You are invited to FernFest, Fernwood’s annual free, community based, music, art, and family festival organized by Fernwood NRG
>>Mila Czemerys
It’s all happening on Friday, June 14 from 5-10pm and Saturday, June 15 from 11:30am to 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.
There is something for everyone at FernFest. We have live performances by over 30 bands, musicians, and performers on 4 stages, booths from 80+ local makers in our artisan market, non-profits sharing their work, kid’s activities, games, bouncy castles, art activities on the Field of Dreams, bubbles, delicious food and drinks, an awesome online auction with great items donated by local businesses, magic, tours of the neighbourhood, workshops, surprises, a wishing tree for you to share your dreams and wishes, and a whole bunch of your best neighbours and friends gathered to celebrate.
We are honoured to have the lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers opening our event on Friday at 5pm with a welcome and culture share. We recognize that our event happens on the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples – the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.
Fernwood NRG just completed our 10 year Strategic Plan and FernFest’s programming aligns with the new vision, mission, and values that were developed through these conversations with staff, board, and community members. Our new vision states, “We nurture a neighbourhood where everyone experiences belonging, connection, joy, and acceptance.”
The heart of this event is about celebrating our community, its culture, and the beauty of its diversity. When programming FernFest, our goal is to provide a space and stage for diverse voices and emerging talent. And, if it makes you want to dance—it’s a great fit for FernFest.
We’re excited to be presenting incredible musicians and performers like Ghostly Hounds, Pindian, Fiesta Latina Ballet Folklorico, Zoubi, DJ Nova Jade, G̱a̱lg̱apoła, The Smokestacks, Flamenkitas, Blasé Blasé, Boneyard Babes, Petunia & the Vipers, Bu VonBlume, Alya Tesler-Mabe, Bučan Bučan, Neighbourly, The Capital City Syncopators, Small Pleasures, Grapefruit is Impossible, and so many more! And the much-loved Drag Hour with Chaz Avery returns this year! Plus, new this year we will be hosting the City of Victoria’s Artist in Residence Kemi Craig’s Community Dance on Saturday from 4-7pm in the gym of the Community Centre.
There are loads of volunteer opportunities if you are interested in getting involved with the event— fernwoodnrg.ca/events-directory/fernfest/volunteer.
FernFest is free and everyone is welcome! Please walk, bike, skate, or bus down to the event as parking in very limited. We’ll have a free bike valet available during event hours located on Gladstone Avenue in the Vic High parking lot. Stay hydrated—bring a water bottle to fill at our water station.
Check out our epic silent auction at airauctioneer.com/fernfest-2024-auction. Bid on items and directly support Fernwood NRG’s programs and services including child care, affordable housing, youth, family, and seniors support programs, food security programming, and more!
A huge thank you to the City of Victoria Festival Investment Grant for supporting FernFest. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Many thanks to our sponsors: Belfry Theatre, Phillips Brewing and Malting Co., The Zone @ 91.3, Garside Signs, Merridale Cidery and Distillery, Diversity Media, Vinyl Envy, Fernwood Community Association, Sotheby’s International Realty, Fernwood Green Cannabis, Proline Property Management, Knotty By Nature, Goo Goo Goggles, and more! Plus, we could not make this event happen without the support of our volunteer team. We are so grateful for you!
We are an inclusive event intended for all classes, cultures, genders, ages, abilities, and beyond.
Find the full FernFest Program Guide at: fernwoodnrg.ca/fernfest/program.
Happy FernFest!
