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Experience Art, Music & More at Parksville Beach Festival

Get ready for five and a half weeks of summer fun by the sea!

From July 9 to August 16, the Parksville waterfront comes alive with towering sand sculptures, live music, and family-friendly activities. Locally known as Beachfest, this vibrant celebration offers a dose of creativity, community, and coastal charm.

Masterpieces Made with Sand: An International Showcase

The centrepiece of the Parksville Beach Festival is the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, taking place July 9 to 12 at Parksville Community Park. This year’s theme, “Beauties & Beasts,” invites 30 master sculptors from around the world to craft larger-than-life sand creations using nothing but sand and water. The event kicks off on July 9, with the sculptors preparing their sand blocks during the “Pound Up.” Starting on July 10, at 2 PM, the gates open for public viewing while the sculptors work. On July 12, judging takes place with winners announced at 5:30 PM!

If you can’t make the competition, don’t worry! The completed Parksville sand sculptures remain on display daily from July 13 to August 16 from 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM. As you wander through the sculptures, take note of your favourites and don't forget to cast your vote for the People's Choice Award. Entry is by donation (suggested $5 per person), and proceeds benefit local nonprofits and community projects. Since 1999, Parksville Beach Festival Society has donated over $1.2 million from festival proceeds to the community.

Demonstrations, Crafts, and Family Fun

Get your hands in the sand and learn from the pros during the Parksville Canadian Tire Sand Sculpting Lessons & Demonstrations on July 11 and 12, from 10 AM to 5 PM. These interactive, family-friendly sessions are open to all ages and skill levels, offering expert tips and plenty of sandy fun.

Make your way to the back of the sand sculpting site and discover the first-ever Sand & Sounds Weekend hosted by Little Island Parties on July 25 and 26, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This family event is where live music, hands-on crafts, and beachy good vibes all come together. Young creators can dig into various activities, including sand jars, painted rocks, sand art postcards, and more. Slow down, play together, and make summer memories.

Live Tunes and Leisurely Vibes

At Parksville Beach Festival, you’ll discover talented buskers adding spontaneous charm to the celebration. Live busking can be enjoyed daily from July 13 to August 14 with artists performing at the beachfront gazebo adjacent to the sand sculpting exhibition. Morning busking sessions run from 11 AM to 1 PM and afternoon busking sessions run from 2 to 4 PM. These free, casual performances offer moments of delight when you least expect them.

The music plays on into the evenings with both ticketed concerts and more free performances. Bring a chair, bring a friend, and get ready to groove. Music lovers will enjoy a full summer of on-stage entertainment at Beachfest, starting with the Van Roc Interiors opening weekend concert on July 11, featuring an evening of classic Canadian rock with April Wine—get tickets here! The Tim Hortons Free Summer Concert Series follows on select Fridays and Saturdays (July 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and August 1, 14, 15), offering easygoing evenings of music by the beach—no ticket required. Beachfest ROCKS! Music Festival, sponsored by Mid Island Co-op, celebrates old-time rock and roll, classic rock, and more from August 7 to 9—tickets available here.

Sand Sculptures After Dark

Don’t miss the Coastal Community Credit Union’s Sculpture Light Up on August 14 and 15, running from dusk until 11 PM. As the sun sets, the towering sand creations come to life, bathed in vibrant, coloured spotlights that highlight intricate textures and cast dramatic shadows. This captivating after-dark spectacle offers a magical experience, transforming the already impressive sculptures into stunning works of art illuminated under the night sky.

Whether you're drawn in by the world-class Parksville sand sculptures, energizing live music, or welcoming community spirit, Parksville Beach Festival offers something unforgettable for everyone. Plan your visit today and be part of the magic at Parksville Beach Festival!

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This blog post is sponsored by Parksville Beach Festival

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Parksville Beach Festival

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