News

FernFest is expanding!

Mila Czemerys

Join us at FernFest on Friday, June 13 & Saturday, June 14

You’re invited to FernFest 2025, Fernwood’s annual free, community-based festival of music, art, and celebration brought to you by Fernwood ­Neighbourhood House!

It’s all happening on Friday, June 13 from 5–10pm and Saturday, June 14 from 11:30am–10pm in Fernwood Square and beyond. Join the fun as we showcase local musicians and artists you may not have heard of—but are bound to love.

This year, FernFest is expanding with the launch of a brand-new stage: the Big Fernwood Stage, located behind Fernwood Neighbourhood House at 1240 Gladstone ­Avenue. With this exciting addition, we now feature three vibrant stages of performances and even more space for community celebration.

There is something for everyone at FernFest—live ­performances by over 40 musicians and performers; booths from 85+ local makers in our artisan market; non-profits; games; bouncy castle; art-making in the Field of Dreams; magic; food vendors and drinks; auction; workshops; wishing tree; and a whole bunch of your favourite neighbours and friends gathered together.

We are honoured to welcome the lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers on Friday at 5pm with a territorial welcome and culture share. We acknowledge that FernFest takes place on the homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples: Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations.

FernFest reflects Fernwood NH’s Strategic Plan and vision: a neighbourhood where everyone experiences belonging, connection, joy, and acceptance.

You’ll hear artists like Pastel Blank, Garret T. Willie, Hank Pine, Paris Pick and the Pricks, Vic High RnB Band, Mariachi Sin Frontera, Devours, Zoubi and the Sea, and many more!

Be sure to check out our silent auction at airauctioneer.com/fernfest-2025-auction. Proceeds directly support Fernwood Neighbourhood House. Please walk, bike, or bus to the event—parking is very limited. A free bike valet will be available in the basketball court at Vic High off of Fernwood Road. Bring your water bottle and refill at our on-site water station. We welcome donations. This event is free—and your donations keep it going.

A huge thank you to the City of Victoria Festival Investment Grant and the Province of British Columbia for supporting FernFest. Thank you to our 2025 sponsors: The Zone @ 91.3, Belfry Theatre, Phillips Brewing and Malting Co., Garside Signs, Diversity Media, Fernwood Green Cannabis, Knotty By Nature, and more!

We are an inclusive event for all classes, cultures, genders, ages, and abilities. Everyone is welcome!

Find the full program guide at: fernwoodnrg.ca/fernfest/program. Happy FernFest!

 

By |May 29th, 2025|News|0 Comments
Read More

Spring Equinox Indigenous Market – March 26, 2022

Gilakas’dx’w’la,

Welcome, the Spring Equinox is upon us and with it comes new beginnings and new growth. We would like to bring artists from various parts of Turtle Island together and celebrate the Equinox while bringing our friends/community while uplifting the beautiful community of artists, and the gifts they carry.

We will have beaded earrings, silver jewelry, art, […]

By |March 9th, 2022|Events, News|0 Comments
Read More

Good Food Feature: Closing the gaps

›› Katrina Philpotts

Food insecurity, the inability to access sufficient, safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods, is increasing at disproportionate rates in many Indigenous communities in Canada. However, the impacts of the lack of access to land for food and cultural practices among urban Indigenous populations have been poorly documented.

Originally from Nunavut, I know too well […]

By |December 3rd, 2021|News|0 Comments
Read More

We are hiring! Join our team as our new Fundraising & Engagement Assistant

You, the perfect candidate, love working to build a strong and just community. You are interested in fundraising, communications, and food security programming. You like working collaboratively in a team as well as independently. You enjoy communicating and engaging with our diverse community and partners. You are available for a 8-week full time work contract.

If […]

By |October 13th, 2021|News|0 Comments
Read More

A New Chapter for 1310 Gladstone – and a sad goodbye to the Yoga Den

In 2013, Fernwood NRG purchased a small white house and lot at 1310 Gladstone Avenue. We dreamed of adding more affordable residential space and local employment in the heart of Fernwood. Our goal was to build a new mixed-use building with ground floor commercial space and rental apartments above.

This purchase started us on a journey […]

By |May 12th, 2021|News|0 Comments
Read More

Fernwood homes for Fernwood birds – May 16, 2021

“What’s happening?”

A group of Fernwood neighbours are giving out 100 bird house kits for free.

“What’s the catch?”

No catch. The group applied and received an Everyday Creativity Grant from the City of Victoria to host a free bird house building event at Harris Green Park. We wanted to bring the Fernwood community together and highlight […]

By |May 3rd, 2021|Events, News|0 Comments
Read More

‘Art Paper Scissors’ art show and fundraiser at Koffi – May 10 -23, 2021

“Art Paper Scissors” is an art show and fundraiser for the Good Food Box. The art will be on display at Koffi (1141 Haultain St.) from May 10 to May 23, 2021. Please drop by, buy a coffee, and check out the pieces for sale. All proceeds go directly to the Gift of Good Food […]

By |April 30th, 2021|News|0 Comments
Read More