Must-See Summer Art Events in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Explore the arts, learn new skills, and support local artists at these can't-miss summer events!

Summer in Parksville Qualicum Beach is a season for art. The region's two anchor arts centres, The Old School House Arts Centre (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach and the McMillan Arts Centre (the MAC) in Parksville, both have summer exhibits ready to explore, along with an events calendar packed with live music, outdoor markets, and hands-on classes. You can also plan a trip for Parksville Beach Festival's legendary sand sculpting and a rotating roster of local makers.

There's something worth seeing nearly every week from June through August.

TOSH Exhibitions
MAC Exhibitions
Summer 2026 Art Events

The Old School House Arts Centre (TOSH)

Location: 122 Fern Road West
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday | 10 am to 4 pm

Summer 2026 Exhibitions

  • Carly Butler: how to soar with the moon and drown in the sea | May 5-July 4, 2026
  • Baxter Redfern: As Above | May 5-July 4, 2026
  • David Vegt: Being Cumberland | May 5-July 4, 2026
  • Janis Gosbee: Imprint | July 7-August 29, 2026
  • Etsuko Kaji-Holley: Flower Power | July 7-August 29, 2026
  • Rosemary Burd: Radiance | July 7-August 29, 2026

Check theoldschoolhouse.org for more information on upcoming exhibition dates and any new shows added to the summer calendar.

McMillan Arts Centre

Location: 133 McMillan Street
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday | 11 am to 3 pm

Summer 2026 Exhibitions

  • Birds Eye View: Peter Kiidumae | June 2-28, 2026
  • Jolene Hassard: Centered | June 2-28, 2026
  • The View From Here: Anouk Harwell, Mary Gorman, Lynn Farwell, Elaine Smith, Jean Cockburn | June 2-28, 2026
  • Claudia Lohmann: Where the Lines Let Go | June 30-July 26, 2026
  • Viva Canada! featuring Joan Larson | July 5-August 30, 2026
  • Bountiful, new works by Grant Leier | July 28-August 30, 2026

Check mcmillanartscentre.com for more information and other special events that may be added during the summer.

The MAC School also runs workshops and classes throughout the summer for all ages and skill levels, including Art Bites, Art Gems, Creative Kids programming, plein air watercolour instruction, Art Therapy Open Studio, and more.

Summer 2026 Art Events

Parksville Beach Festival

Dates: Competition starts July 9 | Exhibition July 13 - August 16, 2026
Location: Parksville Community Park & Beach | 193 Island Hwy E

One of Canada's most celebrated sand sculpting competitions draws world-class artists who transform the beach into a sprawling temporary gallery. The competition runs in mid-July, and the exhibition continues through mid-August, with guided tours and family programming available throughout the run.

Art in the Garden Artisan Market

Dates: July 10-12, 2026
Location: BumbleBees Farm & Garden | 2525 Northwest Bay Road

Come walk the gardens, listen to live music, enjoy some yummy food, and shop works from talented Vancouver Island artisans at the 16th annual festival in Nanoose Bay.

Parksville Canadian Tire Sculpting Zone

Dates: July 11-12, 2026
Location: Parksville Community Park & Beach | 193 Island Hwy E

In addition to the amazing singles and doubles competition, the public has the opportunity to learn sand-sculpting techniques used by professionals. Parksville Canadian Tire has sponsored two professional sculptors to work with the public and teach them how to create a sand sculpture from scratch. All ages are welcome.

NBST - Summer Breeze Tour

Dates: July 18-19, 2026 | 10am-4pm
Location: All around Nanoose Bay

The Summer Breeze Studio Tour is a self-guided weekend event in Nanoose Bay that invites visitors to explore working artists’ studios, view art in progress, and purchase original pieces directly from local creators.

Studio Tour San Pareil

Dates: July 18-19, 2026 | 10am-5pm
Location: Various locations around Parksville Qualicum Beach

Artists in Parksville and Qualicum Beach are opening their studios for a two-day tour, giving visitors a chance to meet 31 artists across 22 locations and explore a wide range of artwork. The event also features a silent auction, with all proceeds going toward helping a young boy with a disability obtain a wheelchair better suited to his needs.

Pick up a map during the event at 856 Terrien Way, or pick it up in advance from the MAC or The Old School House Arts Centre.

Recurring Art Events

For a full list of events and to plan your visit, check the Parksville Qualicum Beach events calendar.

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Parksville Qualicum Beach

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