Free festival with a Fernwood state of mind
›› Kathryn Juricic & Mila Czemerys
FernFest is a jam-packed, community-based, family, art, and music festival. We aim to hire our neighbours, showcase art, support local artists, and have a time together! The beauty of it all is the combination of many people: the volunteers, dozens of performers of all types, artisans, non-profits, and of course the kidlets who fill our neighbourhood with so much joy.
This year, FernFest will be expanding into The Belfry Theatre! It all begins Friday, June 21st at 5pm, with music in Fernwood Square and on the Belfry Theatre’s main stage. You’ll be able to enjoy a beverage in these all-ages, fully licensed spaces and a sausage at our BBQ. All of FernFest—including the Belfry Theatre—is free to attend. Explore inside the Belfry lobby and check out an amazing interactive sculpture by Monkey C Interactive. There will be workshops in the Belfry’s Studio A on Saturday, while bands, musical theatre, comedy, and drag dawns the Belfry’s main stage. To preregister for workshops, visit fernwoodnrg.ca/fernfest/worshops. FernFest’s expansion into the Belfry Theatre was made possible by Creative BC, the Festival Investment Grant, and the Province of British Columbia.
Saturday, June 22nd morning at FernFest begins wholesome as always, with a community breakfast in Fernwood Square followed by the Kidical Mass Bike Parade. At Vic High, we host the Artisan Market and the Field of Dreams which includes the Market Stage, Kid’s Stage, cardboard castle, art activities, silent auction, musical petting zoo, pop-up theatre, non-profit tables, garden and heritage walking tours, silk screening, bike tune-ups, and bubbles galore. Plus, on Saturday we have a full afternoon of live music on the Gazebo Stage and Belfry Stage from noon to 10pm.
Find the FernFest Program Guide at: fernwoodnrg.ca/fernfest/program. Happy FernFest, friends!
