Events

Halloween events
Oct23

If you are visiting Vancouver Island this October there are plenty of things to do as Halloween grows near. These events are compiled with our Breakaway Vacation properties in Parksville and Qualicum Beach in mind but don’t forget to explore what goes on in other areas like Victoria, as well!

  1. Halloween Party & Masquerade Ball

If you don’t mind a short drive to Nanaimo then be sure to buy tickets for the annual Halloween Part and Masquerade Ball, hosted by the Serauxmen Service Club. Enjoy dancing, live music, and a best costume prize (solo and group).

Location: Nanaimo Curling Club (106 Wall Street)

  1. Pumpkins on the Drive

Wander along Resort Drive to see an assortment of pumpkins carved and decorated for the season. If you’re lucky, you might be able to pick up some candy and hot chocolate along the way!

Location: Resort Drive in Parksville

  1. Friends of Foster Park Pumpkin Walk

More pumpkins, what a surprise! Tour through hundreds of pumpkins carved by community youth. This event takes place every year and is free to attend. The walk is family-friendly with enough rooms for strollers.

Location: Foster Park, Parksville

  1. Errington’s Pumpkin Trail and Fireworks

Visit Errington’s Community Park with the whole family in costume (child-friendly event) and check out the props hidden along the trails. Treats will be handed out at different milestone locations. There is also a market site at the end where you can stock up on treats and drinks. Plus: fireworks!

Location: Errington’s Community Park

  1. Coombs Candy Walk

This is a Halloween event held every year. Visitors can enjoy a circus-themed candy walk, concession stands, a “Little Ghouls” haunted house, and fireworks later in the night. The event is by donation, so chip in what you can.

Location: 1014 Ford Road, Coombs

  1. Halloween in the Village

Located in the heart of Qualicum Beach, Halloween in the Village includes a pumpkin trail, hotdogs and other treats, a bonfire, and some nighttime fireworks. Check online for more details, as they sometimes have a haunted house (OR a family-friendly version) set up, as well.

Location: Downtown Qualicum Beach

  1. Halloween Howl Swim

Want something totally unique? Try the Halloween Howl Swim at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre. The Centre is always decorated for the occasion. Also, there will be games and activities for kids. The event closed off with a piñata bash, so be sure to stick around.

Location: Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Qualicum Beach

Not sure what you want to do to celebrate this Halloween with your family? Ask us about our vacation rentals on Vancouver Island!

April Events
Apr06

April Events in the Qualicum and Parksville Areas (2020)

 

April ushers in the start of springtime festivities on Vancouver Island. The Qualicum and Parksville areas, where you can stay in one of Breakaway Vacations’ wonderful rental homes, have plenty going on. There is also much to do in the surrounding areas. Thanks to the smallness of the Island, it’s easy to take a day trip to Nanaimo or Victoria to see a show.

Here are a few things you can do in April!

 

QUALICUM AND PARKSVILLE AREAS

Side-by-side, these neighbourhoods are ripe with local activity. There are plenty of communities that touch borders with these areas, making it easy to attend festivities in many different towns during your stay.

 

Elegant Threads and More Show & Sale at Qualicum Commons

April 3-4, 2020, starts at 10:00 AM

The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners present Elegant Threads and More as a part of the weekend-long Brant Wildlife Festival. Shows, studio work, items for purchase, and more.

 

30th Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking & Art Show at Parksville Community Centre

April 3-4, 2020, start times varies

The 30th Annual Carving and Woodworking show has demonstrations, exhibitions, art for sale, professional photography, seminars, auctions, and a youth painting workshop.

 

North Island Wildlife Recovery (NIWRA) Centre Eagle Release

April 4, 2020, starts at 11:00 AM

NIWRA helps protect and rehabilitate owls,

eagles, falcons, bears, and more – and you can be a part of it. During this event, a rescued eagle will be released back into the wild (~2:00 PM).

 

CHRCO Flea Market & Pancake Breakfast at the Coombs Rodeo Grounds, Qualicum

April 5, 2020, starts at 9:00 AM

Browse the local flea market to pick up some souvenirs or just check out what’s available. They also offer pancake breakfast for a small price, $6 for small and $8 for large.

 

Nell & Jim Band at Joyce Beaton House Concert, Qualicum Beach

April 20, 2020, at 7:30 PM

Nell & Jim Band is making a few different stops around the Island and Qualicum Beach is one of them! They claim influence from folk, bluegrass, Americana, roots, swing, jazz, and blues music.

 

BONUS: What’s Nearby?

Qualicum Beach is a short 45-minute drive from Nanaimo (Parksville is slightly shorter), which is where you can expect to find many larger events. Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is just over a 2-and-a-quarter-hour drive from the Qualicum Beach area. The drive is easy and beautiful and you can totally plan a day trip around it.

 

If you don’t mind going for a bit further, there are a few cool events hosted in these nearby hotspots:

 

Vancouver Island Symphony at The Port Theatre, Nanaimo

April 25, 2020, at 7:30 PM

Enjoy their show Symphony Rhapsody, which will feature audience-favourite works by Gershwin and Dvorak as well as two tuneful, jazz-infused brand new pieces.

 

Russell Brand @ University Centre Farquhar Auditorium, Victoria

April 5, 2020, at multiple showtimes

Looking for some edgy comedy to spice up your stay? Actor, comedian, and podcast host Russell Brand’s Recovery Live show might be just what you need.

 

Music, arts, community, and culture. You’ll find everything during your stay on Vancouver Island this spring. What event are you looking forward to?