Markets · festivals · fairs · live music
The Vancouver Island events calendar.
Markets, festivals, live music and community events across all nine Island regions — every one verified with its organizer before it’s published.
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Subscribe in Apple Calendar / OutlookOctober 2026
October 11, 2026
Greater Victoria Sports & Outdoors
Royal Victoria Marathon
One of Canada's premier oceanside road races — marathon, half, 8K, 5K and kids' run through Victoria on Thanksgiving weekend.
October 17, 2026
Nanaimo Live Music
Vancouver Island Symphony: Arabian Nights
The Vancouver Island Symphony opens its 32nd season with Arabian Nights, a full orchestral concert at Nanaimo's Port Theatre on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Tickets are sold individually or by season subscription.
October 24, 2026
Greater Victoria
Art of the Cocktail
Victoria's premier cocktail and spirits tasting at Crystal Garden, with 40-plus exhibitors, seminars and small bites. A 19+ fundraiser for the Victoria Film Festival.
October 24, 2026
Pacific Rim Live Music
The Remarkable Beach Boys Tribute...Let's Go Surfin'!
Experience BACKBEAT’s Let’s Go Surfin’!—the world’s top Beach Boys tribute! Dazzling harmonies, pulsing surfboards, and iconic hits. Sat, Oct 24 at ADSS Theatre. All ages!
November 2026
November 6, 2026
Greater Victoria Live Music
Got Stones! — A Night of Rolling Stones
A high-energy Rolling Stones tribute recreating the band's 1989 Steel Wheels era, live at the McPherson Playhouse in Victoria on November 6, 2026.
November 13, 2026 to December 23, 2026
Cowichan Valley Arts & Culture
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Chemainus Theatre Festival)
Chemainus Theatre Festival's holiday production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a warm Pride and Prejudice sequel by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Runs November 13 to December 23, 2026.
November 17, 2026
Nanaimo Live Music
Crash Test Dummies: Jingle All the Way
Juno-winning Canadian band Crash Test Dummies bring their Jingle All the Way tour - 1990s hits plus seasonal favourites - to Nanaimo's Port Theatre on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, with opener Logan Richard.
November 19, 2026 to November 29, 2026
Nanaimo Arts & Culture
Cedar & Yellow Point Country Christmas Arts Tour
A free, self-guided studio tour through Cedar and Yellow Point where visitors meet local artists and shop handmade holiday gifts across festive late-November weekends.
November 20, 2026 to November 22, 2026
Comox Valley Community
Holiday by the Harbour
Downtown Comox's free festive weekend pairs a tree lighting with a winter market of local artisans, makers and food vendors, kicking off the holiday season in the seaside town.
November 21, 2026
Cowichan Valley Live Music
Got Stones! — A Night of Rolling Stones
A Rolling Stones tribute celebrating the band's Steel Wheels era, live at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan on November 21, 2026.
November 26, 2026
Cowichan Valley Festivals
Ladysmith Festival of Lights
One of the Island's grandest holiday light displays, launching with a free Light Up parade and fireworks in historic downtown Ladysmith. Light Up night is November 26, 2026.
November 27, 2026 to November 29, 2026
Pacific Rim Festivals
Tofino Oyster Festival
Tofino's oldest-running festival celebrates Clayoquot Sound oysters over three November days, with the Mermaid's Ball, an Oyster Festival Gala and the family-friendly Shucker's Showdown.
November 28, 2026
Greater Victoria Community
Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade
The 43rd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade lights up Sidney with illuminated floats, marching bands and Santa on Saturday, November 28, 2026. Free to watch, presented by the Greater Victoria Festival Society.
November 28, 2026 to November 29, 2026
Comox Valley Markets
Cumberland WinterFaire
The Cumberland WinterFaire holiday market fills three downtown Cumberland venues on November 28 and 29, 2026, with 75+ artisan vendors, homemade food and festive music. Admission by donation; proceeds support the Cumberland Museum & Archives.
November 29, 2026
Cowichan Valley Community
Country Grocer Christmas Parade (Lake Cowichan)
Lake Cowichan's festive Christmas parade of illuminated floats and Santa, paired with a holiday market. Free, on Sunday, November 29, 2026.
December 2026
December 1, 2026 to January 6, 2027
Greater Victoria
Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens transformed for the holidays — thousands of lights, the Twelve Days of Christmas displays, carollers and an outdoor skating rink.
December 2, 2026 to December 5, 2026
Nanaimo Arts & Culture
The Nutcracker - Royal Winnipeg Ballet
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs its classic production of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's score, at Nanaimo's Port Theatre for five shows from December 2 to 5, 2026. Recommended for ages 6+, with reduced student pricing.
December 3, 2026 to December 20, 2026
Parksville–Qualicum
Milner Christmas Magic at Milner Gardens & Woodland
Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach opens its heritage house and grounds for festive holiday tours with decorated rooms, seasonal music, and tea and cookies. By suggested donation.
December 5, 2026 to December 6, 2026
Gulf Islands Fairs & Exhibitions
Denman Island Christmas Craft Fair
A cherished holiday-season craft fair gathering 80-plus Denman Island artisans across downtown venues, selling pottery, textiles, jewellery, art, preserves and more, direct from the makers.
December 6, 2026
Greater Victoria Community
Sidney Sparkles Holiday Parade
Sidney's beloved holiday parade of illuminated floats, community groups and Santa along Beacon Avenue. Free and family-friendly, expected Sunday, December 6, 2026.
December 12, 2026
Parksville–Qualicum Fairs & Exhibitions
Errington Christmas Craft Faire
A festive community craft market at the Errington War Memorial Hall with dozens of local makers offering handmade gifts, seasonal decor and baked goods, plus a lunch counter. Free admission.