🗞️ Red Red Wine

Hello Halifax!

It’s Warren here, giving Julie a much-needed break.

After what felt like a never-ending stretch of clouds and damp socks, we’ve got a sunny streak ahead and I, for one, am ready to romanticize my iced coffee walks again.

Now that we’re collectively in a better mood, let’s talk about the emotional rollercoaster of dating in your 20s in this city. Halifax may be charming, but the dating pool? It’s more like a puddle. Everyone is someone’s ex, someone’s old classmate, their best friend’s sibling, or their roommate from first-year university. It’s like playing six degrees of separation, but with a side of awkward small talk and ghosting.

Then there’s the double standard that still manages to knock the wind out of me. When I tell people I’m a journalist, they light up! Suddenly I’m interesting, someone worth talking to. But the moment “model” is added to the sentence, the temperature in the room drops. I saw it firsthand at a recent charity event. One second I was having thoughtful conversations about media representation, the next I was being reduced to someone who only knows how to strike a pose.

Let’s be clear: modelling isn’t about looking cute and calling it a day. It’s about discipline. It’s early mornings, fittings, networking, body awareness, and hours of prep. It’s showing up even when you’re exhausted. It’s strategy. But people still hear “model” and think “dumb.” Honestly, it’s exhausting, but sadly, not surprising.

Anyway—on to something more fun: I am obsessed with Labubus. I want one on my keychain so badly it’s embarrassing. That little mischievous face just sparks joy. So please, if you know where I can find one in Halifax (or even ship one without paying a kidney in customs), tell me.

But here’s my internal tug-of-war: I hate hopping on trends just to stay relevant. I used to do that, and it felt like performance. These days, I’ve made peace with only jumping on something if I genuinely like it. If I get a Labubu, it’s not because it’s trendy, it’s because I like it.

So now I’m asking you:

💬 Have you ever felt underestimated because of how you look or what you do?
🧩 Is dating in Halifax also a puzzle of mutual friends and awkward connections for you?
🎒 And seriously—where can I find a Labubu?

XOXO

– Warren

📷 @warren.n.co

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: 🌤️ 25°

Tomorrow: ☀️ 26°

Next Day: ☀️ 26°

🚗 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.

FOOD + WINE

Chill the rules, and the red wine

Have we finally turned the corner and entered summer? Let’s hope June’s gloom is behind us and barbecue season upon us. For me, half of the pleasure of a great barbecue is the drinks. While I have focused my first articles for The Coast on food and restaurants, my true expertise is the liquid on the table. 

While rosés and whites often steal the warm-weather spotlight, I am going to make a case (pun intended) for red. Yes, red wine in summer.

The Coast’s food and wine expert Mark DeWolf has some local reds that are perfect for the summer, and some Italian picks too.

🤔 Need To Know

🛳️ Houston touts Nova Scotia’s leadership as province earns ‘A’ in trade. Premier Tim Houston is celebrating after Nova Scotia received the only “A” grade in Canada on the CFIB’s 2025 Internal Trade Report Card, highlighting the province’s success in reducing trade barriers and boosting interprovincial business flow.

🏦 Halifax police investigating bank robbery on Mumford Road. Halifax Regional Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly entered the Bank of Montreal on Mumford Road on June 30, brandished a weapon at a teller, and fled with cash. No injuries have been reported.

🔥 Halifax spent more than $160,000 on the wrong kind of wildfire protective gear. The city’s firefighters’ union is raising concerns after Halifax purchased over $160,000 worth of wildfire gear that doesn’t meet required safety standards.

🍴 Don't miss the new interactive exhibition eat make share: a taste of immigration. Discover the surprising histories of Canadian foods we love and much more!*

🍻 Start your Friday at The Pint on Argyle where the vibe’s dialed in. $4.50 draught, half-price apps ‘til 5, and the kind of patio that makes you forget your next move.*

🌞 Downtown Halifax is jam-packed with things to do this summer! Start planning your adventures with this list of 110 Things to Do Downtown This Summer!*

🚬 PROHIBITION now has two Halifax locations—Bedford and Agricola! Visit them in-store for premium smoking accessories, exclusive promos, and more. Find your nearest location today.*

*Sponsored Post

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CITY

Thrifting is the future: A guide to sustainable second-hand shopping in Halifax

As awareness grows around fast fashion’s environmental cost, Halifax’s thrift and vintage scene is booming. Choosing secondhand fashion is not only wallet-friendly, it’s a powerful act of sustainability. Thrifting keeps clothes out of landfills, supports local businesses, and allows you to express yourself through one-of-a-kind finds.

The Coast’s Warren D’Silva has got you covered with the best spots to hit up this weekend.

🗞️ In Other News

🔥 Heat warnings continue in parts of Nova Scotia as humidex nears 40 C. Expect sweltering weather across much of the province, with Halifax among the areas under a heat advisory.

🩺 Nova Scotia makes progress in detection of life‑threatening sepsis at ERs. The health system has introduced new protocols and tools that are improving early detection of sepsis in emergency departments.

💰 21‑year‑old charged with drug, weapon and impaired offences. A police traffic stop on June 26 led to charges after drugs, weapons, and alcohol were found in a vehicle.

🗓️ Things To Do This Weekend

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

🗓 Woodside Tavern Comedy Night: Don’t miss the third installment of this awesome event, featuring headliner Drusilla Connor who hails from Australia. With a great line up of acts and Dartmouth's favourite comedy host, Stu Anthony, you’ll be sure to be in stitches. | July 4 | 8pm | $10 |

🗓 Robin Hood in Concert: Get ready to laugh your tights off—ROBIN HOOD: The Legendary Musical Comedy (Best Theatre Production 2011/2012 by Coast Magazine’s BEST OF Halifax) is back and bolder than ever for its 20th anniversary! This riotously funny, fast-paced musical helped launch a tradition of family theatre in the park. | July 5-Aug 30 | From $34 |

🗓 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! | July 1-Aug 31 |

🗓 Kiwanis Mother Goose Festival: Head to Downtown Dartmouth for a free event that’s fun for the whole family! Activities include bouncy castles, puppet shows from Maritime Marionettes, nursery rhyme friends, farm animals, digging for treasure and so much more. | July 5 | 10am | 

🗓 Halifax Mural Fest: The event will span all of Quinpool Road with at least eight new murals being added. Big Reveal Day will be on Saturday, July 12 from 11am to 3pm with free entertainment featuring face painters, magicians, clowns, a caricature artist, sidewalk sales and much more.| July 5-13 |

🗓 Summer Movie in the Park - The Wild Robot: Bring your blankets and chairs for a cozy outdoor movie experience. A cash canteen will be available on-site, with proceeds supporting Acadia Park. | July 5 | 7pm | 

🗓 Halifax Wanderers International Summer Series: It's the third edition of the annual competition that pits the best local talent in our region against football clubs from overseas. This year, Halifax welcomes one of the most recognizable teams in world football, Wrexham A.F.C., for a three-match series between the U-21 teams. | July 5 | 3pm |

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

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

🚢➡️ The One Monaco container ship leaves Halifax for Singapore at 3:30am.

🚢➡️ The Vella container ship arrives in Halifax from Valencia, Spain at 6:20am and leaves for New York at 6pm.

🚢➡️ The Bakkafoss container ship arrives in Halifax from Portland, ME at 12:15pm and leaves for Argentia at 9:30pm.

🚢➡️ The Atlantic Sky container ship arrives in Halifax from Norfolk at 3:20pm and leaves for Liverpool at 11:30pm.

🚢➡️ The Nolhan Ava container ship leaves Halifax for Argentia at 6pm.

🚢➡️ The Oceanex Sanderling container ship leaves Halifax for St. John’s at 7pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🍃 Go green at The Canteen with the Pan Seared Scallops and Pea Risotto: seared scallops, pea and mint risotto, asiago cream, crispy pancetta, pea shoot and pickled shallot salad.

🦞 The Lobster Roll is the quintessential summer-in-Halifax menu item and Black Sheep has a great one on the menu: N.S. lobster, house-made baguette, lemon aioli, cucumber, celery, dill, topped with fresh microgreens.

👀 In Case You Missed It

🎸 It is that time of the year. Jazz to buskers, July is festival season in the city. The Coast has you covered with everything that’s going on so you can plan your month in advance.

👰 For designer John Michael-Brewer, fashion has always been more than fabric and thread; it's been a form of resistance, storytelling, and healing. Michael-Brewer, the Cape Breton-born creative, is gearing up to debut his new project: a bridal collection named Bubè. The Coast’s Warren D’Silva has more about how the designer behind the Drunk Gurl brand is celebrating authenticity and raising funds.

That’s it!

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