The Rock Garden is a great spot for would-be-rock-and-rollers on a budget. For $15/hour you can…read morepony up in a decent size room, most of which could comfortably accommodate a five piece band and play to your hearts content! The staff is really friendly, which is surprising because I can only imagine the noise they hear day to day would drive lesser people insane. They are always quick to help and supply a mic, a spare cable, etc. The rooms all come equipped with a P.A. and drum kit that vary in quality from usable to...well...let's just say I've heard rumors they are getting new gear soon. The place isn't perfect, the walls are thin and there is no way you won't hear every other band that is jamming, but it serves its purpose and serves it well. Any new band looking for a place to jam that won't have the neighbors calling the cops should check out Rock Garden. But one tip, remember the "No Stairway Rule" from Wayne's World? Well Rock Garden staff have a similar policy: If you play Keep On Rockin In The Free World you will have to pay an additional five dollars. You've been warned.

oh my god this place rocks.... the people are awesome and Rob was so great.... THANK YOU ROB FOR A…read moreGREAT NIGHT.... i was looking for a place to take my friend to jam on some drums cause he is from away and hadn't played in a little while and a friend pointed me in this direction and we had a wonderful time....we will be back... again THANKS ROB :)

As soon as we walked into the Dart Gallery, I knew I was in for a treat. Art is covering very…read morenearly every inch of open space - including tables - and there is so much beauty in one place. And it's not just paintings, either! Ceramics, photography, textiles and pottery were just some of what we saw during our quick perusal. I think they're all local artists too - it's at least a good majority of local artists! I love looking at local art - I go to Argyle Fine Art on the Halifax side of the harbour all the time just for that - and one day I dream of covering my walls with it. One day. *wistful sigh* If you're looking for small gifts this is a good spot to check out too - they have smaller more inexpensive things like coasters, magnets and cards. And there is a little cafe/restaurant attached to it, though I haven't been there yet.

The Dart Gallery is one of my favourite art galleries! It's a welcoming space that promotes various…read moreforms of art (ceramics, painting, photography, textiles, sculpture and more) by mostly (if not all) local creators. Installations seem to last about two weeks, so there's always something new to see and the staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. The Dart Gallery is a go-to spot when I'm shopping for gifts as there seems to be something for everyone, from pop culture-inspired works to more abstract art. There are also lots of cards, magnets and practical items like mugs if you're looking to inject a little more art into your everyday life. Picnic at Dart is a great looking little restaurant that's attached to it, but I haven't had the pleasure of trying their food yet.

I adore this eclectic Chinese emporium. Once you step in the door, you'll be greeted by a friendly…read moreface ready to assist you in your tea searching endeavor. Not only can you purchase loose teas of many varieties, but there are also lovely tea supplies, like delicate cups and tiny pots. I managed to inherit a sweet clay colored tea set from a friend who moved, with 4 tiny shot sized cups - it's such a special set to surprise your guests with. The Mu Lan Cultural Centre often participates in hosting events around the city; notably, I attended a Moon festival a few years ago that was quite well attended. The centre has lots of info, plus they also serve authentic Chinese cuisine on one side of the store that has been designated a dining area. This is a great place to peruse and to learn about Chinese culture. I advise you to swing by and pick up some Jasmine Green Tea, pronto.

Art Sales and Rental Gallery is a Hollis Street stop that can take care of your wall-hanging needs…read more Both large and small scale pieces can be rented out for a disclosed amount of time, or indeed purchased, if one so desires. This may be a good idea for businesses or organizations looking to host an event and get things looking good. The quality of art here is up to par with other galleries in the city, and certainly offers range. Maybe I'll head here when I host my first dinner party and pick up statement piece for friends to rave over.... (pretentious and art are sometimes the perfect pair? No...) Its a good place to know about, and a "why not" drop in for art lovers and event planners alike.

I've been to a solid number of shows and events at the Rebecca Cohn over the years and am always…read moremore than happy to come back. From headlining comics to marathon TV filmings, Rankin Family Christmases to symphonies and ballets, I love to think of the Cohn as a place that doesn't let just anyone up on its stage - although a brief boy-bandy history begs to differ. The building is pretty central on the Dal campus and easily found but parking can sometimes be an issue. Give yourself some extra time and maybe even try parking on the other side of Coburg and strolling down. But once you're there, you'll have no problems. The bar is on the main level, bathrooms are one floor down, and balcony (obviously) is one floor up. There are stairs and ramps everywhere though so you don't get the horrible post-show congestion that you might experience elsewhere. Seats are comfortable enough, acoustics are pretty stellar, and there aren't many bad views in the house. Decor? Yeah, getting a little dated but the Cohn is more Hellen Mirren than Real Housewife of Any County, so I'm okay with it.

I really like the Rebecca Cohn. I just can't bring myself to call this building anything else…read more Even though it's the Dalhousie Arts Centre, I don't even associate it with Dal. Must be the result of an impression made on me as a kid. At any rate, when I say Cohn, I mean Dal. :-D I've seen several shows here in my life. The latest was either Henry Rollins or Gerry Dee. The lobby is nice and spacious, lots of room for event-goers to establish their personal space while waiting for the doors to open (unlike Neptune). It has a 70s feel, but it has nice warm woods and if it were upgraded it would become tinted glass and steel like all the other new developments in this city. Yuck. Seating is roomy enough. Seats are clean, plush and comfortable. Sight lines are pretty darn good. The balconies are fabulous. Sound carries well and isn't distorted. Overall this is probably the best concert venue in Halifax: not too big, not too small, good south-end location and a good venue for a variety of events.

Situated amongst the cobblestone cosiness of the Granville / Duke Street courtyard, Anna Leonowens…read moreis longstanding Halifax gallery exhibiting the work of NSCAD's finest. Its space runs deep with various rooms that offer the opportunity for fresh and innovative layouts. Exhibitions generally feature student work, however faculty and visiting artists have been known to hold shows here too. Its an exciting spot to check out and very community oriented. If you have an interest in the arts and looking for a more free flowing vibe, this gallery is a good one to drop into. With all the students in and about, there is always someone to talk to and ways to get involved. (or not!) Anna Leonowens is a fabulous showcasing of young talent and a pooling of creations. Contemporary studio and media art, craft and design, and otherwise... its all quite fresh.

This gallery is a fantastic place to mull and peruse the art of young, inspired individuals testing…read morewaters and pushing boundaries. The space consists of multiple rooms, as well as floors, ablaze with natural light, creating a warm, inviting feel. I have been to a few openings here, as well as the NSCAD end of year showcase, which was so much fun. the energy was electric and there was such a vast array of mediums represented, you couldn't help but be enthralled. You can chat with whoever is curating or shuffle about thoughtfully, as you take in all that is offered. This is a great place to venture with a date, as it provides thought provoking conversation pieces as well as the old world charm of Granville Street. C'est magnifique! Head down and indulge your senses in the arts. You'll feel cultured and inspired after taking in NSCAD's finest.

Saint Mary's may be for known for its BBA, but don't rule out the integrity of the university's…read morefantastic art gallery. I was surprised myself, to learn about the provocative and challenging selections of art traveling through its doors. I recently took a trip up to check out Collin Campbell's "People Like Us" exhibit, which features a look into Toronto's art community, and a look at the tedious conversations and gossip of the everyday work environment. Overlying themes layer throughout, and it was all a very interesting body. Certainly a trip worth having. (The show runs until August 1) I'll continue to keep an eye on Saint Mary's gallery to see what they've got going on. They seem to cater to less traditional aesthetics / concepts... and its a refresher! A main contender in Halifax's gallery hop... I'll go out of my way to get there.

"So... what is podcamp?"…read more That's a question I get whenever I mention podcamp. Don't fret - it's not like Fight Club; attendees are free to discuss this event with outsiders. Because we usually want you to be insiders! Podcamp is a volunteer-driven "un-conference" about social media and more. I go because I use a lot of social media in my personal and professional life so I'd like to find out more. There are a variety of workshops and sessions put on, again, by volunteers. Once you've registered for the day, you simply show up and use your feet to demonstrate your interest. And there's a lot to select from! Whether you want to learn about podcasting, SEO optimization, how to make your Web site mobile-friendly or learn about the pitfalls of starting a blog, there are lots of opportunities to learn. The mood of each session is set by the presenter but the common theme is definitely "Here's what I've learned so far..." Be forewarned: if you don't have a smart phone, you will feel very left out. Never have I seen so many people with phones in hand all at one time. Did I mention the day ends with an iPad giveaway? Reason enough to register for 2013?

Podcamp is easily one of the most accessible, informative, and valuable 'conferences' that Halifax…read morehas going for it. It's completely free to attend, sessions range from introductory courses for newbies to advanced debates for digital hobnobbers, and you can come and go as you please without having to lock into any one path or discussion. Not only that, if you have something to share, you can sign up in advance to host your own talk. Just keep it focused on value for the community instead of self-promotion, would you? The audience of the day spans all sectors, ages, and demographics, so shelf the business suit and come as you are. Just be ready for a packed day of information and plenty of opportunities to meet a whole lot of interesting Haligonians. A couple of warnings for first-timers: - Tickets go fast and there isn't much advance build-up to tip you off, so make sure you're paying attention toward the end of the year for the new January dates. - It starts early on a Sunday. Like, 'before a lot of coffee shops open' early. But don't worry, everyone will be either hungover or groggy first thing. You'll fit right in. - A boxed lunch option is usually available at $15 a pop. It's well worth it for a couple of reasons. First off, Local Source makes it super delicious. Second, none of the local restaurants are ever prepared (that means you, Celtic Corner) for the crowds no matter how many times they're told. Skip the long waits and crowded tables.