The Cowichan Region in the spring and summer is a festival and events paradise. The stunning scenery of the valley is the perfect backdrop for festivals of all varieties. Whether you’re looking to camp and enjoy live music, experience unique wine and arts events, or hang out with motoring enthusiasts, there are a wide variety of Cowichan events to choose from.
The events below are sure to put you in a festive spirit, but there are so many more excellent activities in Cowichan. For a full list of events, activities and festivals check out our website!
1. LAKETOWN ROCK
Laketown Ranch, Youbou – June 29 – July 1
Have plans for the Canada Day long weekend? What’s better than celebrating in Youbou with some incredible musicians in a serene setting.
Laketown Rock’s 2018 line-up features all-star acts including Colin James, Collective Soul, Kim Mitchell, Big Wreck and more! Check out the full lineup here!
Laketown Ranch is a premier concert facility. Nestled next to Cowichan Lake, these festival grounds are surrounded by some of the Cowichan’s most stunning lakeside scenery. For bonus festival fun, Laketown Ranch is hosting a series of Laketown Shakedowns throughout the summer!
2. 39 Days of July
Downtown Duncan, June 30 – August 7
‘It is nice to live in a community that allows one to be ‘crazy’ and it appears my community enjoys encouraging me to be so, I like that.’ – 39 Days of July founder, Longevity John.
Imagine live music, played on intimate stages, every day for 39 Days! That’s 39 Days of July. This unique festival located in Downtown Duncan offers hours of live music for free! Enjoy a day in Duncan, stroll through the quaint downtown area, grab yourself a treat and enjoy the live music!
3. ISLANDS FOLK FESTIVAL
Providence Farm, Duncan BC, July 20-22
Hosted at the historic Providence Farm in Duncan, the Islands Folk Festival is a weekend of family fun, camping and music. The folk fest is all about nurturing the next generation of music lovers, which makes it the perfect venue for kids (and parents) to play and dance freely and safely. Book your camping spots and enjoy a full weekend of music and festivities.
Situated at the base of Mount Tzouhalem, Providence Farm is an organic 400-acre therapeutic farm.
4. Sunfest Country Music Festival
Laketown Ranch, Youbou August 2-5
Sunfest is a country music lovers’ paradise! Hosted at Laketown Ranch in Cowichan Lake this all-star lineup is the perfect way to celebrate the BC Day Long Weekend. This year’s headliners include George Canyon, Aaron Pritchett, Dallas Smith, Meghan Patrick, Brett Young, Eric Church, Midland and the James Barker Band.
Check out the full lineup here.
5. Arts on the Avenue & Light Up the Night
Ladysmith, BC – August 25 & 26
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Arts on the Avenue in Ladysmith. Over 55 artists set up and display their work along Ladysmith’s historic First Avenue. Stroll along the avenue taking in the incredible array of artistic pursuits. The street is full of art, the air is full of music, and your belly is full of delicious food.
Let the kids stay up late! Light Up the Night on Saturday, August 25th is a night festival celebrating art, music, food and light along Ladysmith’s historic First Avenue. The festivities are free and family friendly. Enjoy the evening from 6:30 – 10:00 pm.
6. Chemainus Bluegrass Extravaganza and Festival
Waterwheel Park Chemainus – July 14
Enjoy Bluegrass in the Waterwheel Park. Chemainus is known for having a very active art scene! Not only are they unveiling six new murals this year, they have also built a new labyrinth and they host the annual Bluegrass Extravaganza. Bring a lawn chair and experience a day of live bluegrass in Chemainus!
7. Wine, Arts & Music Festival
May 19-20
Wine, arts and music, could you ask for anything more? The Wine, Arts & Music Festival is back for its second year. Between May 19th and 20th enjoy live music, fine arts and fabulous wine from across the Cowichan region.
This is the perfect event for exploring the Cowichan wine and art scene at your own pace.
Wineries include: Averill Creek Vineyard, Enrico Winery, Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Rocky Creek Winery, Cherry Point Estate Wines, Damali Lavender & Winery, Unsworth Vineyards.
8. 33rd Cowichan Bay Wooden Boat Festival
Cowichan Bay – July 7 & 8
This is the perfect event for nautical enthusiasts and maritime lovers alike! Come and celebrate Cowichan’s maritime heritage at the Cowichan Bay Wooden Boat Festival. The festivities include boat displays, seagull engine races, boat building and face painting for the kids, a Best of the Bay Chowder Contest and a decadent salmon barbeque dinner. This event is the perfect seaside weekend. Enjoy the Wooden Boat festival then explore the shops and restaurants of Cowichan Bay Village.
9. KOKSILAH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Providence Farm, Duncan – September 7 – 9
The Koksilah Music Festival is a volunteer collective of musicians, artists, and organizers who aspire to belong to vibrant communities working towards social justice, Indigenous resurgence, reconciliation, stewardship of local ecosystems, and community-driven alternatives to the status quo.
Located at the historic Providence Farm, the Koksilah Music Festival is a combination of live music and workshops to create a truly interactive festival experience!
10. Motor Gathering
Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit – August 26
Over 12,000 people come out to the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit for the Annual Motor Gathering last year. This is the perfect event for motor enthusiasts to gather and admire the more than 600 cars, trucks and motorcycles that are on display. All proceeds from the Motor Gathering go to charity, last year the event raised over $174,000 in cash donations and over $180,000 in in-kind donations. Admission is by donation.
