The Comox Valley is alive year-round with festivals, markets, concerts, and community celebrations. From music and arts to food, sports, and cultural gatherings, our events reflect the Valley’s creative spirit and love for coming together. Whether you’re into folk festivals, garlic fairs, bike culture, film, or fireworks, there’s something here for everyone.
This list highlights many of the Valley’s keystone annual events — some long-running traditions, others newer celebrations that are quickly becoming favourites. Each one showcases a different side of our vibrant community, from the seaside in Comox to the mountain trails of Cumberland.
Comox Valley International Film Festival, April 2-4, 2026 Celebrating the power of a good story together. Films, screenwriting and workshops, now held each spring at the Sid Williams Theatre.
CoVaCON, April 18-19, 2026 Put on your most comfortable gaming pants & start your cosplay, with games, retro video games, vendors, panels, activities, entertainment & more.
Woodland Gardens Arts & Bloom Festival, May 16-18, 2026 Showcasing and promoting the sale of original designs and works by qualified artists & artisans.
May Days Festival, May 17-19, 2026 Street market, live music, soapbox car rally, Maypole, and a parade in Cumberland.
BC Seafood Festival, June 21-23, 2026 A rich tapestry supported by farmers, growers, and producers whose ingredients shape menus in communities along the Pacific Ocean.
Cross Pollination Festival, July 5, 2026 (Denman) Celebrating the creativity and community on Denman Island. Musical acts from Denman, with a few visitors to spice up the mix, and local food and artisans.
Denman Island Writers Festival, July 17-19, 2026 Bringing together an invited group of talented Canadian authors with readers and aspiring writers for a weekend of literary adventures.
Downtown Courtenay Market Day, July 25, 2026 Visit downtown for a pedestrian only zone filled with vendors of all types, activities, music and more.
Comox Float Your Boat Fridays, Fridays July 3-August 2026 Downtown Comox and the Marina come alive every Friday afternoon with the Signature Concert Series, the Marina Park Market, and family fun throughout the summer.
Pulse on the Plaza, Summer 2026 Downtown Courtenay’s summer concert series, now presented in partnership with Comox Valley Arts — see the link for the full summer lineup.
The Hornby Festival, July 30-Aug 8, 2026 Ten days of magic. A celebration of arts, culture, and community, now in its 44th year.
Filberg Festival, July 31-Aug 2, 2026 Art, music and nature surrounded by beautiful gardens, heritage buildings and magnificent views.
Comox Nautical Days, Aug 1-3, 2026 A free, family nautical-themed festival in Comox, BC, that takes place each BC Long Weekend.
Rock the Block, Aug 15, 2026 Summer’s here and the time is right for Dancin’ in the Street’. Outdoor music, food and beverages.
Garlicfest, Aug 16, 2026, 12-4pm Stinky garlic, talented local musicians and the famous Gumboot Farmers’ Market artisans.
Blackberry Jam Music Festival, Aug 21-22, 2026 (Denman Island) Street Party Friday, Aug 21, 6-10pm, and the Blackberry Jam itself Saturday, Aug 22, 12-8pm. A weekend full of love, art, music and food.
Ribfest, Aug 21-23, 2026 A 3-day Food and Music Festival for people of all ages at Village Park, Cumberland.
Comox Valley Exhibition Agriculture Fair, Aug 28-30, 2026 Pet a lamb, watch the diving dogs, check out demonstrations, enjoy the lumberjack show, carving show and more.
Pride in the Park, Aug 29, 2026 If you’re Trans, Non-Binary, or Queer or an ally, come out and celebrate. Make pride alive!
Woodland Gardens Artisans Festival, Sept 5-7, 2026 Showcasing and promoting the sale of original designs and works by qualified artists & artisans.
Foggy Mountain Fall Fair, Sunday, Sept 20, 2026 A fun filled roster of fall events, enjoy live music, kids crafts, foodie fun and more.
Fungus Fest, Oct 1-4, 2026 An interdisciplinary exploration of fungus and forest ecology. Walks, talks, workshops, crafts, specimen tables, kids activities, and much more, now a 4-day event.
Astrophobia, Oct 17-18, 2026 Science fiction and horror film festival. Including a film and screenwriting competition.
The Woodstove Festival, Nov 6-8, 2026 3 days of music, stories, poetry, theatre, stand-up comedy, workshops, dance, kids activities, and friendship.
Moonlight & Magic, mid-November 2026 (date TBA) An evening of music, merriment and merchant specials. Help light up the streets of Downtown Courtenay with electric creatures big and small.