Salt Spring Island Events
Spring
Salt Spring Film Festival (March)
During the Festival Weekend the Salt Spring Film Festival Society hosts a Social Justice Bazaar and provides delicious organic local food to satisfy the appetites of film lovers. Get more information »
The Famous Gumboot Gala (April)
The traditional last Folkclub event of the year dubbed “The Gumboot Gala” for the typical footwear this time of the year. A wonderful way to end a great season with great performances by the hosts backed by all the local usual suspects, weaving their particular brand of musical magic. Get more information »
Earth Day (April)
Join the community in Centennial Park for Earth Day celebrations. Fresh air event with live bands, speakers, information booths, all-day yoga and lots of activities for all ages. Learn, connect, sing, dance, create change, have fun, respect the planet! Get more information »
Saturday Market (April-October)
Browse internationally acclaimed arts and crafts from Canada's "Island of the Arts" including world class potters, jewellers, fibre artists, woodworkers, fine art & photography, body care, clothing and accessories, island tours and more. Enjoy live music and entertainment, organic produce, farmstead cheeses, organic and delicious homemade snacks and food. Note: Dogs are NOT allowed in the Saturday Market. Get more information »
Round Salt Spring Sailing Race (May)
The annual Round Saltspring Race has evolved over 41 years into a whole weekend of celebrations, and has been called “the best regatta on the coast” by participants. Up to 120 boats participate in the Saturday race around the island, from maxi-boats to small club racers. Get more information »
Ruckle Farm Day (May)
Ruckle Heritage Farm Day is a long standing educational family day for the community and visitors alike. This event displays heritage farming and crafts side-by-side with nature in the beautiful Ruckle Farm’s setting. As few free family events remain, this day has proven in the past to bring out a large crowd to experience the beauty of this magnificent Park, made particularly unique & special with the ‘oldest operating family farm in BC’ tucked right into the middle. Get more information »
Summer
Sunday Afternoon Music in the Vines (May-October)
Join Salt Spring Vineyards every Sunday afternoon for live music in the vineyard with great local performers. Bring a blanket, picnic and sip, listen, enjoy. Get more information »
Salt Spring Studio Tour (May-September)
If you'd like to taste the very best of what Salt Spring has to offer, nothing compares to the mix of creativity, hand-made art and world-class craftsmanship that you can enjoy on the island's famous Studio Tour. Get more information »
Salt Spring Wine Tour (June-September)
This is the local wine, beer, cheese, bread, and farm lover’s tour! Spend the day touring the full spectrum of Salt Spring’s unique culinary artisan community. Guides are incredibly friendly, and will share local stories and interesting historical facts along the way. Get more information »
Tuesday Farmer's Market (June-October)
For fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, plant starts, homemade food and snacks from local organic farmers and artisans. Find tons of fresh, locally grown farm veggies, berries, fruits and food. Please Note: There are no crafts at this market. Get more information »
Canada Day (July)
Classic car show, food, and entertainment. Birthday cake for Canada! Fireworks and music over Ganges Harbour at dusk.
Lavender Festival (July)
Relax among the aromatic and colourful lavender fields and let the music and symphony of bees float over you! Get more information »
Salt Spring Garlic & Music Festival (August)
The Salt Spring Island Garlic Festival is an annual event featuring top musical acts and local garlic and food vendors. Get more information »
Autumn
Salt Spring Fall Fair (September)
Salt Spring Island's largest annual community event, put on by the Salt Spring Farmers' Institute. Get more information »
Blackberry Festival (September)
Remember to bring your favourite blackberry goodie, a bowl and a spoon. Enjoy a short hike in Ruckle Park before the Blackberry Festival. Get more information »
Salt Spring Pride (September)
Salt Spring Island celebrates Pride week with a BBQ party, Pride Parade and after-parade party, picnic, burlesque, poetry, music, comedy, dance, and more. Get more information »
Photosynthesis Annual Exhibit (September)
Photosynthesis is a group of accomplished Salt Spring photographers created in 1995. Its annual exhibit at ArtSpring has become an island tradition. Get more information »
Summer Lights (September)
Sculpture Park at Duthie Gallery is open nightly from dusk through midnight until mid-September. Get more information »
Salt Spring Potters Guild Annual Show and Sale (September)
See spectacular pieces crafted by award winning potters, professional clay artists, emerging potters and sculptors all showing their work together under one roof! Get more information »
Sip & Savour Salt Spring (October)
This FREE event is an opportunity to sample local and regional wine, cider, beer and beverages along with farm fresh food and products from Salt Spring. Savour local ingredients with special menus offered at many excellent restaurants throughout the Sip & Savour weekend, including Harvest Theme and Thanksgiving long-table dinners featuring live music hosted in unique settings. Get more information »
Salt Spring Island Apple Festival (October)
Salt Springers are very proud of their apples and the incredible collection amassed at Fulford Hall every Apple Festival is a sight to behold! See HUNDREDS of varieties of apples all grown organically on Salt Spring Island. Get more information »
Halloween Events (October)
Have fun making your way through town at Salt Spring Island's annual Zombie Walk - be aware it might be a bit scary for the little ones! Looking for the perfect pumpkin? Visit the Bon Acres Farm Pumpkin Patch or take a drive and visit the Island's many farmstands with fall offerings of historic jack o' lantern vegetables. Walk through a spooky Haunted House! Celebrate the spookiest (and fun!) night of the year with a spook-tacular fireworks show over Ganges Harbour, followed by treats!
Salt Spring Island Remembrance Day Ceremony (November)
Lest We Forget. Join veterans in Ganges to remember the sacrifices made by thousands of Canadians preceded by a parade mustering at the Post Office, and followed by an open house at the Royal Canadian Legion. Get more information »
Winter
WinterCraft Craft Show & Sale (November-December)
The creations of over 80 participants are presented in a delightful holiday display of skill and beauty. The traditions of an old fashioned Christmas abound in the spirit and quality of carefully handcrafted treasures, lively craft demonstrations, and friendly customer service. Get more information »
WinterFaire (December)
Salt Spring Island United Church's annual WinterFaire features a cafe and take-home savouries upstairs, along with a silent auction and gift bags. Downstairs is crafts, decorations, gifts, knitting, Christmas baking and fruit cakes, jams, preserves, and a kids-only fishing pond. Get more information »
Christmas Market (December)
Browse internationally acclaimed arts and crafts from Canada's "Island of the Arts", including world class potters, jewellers, fibre artists, woodworkers, fine art & photography, body care, clothing and accessories, island tours and more. Get more information »
Christmas On Salt Spring (December)
This holiday season, Salt Spring Island is the ideal getaway. Come “Get Your Glow On!” Escape the hustle and bustle of congested holiday shopping, find the peace of the season and discover boutique shopping, winery tours, galleries, outdoor adventures, dining foodie experiences and a unique destination for the holidays. Get more information »
New Year's Polar Bear Plunge (January)
Plunge into the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean with dozens of other 'chill' seekers during this hallowed New Years Day tradition! What better way to wash away the excesses of the night before?
Annual Seedy Saturday (February)
Vendors, pancake breakfast, free workshops, seed exchange, and kids activities. Hosted by the SSI Farmers' Institute. Get more information »
Year-Round
Open Mic @ Moby's Pub (Thursdays)
Bring your talent to the stage, dance, or sit back and enjoy the vibe. Get more information »
Jazz Cafe @ Fernwood Road Cafe (Fridays)
With Lloyd English and Myles English, every Friday. Get more information »
ArtSpring Events
The island's premier arts venue was opened by Salt Spring painter Robert Bateman in 1999 and has been presenting a busy schedule of music, dance, opera, art exhibitions and theatre productions ever since. The striking facility is on 100 Jackson Avenue at the edge of Ganges near Mouat Park and its theatre can hold 265. Get more information »
Workshops on the Rock
Become a part of Salt Spring’s vibrant and varied community for a day, a weekend or a week when you participate in one of the many workshops on offer from the Art Council initiative. With over 60 workshops to choose from in 3 different sectors there is something for everyone. Slow down and make time to relax, rethink, and renew while enjoying something you love. Get more information »