Eats and Beats Beach Party
Where: Lagoon Beach, Colwood (near Esquimalt Lagoon)
When: Saturday, July 30, 1 p.m.
Admission: Free
Why: Juno Award winners Said the Whale headline the very appealing Eats & Beats Beach Party, which takes place Saturday at Lagoon Beach in Colwood. The Vancouver pop-rock act will be joined by Astrolcolor, The New Groovement, Downtown Mischief, OK Charlie and dance duo Funkanometry at the event, held along Ocean Boulevard with myriad food, beverage offerings and outdoor activities, including a climbing wall.
Upwards of 8,000 people took in the event in 2019, but more are expected this year, which could make traffic to and from the event something to contend with. Shuttle buses will be running, and the event is bike-friendly, but portions of the area will be closed to car traffic.
Plan early to ensure entry — this is one of the can’t-miss events of the summer. For more information, visit colwood.ca/EatsnBeats.
Hornby Festival
Where: Hornby Island Community Hall (4305 Central Rd.) and Rosemuir Farm (9925 Central Rd.)
When: July 28 through Aug. 6
Tickets: $32-$40 daily from hornbyfestival.tickit.ca
Why: The all-encompassing Hornby Festival has always punched above its weight, offering a range of music, art, and culture throughout its 10-day run.
The long-awaited 2022 edition — the festival’s 40th — is no different in that regard: Leeroy Stagger, Miguelito Valdes & Friends, Pharis and Jason Romero, IAMTHELIVING, Kaimerata and author Gabor Mate are among the participants performing at two centralized venues (Hornby Island Community Hall and Rosemuir Farm).
With an island full of locals and tourists at the ready, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see record attendance numbers this year.
Filberg Festival
Where: Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, 61 Filberg Rd., Comox
When: Friday-Sunday, July 29-31
Tickets: $20 daily; $40 for a three-day pass from filbergfestival.com
Why: This Comox favourite has been held at the nine-acre Filberg Heritage Lodge Park since its inception, which gives the parcel of land bordering Comox Harbour a lived-in feel — perfect for a three-day showcase of national and regional artists and artisans.
A solid roster of music (The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, Odds and Vince Vaccaro included) on two stages is complimented by a curated selection of wares from more than 100 jewelry-makers, clothiers, chocolatiers, vintners, and potters.
There’s a bit of everything at the Filberg, which explains why it has been a mid-Island staple for four decades.
mdevlin@timescolonist.com
