Powell River’s cultural tapestry continues to unfurl into the second half of the summer. In recent years, two new events have popped up on Texada Island in early August, drawing attention to the area’s deep connection to music and the arts. A little later, mainland traditions such as Blackberry Festival and Sunshine Music Festival take their usual place on the community calendar. Do not miss your chance to harvest some homegrown summer memories.
Texada Island Blues and Roots Festival
August 6
Now in its second year, Texada Island Blues and Roots Festival serves as a showcase for local and out-of-town musicians. Artists include Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk and Brodie Dawson’s She Could Be Trouble. In addition to the main stage at Gillies Bay sports field, a farmers’ market, food vendors, kids zone and beer garden will be on site.
Texada Artists Studio Tour
August 13-14
Following in the footsteps of Powell River’s popular studio-art tour, Texada Island artists have created their own version. On August 13 and 14, nearly 20 artists will be throwing open their doors to give the curious public a free, behind-the-scenes look at some of the works occupying their kilns, easels and looms.
Blackberry Festival
August 13-21
For all the sweetness of summer, look no further than Powell River’s legendary Blackberry Festival. A week’s worth of events have been planned all over town, culminating in the annual Marine Avenue Street Party from 6-10 pm Friday, August 19. A fireworks display will follow at the foot of Alberni Street, set to music that embodies this year’s theme: things with wings.
Powell River Edible Garden Tour
August 14
Spend an afternoon touring Powell River’s edible gardens and meeting the residents behind them. The tour is free and self-guided, covering 10 food-focused plantations of all shapes and sizes. Master gardeners will be on site to answer questions about food-growing challenges in your own garden, and there may even be a few snacks and demonstrations along the way.
Arts Alive in the Park
August 20-21
Hosted by Powell River Arts Council, Arts Alive in the Park brings some of our city’s most talented visionaries to Willingdon Beach for an open-air sale and showcase of their work. The event has grown to include dozens of artists and musicians, and serves as a collaborative and social hub that many look forward to every summer.
Powell River Studio Tour
August 27-28
Since 2004, painter Alfred Muma has organized a two-day art crawl stretching from Lang Bay to Lund. Over 30 artists will be participating this year, covering a wide assortment of mediums such as sculpture, photography, painting and jewellery. As always, the 20-stop tour is self-guided and offered free of charge with maps available throughout the community and online.
Run the Rock
August 28
Spend a morning running the roads and trails of Texada, or put on your spectator shoes and watch someone else do the huffing and puffing instead. Past participants have dubbed Run the Rock one of the toughest road courses in Canada and organizers are offering a marathon, half-marathon and 8-kilometre option this year. Registration fees will go toward cancer support for island residents.
Sunshine Music Festival
September 2-4
Every year on Labour Day weekend, hippies and hipsters converge upon Palm Beach Park for the Sunshine Music Festival. This year’s artists include Victoria rockers Isobel Trigger and local alternative rock band Silver Atlas, alongside 12 other up-and-comers in the blues, jazz, folk and rock sphere. And if you get hungry, make sure to grab an ear of fresh barbecue corn; it is a festival classic.
