If you’re planning to hold large events, then Light House Arts Centre is a good place to start. We love that their main Performance Hall can seat about 684 guests, 840 in a mixed seating and standing setup, or up to 1,500 for standing events. 

We’re impressed at how you can easily transition from conference to reception without having to switch venues. 

It’s neat that the hall has built-in concert-grade PA systems, lighting packages, and video production capabilities. This can save you thousands of dollars in AV rentals and avoid complex logistics. 

They know crowd-control like the back of their hands, too. Their 3,374 sq ft lobby acts as the main entry (even a buffer) and can accommodate merch tables, check-in desks, bar services, and more. 

We’re also relieved to know that the venue provides a wheelchair ramp, automatic doors, accessible washrooms, and a raised platform with a lift for viewing during standing events. 

Just note that they don’t have a dedicated parking lot, so guests settle for street parking. Luckily, it’s easy to get there since they’re located in the heart of downtown Halifax on Argyle Street. 

The venue is totally accessible 

“Renovations are nice, the bathrooms have floor to ceiling doors which is rare these days and the venue is totally accessible. Ramp outside, elevator inside, and is connected to the scotia square and the scotiabank centre via indoor pedways.”

Emily, Google Review

Absolutely made the event successful 

“Thank you to the team for the amazing service. They were very helpful and accommodating and absolutely made the event a success”

C L S, Google Review

One thing that caught our attention about the Cedar Event Centre was its large column-free ballroom, which means no pillars are blocking the views. Unobstructed views are essential for events such as weddings or corporate presentations. 

Now, if you’re planning to run multi-part events like conferences with breakout sessions or weddings with separate cocktail and reception spaces, this venue can seamlessly accommodate you. It has two main ballrooms, a reception area, terraces, and multiple meeting rooms. 

The large on-site parking (164 spots) and accessibility features also make it convenient for guests. 

But, while they do have catering partners and their own bar service, you’ll have to finalize the menu selections 30 days before the event, with final guest counts due 7 days prior. Strict deadlines like this can add pressure and feel rigid.  

On a positive note, we like the amenity inclusions in the rental; think 50 round banquet tables, 500 chairs, a podium and microphone, coat racks, cleaning services, and even security supervision. This easily ticks several boxes on your event’s to-do list. 

On top of every detail 

“Fantastic place to do events. We celebrated the staff appreciation day there yesterday, and it was perfect. Anthony was very supportive and was on top of every detail. I totally recommend this venue.”

Laura Todesco, Google Review

Great place for a big crowd 

“Beautiful venue great place for a big crowd..300 people food well done”

Pam Plant, Google Review

The best part of Saraguay House is its stunning waterfront setting overlooking the Northwest Arm. Renting this place means you also get to enjoy the natural coastal backdrop it offers, particularly popular for weddings and outdoor ceremonies. 

We also find it convenient that they hook you up with the essentials, including tables, chairs, linens, glassware, tableware, a podium, a projector, a microphone, and a signing table.

As for food, we’re happy that they have in-house catering packages with multi-course meals with costs that can go for around $50 to $66 per person. 

It’s just a bummer that the space is slightly far from downtown, so some guests might need transportation arrangements like shuttles or rideshares.

The silver lining is that booking this place grants you exclusive use of the entire property for the day, so you get privacy without sharing the space with unrelated events or guests. It makes for a more intimate experience and prevents interruptions you’d normally get from multi-event venues.

Unbelievably affordable 

“The Saraguay House was an absolutely perfect venue. Sabrina, the coordinator, was very accommodating, including allowing us early access to the venue as there was nothing scheduled the previous day and throwing in their beautiful new chairs for no charge. The executed our signature drinks with beauty and finesse (but I think they did run out of ingredients as the night went on – probably because our guests bought much more than they anticipated!) The venue rental price is unbelievably affordable for what is offered…”

S Grantham, Google Review

Beautiful wedding venue

“Beautiful wedding held here. The staff are amazing, they work so hard and are very kind. We all had a wonderful time and will always remember such a positive experience.”

Hailey “Hails”, Google Review

Massive is probably the most suitable word to describe the Halifax Convention Centre. To give you an idea, this 120,000 sq ft space includes a 30k sq ft ballroom, almost 50k sq ft of convention hall space, and about 40k sq ft of meeting rooms spread across multiple levels. 

On that note, they’re not stingy with the views either, as the main convention hall is a column-free space with 24-foot ceilings. This much space and clearance make way for flexible layouts for exhibits, stages, or large presentations. 

Their facility also features dozens of meeting rooms and breakout spaces, which is a win for corporate events that need to run multiple sessions simultaneously. 

Here’s the thing, though: the clients we spoke with shared that the additional fees for basic setups like Wi-Fi or AV equipment can be quite pricey. And renting this place for smaller events might be overkill.

Still, we can’t deny that this place is a solid event space. And kudos to them for providing an inclusive and accessible environment.

Excellent AV and tech 

“Modern venue, with excellent AV and tech, delicious food, gorgeous views, and ample space. All staff with whom I interacted were friendly and helpful. This venue is accessible due to its versatility.”

Nina Sulkin-Bedford, Google Review

Signboards are everywhere to navigate to the right rooms 

“Attended the METSOC COM 2024 here and the place is very sophisticated. Sign boards everywhere to navigate to the right rooms and ample space with ambience.”

Syed Imran Ali, Google Review

For those who plan to host concerts, comedy shows, and cultural events, or theatre productions, Bella Rose Arts Centre is a smart pick. Their rental space is a 600-seat professional proscenium theatre with a stage about 34 ft wide and 23 ft deep.

To bring the event to life, we love that the venue is equipped with technical production equipment, such as sound, lighting, video projection, and recording systems. You can run modern productions with quality visuals and audio, without hiring another provider. 

We also find their courtyard and outdoor amphitheatre quite romantic, offering additional scenic areas for photos or smaller outdoor gatherings. 

The drawback? Since the venue has a fixed-seating layout, it might be a dealbreaker for events that involve mingling, exhibit booths, or interactive setups. 

But hey, the multiple supporting spaces are another perk, complete with a lobby for receptions, a cafeteria space, and a large greenroom with makeup stations for performers. 

Good seating and lighting 

“Good place to conduct Arts workshop and shows.

Good seating and lighting and ample parking space”

Arun V U, Google Review

Good acoustics and nice seats 

“A good-sized theater with all the necessary features to put on a show. Good acoustics and nice seats. Parking just outside is plentiful.”

Julia Heimer Dadds, Google Review