Because of Harrison Hot Springs' size and holiday ambiance, community events and festivals are numerous. Some, like the weekly twilight performances at Spirit Square Plaza, are simply pleasing to the soul while others, like the Canada Day Pancake Breakfast - complete with parade and fireworks, and the Agassiz Fall Fair & Corn Festival nearby, have become iconic activities that reflect a very personal side of the community.
Festival of the Arts
With more than 30 annual events to its credit, the Harrison Festival of the Arts is one of the longest-running music and arts festivals in Canada. The 10-day event, which takes place in July in venues throughout the village including the entire length of beach, presents the best of Canadian and international talent in a full spectrum of music, theatre, literary and visual arts performances. There's a large outdoor art and craft market as well as a special day for children. North of 60 Fiddle Jam is always a hot favourite: a glorious melee of championship fiddlers from across Canada's great white north.
DragonFest
As the fastest growing water sport in the world, the community of Harrison has caught the Dragon Boat wave with an annual one-day race usually held in late July. Teams come to paddle Harrison Lake from around the province and even though the 500 meter races last barely three minutes a piece, dragon boaters turn the beach into a pageant of colour and enthusiasm.
Poker Run
It's all in the name of raising funds for charity and community fun at its best. Held the second weekend in August, entrants bring their boats, family and friends to scoot about Harrison Lake on a treasure hunt of sorts, picking up poker cards at every stop, and playing their hand at the end of the day.
The Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival
When the salmon have finished their spawn in November, hundreds of eagles congregate in the trees that line the Harrison River to feast on the dying fish. Harrison Bay Guided Services has the jet boats for up close and personal viewing of this spectacle of nature which at times can mean seeing 50 eagles in one tree. Bring binoculars. To find out more about festivals and events held at Harrison Hot Springs, drop by the Visitor Centre.