Whether it's art, music, food, or family fun, Powell River celebrates its culture and heritage and brings top international talents to the upper Sunshine Coast with its festivals and events.
Blackberry Festival
Inspired by the dark, juicy fruit that grows wild everywhere in Powell River, the Blackberry Festival (August) is an annual week-long tradition. Check out live music and visual artists during Arts Alive in the Park (at Willingdon Park), enjoy the Festival of Lights fireworks display, sample puppet shows or pie-eating contests during Townsite Day, or chow down at the community BBQ. The festival's signature dessert is blackberry shortcake topped with whipped cream.
Powell River Sea Fair
Instituted in 1963, the Powell River Sea Fair (July) is a weekend oceanside extravaganza for the whole community. Highlights include carnival rides, boat races, Highland dancers, karaoke for kids, juggling and belly dancing shows, and more.
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International Choral Kathaumixw
Love listening to choirs? German composer Richard Strauss said, "The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all," and his viewpoint is validated at the annual International Choral Kathaumixw (July). The name comes from a local Sliammon word, meaning a "gathering together of different peoples."
This world-class Sunshine Coast festival attracts choirs from countries as diverse as Canada, the US, Ghana, Denmark, and Taiwan. Notable attendees have included Erkki Pohjola, director of Finland's Tapiola choir, and Sally-Ann Russell, an Australian mezzo-soprano.
Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific
The Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific (SOAP) gives young classical musicians the chance to study under performers from renowned ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Each June, SOAP stages scintillating concerts at key local venues like the Powell River Academy of Music, the 800-seat Evergreen Theatre, and the 400-capacity Dwight Hall. Faculty members and students play the likes of Shostakovich and Handel.
Sunshine Music Festival
For close to 30 years, the Sunshine Music Festival (September) has dished up live entertainment on the Labour Day weekend. Get comfy on a blanket under the festival's gigantic conical umbrella, and nod along to bluegrass, folk, and worldbeat artists.
More Powell River-Area Festivals
Some communities near Powell River also deliver great festivals. Don't miss the recently instituted Lund Shellfish Festival (May) for cooking demonstrations with prawns and oysters, walking tours, artisan booths, and more. On Texada Island, a 35-minute ferry ride away, the four-day Diversity Festival (July) presents DJ's, international musicians from Africa to Australia, and art installations. On-site camping is available.
For more information about festivals and events in Powell River and the surrounding area stop by the Visitor Centre.
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