Comox Valley Arts

Downtown Courtenay Market Day
2026-07-25 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Downtown Courtenay
The DCBIA is excited to announce Market Day 2026 coming July 25th to Downtown Courtenay.
Our businesses are hard at work getting ready for special promotions, sales, offers, and activations for you to enjoy. Make sure to visit all your favorites and see what they have in store for you.
While you’re downtown, the DCBIA has invited guest vendors to offer their wares. On England Avenue, you’ll find Food Trucks set up between 4th and 5th Street, and The Makers Market back again between 5th and 6th Street.
Our friends at the Local Refillery are hosting an amazing Fun Fair activation at 420 Fitzgerald Ave – the band Broadfork Duo will be playing, fun games, a family friendly activities for you to enjoy! Be sure to explore more of Downtown Courtenay to take in all the amazing elements Market Day has to offer.
Duncan Avenue is hosting the new “Vintage Row” hosted by The Retro Room, a new business downtown. This will feature a collection of vendors offering vintage goods for you to browse! They will be set up between 4th and 5th Street, joined by the phenomenal team at Foveo Run.
Duncan Avenue from 5th to 6th Street will be filled with entertainment, art, creativity, and more vendors to enjoy! The Comox Valley Art Gallery and Comox Valley Arts Council are hosting various activations to participate in. We also have Blue Spruce Ice Cream setting up a pop up shop by the Art Gallery, and Dave’s Weiner Wagon selling hotdogs and drinks!
Roaming entertainers, stages with bands playing throughout the day, face painting, great deals and plenty of fun await at Downtown Courtenay’s Market Day!

Comox Valley Glacier Grannies: Free Concert
2026-07-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Marina Park Gazebo, 127 Port Augusta St, Comox, BC, V9N 3N8, Canada
Come and enjoy a afternoon of live music hosted by the Comox Valley Glacier Grannies at the Marina Park Gazebo in Comox. Enjoy rootsy contemporary harmonies from Fourtune and folky‑to‑bluesy three‑part vocals from Watershed Band. This free outdoor concert runs Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. Donations are appreciated to support the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Bring a sun umbrella, lawn chair, or blanket and settle in for a joyful community performance.

Summer 2026 Make Art Series
2026-07-29 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-05 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-12 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-19 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Comox Valley Art Gallery, 580 Duncan Avenue, Courtenay, BC
SUMMER 2026 MAKE ART SERIES

This summer, the Comox Valley Art Gallery is inviting the community to explore new worlds and perspectives through its Make Art Series, running in conjunction with artist Michael Campbell’s exhibition Field Recordings of Icebergs Melting.

The free program includes drop-in Make Art Projects for all ages every Wednesday from 1 – 4pm on the CVAG Plaza, at the corner of Duncan and 6th Street in Downtown Courtenay. The activities are guided by CVAG summer interns.

The weekly Make Art sessions will include field journals, map-making, paper mache mountain, found material paintbrushes, planetary cyanotypes, small terrariums, pounded plant prints, and garland-making. As part of the Pulse on the Plaza and Market Day events with our community collaborators, we will also be facilitating the creation of zines and screen prints, miniature spaceships, and pride buttons and upcycled pride flags.

CVAG’s Make Art Series offers accessible art-making experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Materials are provided, and facilitators are on-hand to provide instruction. Children and those needing assistance to participate should be accompanied by adult support persons.

—

WEEKLY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE (1 – 4PM EVERY WEDNESDAY)

• July 1 – Field Journals• July 8 – Map-Making• July 15 – Paper Mache Mountains/Zine-Making (Part 1)• July 22 – Paper Mache Mountains/Zine-Making (Part 2)• July 29 – Found Material Paintbrushes• August 5 – Planetary Cyanotypes• August 12 – Small Terrariums• August 19 – Pounded Plant Prints• August 26 – Garland-Making

—

MAKE ART ACTIVITIES DURING SPECIAL EVENTS

• Pulse on the Plaza – K’ómoks Fusion Festival (Friday, June 26, from 5 – 9pm) – Zine-Making + Screen Printing• Pulse on the Plaza – Inner Space/Outer Space (Friday, July 24, from 5 – 9pm) – Miniature Spaceships• Market Day (Saturday, July 25, all day) – Sunshine Pinwheels• Pulse on the Plaza – Pride Party (Friday, August 28, from 5 – 9pm) – Pride Buttons + Upcycled Pride Flags

Filberg Festival
2026-07-31 10:00 - 2026-08-01 20:00, 2026-08-02 10:00 - 18:00 | Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park, 61 Filberg Road, Comox, BC, BC V9M 2S7, Canada
The Filberg Festival returns July 31–August 2, 2026, taking place over the August Long Weekend at the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox. Visitors can explore an artisan market featuring more than 130 creators, enjoy Canadian musical talent throughout the weekend, and savour Vancouver Island beer, wine, and cider—all set against the stunning gardens and harbour views of Filberg Park. Tickets are available for single‑day visits or the full three‑day experience.

Artful : The Poets
2026-08-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
Join host Diana Kolpak as she welcomes our feature poet Damian John. For more info about Damien visit Artful : The Gallery’s event page, link below. Damien’s feature spot will be followed by an open mic. Sign up at the door for the open mic, 5 minutes max per poet, $10 or pwyc.

My Name is Margaret: War, Madness & Recovery
2026-08-05 12:00 - 2026-08-22 17:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
Wartime trauma, mental illness, and recovery will be explored in an immersive art installation at Artful : The Gallery in Courtenay from August 5 to August 22, 2026. “My Name is Margaret: War, Madness, and Recovery” is the work of Nanaimo author and artist Debbie Marshall. The installation charts the experiences of former Victoria resident Margaret Chaloner in Britain during and immediately after the Second World War. The installation features household objects, clothing, uniforms, and medical records belonging to Chaloner, a fictional figure created by Marshall.

For several years, Marshall has worked on projects highlighting the work of women during wartime. She is the author of ‘Give Your Other Vote to the Sister: A Woman’s Journey into the Great War’ and ‘Firing Lines: Three Women Write the First World War’. “The expectations we have of women during wartime are very different from the expectations we have of them in peace,” she says.

Mental health is also a major theme running through the installation, with haunting displays depicting the impact of war on women’s mental and emotional health.
The installation was first launched at the Ladysmith Gallery in March 20, 2025 and was viewed by over 200 people. Artist Grant Leier found the show compelling. “The fictional composite of Margaret becomes a sounding board for what we now know were thousands of women at this time,” says Leier. “Marshall’s sensitive curating of the installation, her choice of objects, how each individual component enhances the narrative and reinforces the message she is so beautifully telling.”

Artful : The Gallery is located at 526C Cumberland Rd., Courtenay.
Exhibition hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 12 pm to 5 pm, August 5 to August 22.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 8, 7 pm to 9 pm.
There will be an artist talk on Saturday, August 22 at 2 pm.
All events are free.

For more information contact Debbie Marshall at 250-816-1293 or parsenippress2@gmail.com

To watch a video about the installation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LxWyRovZ_A

To watch an interview with Debbie Marshall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6hlGlDNlHU

Fibre & Fungi with Miss Bumble
2026-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 | campbell river art gallery, 1235 Shoppers Row, campbell river, BC, V9W2C7, Canada
The Campbell River Art Gallery invites you to join Miss Bumble, Fibre artist, Illustrator and Mycology enthusiast for a ‘Sacred in All Forms’ closing tea party while you create your own needle felted mushroom in the gallery! Looking at samples and reference of mushrooms from original images made by women in mycology and exploring the study of the mycellium network you will make your own fibre sculpture using wool.
All supplies included, beginner friendly. 14+ age recommendation as it is a more involved project.

10:00AM – 12:00PM in the Main Gallery
Register now online at https://www.crartgallery.ca/events/#!event/register/2026/5/30/fibre-fungi-with-miss-bumble

About the Artist

Miss Bumble is an Illustrator, Painter, Textile & Felting Artist creating on the unceded territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, in the province known as BC, Canada. The artist takes large inspiration from local mycology (study of mushrooms) as well as west coast natural flora and fauna in her illustrations and fibre works.

Community Mural Party
2026-08-08 10:00 - 13:00 | No. 6 Mine Park, No. 6 Mine Park, Cumberland, BC, V0R 1S0, Canada
Home to Me: A Community Mural Project, led by Zoë Biggs and Alex Maertz, invites participants to co‑create a large mixed‑media fabric mural exploring what “home” means during two August community art events in Cumberland Park. Once completed, the mural will be displayed in local community spaces as a shared expression of place, belonging, and collective creativity.

‘Super/Natural Creatures’ - Opening Reception at the CRAG
2026-08-20 15:00 - 17:00 | campbell river art gallery, 1235 Shoppers Row, campbell river, BC, V9W2C7, Canada
The Campbell River Art Gallery invites you to the Opening Reception of their new exhibition ‘Super/Natural Creatures!’

Opening reception Thursday August 20th, 3 PM – 5 PM at the Campbell River Art Gallery.

Register now! https://www.crartgallery.ca/events/#!event/register/2026/8/20/super-natural-creatures-opening-reception

About the show:
August 20th – October 31st, 2026
‘Super/Natural Creatures’ features the work of James Kwaksistala (Kwakwaka’wakw), Charles Jules (Nuu-chah-nulth), and Alexander J. Mark (Nuu-chah-nulth) who are based in Campbell River, alongside special guest artist Thomas Whiteley (Inuit). Curated by Nadine Bariteau, the show brings together rich storytelling traditions, ancestral designs, and contemporary printmaking and is the culmination of a three-year journey rooted in relationship building, mentorship, and deep mutual respect.
Celebrating the collaborative spirit of the Ha̲mdzat̓si Collective, this exhibition marks a major milestone. After showcasing works in Trois-Rivières and Toronto, the Campbell River Art Gallery is thrilled to present the Collective in their home gallery for the very first time.

‘Super/Natural Creatures - Artist Talk’ at the CRAG
2026-08-21 10:00 - 11:00 | campbell river art gallery, 1235 Shoppers Row, campbell river, BC, V9W2C7, Canada
Join us August 21st at the Campbell River Art Gallery for an Artist Talk and Q+A with ‘Super/Natural Creatures’ artists James Kwaksistala (Kwakwaka’wakw), Thomas Whiteley (Inuit), and curator Nadine Bariteau!
Friday August 21, 10 AM – 11 AM, CRAG Main Gallery
Hear about their collective practice and the three-year journey to bring this exhibition to the Campbell River Art Gallery.
Register now! https://www.crartgallery.ca/events/#!event/register/2026/8/21/super-natural-creatures-artist-talk

Marine Life Drawing at the CRAG
2026-08-28 13:00 - 15:00 | campbell river art gallery, 1235 Shoppers Row, campbell river, BC, V9W2C7, Canada
Join facilitators from the Discovery Passage Aquarium and members of the Hamdzatsi Collective for LIVE Marine Life Drawing at the Campbell River Art Gallery on August 28th!

Local marine species will be inside the main gallery for an up-close observational drawing session. Space is limited for artists, so please register in advance to reserve your place.

Not drawing? Feel free to drop in, ask questions, and learn more about the incredible ocean inhabitants living along our coast!

Artists please bring your dry medium of choice, sketchbooks and curiosity!
Some additional art materials will be available on site.

Friday, August 28th 1:00PM – 3:00PM at the Campbell River Art Gallery

Register now at our events page! https://www.crartgallery.ca/events/#!event/register/2026/8/28/marine-life-drawing

The CRAG: Welcome to the Carving Shed | Sept 1st - Oct 31st
2026-09-01 10:00 - 16:00 | campbell river art gallery, 1235 Shoppers Row, campbell river, BC, V9W2C7, Canada
Special Programming for the Campbell River Art Gallery’s fall exhibition ‘Super/Natural Creatures!’
Throughout September and October, the Campbell River Art Gallery will be transformed into a carving shed as ‘Super/Natural Creatures’ artist James Kwaksistala carves live in the Main Gallery. The familiar atmosphere of a working carving shed—rarely encountered in a gallery setting—will fill the space with the rich scent of cedar, the rhythmic scrape of carving knives, and the warmth of shared coffee, conversation, and laughter.
Visitors are invited to spend time in the space, observe the creative process as it unfolds, connect with the artist and invited guest carvers, and witness a carving take shape over the course of the exhibition.
Tuesday September 1st – Saturday October 31st in the Main Gallery

Campbell River Art Gallery
1235 Shoppers Row, Campbell River BC

See our events page for more info! https://www.crartgallery.ca/events/#!event/2026/9/1/welcome-to-the-carving-shed

D.I.Y Art Fest: A Day of Free Workshops
2026-09-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Lewis Park, 55 5th Street, Courtenay, BC, V9N 3P5, Canada
This D.I.Y. Arts & Crafts Fest, led by Lauren Correia, is an outdoor park event featuring artist‑run stations for sewing, felting, screen printing, painting, and stained glass. This all‑ages gathering celebrates creativity while spotlighting and supporting local arts groups. All supplies provided.

The Keeping It Living Dinner
2026-09-12 17:00 - 20:00 | 40 Knots Winery, Courtenay
You are invited to Project Watershed’s Keeping It Living Dinner, an inspiring evening of exceptional local food, award-winning wine, live music, and community. This event is more than a celebration, it’s one of Project Watershed’s most important fundraising events of the year, helping support ecological restoration, research, and environmental education throughout the Comox Valley.

Date and time: Saturday, September 12th, 5-8pm at 40 Knots Winery

Tickets: https://projectwatershed.ca/2026-keeping-it-living-dinner/
