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Yes Virginia, there is entertainment north of the Malahat

From Nanaimo Fringe to the Filberg Festival, up-Island offers several summer entertainment options
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Filberg Festival, Aug. 2-5, Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, Comox

The Filberg Festival has always been known for its long-standing tradition of featuring exceptional Canadian talent when it comes to entertainment and this year is no exception. Headliners over the BC Day long weekend include: Barney Bentall, Jim Byrnes, Ken Lavigne, Marcus Mosely Ensemble and Tiller’s Folly. The festival also showcases a curated selection of 135 talented artisans and makers of fine art in a variety of media ranging from metalwork, pottery, toys, woodcrafts, jewellery, paintings, glass, textiles and specialty foods. Find more at filbergfestival.com.

Cowichan Shakespeare Festival, Aug. 6-18, Gem ‘O the Isle farm, Duncan

The Shawnigan Players perform two of the Bard’s finest comedies, Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing. Starting Aug. 6 and for the eighth straight year, the Gem O’ the Isle in Cowichan Station (Koksilah Road) becomes the hub of all things theatrical in the valley. This full live theatre show features a large cast in colourful costumes performing in the fairy-tale-like surrounding of a small orchard. Click here for ticket link.

Nanaimo Fringe Festival, Aug. 8-17, Harbour City Theatre and other venues

This festival began life in 2011 as the Fringetastic Theatre Festival, a name coined by co-founder Jer Banks. It was also the title of a series of video interviews Jer did while travelling across Canada working at Fringe Festivals, and it stuck for the Hub City’s own live entertainment extravaganza. Ten companies take part in this year’s event, which offers individual show tickets or festival passes. Find more information at nanaimofringe.com.

Tofino Lantern Festival, Aug. 11, Tofino Botanical Gardens

How about a summer evening in Tofino? This is the Raincoast Education Society’s signature community event and fundraiser. The festival, on from 7:30-10:30 p.m., draws the young and young-at-heart with an unbelievable variety of handmade lanterns, live music, dance performance, food vendors and other entertainment. Rain or shine! Find more at tourismtofino.com

Chemainus Valley Country Music Jamboree, Aug. 17, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus

Enjoy an exciting day with some great country bands, starting at 2 p.m. in the beautifully treed, unique outdoor venue that is Waterwheel Park. Shift on over to the Legion Hall on Chemainus Road at 7:30 p.m. for the grand country dance featuring Mary Egan with Mary’s Mayhem, Wayne Montgomery & Montgomery County, County Line and Sweet Potato Brown. Get a discount on your dance ticket with a wristband from the Jamboree. Go to chemainuscountrymusic.com for more info.



editor@mondaymag.com

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