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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.

November 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.

Cumberland Cultural Centre & Museum, Cumberland

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.

Main Street, Lake Cowichan

December 2026

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.

The Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay

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.

The Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo

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.

Milner Gardens & Woodland, Qualicum Beach

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.

Downtown Denman Island, Denman Island

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.

Beacon Avenue, Sidney

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.

Errington War Memorial Hall, Errington

March 2027

Campbell River Festivals

Words on the Water Writers' Festival

Campbell River's acclaimed writers' festival returns for its 23rd year, bringing celebrated Canadian authors together with readers for two days of readings, panels and conversation at the waterfront Maritime Heritage Centre.

Maritime Heritage Centre, Campbell River

April 2027

Greater Victoria

Times Colonist 10K

Victoria's signature spring road race and one of Canada's largest 10Ks, starting downtown near the Inner Harbour. The 38th annual run is Sunday, April 25, 2027.

Belleville St & Government St, Victoria

May 2027

Greater Victoria Festivals

Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival

The 164th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival, the oldest continuously running Highland Games in North America, returns May 15 to 23, 2027, with the main Games weekend at Topaz Park. Expect heavy events, Highland dance, pipe bands, clan tents and Celtic music.

Topaz Park, Victoria

July 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.

Carrot Park, Port Hardy

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.

Smelt Bay Provincial Park, Cortes Island