Festival Events

Big Raffle!

Here’s your chance to win-win-win! That’s right: we’ve come up with some big prizes and even more ways to support the arts on Gabriola. There will be one draw before each evening mainstage show. Get your tickets early at the ticket booth or from our roving volunteers! Support the businesses that support the festival! Spend $25 at a business in Folklife Village* on Theatre Festival weekend (August 17-20) and receive a ticket for our great prize raffle! Bring your receipt of purchase to the Festival ticket booth. The ticket seller will give you your raffle tickets! There’s a draw each evening during the Festival. You don’t have to be present to win a prize. *Real Estate purchases not included

Free Outdoor Stage!

Opening Ceremonies: And the Community Spirit Award Goes To...!

Every year at the Opening Ceremonies of the Gabriola Theatre Festival, we honour a community member, business, or organization that has made a significant contribution to the Gabriola Arts Council, the Theatre Festival, and the community at large. These contributions take many forms: enhancing the creative and cultural life on Gabriola; financial and/or in-kind support; volunteer time; and more. The first recipient of the Community Spirit Award was the inimitable Antony Holland, after whom the Theatre Festival’s main stage tent is named. The owners and staff of Village Food Market (2015) and Arbutus Home and Building Centre (2016) have also received the award. This year we celebrate Robert Stutzman, David Chapman, Paul Robinson and all the wonderful, positive staff at Robert’s Place who—year after year—offer their great food, fantastic service, and generous support to our festivals and events. From glorious plates of food to feed artists and art supporters, to sharing the meeting space, to friendly, generous service in the restaurant—the sky is truly the limit with Robert and his team! And the support doesn’t end with GAC. Robert goes out of his way to support all kinds of organizations on Gabriola—they’re great corporate citizens, an important community employer, and an essential stop for empty stomachs. Thank you, Robert’s Place! Join community members, the Ken Capon Memorial Marching Band, and representatives of groups and organizations to publicly thank Robert’s Place for all they do. Then head into the Antony Holland Mainstage Tent for the first of eight mainstage shows! FRIDAY | 1:00pm–2:15pm | AT THE FESTIVAL HUB | FREE!

A Fashionable Tale Fashion Show

Join us for The GABE Shop’s third annual unconventional fashion show. You’ll be dazzled by spectacular attire and tickled by funny tales from the closet. The GABE Shop, a boutique thrift store owned by The Gabriola Auxiliary for Island Health Care, raises funds for island health care initiatives. Featured fashions will be available for sale at The GABE Shop following the show. FRIDAY | 5:00pm | AT THE FESTIVAL HUB | FREE!

Shipwreck Wine Bar

Disappear into the abandoned shipwreck, where spirits are poured and the living is easy! Enjoy refreshments before, between, and after mainstage shows. But beware! No drinks will be served during mainstage performances.

Beachcombers Kids Corner!

Splash and play in underwater flora and fauna as the fishes do! A variety of shells, driftwood, seaweed, and beautiful gifts from our local waters have washed ashore for your crafting pleasure! Make puppets, garden art, and mosaics! Get your face painted! Join in on all the fishy fun! SATURDAY + SUNDAY | 10:00am–12:00pm | AT THE FESTIVAL HUB

Lions Pancake Breakfast

Start your Festival day with a tasty pancake breakfast served by the Gabriola Lions Club. Enjoy it in the Festival Hub with friends and neighbours. Pancakes, sausages, eggs, orange juice, and coffee—all for just $7 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under! All proceeds support worthy programs on Gabriola.

SATURDAY + SUNDAY | 9:00am–11:00am | AT THE FESTIVAL HUB

Street Art!

Art: See it! Love it! Take it home! Gabriola artists and artisans will delight your senses, tickle your fancies, and soothe your soul with their fantastic creations at this favourite summer art and craft event. More than 50 artists will be on hand at this lively artisan market, featuring an eclectic selection of quality one-of-a-kind treasures. On Sunday, meet all the fishes of Gabriola at Street Fair. Many artists will be back, alongside Gabriola community and nonprofit organizations. It’s as much fun as you’ll ever have on the street! SATURDAY + SUNDAY | 10:00am–4:00pm | AT LOCKINVAR LANE

Saturday, August 19th

Bob Weenk - Water Colour Artist Caroline James Fine Art - Sanctuary Peace Work and Limited Edition Fine Art Prints D’dance Glass - Hand blown and sculpted glass.  We start with molten glass and through the use of breath, fire and imagination, we create a variety of glass creations. Dances with Scarves / Northern Ink Ltd - A unique style of funky designer scarves handmade on Gabriola Island by Gayla Meredith, North Ink Limited. Danna Lewis drumweaver earth arts - Working and playing within sacred space, weaver creatively births spirit earth drums, rattles and other earth art to support you on your healing journey. ElectroArt - Art pieces made with electricity on Gabriola.. Group of Several

• Small Arylics and Oil Paintings
• New Art Surface – Acrylic Frosted Acetate with unique modern frame which suspends the painting 1.5 inches from the wall. Eleven of these paintings were created staging a home in England.  Images are available at http://www.judithmadsen.com?
• Greeting cards “Immortalizing Your Significant Other” ( cats & dogs)

Indian Summer Leather Design - Indian Summer Leather Design's soft leather bags are cherished by women who love practical and versatile designs that suit their active lifestyles - without compromising fashion.  These stunning bags are available in an array of vibrant colours and unique shapes, and guaranteed to turn heads. Jackalopebones - Hand made bone and bead jewellry, visual art little turquoise house of love poems - Hand made original cards, Assemblages, Original framed pieces and small paintings Lux Adorn Designs - Jewelry and Decor items moonshine studio - Hand made silver and gold jewellery, showcasing beautiful gems Peter Joyes - Face and body painting, Fold up cards with handwriting at the time of sale Robinson & Design - Copper, aluminum and steel tree sculptures both freestanding and stone based with various timber sculpture stands.  Also sculptural wood veneer lamps combining unique metal structures and wire sculpture. Sheila Norgate - Original art, books Silver Bee Designs - Sterling Silver jewellry SpiritSong Designs - Sterling silver and copper jewellery The art of Dean Vance - Original paintings, canvas and paper prints, wood panel prints, coasters, small restored home decor items (trays, tables, chairs) all with original designs. The Rising Stone Studio - Mixed Media Artist and Sculptor Tied Up & Dyed - Tie dye clothing Trudy Broadly, Jenn Seenan, Merrily Allanson - Trudy Broadly, Jenn Seenan, and Merrily Allanson will be sharing their works of art with you.   You will find small paintings, little cards, as well as unframed matted in watercolour, acrylics and oils. Vintage Sign Projects - Vintage style signs designed and made on Gabriola Wildlife Flutes - Native American style flutes handcrafted, precision tuned, and beautifully finished. Every flute has to sound good and look good.  I have made over 2000 flutes and they are owned by people from all over the world.  Local customers have the option of attending a free lesson, to get them playing, with the purchase of a flute. Working West Coast - Doug Harrison paints marine scenes and railroads, relating to the B.C. coast in watercolour and acrylics    

Sunday, August 20th

Bob Weenk - Water Colour Artist Caroline James Fine Art - Sanctuary Peace Work and Limited Edition Fine Art Prints D’dance Glass - Hand blown and sculpted glass.  We start with molten glass and through the use of breath, fire and imagination, we create a variety of glass creations. Dances with Scarves / Northern Ink Ltd - A unique style of funky designer scarves handmade on Gabriola Island by Gayla Meredith, North Ink Limited. Danna Lewis drumweaver earth arts - Working and playing within sacred space, weaver creatively births spirit earth drums, rattles and other earth art to support you on your healing journey. Jackalopebones - Hand made bone and bead jewelry, visual art Gabriola Island Community Hall -  Seeking support to raise funds through Property Tax Gabriola Players - Community Theatre Group Gabriola Spinners & Weavers Guild - Fibre Art Gabriola Woodworks - Beautiful, functional home decor pieces hand-crafted from locally-sourced wood GAFA - Display boards, brochures, GAFA t-shirts. Group of Several

• Small Arylics and Oil Paintings
• New Art Surface – Acrylic Frosted Acetate with unique modern frame which suspends the painting 1.5 inches from the wall. Eleven of these paintings were created staging a home in England.  Images are available at http://www.judithmadsen.com?
• Greeting cards “Immortalizing Your Significant Other” ( cats & dogs)

Kuki - Cookies! little turquoise house of love poems - Hand made original cards, Assemblages, Original framed pieces and small paintings Local Author Tent - Meet local authors, Joelle Anthony, Claire Eamer, and Ian Lawrence and check out their selection of fiction and nonfiction for children & teens. They'll be on hand to sign books. Lux Adorn Designs - Jewelry and Decor items Moonshine Studio - Hand made silver and gold jewellery, showcasing beautiful gems Peter Joyes - Face and body painting.  Fold up cards with handwriting at the time of sale Robinson & Design - Copper, aluminum and steel tree sculptures both freestanding and stone based with various timber sculpture stands.  Also sculptural wood veneer lamps combining unique metal structures and wire sculpture. Sacred Mala Jewelry - Handcrafted Mala necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  Made with sacred beads and mantras.   I will also be offering kombucha for sale. Sheila Norgate - Original art, books. Silver Bee Designs - Sterling Silver Jewelry. SpiritSong Designs - Sterling silver and copper jewellery. The art of Dean Vance - Original paintings, canvas and paper prints, wood panel prints, coasters, small restored home decor items (trays, tables, chairs) all with original designs. The Rising Stone Studio - Mixed Media Artist and Sculptor. Trudy Broadly, Jenn Seenan, and Merrily Allanson - Trudy Broadly, Jenn Seenan, and Merrily Allanson will be sharing their works of art with you.   You will find small paintings, little cards, as well as unframed matted in watercolour, acrylics and oils. Vegeteers - The Vegeteers table provides information and support for those interested in plant-based eating.  (And likely yummy vegan snacks) Vintage Sign Projects - Vintage style signs designed and made on Gabriola Wildlife Flutes - Native American style flutes handcrafted, precision tuned, and beautifully finished. Every flute has to sound good and look good.  I have made over 2000 flutes and they are owned by people from all over the world.  Local customers have the option of attending a free lesson, to get them playing, with the purchase of a flute.

GROWLS Puppet Show

Somewhere in the forests of Gabriola Island the animals are building a clubhouse where all wild creatures can come together. But when a turkey tries to help, the animals become divided instead. This children’s parable of friendship and belonging is suitable for all ages.

SATURDAY | 2:00pm | AT THE FESTIVAL HUB | FREE!

Lions Pancake Breakfast

Start your Festival day with a tasty Pancake Breakfast served by the Gabriola Lions Club. Enjoy it in the Festival Hub with friends and neighbours. Pancakes, sausages, eggs, orange juice, and coffee—all for just $7 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under! All proceeds support worthy programs on Gabriola. SATURDAY + SUNDAY | 9:00am–11:00am | AT THE FESTIVAL HUB

Beachcombers Kids Corner!

Splash and play in underwater flora and fauna as the fishes do! A variety of shells, driftwood, seaweed, and beautiful gifts from our local waters have washed ashore for your crafting pleasure! Make puppets, garden art, and mosaics! Get your face painted! Join in on all the fishy fun! SATURDAY + SUNDAY | 10:00am–12:00pm | AT THE FESTIVAL HUB

Street Fair!

Art: See it! Love it! Take it home! Gabriola artists and artisans will delight your senses, tickle your fancies, and soothe your soul with their fantastic creations at this favourite summer art and craft event. More than 50 artists will be on hand at this lively artisan market, featuring an eclectic selection of quality one-of-a-kind treasures. On Sunday, meet all the fishes of Gabriola at Street Fair. Many artists will be back, alongside Gabriola community and nonprofit organizations. It’s as much fun as you’ll ever have on the street! SATURDAY + SUNDAY | 10:00am–4:00pm | AT LOCKINVAR LANE

Saturday, August 19th

Bob Weenk - Water Colour Artist Caroline James Fine Art - Sanctuary Peace Work and Limited Edition Fine Art Prints D’dance Glass - Hand blown and sculpted glass.  We start with molten glass and through the use of breath, fire and imagination, we create a variety of glass creations. Dances with Scarves / Northern Ink Ltd - A unique style of funky designer scarves handmade on Gabriola Island by Gayla Meredith, North Ink Limited. Danna Lewis drumweaver earth arts - Working and playing within sacred space, weaver creatively births spirit earth drums, rattles and other earth art to support you on your healing journey. ElectroArt - Art pieces made with electricity on Gabriola.. Group of Several

• Small Arylics and Oil Paintings
• New Art Surface – Acrylic Frosted Acetate with unique modern frame which suspends the painting 1.5 inches from the wall. Eleven of these paintings were created staging a home in England.  Images are available at http://www.judithmadsen.com?
• Greeting cards “Immortalizing Your Significant Other” ( cats & dogs)

Indian Summer Leather Design - Indian Summer Leather Design's soft leather bags are cherished by women who love practical and versatile designs that suit their active lifestyles - without compromising fashion.  These stunning bags are available in an array of vibrant colours and unique shapes, and guaranteed to turn heads. Jackalopebones - Hand made bone and bead jewellry, visual art little turquoise house of love poems - Hand made original cards, Assemblages, Original framed pieces and small paintings Lux Adorn Designs - Jewelry and Decor items moonshine studio - Hand made silver and gold jewellery, showcasing beautiful gems Peter Joyes - Face and body painting, Fold up cards with handwriting at the time of sale Robinson & Design - Copper, aluminum and steel tree sculptures both freestanding and stone based with various timber sculpture stands.  Also sculptural wood veneer lamps combining unique metal structures and wire sculpture. Sheila Norgate - Original art, books Silver Bee Designs - Sterling Silver jewellry SpiritSong Designs - Sterling silver and copper jewellery The art of Dean Vance - Original paintings, canvas and paper prints, wood panel prints, coasters, small restored home decor items (trays, tables, chairs) all with original designs. The Rising Stone Studio - Mixed Media Artist and Sculptor Tied Up & Dyed - Tie dye clothing Trudy Broadly, Jenn Seenan, Merrily Allanson - Trudy Broadly, Jenn Seenan, and Merrily Allanson will be sharing their works of art with you.   You will find small paintings, little cards, as well as unframed matted in watercolour, acrylics and oils. Vintage Sign Projects - Vintage style signs designed and made on Gabriola Wildlife Flutes - Native American style flutes handcrafted, precision tuned, and beautifully finished. Every flute has to sound good and look good.  I have made over 2000 flutes and they are owned by people from all over the world.  Local customers have the option of attending a free lesson, to get them playing, with the purchase of a flute. Working West Coast - Doug Harrison paints marine scenes and railroads, relating to the B.C. coast in watercolour and acrylics    

Sunday, August 20th

Bob Weenk - Water Colour Artist Caroline James Fine Art - Sanctuary Peace Work and Limited Edition Fine Art Prints D’dance Glass - Hand blown and sculpted glass.  We start with molten glass and through the use of breath, fire and imagination, we create a variety of glass creations. Dances with Scarves / Northern Ink Ltd - A unique style of funky designer scarves handmade on Gabriola Island by Gayla Meredith, North Ink Limited. Danna Lewis drumweaver earth arts - Working and playing within sacred space, weaver creatively births spirit earth drums, rattles and other earth art to support you on your healing journey. Jackalopebones - Hand made bone and bead jewelry, visual art Gabriola Island Community Hall -  Seeking support to raise funds through Property Tax Gabriola Players - Community Theatre Group Gabriola Spinners & Weavers Guild - Fibre Art Gabriola Woodworks - Beautiful, functional home decor pieces hand-crafted from locally-sourced wood GAFA - Display boards, brochures, GAFA t-shirts. Group of Several

• Small Arylics and Oil Paintings
• New Art Surface – Acrylic Frosted Acetate with unique modern frame which suspends the painting 1.5 inches from the wall. Eleven of these paintings were created staging a home in England.  Images are available at http://www.judithmadsen.com?
• Greeting cards “Immortalizing Your Significant Other” ( cats & dogs)

Kuki - Cookies! little turquoise house of love poems - Hand made original cards, Assemblages, Original framed pieces and small paintings Local Author Tent - Meet local authors, Joelle Anthony, Claire Eamer, and Ian Lawrence and check out their selection of fiction and nonfiction for children & teens. They'll be on hand to sign books. Lux Adorn Designs - Jewelry and Decor items Moonshine Studio - Hand made silver and gold jewellery, showcasing beautiful gems Peter Joyes - Face and body painting.  Fold up cards with handwriting at the time of sale Robinson & Design - Copper, aluminum and steel tree sculptures both freestanding and stone based with various timber sculpture stands.  Also sculptural wood veneer lamps combining unique metal structures and wire sculpture. Sacred Mala Jewelry - Handcrafted Mala necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  Made with sacred beads and mantras.   I will also be offering kombucha for sale. Sheila Norgate - Original art, books. Silver Bee Designs - Sterling Silver Jewelry. SpiritSong Designs - Sterling silver and copper jewellery. The art of Dean Vance - Original paintings, canvas and paper prints, wood panel prints, coasters, small restored home decor items (trays, tables, chairs) all with original designs. The Rising Stone Studio - Mixed Media Artist and Sculptor. Trudy Broadly, Jenn Seenan, and Merrily Allanson - Trudy Broadly, Jenn Seenan, and Merrily Allanson will be sharing their works of art with you.   You will find small paintings, little cards, as well as unframed matted in watercolour, acrylics and oils. Vegeteers - The Vegeteers table provides information and support for those interested in plant-based eating.  (And likely yummy vegan snacks) Vintage Sign Projects - Vintage style signs designed and made on Gabriola Wildlife Flutes - Native American style flutes handcrafted, precision tuned, and beautifully finished. Every flute has to sound good and look good.  I have made over 2000 flutes and they are owned by people from all over the world.  Local customers have the option of attending a free lesson, to get them playing, with the purchase of a flute.

Walk on the Wild Side Children’s Magic Show

This magic show features storytelling, comedy, music, and tons of audience participation! Celebrating the wrap-up of this year’s Summer Reading Club at the Gabriola Library, this show will get kids excited about the world around them and inspire them to read books from their local library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Gabriola Library. Leif David’s international award-winning act, showcasing his specialty in close-up and stage magic, has been amazing audiences for over 23 years. He’s studied with some of the world’s greatest magicians, and last summer he performed at over 70 events across British Columbia.

SUNDAY | 12:00pm | AT THE FESTIVAL HUB | FREE! SPONSORED BY THE GABRIOLA ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY (VIRL)

Shipwreck Wine Bar

Disappear into the abandoned shipwreck, where spirits are poured and the living is easy! Enjoy refreshments before, between, and after mainstage shows. But beware! No drinks will be served during mainstage performances.