LOCAL EVENTS
MARKETS
Parksville’s Craig Street Market:
Early June to late August
Qualicum Beach Farmers Market:
Weekly on Saturday mornings, 8:30am-12pm year round
Errington Community Market:
May through September at 1390 Errington Rd., Errington
Milner Christmas Magic
Make memories with family and friends this holiday season by experiencing Milner Christmas Magic’s outdoor stroll through thousands of twinkling lights and festive window displays.
Polar Bear Splash
Every year, the Regional District of Nanaimo organizes a Polar Bear Splash—a goosebump-inducing tradition at Parksville Community Park. Community members and visitors are invited to step into the cold waters of the park, kicking off the new year with an exhilarating activity.
Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday
Join us for seed swap, kids activities, seed vendors, drop in demos, raffle. Admission by donation.
Coombs Fairground Family Day
The Arrowsmith Agricultural Association, with the support of the Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association (ACRA), is proud to be hosting their annual Family Day Celebration. This event will be jam packed with exhibits, activities and fun for the whole family. Come celebrate family and community in true Coombs fashion. Family Day: Bringing baaaaack FUN!
Brant Wildlife Festival
The Brant Wildlife Festival is held in central Vancouver Island which boasts one of the richest levels of biodiversity in Canada. Brant geese migrate from Mexico and Baja to their Arctic breeding grounds and stop on Vancouver Island to rest and feed. When herring spawn, Brant and many other bird species migrate to our shores and in our waters exciting tourists, birdwatchers, and photographers alike.
Fall in Love with Fall Market
Come on out to the Coombs Rodeo Grounds for the Fall in Love with Fall Market.
There will be a variety of artisians, crafters, health and wellness and small business vendors, plus a concession.
Vancouver Island Overland Rally
The Vancouver Island Overland Rally is a weekend-long celebration of everything overland.
Camp out. Meet the community. Learn new skills. Explore the latest gear. Whether you’re brand new or fully built, this event is for you. All 4x4 vehicles welcome. Family-friendly. Kids and dogs encouraged.
Bulls, Broncs & Barrels
Vancouver Island Western Heritage Association hosts an annual event known as BULLS, BRONCS & BARRELS, at facilities in Coombs, BC known as the Coombs Rodeo Grounds. It is the "biggest little Western event on Vancouver Island"! Events include ladies barrel racing and breakaway roping, bull riding, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, and junior steer riding. There are a variety of food trucks and concession, beer garden, Saturday dance and local vendors selling crafts, tack and Western clothing. Join us for live music Friday night in the beer gardens as well as a dinner and dance with a live band on Saturday evening.
COOMBS FAIR
Each year in August, we host the Coombs Fair, a traditional community celebration with food, livestock, vendors, and demonstrations that showcases all the things that make our community special. This year, we are pleased to announce the 113th Coombs Fair, which celebrates the Year of the Goose. We invite you to join us for this annual event to celebrate our community and enjoy a day of festivities.
Parksville SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION
Over the past 40 years Parksville has welcomed visitors from all over the world to our Sand Sculpting Exhibition, located at the Parksville Community Park off Hwy 19A (Exit 46). Visitors marvel at these unbelievable feats of artistry and engineering. The competition is open to professional/master level sculptors, and draws artists from around the globe.
Parksville Beach Festival
Known to locals as Beachfest, this 5 ½ week long family-oriented festival runs from mid July to the third week in August and includes: the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, weekend concerts, daily buskers, a family event and a special weekend evening light up of the sculptures.
Art in The Garden Artisan Market
16th Annual Nanoose Bay Art in the Garden!
Come walk the gardens, listen to live music, enjoy some yummy food and shop the wonderful talented Vancouver Island artisans!
West Coast Womynsfest
A weekend of empowerment, unity and endless possibilities! This event is all about honoring and uplifting womyn from the West Coast community. Get ready for inspiring and interactive themed campgrounds, live music, delicious food and a marketplace featuring local artisans. Come as you are and embrace the sisterhood!