NHL STREET Harbour Fest brings hockey, community celebration to Halifax

TORONTO (Sept. 2, 2026) – The National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), in partnership with Halifax Regional Municipality, today unveiled the full lineup of attractions and interactive experiences for 2026 NHL STREET Harbour Fest. The free, two-day street hockey festival will take place Sept. 12-13 at Emera Oval (5775 Cogswell St., Halifax, NS B3K 4B2), with teams interested in participating in the tournament still able to register at https://www.nhl.com/fans/nhl-play/harbourfest.

Designed to bring together players, fans, partners and the local community, 2026 NHL STREET Harbour Fest will celebrate hockey, connection and community in a province with a rich hockey history and deep NHL player ties. The festival will feature 3-on-3 gameplay, community- and partner-driven activations, live music on Rogers Stage, food trucks and photo opportunities with the NHL trophies.

Popular hockey creator Coach Jeremy will also join the celebration, bringing his signature energy and skills to educate, entertain and motivate fans of all ages.

*  *  *  *  *

Schedule of Events

Saturday, September 12 (all times local)

10 a.m.: Game play begins & activations open

12 p.m.: Opening ceremony 

• Andy Fillmore, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality 

• Rob Knesaurek, NHL Senior Vice President, Community Development & Industry Growth 

• Additional participants to be announced

12:30 pm. – 2 p.m.: Musical performance by Brooklyn Blackmore (Rogers Stage)

2 p.m.: Blind Hockey demonstration with Nova Scotia See Kings and Moncton See Cats 

• Joe Fornasier, Canadian National Blind Hockey Team

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Musical performance by Michael Llyod (Rogers Stage)

Sunday, September 13 (all times local)

10 a.m.: Game play begins & activations open

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Legacy and Leadership in Hockey Panel (From the Coloured Hockey League to Today) 

• Georges Laraque & Bryce Salvador, NHL Alumni 

• Dean Smith, Black Youth Ice Hockey Program (2023 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award winner)

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Musical performance by Luke Levy (Rogers Stage) 

On Rogers Stage: Musical Performances

· Luke Levy: Levy brings an authentic Maritime sound and a crowd-pleasing mix of classic rock and country covers designed to keep the energy high throughout the festival. A veteran of the East Coast music scene, he has performed with The Regal Beagle Band, Floodland and the acclaimed 10-piece ensemble Rankin and The Broken Reeds.

· Brooklyn Blackmore: An award-winning country artist from Nova Scotia, Blackmore is known for her soulful sound, boho spirit, and powerhouse vocals. With influences ranging from Stevie Nicks and Shania Twain to Miley Cyrus, she brings a distinct energy to the stage and has earned recognition from the North American Country Music Association, the East Coast Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia Awards.

· Mike Lloyd: Hailing from Cape Breton Island, Lloyd is a versatile guitarist whose sound is rooted in Celtic, country, and rock influences. A two-time CCMA “Guitar Player of the Year” second-ballot nominee, he has performed with The Right Good, Ben Chase and artists including Riley Taylor, Ria Mae, Makayla Lynn, JoJo Mason, and Aaron Pritchett.

On the Oval: Partner & Local Community Activations

• ‘A Fan for Life’ Story Time: Young fans can take a break from the action and settle in for a special reading of My Hockey Dream with NHL children’s book creator A Fan for Life. The story invites kids to imagine themselves inside an NHL game alongside their favourite team, bringing hockey dreams to life for the League’s youngest fans. 

• Blind Hockey: Fans can stop by the Canadian Blind Hockey booth to learn about adapted rules and equipment; watch highlight videos and test their skills by shooting at targets while wearing glasses that simulate a variety of visual impairments. Attendees can also meet local players from the Nova Scotia See Kings and Moncton See Cats, along with special guest ambassador Joe Fornasier, a member of the Canadian National Blind Hockey Team, Canadian Blind Hockey Ambassador and TikTok creator recognized by young hockey fans across the country. 

• BODYARMOR Sports Drink: BODYARMOR Sports Drink will help keep NHL STREET Harbour Fest participants and fans hydrated throughout the weekend with its lineup of premium sports drinks. 

• Esso: Through its long-standing Esso Medals program, Esso is proud to recognize the dedication and achievements of participants at NHL Street Harbour Fest. All players will receive an Esso Medals Certificate, while one player from each team in every game will earn the Most Driven Esso Medal for demonstrating exceptional effort, teamwork and determination. Esso will also present the tournament’s Championship Medal and fuel the passion that drives hockey players both on and off the ice through a dedicated Esso-branded rink at the event. 

• Fan Sweepstakes: NHL STREET Harbour Fest attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive sweepstakes by scanning an on-site QR code to enter for a chance to win an NHL Prize Pack featuring signed memorabilia. The activation offers a simple and engaging way for fans to connect with the NHL while celebrating the sport's growing presence in Atlantic Canada. 

• First Shift: Curious about getting started in ice hockey or gearing up for the season ahead? Visit the NHL/NHLPA First Shift Program booth to learn more about introductory ice hockey programs available across Nova Scotia and Canada for the 2026-27 season. Connect with program experts who can answer your equipment and registration questions, and explore Bauer's latest ice hockey gear, innovations, and newest product lines on display. 

• Franklin Sports Lawn Games Zone: The fun never stops at the Franklin Sports Lawn Games Zone. Challenge your friends and family with a variety of interactive activities, including mini hockey games, Spyderball, bean bag toss, cornhole, and more. Drop in throughout the day and join the action. 

• Halifax Mooseheads: Fans can put their skills to the test at the Mooseheads’ interactive shooter activation, with prizes available for participants who score. One lucky fan will also win four tickets to the Mooseheads’ home opener on Saturday, September 19. Mooseheads players will make special guest appearances throughout the weekend. 

• Halifax Tides FC: The Halifax Tides FC are bringing the excitement of soccer to the NHL Harbour Fest! Fans can stop by their tent to take part in fun, interactive soccer activations and inflatables designed to test and improve your skills. Visit the Tides booth for a chance to win exciting giveaways and learn more about Halifax’s professional women’s soccer club. And if you're lucky enough, you may even get the chance to meet one of the players and mascot, Jawslyn! 

• Hockey Fights Cancer: Hockey Fights Cancer will bring its mission to life at NHL STREET Harbour Fest event with two on-site activations designed to engage fans and raise awareness of the cause. At the Hockey Fights Cancer tent, fans can learn more about the initiative and ways to get involved, including Hockey Fights Cancer Assist, make a donation, share their personal cancer story, tape their stick in lavender to show their support and capture a photo at the “I FIGHT FOR” wall. Fans can also visit the NHL Unites rink to put their shooting accuracy to the test. Before taking a shot, participants will be invited to complete an “I FIGHT FOR” card and add it to the fan wall, creating a collective display of the people and communities who inspire them. Fans will then take shots on goal, aiming to hit marked targets inside the net, with those who hit all targets earning a Hockey Fights Cancer grand prize, while all participants will receive a commemorative prize. 

• Hockey Hall of Fame Trophy Exhibit: Step into hockey history and take a photo with legendary NHL trophies on display, offering fans a unique opportunity to get up close to the symbols of excellence, achievement, and championship success. 

• Hyundai: Take a break from the action and visit the Hyundai tent to get behind the wheel with on-site test drives, learn all about our latest vehicle lineup, and score event-exclusive giveaways. 

• KultureCity: Sensory bags provided by KultureCity will be available on site for fans with sensory needs, helping create a more inclusive and welcoming experience for all attendees. Each bag includes noise-reducing headphones, three fidget devices, strobe-reduction glasses, a visual cue card and a lanyard to help guests navigate and enjoy the event more comfortably. 

• NHL Digital Playground: The NHL gaming zone brings action from the street and the ice into the digital arena, giving fans the chance to jump into immersive hockey experiences through NHL Puck Rush on Nex Playground and NHL Blast on Roblox. From fast-paced gameplay to skill-testing challenges, fans of all ages can play, compete and experience hockey in a whole new way. 

• NHL STREET Harbour Fest Merchandise: Take home a piece of Harbour Fest! Exclusive NHL STREET Harbour Fest apparel, merchandise, and collectible memorabilia will be available for purchase onsite. Visit the merchandise tent to shop limited-edition items and commemorate your Harbour Fest experience. 

• NHL Mascots: Get ready for some unforgettable photo opportunities! NHL mascots from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Edmonton Oilers will be joining the festivities throughout the event. Be sure to stop by, say hello, and snap a selfie with your favourite furry friends. 

• NHL STREET Open Play: Fans are encouraged to grab a stick and join the action! Designed for players of all ages and skill levels, this free, drop-in experience offers a fun, inclusive way to get in the game and enjoy hockey in a loosely structured environment. No experience or equipment is required - just bring your energy and discover why NHL STREET is making hockey more accessible in communities everywhere. 

• Rogers: Fans can visit the Rogers booth to connect with team members and explore the latest wireless, internet, TV and home security solutions. Attendees can learn more about exclusive on-site offers and discover Rogers products and services designed to help keep them connected at home and on the go. 

• Tim Hortons: NHL STREET Harbour Fest guests are invited to visit the red Tim Hortons tent for complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and baked goods, served by local Tims restaurant owners. Tim Hortons is proud to help keep participants, volunteers and supporters fueled all weekend long. 

Fans are encouraged to attend throughout the weekend to take part in the free festival, cheer on tournament participants and experience hockey-inspired activities designed for the whole community.