Markets · festivals · fairs · live music
The Vancouver Island events calendar.
Markets, festivals, live music and community events across all nine Island regions — every one verified with its organizer before it’s published.
Subscribe to this calendar
Add these events to your own calendar — new ones appear automatically.
Subscribe in Apple Calendar / OutlookNovember 2026
November 26, 2026
Cowichan Valley Festivals
Ladysmith Festival of Lights
One of the Island's grandest holiday light displays, launching with a free Light Up parade and fireworks in historic downtown Ladysmith. Light Up night is November 26, 2026.
November 27, 2026 to November 29, 2026
Pacific Rim Festivals
Tofino Oyster Festival
Tofino's oldest-running festival celebrates Clayoquot Sound oysters over three November days, with the Mermaid's Ball, an Oyster Festival Gala and the family-friendly Shucker's Showdown.
November 28, 2026
Greater Victoria Community
Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade
The 43rd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade lights up Sidney with illuminated floats, marching bands and Santa on Saturday, November 28, 2026. Free to watch, presented by the Greater Victoria Festival Society.
November 28, 2026 to November 29, 2026
Comox Valley Markets
Cumberland WinterFaire
The Cumberland WinterFaire holiday market fills three downtown Cumberland venues on November 28 and 29, 2026, with 75+ artisan vendors, homemade food and festive music. Admission by donation; proceeds support the Cumberland Museum & Archives.
November 29, 2026
Cowichan Valley Community
Country Grocer Christmas Parade (Lake Cowichan)
Lake Cowichan's festive Christmas parade of illuminated floats and Santa, paired with a holiday market. Free, on Sunday, November 29, 2026.
December 2026
December 1, 2026 to January 6, 2027
Greater Victoria
Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens transformed for the holidays — thousands of lights, the Twelve Days of Christmas displays, carollers and an outdoor skating rink.
December 2, 2026 to December 5, 2026
Nanaimo Arts & Culture
The Nutcracker - Royal Winnipeg Ballet
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs its classic production of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's score, at Nanaimo's Port Theatre for five shows from December 2 to 5, 2026. Recommended for ages 6+, with reduced student pricing.
December 3, 2026 to December 20, 2026
Parksville–Qualicum
Milner Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens & Woodland
Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach opens its heritage house and grounds for festive holiday tours with decorated rooms, seasonal music, and tea and cookies. By suggested donation.
December 5, 2026 to December 6, 2026
Gulf Islands Fairs & Exhibitions
Denman Island Christmas Craft Fair
A cherished holiday-season craft fair gathering 80-plus Denman Island artisans across downtown venues, selling pottery, textiles, jewellery, art, preserves and more, direct from the makers.
December 6, 2026
Greater Victoria Community
Sidney Sparkles Holiday Parade
Sidney's beloved holiday parade of illuminated floats, community groups and Santa along Beacon Avenue. Free and family-friendly, expected Sunday, December 6, 2026.
December 12, 2026
Parksville–Qualicum Fairs & Exhibitions
Errington Christmas Craft Faire
A festive community craft market at the Errington War Memorial Hall with dozens of local makers offering handmade gifts, seasonal decor and baked goods, plus a lunch counter. Free admission.
March 2027
April 2027
May 2027
July 2027
July 16, 2027 to July 18, 2027
North Island
Filomi Days
Port Hardy's flagship community festival honouring its Fishing, Logging and Mining heritage, with a parade, live music, logger sports, vendors and fireworks over the harbour each July.
July 17, 2027
Campbell River
Cortes Day
Cortes Island's grassroots summer community celebration at Smelt Bay Provincial Park, with a parade, cakewalk, races, games, food and music that capture the close-knit island spirit.