Summer Pulse

Summer Pulse on the Plaza is a free, all-ages celebration of music, art, and community in the heart of Downtown Courtenay. Taking place on the plaza on warm summer evenings, this vibrant outdoor series invites residents and visitors to gather, connect, and experience the creative energy of the Comox Valley.

Each event features live music, participatory arts experiences, and moments that bring people together—whether you’re singing along, dancing, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Designed as a welcoming, inclusive space, Summer Pulse on the Plaza showcases local talent, celebrates collaboration, and reimagines our downtown as a lively cultural gathering place.

Summer Pulse is organized by Comox Valley Arts in deep partnership with the Comox Valley Art Gallery, Downtown Courtenay, Elevate the Arts, and Queer Centre Comox Valley.

Pulse on the Plaza Dates:

June 26, 2026 – Kómoks Fusion Festival presented in partnership with the Queneesh Indigenous Society

July 24, 2026 – Inner Space/Outer Space

August 28, 2026 – Pride presented in partnership with Queer Centre Comox Valley

June Pulse: Kómoks Fusion Festival

June 26, 2026 | 5PM – 9PM

Summer Pulse on the Plaza opens its 2026 season with the K’ómoks Fusion Festival — a celebration of Indigenous culture, creativity, and community in the heart of Downtown Courtenay, presented in partnership with the Queneesh Indigenous Community Society. Join us for an evening honouring the richness of the Comox Valley’s Indigenous heritage. Free admission. All ages. Come ready to learn, listen, and celebrate.

Stage Line Up:

• GREG WELLS – Songwriter and performer, from Wei Wai Kum First Nation
• JAMES VICKERS – Blues-rocking musician based in Nanimo
• VALLEY CUMBIA – Cumbia dance collective from Comox Valley

Art Making Activities:

• RACHEL JANNATI – Devil’s Club Bead Making
• ANDY MACDOUGALL – Screen Printing
• MAKE ART WITH CVAG
• CV/ARTS ART WAGON

Food and Drinks:

• QUENEESH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY SOCIETY – SALMON BBQ
• DAVE WO – Ice Cream

July 24, 2026 | 5PM – 9PM

The summer keeps rolling with Inner Space/Outer Space, the second installment of Summer Pulse on the Plaza! Join us in the heart of Downtown Courtenay for a free, all-ages night that blurs the line between imagination and reality. Grab something from a food truck, treat yourself to ice cream, and soak it all in with your community. Free admission. All ages. Don’t miss it!

Stage Line Up:

• COLLECTIVE ECHOES – A Vancouver Island–based trio crafting immersive soundscapes where Trip Hop, Funk, Dub, and Reggae converge
• SOUR DOPE – An instrumental collective rooted in jazz, funk, and modern instrumental soul

Art Making Activities:

• ANDY MACDOUGALL – Screen Printing
• MAKE ART WITH CVAG
• CV/ARTS ART WAGON

Food and Drinks:

• PUPUSERIA LAS GEMLAS – Authentic El Salvadorian pupusas, with lots of vegetarian options.
• DAVE WO – Ice Cream
• A will be run by event staff featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

August 28, 2026 | 5PM – 9PM

End the summer loud and proud! Summer Pulse on the Plaza closes out the season with Pride, a joyful, free, all-ages celebration presented in partnership with Queer Centre Comox Valley. Come celebrate, create, and dance with your community in Downtown Courtenay. Free admission. All ages. All are welcome.

Stage Line Up:

• QUEER AS FUNK – Part-advocates, part-funk-revivalists, this beloved band brings fresh takes to beloved classics in funk, soul, and Motown
• DEVOURS – A queer Canadian underground electronic musician based out of Vancouver
• MEAN BIKINI – Vancouver Island punk band, riding the line between hardcore and skate punk with a twist of queer rage

Art Making Activities:

• ANDY MACDOUGALL – Screen Printing
• MAKE ART WITH CVAG
• CV/ARTS ART WAGON – Shiny Shoes
• CLEO BUTCHER – Tickle Trunk

Food and Drinks:

• PUPUSERIA LAS GEMLAS – Authentic El Salvadorian pupusas, with lots of vegetarian options.
• DAVE WO – Ice Cream
• QUEER CENTRE COMOX VALLEY – Bar featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

This series is brought to you in collaboration with Comox Valley Art Gallery, Comox Valley Arts, Elevate the Arts, and the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association.

Event Highlights:

• Free + family-friendly!
• Live music + performances!
• Make Art Stations for all ages!
• Downtown vibes + late gallery hours!