As Christmas nears, downtown Courtenay is the perfect place to get into the spirit of the season.
Music, celebrations, family events, dance performances, solstice gatherings, shopping specials, art and crafts activities and more fill this final weekend of the Downtown Courtenay WinterFest. This is a fantastic weekend to go searching for unique stocking stuffers, special tree decorations, tasty sweets and treats, local foods for Christmas week from the Comox Valley Farmers' Market or last-minute gifts for friends and loved ones. It's also a great time to park the car and experience an alternative to the busy hustle of the big parking lots, malls and roads. Stroll the streets of the heart of Courtenay on foot, slow down your pace, stop for coffee, tea or treats, meet old friends for lunch or explore the museum, library or Comox Valley Art Gallery for inspiration. This Friday, the CV Multicultural Immigrant Support Society (CVMISS) hosts a special Winter Solstice celebration at Fifth and England. The theme of winter solstice is light and sharing, song, dance, storytelling, games, cookies and dreams! Guests are encouraged to bring a pair of socks, gloves, or a scarf which will be shared with the homeless or less fortunate outreach organizations to help clients to keep warm through the cold weather.
Music fills the air all weekend long so be sure check out the events at local restaurants or bring the whole family for a Community Show at the WinterFest Hub with Corwin Fox on Saturday at 2 p.m. Kick off your boots and coats, pile your shopping in the corner and sit back for a great free concert from this talented local producer and singer-songwriter.
Keep your eyes out for Santa and Frosty (and balloons) this Saturday as they pay downtown Courtenay a final visit before the big day!
Friday, Dec. 20
1-5 p.m. CVMISS celebrates the Winter Solstice at the WinterFest Hub. All are welcome!
7 p.m. Sunday Dennis plays the Elevate Grotto Concert Series. 8 to 11 p.m. Friday Night Lounge w/Jilli Martini Band at Billy D’s; 7 p.m. Blaine Dunaway at Zocalo Café;
7:30 p.m. Laurie Tinkler Dancers' The Nutcracker at the Sid Williams Theatre.
Saturday, Dec. 21 9 to noon — Comox Valley Farmers' Market with musical guest Anela Kahiamoe; 11 to 2 — Solstice Craft Fun with Elevate the Arts at the WinterFest Hub at Fifth and England.
2 p.m. Free Family Show at the Elevate Hub — Corwin Fox and Friends.
2 and 7:30 p.m. Laurie Tinkler Dancers' The Nutcracker at the Sid Williams Theatre; 7 p.m. Celtic Cargo Cult at Zocalo Café.
Take pictures all week long and post with the #DowntownCourtenay hashtag for your chance to win a $50 gift card from Zocalo. Downtown Courtenay WinterFest is brought to you by the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association and their community partners.
— Downtown Courtenay WinterFest