Bird-watching, music, national heritage, good times for kids, and seasonal celebrations all have their place in Mission's lineup of festivals and events throughout the year.
Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival
The Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival is an annual two-day event held in November. The festival is highlighted by North America's third-biggest clustering of bald eagles, which gather at the height of the salmon spawning run on the Fraser River and its tributaries. Watch as many as 1,200 bald eagles in the Harrison-Chehalis delta from viewing stations, enjoy jet boat eco-river tours with Fraser River Safari or nature walks, and attend lectures and presentations by top naturalists. Apart from certain special events, the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival is free.
Mission Folk Music Festival
The Mission Folk Music Festival (July) presents three days of concerts by top international music artists such as the USA's Tom Paxton, Zimbabwe's Black Umfolosi, and Tibet's Yungchen Lhamo. Camp on-site, check out the folk art and import market, and sample the offerings from food vendors at this event at the Fraser River Heritage Park. Tickets are sold through the festival web site or at the gate.
Envision Twilight Concert Series
Staged from June to August each year, the Envision Twilight Concert Series at the Fraser River Heritage Park offers a diverse roster of performers. Check out performers from the Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir to renowned Western roots artist Gary Fjellgaard. These free concerts are subsidized by sponsors and audience donations.
Ukrainian Festival
Got an appetite for perogies, traditional Ukrainian dancing, and colourfully painted Easter eggs? Head to the Ukrainian Festival, a popular day-long festival at Mission's Heritage Park Centre (33700 Prentis Ave.) at the start of May.
Mission Children's Festival
The Mission Children's Festival takes place each June at the Fraser River Heritage Park. It offers face-painting, a bike parade, a story-telling tent, pony rides, live music, and more. Great free entertainment for kids of all ages.
Canada Day and Christmas in Mission
To celebrate Canada Day in Mission on July 1, the Fraser River Heritage Park hosts a pancake breakfast, a loggers show, a petting zoo, and a spectacular fireworks display, among other events. For more than 25 years, downtown Mission has hosted a Candlelight Parade in early December. It's now Western Canada's largest nighttime parade, attracting 13,000-odd spectators with twinkling holiday-themed floats, live music, and hot chocolate.
More Mission Festivals & Events
Stock up on fresh organic produce, baked goods, and artisans' wares on Saturdays at the Mission City Farmers Market (2nd Ave and Horne St. at Lane Creek Park). Or buy locally made Christmas ornaments and decorations at the annual Mission Christmas Crafts Market (November).To learn more about Mission's festivals and events, contact the Mission Visitor Centre (34033 Lougheed Hwy.).