Let’s light the inlet!
The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley and the City of Port Alberni are thrilled to announce the merging of two of the Valley’s most beloved seasonal traditions, the Harbour Quay Light-Up and the great Sail Past!
The event takes place Friday, November 28 at the Harbour Quay, the Nuu-chah-nulth name ƛuukʷatquuʔis, meaning Wolf Ritual Beach. We are proud to recognize the cultural significance and deep connections of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath Nations to this area where the celebration takes place.
This festive, family-friendly event is free to attend and packed with activities for all ages! Visitors can enjoy the light display, light parades, live music, a complimentary BBQ hosted by V9Y Catering, hot chocolate and candy, and late-night shopping at the Mistletoe Market inside The Grove Gallery. As well, hop aboard the festive APR Holiday Train for just $5 per ride, complete with a visit from Santa.
Activites at the Light-Up
- Free Hot Dog BBQ by Chef Megan York (hot dogs by Hertel’s and Pete’s Mountain Meats)
- Free Hot Coco served by the Alberni Valley Museum
- Holiday Train Rides — $5 donation, ride with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
- Live Music featuring local choirs, the ADSS Band, and the West Coast Highlanders & Pipe Band
- Late-Night Shopping at The Grove Gallery
- Free Ornament Craft for Kids by the Alberni Arts Council
- Letters to Santa activity for kids
- Pop-Up Play thanks to the Pacific Rim Children & Families Society
Photos with Santa and his elf - Light Parade by ArtRave
- Heritage Trucks — see a piece of Port Alberni history thanks to the Industrial Heritage Society
- Visit the Lighthouse for hot cocoa and to watch the Sail Past
- Light-Up Bike Parade — bring your bike for some light-up fun
- Hometown Takeover group video at 5:15 PM
- After Party held at the Blue Marlin Inn at 8 PM
- Warm up zone and board games at Bombers Cafe – Open till 8 Pm
- Video games, connect four and delicious treats at Munch Gelato- Open till 7 PM
- The Harbour Scoop, Homestead Cookhouse, All Mex’d up, Blue Fish Collective, Jus, The Sugar Shak, Pinto Goods & Refillery all open till 7 PM
- Free face painting and a fun holiday photo spot at The Forage Thrift store open 9 AM – 7PM
The Schedule for the Main Events
4 PM – Opening Ceremony – Acknowledgment and thanks to c̓išaaʔatḥ and huupač̓asʔatḥ First Nations
5:15 PM – ‘Forever Tree’ Lighting & Ceremony – Plus, a “Home Town Takeover” group video
5:30 PM – Sail Past Begins – View lit-up boats sailing the harbour and vote for your favourite!
6:45 PM – Fireworks at Centennial Pier
8 PM – After Party & Awards at the Blue Marlin Inn
Please be warned that parking will be limited at the Harbour Quay. There will be accessibility parking only from SalmonBerry’s Emporium to Pinto Refillery & Goods. Please look at the highlight parking spots in the image below!
Get Involved!
Community groups, volunteers, and local businesses are invited to participate in this year’s event by hosting an activity, setting up a booth, or lending a hand behind the scenes. To get involved, or for more information about accessibility, please contact the Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley at info at alberniarts.com
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