The stunning scenery of the Cowichan region offers the perfect backdrop for festivals and events of all varieties. From multi-day music festivals with international headliners to world-class wine and food events and unique art fairs, there is a diverse collection of year-round activities to book in your calendar.
The events below are sure to put you in a festive spirit, but there are so many more excellent activities in Cowichan. Check out our website for a complete list of events, activities, and festivals!
COWICHAN VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL
June 1 – 30 Cowichan Valley
The popular Cowichan Valley Wine Festival is back for another year! This June, enjoy our local wineries’ hospitality, sip award-winning wines, and meet the unique winemakers behind each incredible vintage. Tour eight unique Cowichan wineries for the entire month and enjoy ongoing specials and giveaways. Bundle your tastings with the Cowichan Valley Wine Festival Launch Party on August 4th.
COWICHAN VALLEY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
June 17 – 19 Laketown Ranch, Lake Cowichan
Live performances, music workshops, acoustic jam sessions and a night of square dancing – the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival is an all-ages, family-friendly festival showcasing the best bluegrass and old-time music. Located in Lake Cowichan, this is an excellent weekend of music, dancing, and on-site camping.
39 Days of JULY
June 24 – August 1 – Downtown Duncan
‘It is nice to live in a community that allows one to be ‘crazy’ and it appears my community enjoys encouraging me to be so, I like that.’ – 39 Days of July founder, Longevity John.
Imagine live music played on intimate stages every day for 39 Days! That’s 39 Days of July. This unique festival located in Downtown Duncan offers hours of live music for free! So enjoy a day in Duncan, stroll through the quaint downtown area, grab yourself a treat and enjoy the live music!
LAKETOWN RANCH
Laketown Ranch, Lake Cowichan
Laketown Ranch is a premier concert facility that offers seasonal camping and group events. Nestled next to Cowichan Lake, these festival grounds are surrounded by some of the Cowichan’s most stunning lakeside scenery. For bonus festival fun, Laketown Ranch is hosting a series of concerts throughout the summer!
Laketown Shakedown – June 30 – July 2, 2022
Have plans for the Canada Day long weekend? What’s better than celebrating in Youbou with some incredible musicians in a serene setting. This year’s star-studded lineup features headlining musical acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Sugar Ray, Arkells, Lights and more.
The event is a three day, all-ages music festival set on the expansive Laketown Ranch in Lake Cowichan. Festival-goers can camp on-site and bring their own food and alcohol, with showers, beverage gardens, and ample water stations.
Laketown Rock – July 22 & 23, 2022
Laketown Rock’s lineups feature all-star acts, including John Fogerty, Collective Soul, Kim Mitchell, Big Wreck and more! Check out the full lineup on the event listings page!
Sunfest Country Music Festival – July 28 – 31, 2022
Sunfest is a country music lovers’ paradise! Hosted at Laketown Ranch in Cowichan Lake, this all-star lineup is the perfect way to celebrate the BC Day Long Weekend. This year’s headliners include Dallas Smith, Orville Peck, Aaron Pritchett, Darius Rucker, James Barker Band, and many, many more.
ISLANDS FOLK FESTIVAL
July 23 – Providence Farm, Duncan
Hosted at the historic Providence Farm in Duncan, the 2022 Islands Folk Festival packs a massive lineup onto five stages in just one day! The folk fest is all about nurturing the next generation of music lovers, making it the perfect venue for kids (and parents) to play and dance freely and safely.
COWICHAN BAY WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL
July 23 – 24 – Cowichan Bay
Get ready for an adventure! The Annual Wooden Boat Festival is the perfect event for nautical enthusiasts and maritime lovers alike! This event is the perfect seaside weekend. Enjoy the Wooden Boat festival then explore the shops and restaurants of the Cowichan Bay Village.
COWICHAN CRAFT BEER & FOOD FESTIVAL
August 13 – Chemainus
Celebrating the true craft beer producers of the region and beyond, the Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival is back for its third year. Local brewers will be serving up the staples like craft lagers, pilsners and IPAs. But they’ll also serve a selection of seasonals and limited releases for beer-lovers to wet their whistles. So come hungry because Cowichan chefs will be supplying an artisan menu of the finest pub fare
BEVERLY CORNERS SHOW & SHINE
August 21 – Cowichan Sportsplex, Duncan
Get Automobile and hot rod enthusiasts love the Beverly Corners Show & Shine. Unique vehicles will bring nostalgic memories as viewers walk the rows of cars on display. This family-friendly event is the perfect weekend activity for car lovers of all ages.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT & ARTS ON THE AVEnue
August 27 & 28, Ladysmith
Saturday, August 27 – Light Up the Night: Let the kids stay up late! Light Up the Night on Saturday, August 27th is a night festival celebrating art, music, food and light along Ladysmith’s historic First Avenue. The festivities are free and family-friendly. Enjoy the evening from 6:00 – 9:30 pm.
Sunday, August 28 – Arts on the Avenue: This year marks the 24th anniversary of Arts on the Avenue in Ladysmith. Enjoy dozens of artists’ displays along First Avenue. Stroll along the entirely blocked off avenue taking in the incredible array of art, artisans, music and food.
MERRIDALE CIDER HARVEST FESTIVAL
September 2022 – Cobble Hill
Celebrate the fall harvest with Merridale and other craft cideries from across BC.
Taste unique and delicious farm-crafted ciders from craft cideries from across BC, meet their makers and enjoy the spectacle of our orchard at harvest-time.
WILDWINGS NATURE & ARTS FESTIVAL
October – Cowichan Region – Full Schedule Coming Soon
The WildWings Nature & Arts Festival is an annual series of events that coincide with the region’s late fall arrival of the iconic Trumpeter Swans — North America’s largest waterfowl. Established in 2009 by the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society, the festival’s purpose is to bring attention to the significant natural ecosystems of the Cowichan Valley by using nature as a background to celebrate the interconnectedness of nature, art, culture, and community.
Events take place throughout the valley as they open up Cowichan’s classroom, so to speak, at the Somenos Marsh, the Cowichan Bay Estuary and many other outdoor locations. In addition, this festival combines art shows and workshops that truly create an interactive festival experience!
LADYSMITH FESTIVAL OF lights
November 24 – Ladysmith
Thousands of people gather along Ladysmith’s first avenue to enjoy the spectacle of the Festival of Lights. The entire avenue is lit top to bottom in twinkling lights that the parade of decked out vehicles pass beneath. The night’s festivities include the tree lighting, visits with Santa Claus, and a breathtaking fireworks display. This is one of the island’s most attended and spectacular holiday events.
