Cultivate Arts Festival

Join us July 11–12, 2026, at Gabriola Commons for a weekend of exceptional music, community, and cultural connection. This year’s theme, Transatlantic Tides, Tunes, and Togetherness, celebrates musical traditions that have crossed oceans and generations, bringing together artists rooted in folk, jazz, Celtic, Indigenous, classical, and contemporary music.

Saturday opens with Shine: Song Keeper’s Community Sing-Along, led by Leah Hokanson and special guest musicians. The evening mainstage features a welcome from Snuneymuxw Elder Dave Spirit Wolf Bodaly and the Salish Sisters, followed by Gabriola’s own Wild Little Spring and alternative pop artist NEAVV.

Sunday’s matinee welcomes award-winning klezmer ensemble Oktopus, performing Brahms, Balkans & Bagels. The evening continues with ANEMARA, a dynamic collaboration of Canadian and Swedish musicians blending Celtic, Nordic, and Canadian traditions, before acclaimed roots duo Blue Moon Marquee closes the festival with their unforgettable mix of blues, jazz, swing, country, and Indigenous soul.

All performances take place at Gabriola Commons, 675 North Road, where festivalgoers can also enjoy food trucks, local vendors, and the beautiful island setting. Single-show tickets range from $20–$40, with discounted day and weekend passes available. Youth 15 and under attend free with registration, and support is available through our Inclusivity Fund to help make the festival accessible to all.