but the entertainment is still hot.

As always, The Coast has you covered with the can’t-miss shows happening in the city this month.

🤔 Need To Know

💸 The Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management has opened applications for financial aid for those who have been forced from their homes as a result of the Long Lake wildfire complex—the Long Lake wildfire ignited on Aug. 13 and has since grown to over 8,400 hectares in size.

🎒 As students at Dalhousie University settle into their dorms and prepare for the fall semester, many are unsure of what's to come for the rest of the term—classes are supposed to start on Tuesday, but most have been cancelled due to a strike.

📈 Nearly all Nova Scotia municipalities are in good financial health according to the latest data—with some towns pulling themselves out of trouble for the first time in years.

SPONSORED BY HALIFAX INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL

Halifax's Biggest Wine Festival is Back

The Halifax International Wine Festival 2025 returns Saturday, September 6 at the Halifax Convention Centre Ballroom, offering stunning skyline views. This year promises more space, more wine, more food, more fun.

At the Grand Tasting Sessions, guests can sample 250 wines from around the world, paired with delicious bites from local vendors. An onsite retail shop by Harvest Wine Beer & Spirits lets you take home many featured wines—try it, like it, buy it.

Two sessions are offered: General Admission runs 3:00–5:00pm and 8:00–10:00pm, while VIP guests enjoy early access from 2:00–5:00pm and 7:00–10:00pm.

Raise a glass, explore new flavours, and celebrate Halifax’s premier wine experience.

🗞️ In Other News

🪧 Members of a Quebec professors union are showing their support for faculty of Dalhousie University who have been locked out after a contract was not reached between members of the union and the institution.

⚖️ A Halifax-area man targeted in a large-scale RCMP surveillance operation—who prosecutors say used money gained from cocaine and illicit cannabis trafficking to build a suburban lakeside home with "luxury amenities"—has been convicted of a series of crimes in the case.

🏳️‍🌈 Pope Leo XIV met with one of the most prominent advocates for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church and encouraged his ministry—sending a strong signal of welcome in the early months of his pontificate.

🏘️ The federal government announced the development of 136 new affordable housing units in Upper Hammonds Plains as part of the largest federal investment in new co-op housing development in more than 30 years, with $1.5B in funding.

🌊 Groups conducting coastal restoration work in Nova Scotia say provincial regulations are posing almost insurmountable barriers, forcing them to cancel projects meant to support healthy ecosystems.

🗓️ Things To Do

Looking for something to do this week? Check out these Coast picks:

🗓 EXTENDED! Neptune Theatre's Mamma Mia!: On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget! | Held over until Sept 14 |

🗓 First Thursday's Monthly Market: First Thursdays is Halifax’s monthly evening market bringing together over 40 local makers, artists, vintage curators, and food creators under one roof at Park Lane Mall. It’s a place to discover something special, meet the people behind the products, and enjoy a lively, welcoming atmosphere—rain or shine. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, treating yourself, or just enjoying an evening stroll, First Thursdays is a little slice of Halifax charm you won’t want to miss. | Sept 4 | 4:00pm | Free |

🗓 Festa Italiana Halifax: This is your opportunity to experience HRM’s ‘Little Italy’ – two days filled with Italian food, culture, language and more food! The Italian Canadian Cultural Association opens its doors and offers a space for everyone in our community who wants to experience “La Bella Vita!” (The Good Life). | Sept 5-6 | 

Have an event to share? Let us know at [email protected].

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

🚢➡️ The Atlantic Sky container ship arrives in Halifax from Liverpool at 5:20am and leaves for New York at 12:30pm.

🚢 The Tropic Lissette container ship arrives in Halifax from Philipsburg, St. Marteen at 6:15am.

🚢➡️ The Norwegian Gem cruise ship arrives in Halifax at 9am and leaves for Canadian seas at 5pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🍅 Experience tomato season in its best (and final) form this summer with The Burrata Salad at Edna: cherry tomato, white anchovy, basil oil, capers, white balsamic, grilled LF sourdough.

🥟 Craving some elevated small plates? Look no further than The Ostrich Club: Tuna Crudo (tarragon oil, plum, bergamot, rosso vermouth), Shrimp Dumplings (ponzu dashi, kimchi, kewpie, crispy garlic, sesame, green onion) or Mushroom Parfait (Luke's Small Goods sourdough, onion jam, oloroso sherry, pickled mushroom).

👀 In Case You Missed It

🏆 The East Coast Music Association, responsible for the annual East Coast Music Awards, is facing another wave of backlash for allegedly underpaying artists and for their antiquated bylaws. This time, it comes from its former CEO. Blanche Israël, an accomplished musician and artist manager, was appointed CEO of the ECMA back in February 2024. This leadership change wouldn’t last long, as Israël was dismissed at the start of 2025 for what the ECMA noted in a press release as “serious risks to the (East Coast Music Awards) event.” They would posit that these risks included a lack of institutional knowledge, decisions made without board approval, and legal risks. The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer dives into the financial statements and speaks with both Israël and the ECMA to get the full story. 

That’s it!

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