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Festivals and Events

Select region from list or click on map of British Columbia.

Locate town hosting festival or event using selected trip maps from

Travel Packages webpage or British Columbia road map link below.

Travel Packages

British Columbia Road Map

Festivals and events are subject to change. 

Some festivals and events may be out of date or have dates change.

Contact the festival or event directly before going.

Northern British Columbia

Masset Harbour Days
Queen Charlotte Islands
An ideal family event complete with a parade, kids-only events, a ball tournament, and even bucket rides.

(250) 626-3995

Kispiox Valley Rodeo
Hazelton
Horses, cowboys, and contestants of all types gather here to compete. The rodeo and campgrounds are located along the banks of the picturesque Kispiox River.

(250) 842-6287

Midsummer Festival
Smithers
Enjoy the sounds of this eclectic collection of live performers.

(250)847-1971

Crabfest
Gingolx
Two-day music festival with a focus on Aboriginal and Metis performers. Workshops on song writing, an introduction to the music industry followed by an evening of performances. This year’s festival will feature Buffy Sainte-Marie along with several other professional and amateur performers. The festival will feature aboriginal music, dance and food at its best.

(250) 326–4222

www.gingolx.ca

Cottonwood Music Festival
Fort St. James
A three day Bluegrass, Old-time Country, Celtic and Folk music festival on the shores of Stuart Lake. On-site camping, food vendors, and craft & farmers market. Visit the Fort St. James National Historic Park.

(250) 996-8524

www.cottonwoodmusicfestival.com

Kispiox Valley Music Fest
Hazelton
Locals and visitors gather together for this celebration of wonderful music.

www.kispiox.com

(250) 842-6390

Riverboat Days
Terrace
The salmon barbecue in and of itself makes this celebration tempting enough. The fireworks, slingers race, bed race, and parade are just the icing on the cake.

(250) 635-2063

31st Annual World's Invitational Gold Panning Championships
Taylor
Relive the good-old days.  Try your hand at gold panning.  Enjoy a barbecue and some cakes on the griddle. Or just stroll the markets and enjoy the parade.

www.districtoftaylor.com

(250) 789-3333

Grizzly Valley Days
Tumbler Ridge
A parade, a dance, kids events, cultural celebrations, a variety show, a lobster boil and impressive markets.

www.grizfest.com

(250) 242-4246

Prince George Exhibition
Prince George
A fun fair, take part in the midway, enjoy some entertainment, check out the agriculture exhibits, and great food.

www.pgx.ca

(250) 563-4096

Dawson Creek Fall Fair and Stampede
Dawson Creek
Cowboy-ing firsthand at one of Canada's oldest professional rodeo circuits including chuckwagon races. 

www.dawsoncreekfair.com

(250) 782-8911

Summerfest Street Festival
Prince George
Summerfest is all about "Celebrating in the Heart of the City Together".  Live entertainment, music, arts, crafts, and a great food festival.

(250) 614-1330

Telkwa Barbecue and Demolition Derby
Telkwa
Enjoy a Big Beef Dinner, followed by a dance. There's even a ball tournament and a demolition derby.

(250) 847-9720

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Barkerville's Theatre Royal
Barkerville
Live musical comedy with singing and dancing. Both the spring show (a half-hour long) and the summer/fall show (an hour long) will take you back in time to the 1870s-1930s.

(250) 994-3232.

Little Britches Rodeo
100 Mile House
Kids rodeo which directly involves the smallest cowboys and cowgirls. 

(250) 396-7724.

Cariboo Highland Games

Quesnel
Fiddlers from all over BC and Canada join in a day of music and fun. Games, contests, team challenges, music and dance.
(250) 992-5081 or (250) 992-3804.

78th Annual Williams Lake Stampede
Williams Lake
Stop in to the Williams Lake Stampede where you are in cowboy country.

www.williamslakestampede.com

Bella Coola Rodeo
Bella Coola
This is the place to get an up-close look at rodeo and cowboy life!

(250) 982-2766.

Billy Barker Days
Quesnel
Four day festival celebrating the legendary Billy Barker! Raft races down the mighty Fraser River, energetic athletes competing in the triathlon, music in the park, a parade, a rodeo with barbecued salmon and finally a memorable fireworks.

(250) 992-1234.

Discovery Coast Music Festival
Bella Coola
Music, dancing, storytelling, informal jam sessions, family activities, regional handmade crafts, food, and more!

(250) 392-5025

www.bellacoolamusic.org

Lillooet Gold Rush DaysLillooet
Celebrate Lillooet's gold rush history, dances, horse races. A family event.
(250) 256-4308.

Barkerville Mid-Autumn Festival
Barkerville
Traditional Chinese celebration honours Barkerville's rich Chinese heritage. The lantern parade through the streets of Barkerville begins at dusk.

1-888-994-3332 ext 29

The Islands

Giant Spring Craft Fair

Port Alberni

Giant Spring Craft Fair features local artists and crafters  Held at Athletic Hall on Beaver Creek Road in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island. Collecting non-perishable food donations for the Food Banks & SPCA.

Dancing Man Music Festival
Gabriola Island
Workshops, concerts and artists at various venues. 11 days of music of all kinds, including a "kids day"!

(250) 247-0079

www.dancingman.ca

Annual Cowichan Valley Garden Tour
The Cowichan Valley
The 15th Annual Cowichan Valley self-guided Garden Tour takes place throughout the beautiful Cowichan Valley. Enjoy the highways and byways as you explore 6 uniquely different gardens that are all new to the Tour this year, plus a bonus feature of Shawnigan Lake School Gardens by popular request. Master Gardeners. Refreshments in one garden. $15 per ticket. Tickets on sale at gardening outlets in May. All proceeds go to Cowichan Family Life Association, provider of special services to families, children's programs and volunteer counselling in the Cowichan Valley for 38 years.

Contact: (250)746-8950 or CFLA 748-8281
Email: bridget765@gmail.com
www.cowichanfamilylife.org

Cowichan Festival of Lavender

Valhalla Herb Farm, 3693 Gibbins Road, Duncan

The fourth annual Cowichan Festival of Lavender brings together all that's best about Cowichan! Fabulous artisans, jewellers, natural body care, plants and gourmet foods... music with Twango and Eugene Smith, delicous food and our famous ice cold lavender latte and lemonade; workshops, xeriscaping with Bernie Dinter, food demonstrations with Equinox Cafe and Gary Faessler of River's Bend Winery... Come and walk our lavender labyrinth, explore the beautiful herb gardens of the Valhalla Herb Farm!

(250) 743-8036

cowichanlavender@shaw.ca

www.cowichanfestivaloflavender.ca

12th Annual Outdoor Recreation Show
Courtenay
Various indoor and outdoor exhibits and demonstrations such as retriever dogs working, dragon boats, fly tying, food, music, raffles, prizes and kids' activities will make this a fun weekend.

courtfg@telus.net

Pacific Rim Summer Festival
Long Beach
Distinguished Canadian and international musicians in concerts of chamber music and world music held in venues throughout Tofino, Uculelet and Pacific Rim National Park.

http://www.pacificrimsummerfestival.ca

Nanaimo Marine Festival and Bathtub Race
Nanaimo
A celebration of the sea, and all things sea-worthy. Enjoy wacky floating bathtubs afloat as contestants take part in a mad dash toward Departure Bay.  Fireworks, street fairs, a parade, and generally just great times!

(250) 753-7223

www.bathtubbing.com

Filberg Festival
Comox
Celebrate arts, crafts, music, dance and a special guest artist.

(250) 334-9242

www.filbergfestival.com

Annual Seafest
Alert Bay
Everything from Family Feud showdowns to Lip Sync contests. Craft, food, Mayor¿s Cup Regatta and jewelry tables.

(250) 974-5024

www.village.alertbay.bc.ca

Salmon Festival
Port Alberni
Come and take part in the fishing derby, and enjoy all things salmon-related!

(250) 723-8165

www.pasalmonfest.com

Tofino Lantern Festival
Tofino
Gather at the Rainforest Interpretive Centre to create candle lanterns to carry during the procession. The lanterns are placed around the gardens and along rainforest boardwalks making for a magical evening of light and art. Local musicians perform along the boardwalks while sumptuous snacks and warm beverages are provided.

(250) 725-3414

www.tofinobc.org

Nanaimo BC
Location: Downtown and all around!
The Crimson Coast Dance Society presents its 7th Annual InFrinGinG Dance Festival -- a weekend of dance performances and classes, ticketed and free, for everyone! Featuring internationally reknown dancers, Margie Gillis, Cori Caulfield, and Suddenly Dance Theatre performing at The Port Theatre Sept. 14-16, as well teaching workshops for dancers of all levels and physical abilities. On Sunday, Downtown comes alive in true festival spirit.

www.crimsoncoastdance.org
Tickets: Port Theatre Box Office: 754-8550
(250) 716-3230

dance@crimsoncoast.org

Vancouver Coast and Mountain

5th Annual Wood Duck Wilderness Festival
Ruby Lake (Sunshine Coast)
The festival celebrates the annual return of the lake's beloved wood ducks and the Sunshine Coast's spectacular wilderness features. Includes: guided hikes & tours, special children's activities, craft booths with local treasures, displays by outdoor recreation groups & environmental organizations, live bands, and guest speakers from leading environmental authorities.

(604) 883-9991

www.rubylakeresort.com

Dixieland Jazz Fest
Chilliwack
A celebration of Dixieland Jazz with performers and many venues have made this a popular event.

http://www.chwkjazz.com

Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition
Cloverdale
Top cowboys and cowgirls on the professional rodeo circuit compete in traditional rodeo events including bareback, saddle, bronco, and of course bull riding.

www.cloverdalerodeo.com

Aldergrove Festival Days
Aldergrove
Telephone booth races, slo-pitch games and a parade.

www.aldergrovefestivaldays.com

Kathaumixw Singing Week 2008
Powell River
Enjoy workshops, voice development, choral repertoire, concerts, and social events.

www.kathaumixw.org

26th Annual Harrison Festival of the Arts
Harrison Hot Springs
Harrison Festival hosts some the world’s best music and arts.  Evening Concert Series, Music in the Plaza, Visual Art Exhibits, juried Art/Craft Market, Theatre, Literary Café and Children’s Day.

(604) 796-3664

www.harrisonfestival.com

Mission Folk Music Festival
Mission
Folk music at its finest. Come and enjoy a variety of performers in this entertaining festival.

http://www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca

16th Annual Caribbean Days Festival
North Vancouver
Caribbean-style parade complete with Carnival costumes, live music, stilt walkers, mascots and two stages of non-stop entertainment. Authentic Caribbean foods, a beer garden, arts and crafts, travel info, children's rides and much more.

(604) 515-5400

www.caribbeandaysfestival.com

Annual Squamish Days Festival
Squamish
North America's premier Loggers Sports Show. Features music, stories, entertainment and unwind at the Haulback Hoedown or Squamish Days Loggers Stomp.

www.squamishdays.ca   celebrate@squamishdays.ca

Annual Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts
Sechelt
Enjoy Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices... with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens.

www.writersfestival.ca

Abbotsford International Airshow
Abbotsford
Canada's National Airshow includes both military and civilian performances by individuals as well as groups, including the world famous and completely stunning Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

www.abbotsfordairshow.com

The World Championships of Sand Sculpture
Harrison Hot Springs
Turning sand into art features these breathtaking sculptures. Sculptures are on display until Thanksgiving, October 13.

(604) 796-3224

www.harrisand.org

7th Annual Pender Harbour Jazz Festival
Pender Harbour
Inside or outside, it's up to you. Jazz is everywhere! Sit back and enjoy the sounds of an impressive variety of musicians.

www.phjazz.ca

Thompson Okanagan

Annual Falkland Stampede & Rodeo
Falkland
Thrilling rodeo entertainment, a parade and family fun featuring the popular "Cowboy Bull Poker" event that draws about 10,000 visitors over the three days.

Creative Chaos
Vernon
Showcases over 200 crafters, artisans, specialty food products, an outdoor creative activities section, and some of the best in local performing arts talent.

(250) 545-6963

www.creativechaoscrafts.com

Merritt Mountain Music Festival
Merritt
Non-stop entertainment, beverage gardens, helicopter rides, on-site activities, concessions and more.

1-877-330-3377

 www.mountainfest.com

Beach Blanket Film Festival
Penticton
Bring a lawn chair or beach blanket and settle in for one of three first-rate films. A unique setting for a night of movie watching. Bring snacks if you'd like, but there will be plenty of food vendors around.

Kelowna Regatta
Kelowna
Enjoy a BBQ, a parade and a park full of events and entertainment - including K9 frisbee, dragonboat racing, Westcoast Amusements, the Rona "Buy, Build and Sail", sandcastle competition, restaurant olympics, children's theatre and  excellent musical entertainment on three stages.

www.kelownaregatta.com

Annual Kamloopa PowWow Days
Kamloops
Approximately 1,300 performers, competitors, arts and crafts people, and more than 15,000 spectators.

(250) 828-9700.

Cowboy Festival and Wild West Show
Vernon
A celebration of cowboy poets, musicians, artists, and gunslingers.

(250) 542-7868.

Annual Penticton Peach Festival
Penticton
Top-notch live entertainment, stunning fireworks displays, unique arts & crafts exhibits, parades and Kiddies Day.

www.peachfest.com

Annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival
Salmon Arm
Many performers, children's activities, food kiosks, artisan market and more.

(250) 833-4096

www.rootsandblues.ca

Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede
Armstrong
Live entertainment, Wagner Midway, parade and Stampede Rodeo.

(250) 546-9406.

www.ipeandstampede.com

Nicola Valley Fall Fair and Pro Rodeo
Merritt
Professional cowboys, parade and the many events.

(250) 378-5634.

Annual Pentastic Jazz Festival
Penticton
Sit back and listen to music of a host of talented performers as they play at different venues throughout the city.

(250) 770-3494.

Annual  Kelowna Show & Shine

Kelowna City Park

Bring your classic car, motorcycle, truck, tractor or boat. This year's event promises to be bigger and better. Friday night cruise-in. Saturday swap meet, car auction, poker run and dance. Sunday show and shine, beer gardens, kiddy corral. Live music all three days!

Contact for more details.

(250) 317-1276

kelownacarshow@shaw.ca

www.kelownacarshow.com

Rare Earth Jazz and Blues Fest

Vernon

Kin Race Track Site

www.rarearthjazzandbluesfest.com

info@rarearthjazzandbluesfest.com

Kootenay Rockies

Wings Over the Rockies Festival
Radium and Kootenay National Parks
In honour of the return of the birds to the Columbia River headwaters. Includes guided hikes, river floats, owl prowls, presentations from informed naturalists and lots of great children's activities.

1-800-347-9704

www.adventurevalley.com/wings

Sunfest
Cranbrook
A family dance, a pancake breakfast, a photo salon and down-home line dancing.

(250) 365-6313.

Sam Steele Days
Cranbrook
Sam Steele Sweetheart Pageant is all about fun, food, and family.

(250) 426-4161

www.samsteeledays.org

Coal Miner Days
Sparwood
A cabaret, a street festival, a slo-pitch tournament, a parade, a pageant, and fireworks for all.

(250) 425-2094.

Starbelly Jam Music Festival
Crawford Bay
Outdoor musical talent from folk and blues to hip-hop and world music, special events for the kids, craft and food booths.

(250) 227-9233

www.kootenaylake.bc.ca/EV_Starbelly_Jam.shtml

Julyfest
Kimberley
A parade, entertainment, refreshment gardens, soccer, fastball, rugby, bocce, volleyball, horseshoes and a mine tour?

www.kimberleyjulyfest.com

Annual Kaslo Jazz Festival
Kaslo
This floating stage Jazz festival celebrate the talent and work of  Jazz musicians.

(250) 353-7538

www.kaslojazzfest.com

Golden Rodeo
Golden
Spectacular evening rodeo events, a family dance, a barbecue, and a parade.

1-800-622-4653

Cranbrook Pro Rodeo
Cranbrook
This professional rodeo features top-notch riders, bareback riding and bull riding.

(250) 426-5792.