Annual Events on the Sunshine Coast

There’s always an event or festival to look forward to on the Sunshine Coast. Read on for details on the most anticipated annual events, and be sure to visit our calendar of events for more information on what’s happening on the Sunshine Coast. 

Year-round

Enjoy community Farmers’ Markets all along the Sunshine Coast. They include a mix of seasonal and year-round farmers’ and artisan markets full of locally grown and crafted goods.

January | February | March

Watch for Polar Bear Swims in January, the Sunshine Coast Loppet ski and snowshoe races at Dakota Ridge in February, and the qathet International Film Festival, a celebration of film at the historic Patricia Theatre

April | May

April kicks off with the Townsite Jazz Festival in Powell River, the Festival of the Performing Arts in Sechelt, and the April Tools Wooden Boat Challenge in Pender Harbour. And if you’re feeling up to it, consider signing up for the Marathon Shuffle, which takes place along a 29-kilometre section of the Sunshine Coast Trail.

In May, join in the Lund Seafood Festival to celebrate the ocean’s bounty or Pender Harbour May Day which features live music and community celebration in Madeira Park. 

June

Discover a variety of music events that draw visitors from all over the map, including the Pender Harbour Blues Festival, PRISMA Festival (Pacific Region International Summer Music Association), and the Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival. There are also community events and activities to participate in on June 21, which is National Indigenous Peoples Day here in Canada. 

July

Enjoy Canada Day celebrations on July 1, along with a wide variety of other events throughout the month. On the Northern Sunshine Coast, you can check out the Powell River Logger Sports event, the Texada Island Blues & Roots Festival, and the International Choral Kathaumixw. On the Southern Sunshine Coast, don’t miss the Davis Bay Sandcastle Competition, Music in the Landing, and more. 

August

The Northern Sunshine Coast will be abuzz at the Texada Annual Fly-in, the Run the Rock Marathon, Blackberry Festival & Street Party, and the qathet Region Studio Tour. The Southern Sunshine Coast plays host to events such as Pender Harbour Days, the Sleepy Hollow Rod Run, Creek Daze, the Festival of the Written Arts, and the Rogue Arts Festival. 

September | October

Come September, you can check out events such as the Sunshine Music Festival in Powell River and Oktoberfest in Sechelt. October is full of arts and culture events such as the Sechelt Arts Festival and the hotly anticipated annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl.  

November | December

Leading up to the holiday season, you’ll find plenty of holiday markets and crafts fairs along the coast. Other seasonal events include the Sechelt Festival of Lights, the Pender Harbour Christmas Boat Parade, and the Powell River Santa Parade. 

Visit our calendar of events to see what’s happening on the Sunshine Coast. 

View our calendar of events to see what's happening on the Sunshine Coast.

While many people visit for the plethora of things to see and do, others visit simply to enjoy the laid-back vibe and soak in a legendary west coast sunset or two.

Discover places to stay on the Sunshine Coast, including accommodations in Powell River, Sechelt, Gibsons, Pender Harbour, and everywhere in between.

From indulging in local libations to checking out food festivals, there are plenty of ways to eat and drink your way around the Sunshine Coast.