Attention Victoria, you are invited to join us in the Square on ­Friday night and all day Saturday, June 20 & 21, to celebrate 19 years of FernFest and the summer solstice. The weekend is filled with an eclectic line-up of ­musical ­talent that you might not know but are ­guaranteed to love. FernFest always ­showcases the very best of Victoria’s vibrant local music scene. Did we mention the event is free and open to all ages?

FernFest is a unique ­neighbourhood music and arts festival that began in 1995. For almost 2 decades, with the help of local businesses and many ­volunteers, this ­family friendly event has been ­transforming the ­neighbourhood into a carnival of wonder and shared celebration.

On Saturday, wake up and catch the Pancake Breakfast cooked up by the great folks of the Fernwood Inn. Explore the treasures of over 40 artisans and vendors, drop in for a capoeira demonstration on the Field of Dreams, play and make art in the Kid’s Zone. Don’t miss the Kidical Mass Bike Parade with Mike and Olena Russell, Fernwood Art Stroll, Fernwood Paint-off, Senior’s High Tea, painting the Bubble Man’s car, silent ­auction and many more fun filled surprises. ­Fernwood Square will be rocking all day and night with live music conveniently located in front of the beer garden. As per usual, we’ve got delicious Phillips beer and this year we’ve added Lonetree Cider on tap.

We are excited to announce that the FernFest Field of Dreams (the Vic High field) will be back for its second year! The Field is going to be all things fun. In addition to its own mini stage, we’ve got kid’s ­activities like hair streaking from Studio 1313, tie dye with the Fernwood ­Community Centre youth drop-in, a cardboard castle, ­face-painting, and more. Keep an eye out for clowns, ­magicians, ­storytellers, and hula hoopers! Don’t worry parents, we balance this ­circus extravaganza with a by-donation ­massage tent from ViVi Therapy.

FernFest always leaves you with a sense of wonder and celebration. The goal is to bring people together in the spirit of fun and shared experiences.

Thank you to all the local ­businesses, silent auction donors, musicians, artists and volunteers who come together every year to make this event possible! There is no better place to be on the longest days of the year. If you want to help out in any way, there are lots of volunteer positions still available. Apply online or send an email to kathryn@­fernwoodnrg.­ca. Can’t wait to see you all enjoying what this ­neighbourhood has to offer! See you in the Square June 20 & 21.

Full details available in our FernFest ­Program.