50 Things to Do This August in British Columbia

From enjoying a music festival at the remote Haida Gwaii to marveling at spectacular aerobatic performances in the sky during Abbotsford Air Show, you can find plenty to do in British Columbia this August 2026

Northern BC

• The Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede feature rodeo and agriculture events. August 5-9, 2026. Details
• Haida Gwaii is known for its remote beauty and to celebrate it hosts the Edge of the World Music Festival. Happening August 7 to 9, it features musical performances, local vendors, and plenty of good eats. Details
• The Bulkley Valley Exhibition runs from August 27 to 30 and features a parade, logging sports, and a rodeo. Details
• Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association presents one of the largest and longest-running family events in Northern BC – British Columbia Northern Exhibition, bringing everything from Gymkhana to heavy horse pulls, entertainment & shows on our BCNE stage, and events including a kids zone. BCNE will happen from August 13 to 16, 2026. Details
• The annual three-day music and arts festival, MoM Festival, featuring original and independent music and art from all over BC and Canada, takes place from July 31 to August 2, 2026. Details

Vancouver Coast & Mountains

• Bard on the Beach, set in Vanier Park in Vancouver, offers thrilling Shakespeare plays. Performances run throughout the month of August Details
• The second oldest fair in British Columbia features amazing food vendors, entertainment, face painting, pony rides, marketplace vendors, professional bull riding, and more! August 7 to 9, 2026. Details
• The Abbotsford Air Show runs from August 7 to 9 and has several spectacular aerobatic performances in the sky. Details
• Canada’s largest celebration of Japanese Canadian arts & culture held in Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian neighbourhood happens from August 1  to 2, 2026. Details
• The Vancouver Polo Fest at Vancouver Polo Club, Delta, takes place on August 8, 2026. The event will feature players from all over the world competing for prizes. This year there will be group line dancing, scotch tasting, cigar lounge, best dressed awards, and amazing polo. Live music with a West Coast country theme. Details
• The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts runs from August 13 to 16, 2026, in Sechelt. Here, literary lovers converge in a beautiful garden setting. Details
• Celebrate arts, culture, and community at the annual Squamish Arts Festival. The festival runs from July 25 to August 8, 2026. Details
• The Harmony Arts Festival will return on July 31 – August 9, 2026. Join us for live music and celebrate visual and culinary art in our community. Details
• The White Rock Night Market is coming back for its third year on August 7, 2026. There will be live music, food trucks, a marketplace, an Art Walk, Buskers, and more! Details
• You might feel exhausted just thinking about it, but the Squamish 50 Trail Running Festival has a 50-mile race for the most extreme athletes. It happens on August 15 and 16, 2026. Details
• A pristine lake, swaying trees, and lively music. All happen at the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival on August 8, 2026. Details
• The Richmond Garlic Festival is sure to entice any food lover. It happens on August 15, 2026. Details
• Make the PNE Fair your End-of-Summer Tradition with *can’t miss* attractions and entertainment. August 22 to September 7, 2026. Details
• Attend the annual Comic Book Sale at Mackin House Museum for an afternoon of vintage, second-hand, and collector’s comics. Browse local vendors and comic artists, discover pieces for every type of fan, and enjoy hotdogs, lemonade, and freezies available for purchase during the event. August 8, 2026. Details
  

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Thompson Okanagan

• The Penticton Peach Festival combines performances by Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion with a parade and plenty of food. It happens August 5-9, 2026. Details
• Each Friday in Osoyoos, there is a free concert at Gyro Park. Details
• Gardengate’s 20th Annual Summer Salsa Challenge will happen on August 21, 2026. Sample salsas from 10+ community teams and cast their vote for the People’s Choice and Team Spirit awards. Details
• For a lively adventure, check out the Kettle Valley Great Train Robbery in Summerland, which runs on August 2, 16, and 30, 2026. Details
• Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Hot Nite in the City show and shine in Kamloops on August 7 – 8, 2026. Details
• The Kamloops Daybreak Rotary Ribfest combines good eats and live entertainment. It happens from August 7 to 9, 2026. Details
• Mount Kobau Star Party beckons all night sky lovers to the summit of Mount Kobau near Osoyoos. Details
• Priscilla, Queen of the Desert runs at Kelowna Actors Studio from July 29 to August 16, 2026, with evening and weekend matinee performances. Based on the hit movie, this uplifting mainstage musical follows three friends on a journey through the Australian outback, featuring dazzling costumes, dance-floor favourites, and a joyful story about identity, friendship, and being true to yourself. Details
  
• Join us for a vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture, music, dance, food, and more on August 22, 2026, at Kelowna City Park. Details
• Mark your calendars for the 14th Annual WFN Youth & Recreation Charity Golf Tournament on August 21, 2026, at Two Eagles Golf Course. Details
• Enjoy live cultural performances at Kelowna’s parks and public spaces each summer. Details

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BC Rockies

• The Nelson Mural Festival features diverse artists and runs from August 7 to 9, 2026. Details
• Hear the best in Canadian indie music at the Wapiti Music Festival on August 7 – 8, 2026. Details
• Experience the thrill of rodeo at the Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds on August 14 to 16, 2026. Details
• Join the Nelson District Arts Council for the annual ArtWalk Opening night on Friday, August 1st. Wander the street checking out the art at over 20 venues, listen to music and be entertained as you stroll. Details
• Experience the scenic beauty of Canal Flats during Flats Fest, a two-day outdoor music festival featuring 20 bands on two stages, accompanied by family-friendly activities, local vendors, and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountain ranges. August 14 – 15, 2026. Details
• Summer Kicks is a free outdoor concert series in Golden presented by Kicking Horse Culture, featuring touring Canadian artists and local performers throughout the summer. Guests can bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music, dancing, and community under the mountain sky, with weekly shows at locations including Keith King Memorial Park. July and August 2026. Details
• Creston Clay Fest invites visitors to learn, play, and explore the world of ceramics with local potters on August 15, 2026. This fun, all-ages event features hands-on activities, refreshments, and an interactive kids’ table throughout the day. Details
• Crawford Bay Sunday Market is a free weekly market running Sundays from May through October in Crawford Bay, except during Starbelly weekend. Visitors can browse local artisans, farmers, food vendors, and musicians in a welcoming community market setting. Details
• The 2026 Columbia Basin Culture Tour is a free, self-directed weekend event inviting visitors to explore galleries, museums, artist studios, and cultural venues across the region. Guests can meet local artists, shop for original art and fine crafts, discover heritage sites, and enjoy special events at locations not always open to the public. Details
• Trans Canada Lego Model Club will be displaying realistic models and scenes with the iconic building blocks at the Revelstoke Railway Museum from August 14 to 16, 2026. The displays are punctuated by fun tongue-in-cheek vignettes featuring Lego mini-figures in historical or pop culture moments. Details

Cariboo, Chilcotin, and Coast

• Come out and enjoy a fun family event with great food and tons of prizes at The Sulphurous & Hathaway Lakes Fishing Derby & Raffle on August 1st, 2026. Details
• Calling all food lovers, visit the South Cariboo Garlic Festival on 29 & 30, 2026, in Lac La Hache. Details
• Enjoy live music at the Centennial Park 100 Mile Stone House on Friday evenings until August 28, 2026. Details
• The annual BCRA Interlake Rodeo will be held on August 1 – 2, 2026, in Lone Butte. Details
• The 66th Bridge Lake Fair will be held on August 16th, 2026. There will be an exhibition hall, entertainment, food, zucchini races, and more. Details
• Explore networks of trails as you follow the original Cariboo Wagon Road on the Cariboo Gold Rush trail. Details
• Come out and watch the side-by-side 200ft mud drags, junior racers, blown alcohol dragsters, and the mega hill n’ hole trucks. This is an NWMRA-sanctioned Mud Race that takes place on August 14 – 16, 2026. Details
• The 100 Mile Nordics trail run will be taking place on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Set on the club’s established trail network at 500 Ainsworth Road, the event offers a scenic outdoor run through a well-loved Cariboo recreation area known for Nordic and snowshoe trails. Details
• Party in the Ball Park returns to 100 Mile House for its 5th anniversary with a mixed softball tournament, player party, all-star game, bat raffles, swag, and community spirit from July 31 to August 3rd, 2026. The event welcomes teams and spectators for a fun long weekend of baseball, hospitality, and fundraising in support of the 100 Mile House Historical Society. Details

The Islands

• Until mid-August, Parksville hosts a Beach Festival complete with stunning sand castles. Details
• Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island hosts concerts every Friday and Saturday night until September 5, 2026. Details
• On August 8 & 9, be entertained by creative local talents at the 32nd annual Arts & Music in the Gardens. Details
• World-class tribute bands and your favourite artists will entertain you at the Mid-Island Co-op Rock the Park Music Festival on August 7 – 9, 2026. Details
  
• Flavour Trails celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026 with A Season of Flavour, a summer-long series connecting residents and visitors with local farms, food, culture, and community across the Saanich Peninsula and Capital Region. Experiences include farm tours, tastings, workshops, chef collaborations, farm-to-table meals, cultural food events, markets, U-pick harvests, and family-friendly activities hosted by local farmers, food makers, chefs, and artisans. Details
  
• SalmonFest in Campbell River includes logger sports, Highland dancing, and, of course, plenty of salmon. It runs from August 8 to 9, 2026. Details
• Bring your mat and join us outside on the grass this summer for free Yoga In The Park on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Each class will be a little different and taught by a variety of certified yoga instructors hired by the City of Campbell River. Tuesdays, until August 20, 2026. Details
• CR Live Streets brings downtown Campbell River to life every Wednesday night with live music, dancing, cultural celebrations, art, food, and community connection on Shoppers Row. This summer’s lineup features everything from Caribbean rhythms to rock legends and local talent, plus the new Rail Yard Night Market with vendors, artisans, and tasty finds before the music starts. Details
• The biggest theatre event on Vancouver Island, the Annual Victoria Fringe Theatre festival runs from August 26 to September 6, 2026. Details
• The David Foster Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Weekend in Victoria features a red carpet gala and a free waterfront concert with Josh Groban, Katharine McPhee, CeeLo Green, The Tenors, and Loren Allred. August 8, 2026. Details
• Picklefest Victoria brings all things pickled and fermented to Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. for its first Victoria edition. The all-ages event features more than 35 vendors, licensed beverages, live music, and a fun festival atmosphere for pickle lovers. August 15, 2026. Details
• Renaissance Faire 2026 in Victoria brings medieval-inspired fun to Banfield Park with a market, entertainment, performers, sword fighting, photography, and a costume contest. Hosted by the Victoria Renaissance Faire Society, the event invites visitors to enjoy a lively day of fantasy, history, costumes, and community celebration. August 15, 2026. Details

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