Calendar of Events
July 2008
July 1st
Sooke Canada Day Celebration
Sooke Canada Day Celebration
Come help us celebrate at the annual Canada Day Celebration! Live bands performing, food vendors with all types of food, pie eating contest and other games for kids and adults. Parade starts off the day, and a fantastic fireworks display at dusk.Sooke Flats Campground 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
July 1st
Canada Day Lamb Barbeque
A delicious lamb BBQ with all the fixings, contests such as nail hammering and sack races, bingo games and a Canada Day ceremony are just some of the activities. There are also snack booths, craft sales and a beer garden. Saturna Island Ball Field, Winter Cove Marine Park, Saturna Island.
July 1st
Courtenay Canada Day Celebrations
Come see the Grande Parade in downtown Courtenay. Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. and goes down 5th Street. 10:30am downtown.
July 1st-5th
International Choral Kathaumixw
The XII International Choral Kathaumixw is a global gathering of choirs and conductors. Held in the picturesque seaside town of Powell River, www.kathaumixw.org
July 4th-6th
Festival Mexicano 2008
Come downtown during this fun event featuring an open air main stage with local performers sharing traditional music and dance; kiosks showcasing Mexican/Latin American food and beverages; arts and crafts. Victoria Event Centre and other downtown locations.
July 4th-6th
Building Momentum: ArtsFair 2008
Under one umbrella, attendees will have the opportunity to see the wide range of cultural products and activities that Nanaimo has to offer. Harbourfront Plaza, Commercial St, Nanaimo.
July 5th
Gorge on Art
Walk the Gorge Waterway and gorge yourself on a fabulous selection of art, from over 50 artists and artisans, for viewing and purchase. Event information: 475–7124.
July 5th-6th
Organic Islands Festival
The Organic Islands Festival and Sustainability Expo is Canada’s largest outdoor ‘green’ festival at Glendale Garden and Woodland in Victoria, BC. www.organicislands.ca
July 11th-12th
Tall Ships - Port Alberni 2008
Celebrate Sailing, History and Adventure on Port Alberni’s Waterfront.
July 11th-13th
Vancouver Island MusicFest 2008
Over 200 musical performers on 6 fully programmed stages as well as instructional workshops, yoga sessions, an interactive kidzzone, art displays, a beer and cider tent, top-notch food and craft vendors. Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. Riverside camping and so much more.
July 12th
Whiskey Creek Music Festival
This Music Festival features top Tribute Artists known throughout North America for their spectacular performances. Overnight camping on Saturday is free with admission. Camping before and after the event is by donation. Coombs Rodeo Grounds - 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
July 18th-20th
Port Hardy Filomi Days
The three syllables, Fi, Lo and Mi, stand for “Fishing, Logging and Mining”. The celebration includes festivities in the park such as activities for children, fundraising concessions, entertainment, beer gardens, a dunk-tank, balloons, bake sales, craft sales, and fireworks.
July 19th
Nanaimo ALS Adventure Challenge
The ALS Adventure Challenge is designed to guide people of all ages and fitness levels to complete a 17km adventure race (run, bike, kayak). Location: Westwood Lake, Nanaimo. For more info: www.alsadventure.com
July 19th-20th
International Kite Festival
Two days of kite fun. FREE! See gorgeous art kites, big and small. Watch displays of stunt kite skill, individual and team flying. Root for your favorites in the kite battles. Parksville Community Park.
July 24th-27th
Nanaimo Marine Festival & Bathtub Races
The Marine Festival encompasses many different family and adult events from Kiddies Karnival, Beer Gardens, Sail Past Parade, Vancouver Islands’ biggest summertime Fireworks display, Street Fair… and much more. Maffeo Sutton Park 50 Arena Street, Nanaimo
July 25th-27th
Islands Folk Festival
Gather your family together to celebrate the 23rd Islands Folk Festival, with unforgettable non-stop music from many Canadian and International musicians on seven stages all within a short and pleasant walk through the pastoral surroundings of Providence Farm, just outside of Duncan.
August 2008
August 1st-4th
Festival 150
Celebrate BC’s 150th in the Capital with a multi-day festival on Victoria’s Inner Harbour - BC and world-acclaimed entertainment, children’s activities, concerts and much more!
August 1st-2nd
Free B Film Festival
Come and enjoy a movie under the stars! Every Friday and Saturday in August the Victoria Film Festival bring you a great line-up of B-movies. Just bring your own snacks, flashlights and blankets. Cameron Bandshell Beacon Hill Park, Victoria
August 1st-4th
Comox Nautical Days
A festival of family fun - bathtub race, bullhead derby, Parade on Comox Avenue - August 6th, Comox Marina Park 121 Port Augusta, Comox.
August 1st-4th
The Filberg Festival
Considered BC’s best outdoor art and craft show. Up to 140 excellent Canadian Artisans sell their work. Fabulous music. Tasty food. Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, Comox.
August 8th-Sept. 1st
Beach Festival/Sandsculpting Competition
World class Master Class competition. The sculptures remain in place at Parksville Community Park on Corfield Road, for three weeks following the competition (public view from 9 August) You won’t want to miss any of the activities on the beach during Beach Festival month. Fireworks Display on August 16th and Kidfest on August 17.
August 15th-17th
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
Be part of an ancient tradition! Come down to the Inner Harbour for exhilarating dragon boat races, cultural entertainment and crafts for the whole family.
August 15th-24th
Summertime Blues! 2008
The Nanaimo Blues Society presents the 4th annual Summertime Blues! Two jam packed weekends of free, outdoor Blues concerts on the Harbourfront Plaza in downtown Nanaimo with more Blues music and workshops at clubs and pubs during the week. www.nanaimoblues.com for lineups and schedules
August 15th-17th
The Big Time Out
3 days of music and performance art on 1
