BC’s Best Festivals & Events

Festivals and Events across British Columbia feature the breadth and scope of the arts and cultural sector. Sign up for our monthly events newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming events across the province.

Festivals

Discover the local culture makers at festivals happening throughout the year across BC's Creative Communities. Visit exhibitions and the work of contemporary Canadian artists at local galleries, or stop by an art studio for an intimate experience. In town for a short time? Plan a self guided one-day art walk!

Our list of festivals and events are your gateway to an immersive cultural deep dive into the inner workings of the culture keepers and culture makers of the West Coast. Experience performance, dance, film festivals, studio tours, farm tours, visual arts, and music of all genres, all while exploring some of the most beautiful landscapes the world has to offer in every region of the province.

Art-BC.com is your source for all of the best BC festivals and events in the province!

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MAX Guide

Vancouver
Date:
January 1, 2023
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June 7, 2024
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MAXguide.org is Metro Vancouver’s web-based arts and culture regional calendar, promoting a range of cultural and artistic events in the Metro Vancouver region. Event listings are posted for free by arts and culture organizations, individuals, publicists and select businesses. Find or post great performances and inspiring exhibitions. Use MAXguide to discover and explore new neighbourhoods in the region. MAXguide features a Read more...
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First Saturday Open Art Studios

Vancouver
Date:
January 7, 2023
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December 2, 2023
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First Saturday Open Art Studios is a free, monthly event that began in 2010 and can be found in various locations across the Lower Mainland. Every first Saturday noon to five pm, over 85 individual artists and art collectives open their workshops for you to enjoy! Be inspired by original art or buy your new, favorite piece directly from a local artist. Read more...
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New West Craft Market

New Westminster
Date:
April 3, 2023, 11:00 am
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May 31, 2024, 4:00 pm
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New West Craft is a handmade market hosted by the Arts Council of New Westminster. New West Craft aims to provide a welcoming environment for crafters, artisans, and makers to share their work with the community. Our markets take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 11 am to 4 pm at River Market in downtown Read more...
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Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

Vancouver
Date:
June 24, 2023
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September 30, 2023
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DISCOVER OUR 2023 SEASON We’re excited to reveal the lineup for the Festival’s 34th Season, which will run from June to September, 2023.   Bard’s 2018 blockbuster As You Like It, brimming with Beatles hits, is back on the BMO Mainstage after delighting sold-out houses across Western Canada and the USA. It will play in repertory with Shakespeare’s thrilling political drama, Read more...
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Richmond Culture Days

Richmond
Date:
September 22, 2023
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October 15, 2023
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Richmond offers more free, interactive cultural activities over the national Culture Days weekend than any other place in BC. Express your love of culture by participating in one of dozens of activities offered by local artists, designers, crafters, writers and other creative people. Explore Richmond’s heritage sites, learn a new dance move, sing along with a choir, compose a story Read more...
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Culture Days at Caetani

Vernon
Date:
September 22, 2023
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October 15, 2023
New
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The Caetani Centre will be a part of Culture Days and the inaugural Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture by offering free self-guided tours as well as a special literary event. VERNON —The Caetani Centre is part of a national and local movement to bring arts and culture into the limelight. The Vernon-based heritage museum and cultural centre, once home Read more...
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16th Annual Oppenheimer Community Art Show

Vancouver
Date:
September 29, 2023
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November 10, 2023
New
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Running September 29, 2023 to November 10, 2023 Opening Event September 29, 7pm-9pm The Oppenheimer Park Community Art Show features artwork and insight of artists and community leaders connected to or displaced from Oppenheimer Park, the green space known as Lek’lekí, the Powell Street Grounds, Paureu gai, the backyard of the Downtown Eastside; the unceded land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Read more...
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the SLCC

Whistler
Date:
September 30, 2023
New
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Join us on Saturday, September 30 in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We invite you to experience and connect with immersive programming and storytelling of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl at the SLCC, the living culture of the original people of the shared territory where Whistler resides. To learn more visit slcc.ca/ndtr Read more...
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Vernon Farmers Market

Vernon
Date:
October 1, 2023
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October 30, 2023
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Open Monday and Thursday 8 am to 1 pm  at Kal Tire Place Parking Lot 3445  – 43rd Ave 250-351-5188 Discover the diversity and uniqueness of the area at one of the very best Farmers’ Markets in the region. With over 200 local growers and artisans, we offer everything from fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, crafts, art, gourmet foods, wine & spirits, Read more...
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Whistler Wine Walk

Whistler
Date:
October 6, 2023
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October 27, 2023
New
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Tourism Whistler’s annual Whistler Wine Walk is back! Every Friday night in October. Join us for Live Art Painting and Wine Explore Whistler’s bustling gallery scene while sampling wines from BC wineries every Friday night in October. Each week, four public and private galleries offer a new taste of Whistler’s eclectic cultural mix featuring local, regional, and international artists, and Read more...
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Labyrinth | Caravan Farm Theatre

Armstrong
Date:
October 10, 2023
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October 27, 2023
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Caravan Farm Theatre presents LABYRINTH,  a new immersive binaural sound journey through the woods and fields. Includes the use of strobe, haze, fog, and disturbing images. Not recommended for children. The walk is approximately 35 minutes with the whole experience lasting just under 60 minutes. Each guest will receive a sanitized MP3 player and a sanitized pair of over-ear headphones. Read more...
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Sechelt Arts Festival

Sechelt
Date:
October 13, 2023
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October 31, 2023
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20TH EDITION OF THE SECHELT ARTS FESTIVAL OCT. 13 – 31, 2023 will be centred around creating new and exciting artistic expressions from recycled objects and ideas, or turning traditional norms upside down. Enjoy two weeks of visual arts, heritage, music, dance, and community engagement events. Visit secheltartsfestival.com to learn more.     Read more...

Browning Stained Glass in North Shore Art Crawl

North Vancouver
Date:
October 14, 2023
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October 15, 2023
New
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Find Browning Stained Glass in the North Shore Art Crawl on October 14-15, 11am-5pm The North Shore Art Crawl celebrates the talent of local artists. Each spring, artists, local community galleries, commercial galleries, and art schools open their doors to the public to display their work and share their passion. The North Shore Art Crawl is inclusive of all art Read more...
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Sunshine Coast Farmers’ Markets

Gibsons
Date:
October 15, 2023
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October 28, 2023
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The Sunshine Coast is home to both year-round and seasonal farmers’ markets that offer everything from farm fresh produce and locally-raised meats to tasty treats and artisan crafts. Each market is unique—discover the Gibsons Farmers’ Market, which is hosted at Persephone Brewing Company’s beer farm, the Powell River Farmers’ Market, which is tucked away in a picturesque park, and more! Get Read more...
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Sunshine Coast Art Crawl

Sunshine Coast
Date:
October 19, 2023
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October 21, 2023
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October 20-22, 2023 the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl will be presenting 150+ venues featuring over 250 artists from Langdale to Earls Cove. Over the 3 days, the Coast transforms into one large interactive art show. Join friends and take a free self-directed scenic coastal tour; meet the artists and discover where they live, work and play. Art Walks Many artists will be offering Read more...
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Murder Mystery by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jr.

New Westminster
Date:
October 26, 2023
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November 5, 2023
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October 26-29 at the Surrey Arts Centre November 3-5 at the Anvil Theatre, New Westminster Every drama group has experienced the horrors of what can go wrong on opening night, and the ladies of the F.A.H.E.T.G. Dramatic Society are no different, with the possible exception that almost everything that could happen does! The scenery collapses, cues are missed, lines forgotten, Read more...
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Chutzpah! Festival

Vancouver
Date:
November 2, 2023
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November 23, 2023
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The Chutzpah! Festival returns with another exciting and dynamic lineup of  music, theatre, comedy, dance and multimedia arts.  An eagerly anticipated, annual highlight of Vancouver’s arts season, for over two decades the Chutzpah! Festival has been connecting communities and celebrating the vibrancy of its stories. Sharing their work in person and through select digital streams, artists will return to venues Read more...
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West Coast Christmas Show

Abbotsford
Date:
November 17, 2023
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November 19, 2023
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The West Coast Christmas Show & Artisan Market is Western Canada’s leading holiday season show that brings together holiday gifts, fancy foods, personal services, decor ideas, festive live florals and culinary inspiration under one roof. BUY TICKETS HERE The 16th Annual West Coast Christmas Show & Artisan Market is excited to return to Tradex offering a unique, one-of-a-kind shopping experience Read more...

Artsolutely Artisan Sale

Vernon
Date:
December 1, 2023
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December 24, 2023
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Artsolutely is the North Okanagan’s most vibrant holiday artisan sale, featuring over 10,000 quality, hand-made items that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a 24-day shopping extravaganza set in a warm and relaxed atmosphere where visitors can leisurely take in the beauty of local art and shop for those they love. With unique pieces made from glass, clay, wood, metal, Read more...
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The Nutcracker | Caravan Farm Theatre

Armstrong
Date:
December 5, 2023
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January 7, 2024
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We are thrilled to revive our thrilling interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Created by Cirque du Soleil artist Manon Beaudoin, The Nutcracker brings this holiday classic together with the outdoor winter magic of Caravan Farm Theatre, stunning circus elements, and of course, the wonderful heavy horses. Now in our 36th year, the Winter Sleigh Ride Show is a Read more...
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Cinderella – written by Crystal Weltzin and Music by Argel Monte de Ramos

Surrey
Date:
December 15, 2023
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December 31, 2023
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December 15-26 at the Surrey Arts Centre December 29-31 at the Massey Theatre, New Westminster Traditional British Panto at it’s rambunctious best! Sparkling, magical, family fun awaits when you join our wacky cast! Come and sing along with toe-tapping music, groan at corny old jokes, cheer the good guys and boo the bad in another hilariously funny show with sparkling Read more...
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Annual Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Erable

Nanaimo
Date:
February 23, 2024
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February 25, 2024
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Experience the French Canadian cultural traditions through musical performances, children’s entertainment, visual arts, contests, educational videos, and a little history of our traditions. Be sure not to miss our comedian Saturday evening, a one-shot opportunity, Live Streamed! Also, look for our online store where you can order traditional food from Pappy’s Creton as well as a variety of maple products. Read more...
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Children’s Arts Festival

Richmond
Date:
February 24, 2024
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In Richmond BC, we have The City of Richmond’s annual Family Day festival of creativity for kids features interactive workshops and activities led by professional artists. Pre-register for one of dozens of Creativity Classes or drop in to take in staged performances and hands-on Imagination Stations. Read more...
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Cheaters by Michael Jacobs

Surrey
Date:
March 15, 2024
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March 24, 2024
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March 15-17 at the Surrey Arts Centre March 21-24 at the Anvil Theatre, New Westminster Allen and Michelle have been living together for eighteen months. It is the first real relationship for both of them. Michelle thinks they should marry; Allen isn’t sure. His hesitancy drives her home to her parents for advice. Michelle’s Father isn’t aware that it is Read more...
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Ignite the Arts Festival | Penticton Art Gallery

Penticton
Date:
March 29, 2024
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March 31, 2024
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Returning Spring 2024 Community Week: March 22nd – 28th, 2024 Festival Weekend: March 29th – 31st, 2024 Read more...
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Isle of the Arts festival | Gabriola Arts Council

Gabriola Island
Date:
March 30, 2024
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April 7, 2024
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The Isle of the Arts Festival (IoTA) is back March 30th through April 9th! Bigger and brighter than ever before with a diverse offering of a whopping 37 workshops, 5 dynamic events, a fulsome Professional Development Day with lunch included. This year the theme we explore is: The Stories We Tell. This can mean something different to each of us, Read more...
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Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival

Richmond
Date:
April 7, 2024
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The Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival returns on Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 11 am – 4pm, bringing the community together to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossom alongside the cultural richness of Japan. Between 11 am and 4 pm, the Matsuri Tent will offer displays and demonstrations from local artisans including calligraphy, bonsai and origami, as well as the Read more...

Mugs of May Art Show and Sale

Vernon
Date:
May 1, 2024
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May 28, 2024
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Join us for our 4th annual Mugs of May Art Show and Sale. This hugely popular event features hundreds of handmade mugs from Okanagan artisans, along with fine art pieces that celebrate the humble mug.  From the functional to the fantastical, you can works made of clay, metal, wood, glass, paper, and even fibre. New mugs are brought in throughout the Read more...
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21st Annual Art and Bloom Festival

Courtenay
Date:
May 18, 2024
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May 20, 2024
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21st Annual Art and Bloom Festival May 20, 21 & 22, 2023 Sat. & Sun. 10am-5pm Mon. 10am-4pm Entrance Fee: $10.00   About the garden: Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens are an act of love, developed by one man in an effort to fulfill a dream to share with all. Woodland Gardens, Courtenay, BC has one of the largest rhododendron collections Read more...
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West of the Main Artwalk

Vancouver
Date:
May 25, 2024
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May 26, 2024
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VANCOUVER, B.C. – Celebrating 30 years! The West of Main Art Walk is back with over 60 participating artists in Vancouver’s longest running open studio tour & sale.  Click here for the map  https://www.artistsinourmidst.com/2023-artwalk The community is invited to fill their weekend with art May 27-28th! Private art studios and pop-up artist venues will be open across Vancouver’s west side during Read more...
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North Shore Art in the Garden

North Vancouver
Date:
May 25, 2024
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May 26, 2024
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Arts in the Garden is an annual outdoor, all-ages community event celebrating nature and the arts.  The event brings visual artists, musicians, performers, and workshops to thirteen outdoor spaces across the North Shore. We invite you to join us in this special weekend of play, connection, and delight. Read more...
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Creative Chaos

Vernon
Date:
June 7, 2024
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June 9, 2024
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Creative Chaos is hailed as one of the major tourist events in Vernon B.C. attracting some 20,000 men, women, and children and the largest craft sale of its kind in western Canada. It showcases approximately 200 artisans and crafters from throughout B.C., the Pacific Northwest, and the Eastern Provinces. As well there are Specialty Food products, a Creative Activities section, Read more...
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Chetwynd Annual International Chainsaw Carving Championship

Chetwynd
Date:
June 7, 2024
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June 9, 2024
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The Annual Chetwynd International Chainsaw Carving Championship has visually shaped The District of Chetwynd into a one-of-a-kind locale. Artists from all over the world compete in this unique competition. The District of Chetwynd in BC keeps each intricately carved piece from the championship and places them throughout town. Spectators can watch the artists create their works of art over the Read more...
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Doors Open Richmond

Richmond
Date:
June 8, 2024
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June 9, 2024
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The annual Doors Open Richmond returning this spring as a free, in-person event from June 8 to 9, 2024. Doors Open celebrates cultural diversity and raises civic awareness by offering a look inside places of worship, cultural and civic centres, local businesses, museums and heritage sites. Featuring  39 sites, some programs require pre-registration but most offer drop-in activities. Visitors can plan their weekend Read more...
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The Shuffle Port Moody Art Walk 2023

Port Moody
Date:
June 21, 2024
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The Port Moody Art Walk is back for 2023! Kick-start your summer with a self-directed tour of artist studios and galleries within walking distance of Port Moody’s Gallery Row on Friday, June 23 from 4-9pm. Do the Art SHUFFLE! Hit the streets of Port Moody to explore artist studios, galleries, and art in public spaces. Meet the artists, try art activities, Read more...

Smithers Cultural Arts Festival

Smithers
Date:
June 22, 2024
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2024 dates TBA Celebrating community diversity. multiculturalsmithers@gmail.com Read more...
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Parksville Beach Festival

Parksville
Date:
August 12, 2024
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August 24, 2024
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The Parksville Beach Festival Society presents the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition, a world class event for master sand sculptors and official qualifying event for the World Championship of Sand Sculpting. Master sand sculptors travel from all corners of the globe to participate in  this remarkable competition in Parksville, British Columbia, Canada. Sculptors have 30 hours over four days to create Read more...
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