From fan conventions and film festivals to outdoor concerts and community celebrations, summer 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable season for arts, culture, and creativity across British Columbia. Communities large and small will come alive with events that spotlight B.C.’s music, motion picture, and creative industries—bringing people together through shared experiences, storytelling, and sound.
June
Island Fan Con — June 5–7 | Langford. A large‑scale fan and media arts conference celebrating creativity, storytelling, and cultural connection across film, television, gaming, cosplay, and the creative arts.
Kelowna Pride — June 6 | Kelowna. The largest Pride festival in B.C.’s Interior, transforming City Park into a vibrant celebration of live music, drag, art, and community.
Comox Valley Bluegrass Festival — June 19–21 | Vancouver Island. A beloved regional festival featuring world‑class bluegrass music and the launch of a new Kids on Bluegrass youth program.
KIFFest — June 19–21 | Kelowna. A three‑day festival showcasing independent narrative and documentary films while connecting Okanagan filmmakers to the wider Canadian film industry.
Run N Gun — June 22–24 | Vancouver. A 48‑hour short‑film competition and festival that encourages bold creativity and collaboration, culminating in public screenings and networking events.
Vancouver Island Youth Film Festival — June 24 | Metro Vancouver. Empowering young and diverse voices through film screenings, mentorship, workshops, and a 72‑hour filmmaking challenge.
Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest — June 24–28 | Victoria. The longest‑running ska and reggae festival in North America, celebrating Caribbean‑rooted music with international and local artists.
PRISMA Festival — June 27 | Vancouver Island. A free seaside performance featuring the PRISMA Festival Orchestra and guest artists, welcoming thousands of residents and visitors.
July
Salmon Arm Arts Centre Summer Concert Series — July 1 – August 26 | Salmon Arm. A by‑donation, all‑ages outdoor concert series held every Wednesday evening at Marine Peace Park.
Fvded in the Park — July 3–5 | Surrey. One of Metro Vancouver’s biggest electronic music festivals returns with an expanded three‑day format at Holland Park.
Run N Gun Festival — July 4 | Vancouver. The culminating celebration of the Run N Gun festival, featuring awards, screenings, and a showcase of short‑form filmmaking talent.
LEO Awards — July 4–5 | Vancouver. Honouring excellence in British Columbia’s film and television industry.
Indian Summer Festival — July 9–19 | Vancouver. A concert series centring BIPOC musicians, pairing B.C.-based artists with national and international performers.
Bass Coast — July 10–13 | Lower Mainland. Known for innovative electronic music programming and sustainability initiatives.
Pachena Bay Music Festival — July 13–21 | Vancouver Island. A coastal festival supporting live music programming, staffing, and community‑focused emergency planning.
Energetic County Fair — July 16–18 | Northern B.C. A destination music festival showcasing local, regional, and internationally recognized performers.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival — July 17–19 | Vancouver. The 49th annual festival at Jericho Beach Park on the unceded territory of the Musqueam Nation.
Roots & Blues — July 23–26 | Salmon Arm. One of the highest‑attended multi‑genre music festivals in British Columbia.
Mission Folk Music Festival — July 24–26 | Mission. A three‑day folk festival held in Fraser River Heritage Park on the unceded territory of the Sto:lo peoples.
Filberg Festival — July 31 – August 2 | Comox. A festival set among heritage gardens featuring live music, artisan markets, and family programming.
Ptarmigan Arts Festival — July 31 – August 2 | Gulf Islands. Ptarmigan Arts Society’s flagship festival showcasing emerging and established B.C. artists.
Kaslo Jazz Festival — July 31 – August 2 | Kaslo. A long‑running rural jazz festival now in its 33rd year.
August
Vines Art Festival — August 5–15 | Vancouver. A free ten‑day arts festival across Vancouver parks focused on land, water, and relational justice.
Electric Love Music Festival — August 6–9 | Kamloops–Shuswap. A multi‑genre electronic music and arts festival highlighting inclusivity and sustainability.
Nelson Mural Fest — August 7–9 | Nelson. Combining large‑scale mural creation with live music programming featuring Indigenous artists.
Squamish Arts Festival — August 8 | Squamish. A fast‑growing live music event within the Squamish Arts Festival.
Black Block Party — August 22 | Vancouver. An annual celebration of Black music, art, and culture fostering community connection.
Lillyfest — August 29 | Vernon. A free community festival combining live music, skateboarding, and family‑friendly activities.
September
Taiwanfest — September 5–7 | Vancouver. Showcasing artists reclaiming heritage languages through music and intercultural dialogue.
Barnside Festival — September 11–13 | Delta. A family‑friendly festival featuring live music, local food, artisan markets, and cultural programming.
Featured image: Vancouver Folk Music Festival
