Hornby Festival marks 44 years of music, culture and community

Hornby Island celebrates the return of Hornby Festival, 10 days of music, culture and community from July 30 to Aug. 8.

Hornby Festival marks 44 years of music, culture and community Published 10:48 am Friday, July 17, 2026 The Hornby Festival returns to Hornby Island July 30 — August 8 with ten days of outstanding music, visual arts, Indigenous cultural programming, and free community events. From classical, folk and rock to funk, Cuban dance and singer-songwriter performances, audiences will experience world-class artists in the spectacular outdoor setting of Rosemuir Farm, alongside concerts at the Community Hall.

Presented under the cultural direction of Elder Barbara Whyte (Billy), Pentlatch Knowledge Keeper and member of the K’ómoks First Nation, this year’s Indigenous programming includes: • July 31 (plus Aug. 1 if 31st fills): Sound Baths with Hwiemtun and Lekha • Aug. 2: Basket Weaving with Hwiemtun • Aug. 3 (plus Aug. 4 if 3rd fills): Healing Meditation with Elder Barb Visitors can also enjoy the Festival Visual Arts Exhibition featuring Josephine Fletcher, along with our popular Free at the Festival events, including Art in Unusual Places, Live on the Lawn artist interviews on CHFR 96.5 FM, and Classical Kids, a family-friendly introduction to classical music.

Rosemuir Farm Mainstage (July 30–Aug. 4, 2026) July 30 – Small Town Artillery (6-piece band: Rock) with Festival Opening and Traditional Pentlatch Welcome Ceremony led by Elder Barb Whyte (Billy) July 31 – The Wailin’ Jennys (5-piece band: Folk/Alt-Country) Aug. 1 – Freddy V & the Foundation (5-piece band: Funk, R&B, Afrobeat Dance) Aug. 2 – Elysia Biro (4-piece band: Pop/Singer-Songwriter) Aug. 3 – Adonis Puentes Cuban Dance Band (8-piece band: Cuban/World/Dance) Aug. 4 – Élisabeth Pion (Classical Piano: Schubert, Ravel & Albeniz, and Chaminade/Brahms) Featuring local, youth opening performers throughout the week: Molly Stotts, Polsen Moose, Hummingbirds, and Skelocaster.

Community Hall July 30-Aug. 8 – Josephine Fletcher: Time & Portals (guests: R Fletcher, E Maher and D Voctril) Aug. 7 – Élisabeth Pion: Les Mille et une Nuits Aug. 8 – Élisabeth Pion: Études (Chopin & Bacewicz) For tickets, schedules and full programming, visit hornbyfest.com.

Volunteers receive complimentary tickets. If financial or accessibility barriers make attending difficult, please contact us.