Summer Events and Places To Be - Filberg Festival

The Filberg Festival, one of Vancouver Islands' longest established summer events, is also one of the most user friendly. Held on a nine acre waterfront heritage property, the site epitomizes the pastoral pleasures of summer. The grounds are cooled by ocean breezes, the view is stunning, fresh delights and old friends lurk around every turn of the path. Gardeners will be interested in the over 100 varieties of trees represented, and the swathes of established perennials throughout.
 The children are entertained in the centrally located childrens' area, where they can have their face painted, create with recycled materials, or marvel a the rotating roster of entertainers brought in just for them.If those pleasures pall there is also a petting zoo
 Two separate stages feature performances from experimental to established artists, providing a great opportunity to check out emerging talent, and the beauty of the location provides incentive for such names as Spirit of the West, Valdy and Jesse Winchester.
And let's not forget the thrill of the hunt up and down and around those winding foresty garden pathways. The artists and craftspeople who make it into this event have gone through a jury process months in advance. All vendors and products must be Canadian and handmade. Garden art, tiedye, jewellery, leatherwork, it's a great feeling to take something home that is one of a kind, purchased directly from the artist. Every year the festival selects an artist to feature whose works are displayed in the lodge onsite, one can take tea and take in.
Fading folks and whiny children can find comfort in the selection of food to be found. Being the westcoast, there is an emphasis on ethnic and healthy. However, hotdogs, hamburgers, and icecream are also to be had.
A mellow event, beautiful surroundings, reasonable admission, all add up to a wonderful summer experience for families and those spry enough to navigate the sloping terrain.