The popular Parksville Beach Festival will soon debut in its new and improved location within the community park.
The festival begins with the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition which runs from from July 11 and July 13 with the theme "Circus by the Sea".
Thirty sculptors will work solo and in pairs, showing off their talents in a larger, more accessible location close to the large volleyball court in Parksville Community Park.
Gates to the sand sculpture competition open to the public at 2 p.m. on July 11, according to Parksville Beach Festival Society.
Judging will take place on July 13, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the winners will be announced at approximately 5 p.m.
The sculptures will be available for viewing for the next five weeks until Aug. 17. The gate is open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.
Canadian rock legends Chilliwack will play at the the Parksville Outdoor Theatre July 12 for the Van-Roc Interiors Opening Weekend Concert. Purchase tickets from the McMillan Arts Centre (133 McMillan St.) or online.
On July 12 and July 13, Parksville Canadian Tire has sponsored two professional sculptors to teach the public how to make their own creations.
The Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series will be free, with live performances at the outdoor theatre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. set for July 18, July 19, July 25, July 26, Aug. 1, Aug. 2, Aug. 15 and Aug. 16. Bring a blanket or chair.
The Party City Buskers will entertain at the boardwalk gazebo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily, from July 14 to Aug. 17.
On July 26 and July 27, get ready for Art in the Park, which will serve up work by more than 60 local artisans in Parksville Community Park.
The Beachfest Rocks! Music Festival (formerly Rock the Park) returns to the outdoor theatre in Parksville Community Park from Aug. 8 to Aug. 10. It will include classic rock and beyond, with the headliners including Tom Lavin and the Legendary Powder Blues and PRiSM.
The full line-up and tickets are available online through the MAC's box office, or stop by in person.
The sand sculptures will be lit up at night at the end of the festival, which will stay open until 11 p.m. on Aug. 15 and Aug. 16, hosted by Coastal Community Credit Union.
Also planned for the closing weekend is the Quality Foods Festival of Lights Aug. 16, and the Quality Foods Children’s Sandcastle competition Aug.17.
The 2025 festival will cap off with a concert by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy on Aug. 17, made possible by Carol Riera, PREC*, RE/MAX Anchor Realty. Tickets are available online through the MAC's box office or in person at the arts centre.
The sand sculptures will open for public viewing from 2 p.m. on July 11, with the exhibition open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 17.
Since 1999, Parksville Beach Festival has donated well over $1 million to non-profit organizations and community projects, which include construction of the park gazebo, community signs and the Parksville Outdoor Theatre.
Admission is by suggested donation of $5 per person, with cash, debit, Visa and Master Card accepted.
