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. Known locally as Beachfest, watch expert sand sculptors from around the globe compete, creating skilled sand pieces under this year’s theme, “Wonders of the World.” Be immersed in masterful sand sculptures, taking in awe-inspiring works of art.

When & Where

The competition will start on July 13 as sculptors begin shaping their work. Public availability during the competition begins on July 14, and runs through July 16 with an award ceremony at 5 p.m. This event is held at the Parksville Community Park and Beach.

The sand sculpture exhibition will be available from July 17 to August 20. Spend a day strolling through sculptures with daily available hours starting from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Discover your favorite sculpture and place a vote for it, participating in the “People’s Choice Award.” Capture photographs of the most breathtaking sculptures before the exhibit ends.

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, generating over $65,000 being placed back into these volunteer community programs.

A sand sculpture of a person moving and playing flute at Parksville Beach Festival

Featured Events

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

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

Parksville Canadian Tire Sculpting Zone: Lessons & Demonstrations - July 15 & 16

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

Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series - July 21-August 19

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.

Party City Buskers - July 17-August 20

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 on a daily basis starting at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Coastal Community Credit Union Light Up! - August 18 & 19

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

Quality Foods Lunch with the Castles - July 25-August 17

Munch on delectable eats before touring the sand sculptures, starting at 11:30 a.m. Each lunch and tour ticket costs $15 per person with groups starting at a minimum of 10 people.

Mid Island Co-op Rock the Park - August 11, 12 & 13

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 Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, and Elvis. Tickets are available as a weekend pass for $75.00 per person.

Symphony by the Sea - August 20

Enjoy RE/MAX Parksville-Qualicum's orchestra concert, showcasing the talents of the Vancouver Island Symphony with gates opening at 3:00 p.m. and the concert running from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. Don't miss classic renditions from the works of legendary composers such as John Williams, Brahms, and more.

Art In the Park Artisan Market - July 22 & 23

Explore this local artisan market that will be located in the gardens near the tennis courts at Parksville Community Park. This event starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. on July 22. As for July 23, it begins at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m.