Parksville Beach Festival Guide

Known locally as Beachfest, watch master sand sculptors from around the globe compete, creating skilled sand sculptures. Be immersed in masterful sand sculptures, taking in awe-inspiring works of art.

When & Where

Location: Parksville Community Park and Beach

Dates: Competition starts July 9 | Exhibition July 13 - August 16

The competition starts on July 9 for sculptors to begin shaping their pieces. The public is welcome to view the artists at work starting July 10th at 2 p.m. , with the judging and award ceremony to be held on July 12th at 5:30 p.m.

Once the competition wraps up the gallery of sculptures will be available for viewing by July 13th, and will remain open through August 16. Spend a day strolling through sculptures with daily available hours starting from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Capture photographs of the most breathtaking sculptures before the exhibit ends, and participate in the “People’s Choice Award" by voting for your favourite with their voter chips.

For more details on how to vote, check out Parksville Beach Festival's step-by-step guide here.

Parksville Beach Festival

Admission Information

The Parksville Beach Festival suggests a donation of $5.00 per person, supporting local-nonprofit organizations and volunteer community programs. Donations will impact local non-profit organizations. In previous years, the event has generated over $80,000.

Featured Events

Explore sand sculpting lessons, classic rock-filled concerts, live performances from daily buskers, a variety of goods, a light-up weekend event of the sculptures, and more.

For more details about the Parksville Beach Festival, check out the upcoming events here.

Opening Weekend Concert Featuring April Wine! - July 11

One of Canada's biggest rock bands will be kicking off the Beachfest with fan favorites I Like to Rock and Just Between You and Me. Doors will open for the event at 4:30 p.m., and The Tumblin' Dice will open for the band from 5:45 p.m. before the beloved musicians take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Grab your tickets through the MAC Box Office.

Parksville Canadian Tire Sculpting Zone: Lessons & Demonstrations - July 11 & 12

Learn sand sculpting from experts with lessons running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Canadian Tire Buskers - July 13-August 14

Jam to a variety of diverse music with local Vancouver Island performers, performing at the beachfront gazebo next to the sand sculpting contest. These performances will run daily, from 11 a.m. - 1 m. and 2 m.- 4 p.m.

Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series - July 17-August 15

Dance to live music with a variety of country, blues, and rock songs on Friday and Saturday nights, running from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sand and Sounds Weekend - July 25-26

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., experience the magic of sand, sounds, and sunshine presented by Little Island Parties! Enjoy live music and kids’ crafts inside the Sands Sculpting Exhibition.

Mid Island Co-op Presents Beachfest ROCKS - August 7 - 9

The concert will be held at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre in Parksville Community Park. Groove to live music with premier tribute bands playing songs from legendary artists such as David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac and ABBA. Tickets are available as a weekend pass for $99 per person.

Coastal Community Credit Union Light Up! - August 14 & 15

Explore stunning displays of lights across the sand sculpture exhibition, beginning from dusk and ending at 11:00 p.m.

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