Family Arts Festival returns to Port Alberni, Family Day Weekend, 2026
Join us for two days of creative fun! February 14 and 15 at the Glenwood Centre, from 10 am to 2 pm.
This inclusive, diverse and intergenerational celebration is Port Alberni’s largest arts-focused festival dedicated to children, youth, and families.
EVENT SCHEDULE
| DATE | START TIME | END TIME | ON STAGE |
|
Saturday Feb. 14th
|
10:00 AM | 10:30 AM | Welcome Ceremony |
| 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Music and stories | |
| 11:30 AM | 12:00 PM | Youth Performance by Helio & Minx | |
| 12:00 PM | 12:45 PM | Mike Battie – Juggler extraordinaire | |
| 12:45 PM | 1:15 AM | Cultural Stories | |
| 1:30 AM | 2:00 PM | Music and stories | |
|
Sunday Feb. 15th
|
10:00 AM | 10:30 AM | Welcome Ceremony |
| 10:30 AM | 11:15 AM | Marimba Band | |
| 11:30 AM | 12:00 PM | Marimba Band Workshop | |
| 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM | Elite Dance Performances | |
| 12:30 PM | 1:30 PM | Cultural Performances | |
| 1:30 PM | 2:00 PM | Music and stories |
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Festival
The festival is entirely free, with art-making stations, hands-on workshops, live music, performances, face painting, balloon art, a scavenger hunt, and much more. Activities are designed for all ages and skill levels, making it easy for families to drop in, try something new, and spend quality time together in a welcoming, creative environment.
What free activities will there be?
You can experience free:
- Art making
- Crafts hosted by Peaks and Valleys Art Therapy
- Scavenger hunt with prizes for everyone
- Teddy bear repair
- Workshops led by local artists throughout the day
- Face painting
- Balloon art
- Youth Market
- Mini Golf
- Hot chocolate
What is the schedule of performers?
| DATE | START TIME | END TIME | TITLE |
|
Saturday Feb. 14th
|
10:00 AM | 10:30 AM | Welcome Ceremony |
| 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Music and stories | |
| 11:30 AM | 12:00 PM | Youth Performance by Helio & Minx | |
| 12:00 PM | 12:45 PM | Mike Battie – Juggler extraordinaire | |
| 12:45 PM | 1:15 AM | Cultural Stories | |
| 1:30 AM | 2:00 PM | Music and stories | |
|
Sunday Feb. 15th
|
10:00 AM | 10:30 AM | Welcome Ceremony |
| 10:30 AM | 11:15 AM | Marimba Band | |
| 11:30 AM | 12:00 PM | Marimba Band Workshop | |
| 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM | Elite Dance Performances | |
| 12:30 PM | 1:30 PM | Cultural Performances | |
| 1:30 PM | 2:00 PM | Music and stories |
About the Youth Market
A highlight of the weekend is the Youth Market, sponsored by Community Futures, which gives young entrepreneurs and artists aged up to 19 years old the opportunity to sell their handmade goods, art, and creative products. The Youth Market is a unique chance for young people to gain real-world experience as entrepreneurs and build confidence.
Who are the sponsors of the event?
The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley extends sincere thanks to the festival’s generous sponsors: Alberni District Co-Op, Coastal Community Credit Union, Port Alberni Port Authority, The Valley Vibe and Funtastic Alberni, whose support helps ensure that all activities at the Family Arts Festival remain free and accessible to the community.
This event was made possible by funding provided by the BC Arts Council and the City of Port Alberni Community Investment Program.
How do I get there?
Visiting the Glenwood centre is easy! Click here for the map. Parking is free and plentiful – accessible parking at the front door is available as well.
How do I get involved?
Sign up to help as a volunteer here or join as a vendor.
Want to learn more about joining the festival as a volunteer, performer, maker or artist? Join our Festival Info Session!
We will be hosting this at 5pm at the Visitor Centre boardroom,
Whether your a volunteer, artist, maker or more, you’re welcome to come to this info session to learn about the festival.
What happened to the Children's Arts Festival?
In 2025, a team of Arts Council staff and volunteers decided to rename the Children’s Arts Festival to the Family Arts Festival, to be more inclusive to families of all ages. This was also motivated by the event’s goal of being a diverse, intergenerational event.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Join the Youth Market
A highlight of this year’s festival is the Youth Market, proudly sponsored by Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot. The Youth Market is a special opportunity designed specifically for young makers, artists, and creatives who want to share and sell their handmade work. From artwork to crafts, jewelry, crochet, and imaginative creations of all kinds, the market celebrates the talents and ideas of young people in our community.
Participation in the Youth Market is completely free. Young vendors will be provided with a shared table, making it easy for first-time sellers to take part in a supportive and encouraging environment. The goal is to help youth build confidence, experience creative entrepreneurship, and take pride in their work—all while being part of a lively community festival.
Families interested in registering a young vendor can sign up by emailing rachael@cfac.ca – Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
The Family Arts Festival is organized by the Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley, which is also welcoming inquiries from those interested in being involved in other ways. Artists, performers, and community members who would like to host an activity, perform, or participate as a vendor during the festival are invited to reach out for more information by emailing admin@alberniarts.com
Photography from AV Children’s Arts Festival 2025 thanks to Ali Penko