Summer Festivals on Vancouver Island 2011
There's no better way to spend a summer day than at fantastic music or arts festival...and there's no better place to do it than Vancouver Island. From the North Island to the southern tip of Victoria, and from bluegrass music to community painting...there's a festival experience to satisfy every taste. Get your festival bag ready and start planning your summer festival marathon.
Here are some great ways to get started:
SOUTH ISLAND:
Filipino Food Fiesta
Sun. July 10th, 2011 Victoria
Savour traditional Filipino dishes and enjoy ethnic entertainment, while making new and renewing old friendships. Click for More »
Victoria International Buskers Festival 2011
Tue. July 19th, 2011 - Sun. July 24th, 2011 Victoria
Featuring a range of performers from around the world on event
stages along our downtown Inner Harbour, in Bastion Square and at Bay
Centre. Click for More »
Shakespeare in the Summer!
Tue. July 19th, 2011 - Sat. Aug. 13, 2011 Victoria
Be a part of the summer outdoor Shakespeare Festival and volunteer! It's fun, easy and you get to see Shakespeare under the stars for free. This year's plays are Hamlet and Comedy of Errors. Click for More »
2011 Taste: Victoria's Festival of Food and Wine
Thu. July 21st, 2011 - Sun. July 24th, 2011 Victoria
Not just a wine festival, this culinary tourism experience is an extra long weekend of tastings, seminars and events! Click for More »
Tour of Farms 2011
Sun. July 24th, 2011 Across Central and South Vancouver Island
What's it like to be a farmer? Where does my food come from? Enjoy a
rural ramble and visit local farms and wineries to explore answers to
these questions on the “Tour of Farms". Click for More »
Youth Arts & Cultural Festival
Until August 10th, 2011 Sidney
The Mary Winspear Centre welcomes you to the Youth Arts & Cultural Festival Click for More »
Free-B Film Festival 2011
Fridays and Saturdays from August 5th-27, 2011 Victoria
Get ready to curl up under the stars and enjoy free films on the 20-foot-wide inflatable screen! Click for More »
Arts & Music at Glendale 2011
Sat. August 6th, 2011 - Sun. August 7th, 2011 Saanich
More than 60 local artists! Click for More »
2011 Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
Fri. August 12th, 2011 - Sun. August 14th, 2011 Victoria
THE DRAGON CALLS!
Visit one of Victoria’s most spectacular summer festivals and the only
dragon boat festival in Canada to take place in a working harbour.
Click for More »
Passion for Tango 2011
Fri. August 12th, 2011 - Sun. August 14th, 2011 Victoria
A clash of cultures resulting in an intense, exciting and sensual art form. Experience Tango! Click for More »
Clownfest
Sat. August 13th, 2011 Victoria
This is a fun filled event for all ages with over 20 performers.
Featuring workshops, dress-ups, magic, juggling, face painting, family
improvs and much more... Click for More »
Galiano Island Wine Festival
Sat. August 13th, 2011 Galiano Island
Wine: For the Health of it !
The 2011 Galiano Island International Wine Festival is a fabulous
outdoor wine and food event held annually on beautiful Galiano Island,
walking distance from the ferry. Click for More »
FolkWest 2011
Fri. August 19th, 2011 - Sun. August 21st, 2011 Victoria
Announcing Victoria's newest summer music festival! Click for More »
25th Annual Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival
Thu. August 25th, 2011 - Sun. September 4th, 2011 Victoria
Un-juried, un-censored and un-forgettable...the Fringe Festival is a
non-stop, 11-day explosion of comedy, improv, drama, performance art
and dance from around the world. Click for More »
When Legends Meet the Locals featuring WARRANT!
Fri. August 26th, 2011 Victoria
Legends Warrant are coming to town with special guests Adler's Appetite featuring Steven Adler original drummer of Guns n Roses. For one amazing festival at Western Speedway. Also 14 great local bands Click for More »
FringeKids Fest
Sat. August 27th, 2011 Victoria
This completely free one-day family festival in Market Square
introduces young children to the magic of theatre, with live
performances, puppet making, an inflatable bouncy bunny and fun crafts! Click for More »
GreekFest 2011
Tue. August 30th, 2011 - Mon. September 5th, 2011 Victoria
Dancing, music, and food. OPA! Click for More »
34th Annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival
Fri. September 2nd, 2011 - Sun. September 4th, 2011 Victoria
This spectacular display of our maritime heritage features
well-maintained vessels of traditional construction built in classic
design. Click for More »
17th annual Vancouver Island Blues Bash
Sat. September 3rd, 2011 - Mon. September 5th, 2011 Victoria
Three-day festival featruing all styles of blues and R & B on the Labour Day weekend Click for More »
Rifflandia 4
Thu. September 22nd, 2011 - Sun. September 25th, 2011 Victoria
An incredible musical line-up over two stages, a multitude of
amazing local food, plus a tented cinema...and other fun things to be
announced over the summer! Click for More »
The 13th Annual Salt Spring Island Apple Festival
Sun. October 2nd, 2011 Saltspring Island
Salt Spring Island, BC is Apple Heaven, growing over 350 varieties
of apples organically. Our Apple Festival is historical, educational
and fun, with tasting, tours, juice, baking and apples sales. Click for More »
Antimatter Film Festival 2011
Fri. October 14th, 2011 - Sat. October 22nd, 2011 Victoria
Dedicated to the exhibition and nurturing of film and video as art,
Antimatter has grown into the premier showcase of experimental cinema
in the west.
Click for More »
COWICHAN:
2011 Duncan Summer Festival
Mon. July 4th, 2011 - Sun. July 31st, 2011 Duncan
Featuring “free to the public” entertainment for the whole month of July in Charles Hoey Park! Click for More »
Cowichan Valley Lavender Farm Lavender Harvest and Honeybee Festival
Sat. July 16th, 2011 Duncan
Lavender Harvest and Honeybee Festival.
By its very nature, lavender elicits serenity - relish the carpet of
purples & blues and discover the importance of honeybees and view a
demonstration hive. Click for More »
Chemainus Bluegrass Extravaganza
Sat. July 16th, 2011 Chemainus
The Chemainus Bluegrass extravaganza and festival will present John
Reischman & the Jaybirds, along with a line-up of five other great
bands, At Waterwheel Park in Chemainus. Click for More »
27th Annual Islands Folk Festival
Fri. July 22nd, 2011 - Sun. July 24th, 2011 Duncan
For over a quarter Century we have combined the spirit of music and community. Join us! Click for More »
BC Forest Discovery Centre presents The Children's Performance Series
Starting Sun. July 24th, 2011 Duncan
BC Forest Discovery Centre presents 4 outdoor children’s
performances this summer beginning July 24 with children's musician Rick
Scott, and ends Aug. 28 with Stuart Nemtin and 'The Story of Esther'. Click for More »
Damali Lavenderfest
Sat. July 30th, 2011 Cobble Hill
A fun filled day for the whole family at a working Lavender Farm. Harvesting and distilling demos, tours, games, u-pick, food, children's crafts, wand making, labyrinth, artisans and live music. Click for More »
Hazelwood Writers' Festival
Sun. August 7th, 2011 Ladysmith
The Second Annual Hazelwood Wirters' Festival!
Featured Performers: Sheri-D Wilson and Mona Fertig
Local Performers at the Open Mike
Click for More »
SunFest 2011
Thu. August 11th, 2011 Duncan
Sunfest delivers more than just great music. There’s plenty to see and do in between the shows too. Click for More »
Ladysmith Days
Sat. August 13th, 2011 - Sun. August 14th, 2011 Ladysmith
Come celebrate Ladysmith Days with us! Click for More »
Rock of the Woods Music Festival
Fri. August 26th, 2011 - Sat. August 27th, 2011 Mill Bay
As an age old testament to callous and sweat, through the ghosts of the past, comes Rock of the Woods. Standing alone on the Historic Bamberton cement factory thunder will roar and trees will shake! Click for More »
Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival
Wed. September 14th, 2011 - Sun. September 18th, 2011 Cowichan
This year's Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival will celebrate
Vancouver Island wines, culinary excellence, and original music and art
from September 14th - 18th, 2011. Click for More »
Trad-Mad Festival
Sat. September 17th, 2011 Mill Bay
Trad-Mad Festival will offer Cowichan Valley folk the opportunity to immerse themselves in Old Time Music and Dance in a day of workshops, jams and and performances. Click for More »
CENTRAL ISLAND:
Pacific Rim Summer Festival 2011
Mon. July 4th, 2011 - Mon. July 11th, 2011 Tofino
World class art and entertainment brought to you in Tofino,
Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park. Our festival theme this year
is "Our World Right Now!" Click for More »
Savour Each Word: A Celebration
Thu. July 7th, 2011 Nanaimo
SAVOUR EACH WORD; A CELEBRATION. Help us celebrate Summer Reading Club 2011. Drop in for face painting, balloon twists, snacks and crafts. Click for More »
Sturgeon Art Festival
Thu. July 7th, 2011 - Sat. July 9th, 2011 Nanaimo
Nanaimo Art Gallery downtown presents Sturgeon Festival Show
Click for More »
Save On Foods Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival
Fri. July 8th, 2011 - Sun. July 10th, 2011 Nanaimo
The Save On Foods Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival celebrates Caribbean Carnival at the best Dragon Boat Festival in the West! Click for More »
Music by the Sea 2011
Sat. July 9th, 2011 - Sun. July 17th, 2011 Bamfield
The most high quality and diverse music concerts in the most spectacular setting — anywhere!
Click for More »
The 2011 Dancing Man Festival
Fri. July 15th, 2011 - Sun. July 17th, 2011 Gabriola Island
Celebrate summer on Gabriola Island with three days of live music,
dance and community workshops! Also featuring a new outdoor stage July
16th at The Gabriola Commons!
Click for More »
Milner Gardens Art & Photography in the Garden
Sat. July 16th, 2011 - Sun. July 17th, 2011 Qualicum
Meet, mingle and be inspired by local artists at work, painting,
sketching, carving and photographing this Artist’s Garden. Bonsai
artists, potters, and live music. Artwork silent auction Click for More »
Parksville Lions International Kite Festival
Sat. July 16th, 2011 - Sun. July 17th, 2011 Parksville
Parksville Lions International Kite Festival. Free Family Fun.
Ground Displays, Teddy Bear Drop, Acrobatic Kite Fighting, Kite building
, food and craft concessions. Click for More »
Quality Foods Canadian Open Sandsculpting Competition & Exhibition
Sat. July 16th, 2011 - Sun. August 14th, 2011 Parksville
Sculptors have 24 hours over three days to create their masterpieces from just sand and water...and a lot of ingenuity! Click for More »
Launch of Celtic Heritage Week
Sat. July 16th, 2011 Nanaimo
City of Nanaimo declares July 17-22 Celtic Heritage Week and kicks off the festivities with a party in the park! Click for More »
CeltFest Vancouver Island
Sun. July 17th, 2011 - Fri. July 22nd, 2011 Nanaimo
Celt-hearted from near and far are invited to a week of education
and entertainment on Vancouver Island featuring some of the greatest
Celtic Arts musicians and dancers from around the world. Click for More »
2011 Nanaimo Marine Festival and International World Bathtub Race
Thu. July 21st, 2011 - Sun. July 24th, 2011 Nanaimo
Four full days of fun and activities for the young, old and
in-between, family oriented and held in NANAIMO, the Sun-Porch of
Canada, the Jewel of the West and the Bathtub Racing Capital of the
World! Click for More »
Bathtub Days Street Fair
Fri. July 22nd and 23rd, 2011 Nanaimo
Bring the entire family downtown to be part of the revived Bathtub
Days Street Fair on Commercial Street. Pancake Breakfast, Live Music,
Vendors, Displays, Bouncy Castle, Fun Swing & more street fun! Click for More »
Ukee Days 2011
Fri. July 22nd, 2011 - Sun. July 24th, 2011 Ucluelet
Ukee Days this July 22nd - 24th is an amazing 72 hours of action packed festivities for the entire family! Click for More »
39th Annual St. Mark's Fair
Sat. July 23rd, 2011 Qualicum
St. Mark's Fair celebrates 39 years as one of the Island's oldest
and largest markets with over 130 vendors! Enjoy quality merchandise,
great entertainment and good food in this community fundraiser. Click for More »
Alberni Forest Fest and the Words in the Woods Writers Festival
Fri. July 29th, 2011 - Sun. July 31st, 2011 Port Alberni
Alberni Forest Fest originated from the desire of community members
to create a unique arts festival in the context of a celebration of
heritage and culture of the West Coast. Click for More »
Coombs Bluegrass Festival 2011
Fri. July 29th, 2011 - Sun. July 31st, 2011 Coombs
33rd Annual Bluegrass & Old Timey Music Festival, all acoustic
music. Premium Bluegrass bands from down south, the best parkin lot
pickin ever. Join us for a weekend of excellent bluegrass. Click for More »
Coombs Fair 2011
Sat. August 13th, 2011 - Sun. August 14th, 2011 Coombs
First held in 1913, the Coombs Fair has been celebrating
agriculture in Oceanside for almost 100 years! Come check us out and
join in the excitement of our annual community fair. Click for More »
Love your City, 2011
Sat. August 13th, 2011 Nanaimo
Live music,hot dogs,compliments of the Salvation Army, face
painting, jumping castle,volleyball, soccer and more. Welcome to have
fun with us at the park when we meet as a community to love our city. Click for More »
Kidfest
Sun. August 14th, 2011 Parksville
KIDFEST is a family day filled with fun and entertainment for
children. Kidfest has been going on for 18 years, totally run by
volunteers who give of their time throughout the year.
Check it out!!! Click for More »
Gabriola Theatre Festival 2011
Fri. August 19th, 2011 - Sun. August 21st, 2011 Gabriola Island
2011 marks the festivals third year! With 12 great theatre
productions to choose from, this years festival promises to be more
exciting than ever. Click for More »
VIEX 2011: Fun for the Whole Herd!
Fri. August 19th, 2011 - Sun. August 21st, 2011 Nanaimo
Our country Fair is more than just entertainment. The one value we truly exhibit is Family. At our Fair, everyone of every age can participate! Click for More »
Sun. August 14th, 2011 Parksville
KIDFEST is a family day filled with fun and entertainment for
children. Kidfest has been going on for 18 years, totally run by
volunteers who give of their time throughout the year.
Check it out!!! Click for More »
Summertime Blues! 2011
Fri. August 26th, 2011 - Sun. August 28th, 2011 Nanaimo
Tickets now on sale for the Summertime Blues! 2011
Click for More »
Tofino Lantern Festival 2011
Sun. August 28th, 2011 Tofino
The Tofino Lantern Festival is our 'signature' community event
& fundraiser, drawing the young and old with an unbelievable variety
of hand made lanterns. Click for More »
40th Annual Port Alberni Salmon Festival
Fri. September 2nd, 2011 - Mon. September 5th, 2011 Port Alberni
This annual event features entertainment, BBQ, fireworks, and a fishing derby offering big cash prizes! Click for More »
Fringetastic Theatre Festival
September 8th-11th, 2011 Nanaimo
Nanaimo finally has a FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL! Click for More »
Harvest Festival
Sat. September 10th, 2011 Nanaimo
Harvest Festival is all about food: urban agriculture, natural
& organic growing, permaculture, food security & sustainability
plus culinary arts focused on local cuisine, and of
course...entertainment! Click for More »
2011 Carving on the Edge Festival
Thu. September 15th, 2011 - Sun. September 25th, 2011 Tofino
Showcasing traditional and contemporary explorations of west coast
wood carving, with exhibits, forums, feasts, family programs and
demonstrations. Come join the celebration! Click for More »
NORTH ISLAND:
2011 Vancouver Island MusicFest
Fri. July 8th, 2011 - Sun. July 10th, 2011 Courtenay
Vancouver Island MusicFest offers 6 fully programmed stages of world-class folk/roots/world music, 75+ concerts & workshops, camping, kidzzone, workshops, roving performers and so much more. Join us! Click for More »
Denman Island Readers and Writers Festival
Thu. July 14th, 2011 - Sun. July 17th, 2011 Denman Island
A non-stop weekend of literary delights. Rub shoulders, share a
drik, or eat lunch with authors you’ve wanted to meet for years, and
listen to some of the most insightful and interesting writers in Canada
today! Click for More »
Filomi Days 2011
Sat. July 16th, 2011 - Sun. July 17th, 2011 Port Hardy
Once a year, Port Hardy holds a celebration in Rotary Park on the third weekend of July to acknowledge its natural resource based economy. Click for More »
Alert Bay Seafest 2011
Fri. July 22nd, 2011 - Sat. July 23rd, 2011 Alert Bay
Celebrate summer in Alert Bay! Click for More »
Rhythm on the Rock One Day Music Festival
Sat. July 23rd, 2011 Courtenay
Rhythm on the Rock #1! This is the first festival that will
showcase only the best of the up and coming talent from the Comox Valley
and the West Coast! An all ages event with all genres of music! Click for More »
10th Annual Alert Bay Music Fest
Sun. July 24th, 2011 Alert Bay
Come to beautiful Alert Bay, and spend a day listening to fantastic music.
Click for More »
Hornby Festival
Thu. July 28th, 2011 - Sat. August 6th, 2011 Hornby Island
The Hornby Festival Celebrates 30 Years!
“This Gulf Island enclave hosts one of B.C.’s top cultural festivals .”
Aeroplan Magazine lists the Hornby Festival amongst the top 5 Canadian
Music Festivals Click for More »
29th Annual Filberg Festival
Fri. July 29th, 2011 - Mon. August 1st, 2011 Comox
29th Annual Filberg Festival - Western Canada's largest juried outdoor arts show! Click for More »
53rd Annual Comox Nautical Days Festival
Sat. July 30th, 2011 - Mon. August 1st, 2011 Comox
Ahoy! It's a festival of family fun! Click for More »
44th Annual Salmon Festival
Fri. August 5th-7th, 2011 Campbell River
The prime industries of Northern Vancouver Island are Forestry and Fishing...and our Festival is a tribute to them! Click for More »
The Big Time Out 2011
Fri. August 12th, 2011 - Sat. August 13th, 2011 Cumberland
Two sizzling days of hot music...in beautiful Cumberland. Click for More »
OrcaFest
Sat. August 20th, 2011 Port McNeill
The biggest annual festival in Port McNeill starts off with the
Orcafest Parade followed by a full day celebration at the waterfront and
features fun for all ages. Click for More »
Alpine Wine & Food Festival
Fri. August 26th, 2011 - Sat. August 27th, 2011 Mt. Washington
The Alpine Wine & Food Festival at Mount Washington features
cooking demonstrations and a wine pairing dinner prepared by local
chefs.
Click for More »
Comox Valley Exhibition 2011
Fri. August 26th, 2011 - Sun. August 28th, 2011 Courtenay
Whether you come for the pancake breakfast, the fabulous quilt show
or the midway rides the Comox Valley Exhibition has something for
everybody!
Click for More »
Sointula Salmon Days
Fri. August 26th, 2011 - Sun. August 28th, 2011 Sointula
Join this community celebration of seaside living and ocean abundance!
Click for More »
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