A Circus by the Sea takes shape in sand as Parksville Beach Fest returns!

Vancouver Island’s favourite beach festival returns in just a few short weeks, with more than five fabulous weeks packed with sand sculptures, music, family events and more!

With a new, more accessible location near the large volleyball court in Parksville Community Park, the Parksville Beach Festival promises a summer full of fun in the sun, beginning with its signature event, the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition.

“We’re really thrilled about the new location – it’s not only more accessible, it gives us room to expand in the future,” says the festival’s Wendy Sears. “We’re just so excited to welcome everyone down to enjoy all the festivities!”

Opening weekend is July 11 to 13, with the sculpture exhibition continuing through Aug. 17. This popular event features a 30-hour competition between 30 international master sculptors – individuals and pairs working under this year’s theme, Circus by the Sea. The competition opens to the public at 2 p.m. July 11, but that’s just the beginning.

Celebrate the festival kick-off at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre July 12 with the Van-Roc Interiors Opening Weekend Concert, featuring legendary Canadian rock band Chilliwack as part of their Farewell to Friends tour. Purchase tickets from the MacMillan Arts Centre, 133 McMillan St., or online here, but don’t wait too long – this concert is sure to sell out!

Fancy learning more about sculpting? On July 12 and 13, Parksville Canadian Tire has sponsored two professional sculptors to teach the public how to create a sand sculpture from scratch. All ages are welcome!

The music continues with the Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series – free, live performances from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 18, 19, 25, 26 and Aug. 1, 2, 15 and 16. Bring a blanket or chair and sit back to enjoy the show at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre in the Community Park, where dancing is encouraged!

Additional entertainment includes the Party City Buskers, entertaining at the boardwalk gazebo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. daily, July 14 to Aug. 17.

Mark your calendar for July 26 and 27 to take in Art in the Park, a two-day market showcasing more than 60 talented local artisans and vendors in Parksville Community Park.

For music lovers, the Mid Island Co-op Beachfest ROCKS! Music Festivalis a highlight of summer. Returning to the Parksville Outdoor Theatre Aug. 8 to 10, three days of old time rock and roll, classic rock and more ensures plenty of fun and dancing! In addition to top tribute artists, this year’s headliners include Tom Lavin and the Legendary Powder Blues, PRiSM and others.See the full line-up and purchase tickets online here or stop by Parksville’s MacMillan Arts Centre.

The festival’s final weekend brings a special treat: the night illumination of the sand sculpture exhibition, which will remain open until 11 p.m. Aug. 15 and 16. Hosted by Coastal Community Credit Union, the evening lights highlight the sculptures in a wonderfully unique way.

And finally, on Aug. 17, don’t miss the the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, in a concert made possible by Carol Riera, PREC*, RE/MAX Anchor Realty. Purchase tickets online here or in person at the MacMillan Arts Centre.

In addition to these Beach Festival activities, other closing weekend events in Parksville Community Park include the Quality Foods Festival of Lights Aug. 16, and the Quality Foods Children’s Sandcastle competition Aug.17.

Plan your visit:

Public entry to see the sculptures begins at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 11, with the exhibition remaining open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 17. Admission is by suggested donation of $5 per person, with cash, debit, Visa and Master Card accepted.

Learn more and see the full schedule of events at parksvillebeachfest.ca