News

We Want to Hear From You: FernFest 2025 Feedback

Thank you to everyone who joined us at this year’s FernFest and helped make it such a joyful celebration of community, music, and art. From the Big Fernwood Stage to the Artisan Market, food trucks, bubbles, kids’ activities, art, workshops, and dancing in Fernwood Square, FernFest truly comes alive because of you.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Your feedback helps us shape the future of FernFest so it can keep evolving and become more connected with our neighbourhood. Please take a few minutes to share your experience with us.

Take the FernFest 2025 Survey Here

If you loved FernFest and want to contribute to its future, consider making a donation of any size here. Every contribution helps keep FernFest vibrant and accessible for all. We can’t wait to see you next year!

By |August 29th, 2025|News|0 Comments
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Victoria Anarchist Bookfair – September 20 & 21, 2025

The Victoria Anarchist Bookfair is 20 years old!

We are pleased to announce that the Twentieth Annual Victoria Anarchist Bookfair is happening this September 20th and 21st  on Lkwungen Territory in Victoria, British Columbia at the Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Avenue. The bookfair draws participants from across Turtle Island and around the world.

This year, they are hosting a variety of vendors and workshops addressing the most salient issues of the day. Speakers will address topics such as housing activism, Cuban anarchist struggles, Anarchist Archiving, plus singing! Plus, with activist, author, anarchist and artist NO Bonzo’s stunning artwork adorning our posters we celebrate our longevity as a community event powerfully and beautifully.

Participants include publishers, bookstores, presses, distros, zine makers, community activists, and artists, as well as affiliate groups: Camas Books and Infoshop, Food Not Bombs, Spartacus Books (Vancouver), PM Press (Oakland), Nightshade Press (Van Isle), Thoreapple Press (Victoria). There are also tablers of a more DIY persuasion ranging from independent publishers such as Historical Seditions (Seattle) to zinesters like Analog Evolution to artists like The Brass Iris and Meg’s Macabre Marvels. 

For more information, including the full workshop, tabler and event listings and the Festival of Anarchy schedule, please visit victoriaanarchistbookfair.ca. 

The website also has statements about indigenous solidarity, principles, accessibility, and their safer space policy.

Contact: VABF (250) 889-6735 & info@victoriaanarchistbookfair.ca

And finally, they need people to come as participants, not consumers. So please consider helping them out by volunteering? Connect with us at: volunteers@victoriaanarchistbookfair.ca

By |August 29th, 2025|News|0 Comments
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Playstreets – September 14, 2025

The next Fernwood Play Streets is Sunday, September 14  from 2 – 4:30. Stone Soup & S’mores

This is the last Play Streets for this year. We’ll make a big pot of stone soup! Bring a vegetable and see it magically transformed into something for everyone to share. Vic Fire Fighters will park a fire truck for kids to explore next to the s’mores fire! Which will be more exciting? We’ll learn what pollinator gardens need from us at this time of year, and how to save seeds. This is a special little neighbourhood way to say our goodbyes to Summer, give our gratitude, and welcome in the Fall. Join us on Camosun St, between Grant & Balmoral. 

Playstreets - Stone Soup & S'mores
By |August 29th, 2025|News|0 Comments
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Mexican & Latin American Independence Days Celebration – September 14, 2025

Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and connection! In partnership with Dignidad Migrante, we’re bringing together newcomers, immigrants, and friends from all backgrounds to honour Mexican and Latin American Independences.

Enjoy traditional music, food, and fun activities — including cultural activities and showcases, and opportunities to connect with community services. This event is a space to share stories, traditions, and resources that support newcomers and build bridges across cultures.

Date: September 14, 2025
Location: Gym at Fernwood Neighborhood House, 1240 Gladstone Avenue
Time: 3pm – 6pm

Everyone is welcome! Free entry—donations are welcome!

Let’s celebrate our roots, support one another, and make space for joy and learning— together.

By |August 29th, 2025|News|0 Comments
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Fibrations Fiber Arts Festival – August 17, 2025

Fibrations is a free, community-focused celebration of the rich and diverse world of fibre arts — taking place Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 10am to 4pm at William Stevenson Park and the Fernwood Community Centre in beautiful Victoria, BC.

Rooted in values of inclusivity, sustainability, and connection, Fibrations brings together farmers, hand-dyers, weavers, knitters, felters, toolmakers, and educators from across the fibre arts spectrum. Whether you’re a seasoned fibre artist or simply fibre-curious, you’ll find something to inspire you here.

Browse the confirmed vendors below and discover the passionate creators who make this event truly special:

Wild Woollys

ancientFUTURES

Atelier Nekozuki

Barb Alexander Designs

Batik Baskets

Beehive Wool Shop

Caliopes Fibre

Cedar Coast Fibre Arts

Chaotic Fibres

Copperspoon Dye Co.

Cottonwood Creations

Crafty Phases

Debbie

Deep Blue Dyeworks

Early Weaving/Loom to Grow

Embroiderers’ Guild of Victoria

Fibre Art Studio on Granville Island

Flax to Linen

Gala Fabrics

Gauge Dye Works

GET  HOOKED  DESIGNS by  Helena Bowen

Get Hooked Designs by Helena

Gina Mar

Gingersnap

InKohootsWeaving & Bloominposts

Jen Williams

Jill’s Fibres

KnotArt

Knotty by Nature

Ladybug Weaving

Lilliana Paz Art

Linda Byrne

Local Colour MultiCraft

Lorelei Textile Design

Made with Lovey

Magbags​

mirabeans

Monica Ritenour Pottery

Morena

Morrison Creek Alpacas

Mosqoy

Mr Snapthat

Mud Buttons/Mad Squirrel Mudworks

nan.c designs

Neshama

New Wave Fibre

Ocean Prairie Designs

Outraegeous Designs

Pender Island Farm

Purly Bird

Puzzle Tree Yarns

Rose Hill Yarns

Scrumptious Ewe Artyarn & Pottery

Sheepless Yarns

Simply Fiber by Nicole

Sooke Yarn & Fibre

Stitch and Bits

Sunday Fibre Co

That DARN Yarn Shop and Fibre Mill

The Green Thimble

The Spinnacle Yarns

TLC Fibre Artd

Tofino Knit Company

Vancouver Island Fibreshed

Victoria Handweavers & Spinners Guild

Victoria Knitters Guild

Victoria Quilters Guild

Wolf & Faun Knits

Wool and Waves Creative Inc.

 

Accessibility Info:

  • Fibrations takes place in the field of William Stevenson Park and the gymnasium of Fernwood NRG Community Centre

  • Both are wheelchair accessible. The entrance to Fernwood NRG is at street level and can be accessed from the sidewalk, and then there is a ramp down to the main gymnasium. There are also sloped access points from the field to the centre.

  • Fernwood NRG is low scent but there may be some chemical cleaner scents as well as a likelihood of encountering some dust indoors.

  • Fluorescent lights are present in the gymnasium

  • A single stall washroom is available at the bottom of the ramp near the inner gymnasium doors.

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For more info, check out www.kbnfibers.ca/about-4

 

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By |August 12th, 2025|News|0 Comments
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Otsukimi : Bunny Moon Market – September 7, 2025

Welcome to another Otsukimi : Bunny Moon Market as we relish in the end of summer’s harvest with a festive celebration at the Fernwood Community Centre and Skate Park on Sunday SEPTEMBER 7th from 11-4pm.

 

Enter through the main doors on the street level to start your adventure through 2 LEVELS of the Fernwood Community Centre. Exploring  each Artist that we thoughtfully invited to create this colourful and diverse curated market. In the eye of the building you’ll see an open drop in workshop hosted by our friends TSUGI – HAGI. As you exit the gym you’ll spill out into the FOOD COURT in the Skate Park where you’ll be treated by a great gathering of Chefs, some have traveled as far away as Tofino to join us in this celebration of yummy foods! 

 

Local Made by Hand and the Fernwood Makers Party has teamed up to share this amazing line up of Artists. Each Artists has been working on special items that they will be dropping on this berry special day. 

 

Tsugi – Hagi will be hosting a family friendly lino stamping station with a limited edition print as well as their mending station.  Our friend Thomas will be DJ a high energy set from 11am – 2pm then from 2pm – 4pm Karaoke booth will be set up in-front of Hot Dog Hustlin’ for you to sing your heart out. The Woodland Charm will be hosting a Terrarium workshop in the Skate Park. Fun games, Photo Booth and even a Tamagotchi Club meet up! 

 

Join us SUNDAY September 7th 

11-4pm

1240 Gladstone Ave at the Fernwood Community Centre

 

There is a ramp inside for accessibility

10:40am Early entrance for accessibility and HS shoppers 

 

Adults $4 

Kids 12 and under FREE

 

Cats or tiny dogs in backpacks ok inside 

Dogs on leashes ok outside 

 

@localmadebyhand

@thefernwoodmakersparty

By |August 6th, 2025|News|0 Comments
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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
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