Summer 2026 is just around the corner! Make the most of the season with festivals and events that celebrate every facet of life on the Sunshine Coast. From oceanside concerts to a celebration of the written arts, we've rounded up a few of the exciting events you can check out this summer.
Remember to visit our calendar of events and use the date filters to see what’s happening during your visit.
Local Markets, ongoing over the summer
The Sunshine Coast is full of farmers’ and artisans’ markets, both year-round and seasonal. Read our round-up blog for details on local farmers’ markets, which play host to produce vendors, bakers, makers, and more in communities like Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Gambier Island, and Texada Island, and Powell River.
On select Fridays throughout summer, the Gibsons Public Market hosts a Summer Night Market that is a mainstay of the community. You'll find live music, vendors, hot food, and activities for kids and families. There are also plenty of summer pop-up markets to enjoy at venues throughout the Sunshine Coast, so keep your eye on our calendar of events for details.
Tip: Community markets are a great place to pick up food supplies for your adventures, along with gifts or souvenirs to take home with you!
Pender Harbour May Day, May 16, 2026
Pender Harbour's Annual May Day celebration is always a well-attended event full of fun activities, and this year promises to be no different. Each year features a different theme, with this year's celebrations taking form as a Mardi Gras-style street parade in the heart of Madeira Park! Other activities include everything from a pancake breakfast and a kids' fishing derby to a dunk tank, live music, and local vendors and artisans. Don't miss the crowning of the May Queen!
Molly's Reach 100th Anniversary Celebration, May 30, 2026
Molly's Reach is a landmark in Gibsons, and will soon be celebrating 100 years of history. It has played a notable part in the long-running TV series The Beachcombers, and more recently, has been featured in the Murder in a Small Town TV series. Molly's Reach by Black Bean is hosting a 100th anniversary celebration in Molly's Lane that will include live music, a beer garden, face painting, and family fun.
Pender Harbour Blues Festival, June 5 – 7, 2026
Now in its 21st-year, the Pender Harbour Blues Festival is long-standing concert series that brings live blues music to venues in the Pender Harbour area, including the Lagoon Restaurant at Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Pender Harbour Community Hall, along with the Backeddy Pub at the Backeddy Resort & Marina in nearby Egmont. The lineup of fantastic blues musicians from near and far is the main attraction, but the enthusiastic local crowds add some extra magic to this beloved local event.
Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival and Beyond, June 5 – 14, 2026
The Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival and Beyond features a full week of jazz events throughout venues in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, and Sechelt from June 5 - 11, followed by a ticketed even on June 12 featuring JUNO-nominated ES:MO. This is followed up by the event's signature Festival Weekend on June 13 & 14, where bands take to the stage at Hackett Park in Sechelt and Dougall Park in Gibsons for live music and fun. Check the event website for more details!
Tip: On June 14 you can enjoy Goals & Grooves in Gibsons, a special event to celebrate soccer and music. Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of live music, soccer-themed activities, local food vendors, and family entertainment.
Sunshine Coast Pride Festival, June 7, 2026
The annual Sunshine Coast Pride Festival hosted by the Sunshine Coast Pride Society, is a fun, inclusive, supportive event that brings the community together. This year's parade kicks off at noon at the Davis Bay Pier in Sechelt and ends at ts'úkw'um Park (Mission Point Park), and is followed by live performances, an artisan market, community resources, a Mini Pride Family Zone, arts and crafts, youth spaces, food, drinks, and more! Everyone is welcome.
Summer Soccer Screenings, June 12, 18, 24 & July 19, 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is coming to British Columbia in June & July 2026! The Gibsons Public Market will be hosting a series of Summer Soccer Screenings on June 12, 18, 24, and July 19. Cheer on your team, grab a bite to eat from Emelle's, and enjoy a match with other soccer enthusiasts.
Powell River PRISMA Festival, June 15 - 27, 2026
Get ready for a musical extravaganza by the sea during the annual PRISMA Festival. Each year, international music students come together to study with principal players from top orchestras around the globe. They take to the stage in an epic symphonic spectacle that is enjoyed by music lovers, residents, and visitors alike. Over two weeks, you can take in performances ranging from indoor concerts to a family-friendly music performance set right on the shores of Powell River's Willingdon Beach. Guest appearances have included members of the LA Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Montreal Symphony, and more. It's a music event like no other! General ticket sales are open now.
Tip: Visitors from Vancouver Island can purchase tickets for a special “Sail to the Symphony” matinee on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Tickets include walk-on ferry passes from Comox to Powell River, bus transportation to the venue, lunch, and a musical performance.
Taste of Sechelt, June 20, 2026
Foodies, take note! Taste of Sechelt encourages you try the best food and drink that downtown Sechelt has to offer. From noon to 4pm, you can sip, shop, and eat your way through Downtown Sechelt. Your $25 ticket includes a wine glass for samples of wine at participating shops, plus curated $9 bites will be on offer at participating restaurants and eateries.
Tip: If you have a glass from last year's event, bring it and save $5 on your entry fee.
syíyaya Days, June 21 – July 1, 2026
syíyaya Days first took root in 2022 as a partnership between the District of Sechelt, the shíshálh Nation, and the syíyaya Reconciliation Movement. This multi-day event kicks off on June 21, which is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, and is followed by 10 days of awareness building, learning, and cultural celebration. The event culminates in an inclusive Canada Day event on July 1, that features a parade, live music, and family fun. Check the District of Sechelt website for the full schedule.
Tip: During your visit, we encourage you to engage in cultural exploration and learning—participating in events such as this one is a great way to do that. You can also support local Indigenous tourism operators during your visit.
Outdoor Music Series, July to early September (dates vary by community)
Throughout the summer, you can catch live music performances in various venues across the Sunshine Coast. Gibsons plays host to Music in the Landing, an outdoor concerts series that sees musicians take to the stage in Winegarden Park and at the gazebo in the Gibsons Harbour. Sechelt’s Summer Music Series is set to take place at the Hackett Park stage in July and August. And Powell River hosts a Music in the Park series at Willingdon Beach.
Tip: Heading out to enjoy some music? Grab food to go and make it a picnic in the park as well.
PrideFest and Annual Pride Parade, July 4, 2026
The qathet Pride Society is hosting PrideFest and their 3rd Annual Pride Parade on July 4, 2026. Full details are in the works, so make sure you save the date!
Powell River Logger Sports, July 11 & 12, 2026
Powell River Logger Sports takes place at the Loggers Memorial Bowl in Powell River. The amphitheatre is located in Willingdon Beach Park, on Marine Avenue, and overlooks the beautiful Salish Sea. Chainsaw carvers will start their work on July 8, with final artwork on display during the event. This is a sanctioned event through the Canadian Loggers Sports Association (CANLOG), and the competitions are expected to be fierce. Check out our Guide to Powell River Logger Sports for more background on the event.
Tip: Be on the lookout for chainsaw carvings throughout Powell River. This unique art form is celebrated each year at Logger Sports.
Texada Island Sandcastle Weekend, July 11 & 12, 2026
Texada Island’s Sandcastle Weekend is designed for family fun and entertainment. The sandcastle competition is the main event, with a small entry fee and categories for different age groups. But that’s not all: the weekend typically includes a parade, food court and vendors, beer garden, pancake breakfast, and more. In previous years there have been some fun extras like bed races, a lip sync contest, and even a dog show! Stay tuned for details on the 2026 event.
Tip: Texada Island is a great spot for a getaway. Book a spot at a campsite next to the beach or stay in a tiny home surround by forest at Rocky Valley Resort.
Texada Annual Fly-In and Fling, July 25 & 26, 2026
The Texada Annual Fly-in and Fling kicks off with a dance at the Royal Canadian Legion (with cover by donation), followed by a day of fun at the Texada Airport, starting with a pancake breakfast and followed by a car, plane, and bike show and shine. There will be flight demonstrations, a BBQ lunch, and more. Don’t miss the Texada Aviation Museum and Library, which includes aviation displays and paintings, and an amateur radio room, or the AirBuzz flight simulator (by donation).
Davis Bay Sandcastle Competition, August 1, 2026
The Davis Bay Sandcastle Competition turns the stunning beachfront at Davis Bay into an outdoor gallery of sand sculptures for a day. This family-friendly event sees competitors of all ages and skill levels take to the beach to build elaborate, creative, and often jaw-dropping creations from nothing but sand and imagination. It’s free to attend, and as fun as it is to watch as it is to enter. Head over to The Wobbly Canoe or Joe's on the Beach post-event for a bite to eat (and views overlooking the water and sand castle creations).
Supper Club at Shady Hazel Farm, August 8, 22, and 29, 2026
Shady Hazel Farm's Supper Club returns for another season with a unique farm-to-table dining experience in Gibsons. Each dinner includes a five-course menu made from locally sourced ingredients, served under twinkling lights beside blooming flower fields. Featured chefs for 2026 include the team behind some of Canada's most notable and award-winning restaurants, including Mon Lapin (Montreal), Nero Tondo (Vancouver), Boulevard (Vancouver), and for the first time this year, Chef David Jackman of Cincinnati's Wildweed. Purchase your tickets as soon as possible; the July 18 dinner is already sold out!
Pender Harbour Wooden Boat Show, August 8 & 9, 2026
Formerly known as Pender Harbour Days, the Pender Harbour Wooden Boat Show is a celebration of maritime heritage and craftsmanship on one of the most boat-friendly stretches of the BC coast. The event showcases beautiful wooden vessels of all kinds, alongside community activities and waterfront fun.
Tip: Pender Harbour is home to a sheltered network of inlets and bays. If you’re arriving by boat, this is one event that lets you pull right up to the action!
Sleepy Hollow Rod Run and Show n’ Shine, August 7 & 8, 2026
Presented by the Coaster’s Car Club, the annual Sleepy Hollow Rod Run and Show n’ Shine is a popular annual event. On Friday night, over 400 classic cars make the 30km Rod Run trip from Sechelt to Halfmoon Bay. Spectators along the way have been known to make signs, dress in costumes, and chill out on lawn chairs as they cheer on the drivers. The Saturday portion of the event includes a Show n’ Shine along Cowrie Street in Sechelt, with trophy presentations in the afternoon.
Tip: On August 9, 2026 you can watch drag racing at the Sechelt Airport. Gate admission is $10, but note that children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. The races feature different classes of vehicles like hot rods, street machines, and more.
Backwoodz Jam, August 14 & 15, 2026
Coast Gravity Park plays host to the Backwoodz Jam each year, which sees top freeride and slopestyle athletes from around the world throw down at the park. This year, they are adding two nights of live music with performances by Cory Marks, The Chris Buck Band, The Heels, Simon Clow, Black Lysted, The Hook, Prodigal Road, and more.
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, August 13 - 16, 2026
The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts is Canada's longest running literary festival, celebrating a diverse roster of literary voices (and readers). What started as a one-day inaugural festival has grown to a nationally recognized event that attracts writers from across the country. In past years, the lineup has included local publishers, acclaimed writers, and celebrated poets—and 2026 will be no different. Take in author readings, panel discussions, musical performances, and more, all set in the stunning gardens of Rockwood Centre in Sechelt. Check the event's website for confirmed writers for this year.
Tip: Fans of the written word will want to stick around the Art & Words Festival happening in Gibsons from August 21 - 23, 2026.
Blackberry Festival, August 21 & 22, 2026
Blackberries are available in dense patches all over the Sunshine Coast, from Langdale to Lund. Powell River’s Blackberry Festival pays homage to these beloved berries every August, and during the course of this festival, blackberries make their way into both sweet and savoury foods of all kinds. The Blackberry Festival Street Party on Marine Avenue features live music, food, art exhibitions, interactive performances, and more. New for this summer, an extra day of festivities has been added: The Blackberry Jam at Willingdon Beach, a day full of live music and vendors.
Tip: You can purchase blackberry items year-round in Powell River, like the Blackberry Gin from Salish Sea Distillery (just in case you miss the festival, or simply want to take something home with you).
qathet Studio Tour, August 22 & 23, 2026
Experience the diversity and excellence of the art community on the northern Sunshine Coast. The qathet Studio Tour is a free, self-guided event featuring artists from Lang Bay to Lund. A brochure with a map will be available at various locations in Powell River & qathet, leading you to the homes and studios of local artists. The event aims to connect art makers and art lovers, and is a great way to explore Powell River, Lund, and beyond while supporting the local artists.
Tip: Local artists are often inspired by the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful landscapes. Book a stay in Powell River or Lund, and get outside—spend some time paddling, hiking, biking, exploring local beaches, and more.
Sunshine Music Festival, September 5 & 6, 2026
The Sunshine Music Festival takes place over the Labour Day weekend, in beautiful Palm Beach Regional Park. Enjoy live music on the beachfront stage, take a refreshing swim in the ocean, find unique treasures in the artisan market, and fuel up for more fun with some delicious food. The 2026 lineup is out, and includes performers with a variety of musical styles like Beach Crashers, The Boom Booms, Elastic Band, and Lonesome Town Painters.
Tip: Arrive prepared with the essentials, since many amenities are a bit of a drive from the venue. There is no overnight camping available at the park, so it’s important to book accommodations and make your travel plans well in advance.
These are just some of the events happening on the Sunshine Coast this summer! Visit our calendar of events to learn more about what's happening during your visit.
