Annual Events
Experience year-round traditions, festivals, and celebrations in Parksville Qualicum Beach.
Spring
March
- Brant Wildlife Festival (March–April) – Calling all birding enthusiasts! This festival celebrates Brant geese with wildlife tours, a photography competition, and educational programs.
- Milner Gardens & Woodland Spring Schedule (March–April) – Enjoy early blooms and peaceful trails.
April
- Easter Events – Bunny sightings, egg hunts, and scavenger adventures for the whole family.
- Milner Gardens Spring Plant Sale – Bring home unique plants and garden treasures.
- North Island Wildlife Recovery Eagle Release – Watch majestic eagles take flight at this unforgettable event.
- Vancouver Island RV Show & Sale – Browse travel trailers, campers, and motorhomes at this annual showcase.
May
- Qualicum Beach Family Day – A local tradition featuring a pancake breakfast, parade, and live entertainment.
- Milner Gardens & Woodland Rhododendron Days – Admire colourful blooms at their peak.
- Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Garden Tour – Celebrate Mother’s Day among vibrant rhododendrons.
- Oceanside 10K Race – Run a scenic, paved route with stunning views.
- Parksville Spring Home Show – Get inspired for home and garden improvements.
Summer
June
- Milner Gardens Fairy Houses – Whimsical fairy homes scattered throughout the gardens.
- Hammerfest XC Mountain Bike Race – Exciting competition for all riders.
- Qualicum Beach Triathlon – Swim, bike, and run by the ocean.
- Seaside Cruizers Father’s Day Show & Shine – Classic cars and community spirit.
- BeDazzled Parksville Quilt Show – A showcase of creative textile artistry.
July
- Canada Day Parade & Events – Music, food, and fireworks to celebrate Canada Day.
- Parksville Beach Festival / Sand Sculpting Competition (Jul–Aug) – World-class sand sculptures on the beach.
- Qualicum Beach Beach Day – Sandcastle fun, games, and food vendors.
- Mid-Island Hot Rod Classic Car Event – Admire vintage cars from every decade.
- Ocean Idlers Blast from the Past Car Show – Classic rides and nostalgia.
- Studio Tour: San Pareil / Parksville – Step into local artists’ creative spaces.
- Grand Prix d’Art – Artists paint Qualicum Beach scenes in just three hours.
- Art & Photography in the Garden – Local art and nature combine beautifully.
- Art in the Park – Two days of pottery, painting, and crafts.
- Jazz, Tea & Cheesecake – Live music paired with desserts and tea.
- Parksville Beach Festival Summer Concert Series (Jul–Aug) – Free live music by the sea.
- Qualicum Beach Thursday Night Market (Jul–Aug) – Music, food, and local crafts at night.
August
- Quality Foods Festival of Lights – Fireworks light up the summer sky.
- Coombs Fair – A beloved agricultural fair with animals, food, and live shows.
- Hi Neighbour Days (Errington) – Food, entertainment, and free corn on the cob.
- Children’s Sandcastle Competition – Kids show off their creativity in the sand.
- Qualicum Beach Museum Children’s Day – Crafts, games, and learning for families.
- Parksville Museum Railway Days – Train exhibits and collectibles.
- Coombs Bluegrass Festival – Bluegrass tunes and community fun.
- Jazz in the Garden – Live jazz in the lush Milner Gardens.
- Qualicum Beach Ocean Mile Swim – A one-mile swim race for all levels.
Fall
September
- Lighthouse Country Fall Fair – Tractor displays, pony rides, and fall festivities.
- Knox Fall Fair – Family fun, local vendors, and seasonal treats.
- Milner Gardens Fall Plant Sale – Autumn deals on heritage plants.
- Volleybash – A volleyball tournament on the beach.
- Terry Fox Run – Annual fundraiser for cancer research at Rathtrevor Park.
October
- Cross the Commons Cyclocross Race – Multi-lap biking challenge for all ages.
- ECHO Players Theatre Productions (Oct–May) – Community theatre at its finest.
November
- Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive Breakfast – Donate toys and enjoy a free buffet breakfast.
- Parksville Rock & Gem Show – Crystals, fossils, and geology exhibits.
Winter
December
- Milner Christmas Magic – Experience twinkling lights and a festive gingerbread gift shop.
- Qualicum Beach Farmers Market (Year-round) – Local produce and artisan goods every Saturday.
- Second Sunday Market & Pancake Breakfast (Year-round) – Enjoy breakfast while supporting community fundraisers.
February
- Coombs Fairground Family Day – Family fun with nature displays, games, and face painting.
- Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday – Gardening workshops and seed exchanges with local experts.
Brant Wildlife Festival Guide
Join us from April 4 to 7 for special events, activities, and exhibitions as Parksville Qualicum Beach celebrates nature and welcomes thousands of migrating Brant geese to our shores.
Parksville Beach Festival Guide
Every year, artists participate in this premier event for expert sand sculptors, acting as a qualifying contest for the World Championship of Sand Sculpting.
Summer by the Sea Street Market
Stroll along Craig Street in downtown Parksville on a warm summer evening to be enveloped in the lively, festive atmosphere of the Summer by the Sea Street Market.
Father's Day Qualicum Beach Car Show
Father's Day in Qualicum Beach means one thing - the famous Seaside Cruizers Show & Shine.
Canada Day in Parksville Qualicum Beach
Celebrate Canada Day 2025 in Parksville Qualicum Beach with an exciting lineup of festivities for all ages!
Lighthouse County Fall Fair
Celebrating community spirit since 1969, the Fall Fair has delighted generations with its classic attractions and vibrant new experiences.
Milner Christmas Magic
Stroll through the picturesque Milner Christmas Magic celebration, where idyllic surroundings are transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland.
Polar Bear Splash
Plan your experience for the annual Polar Bear Splash on New Year’s Day with our guide on the official times, registration, and more.