Five and a half weeks of sand, creativity and community come to a close

Parksville, BC – After five and a half weeks of incredible artistry, entertainment and community spirit, the 2026 Parksville Beach Festival is wrapping up at the Parksville Community Park.

The world-class sculptures that have captivated visitors throughout the summer are now being carefully dismantled, with the sand removed from the site and stored for future use. While it’s always a little bittersweet to see the sculptures come down, the end of the exhibition is a chance to celebrate the creativity, community support and memorable moments that made this year’s Festival special.

A strong season for visitors

This year’s Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Exhibition welcomed 119,480 visitors, which was on par with last summer.

“Seeing so many people enjoying the sculptures and everything happening in the park has been incredibly rewarding,” said Cheryl Dill, President of the Parksville Beach Festival Society. “Our volunteers and staff put so much into making the festival happen, and the support and enthusiasm from residents and visitors means a great deal to all of us.”

Music, entertainment and plenty of beachside energy

The sand sculptures were just one part of a busy festival season. From the opening weekend concert featuring April Wine to the Tim Hortons Summer Concert Series, Canadian Tire Buskers and the new Sand and Sounds family event, the Parksville Community Park was filled with music, activity and entertainment throughout the summer.

The Beachfest ROCKS! Music Festival added another high-energy weekend to the calendar, while the Sculpture Light-Up gave visitors one last opportunity to experience the sculptures in a completely different way.

People’s Choice Awards

Visitors had their say, choosing their favourite sculptures from this year’s competition.

With more than 95,367 votes, the public selected the following People’s Choice winners:

Solo: “Free Hugs” by Damon Langlois, British Columbia
Doubles: “Finding Beauty” by Edith van de Wetering & Wilfred Stijger, Netherlands

Making a difference in the community

The Parksville Beach Festival Society’s impact extends well beyond the festival grounds.

Since 1999, the Society has contributed more than $1.2 million to local non-profit organizations, community projects and initiatives, including support for the Parksville Outdoor Theatre.

In 2026, festival proceeds will once again support 24 not-for-profit organizations and community initiatives, helping ensure the benefits of the festival continue throughout the community.

Accessibility in action

As the exhibition ends, the Society is also creating an opportunity for visitors with visual impairments to experience the sculptures through touch before they are dismantled.

The initiative is part of the Society’s ongoing commitment to making the festival more welcoming and accessible, and to finding new ways for everyone to experience the artistry of the sand sculptures.

“The sculptures may only be here for a short while, but their impact lasts much longer,” said Dill. “They bring people together, create opportunities for artists, support community organizations and give families and visitors wonderful memories of summer in Parksville.”

The Parksville Beach Festival Society is proud to host a family-friendly, community-focused festival that celebrates creativity, supports local organizations and brings people together in Parksville year after year.

For more information about the Parksville Beach Festival, visit parksvillebeachfest.ca.

Media Contact

Cheryl Dill, President
Parksville Beach Festival Society
P: 250.954.8262