Cultivate 2025 on Gabriola Island

Unforgettable Arts & Culture Escape

This July, something quietly powerful is unfolding on Gabriola Island: Cultivate 2025. It’s not just another arts event—it’s a weekend designed to stir your curiosity, ignite your senses, and connect you to the island’s creative soul. From secret pop‑ups tucked in lush gardens, to a land‑honouring ceremony, and head‑lining musicians who bridge communities—this festival unfolds its surprises one moment at a time. Dare to discover…

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Event Overview

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, July 12–13, 2025
Time: Gates open at 10 a.m. each day; programming runs until early evening
Venue: Gabriola Arts & Heritage Centre and nearby outdoor stages

Festival Highlights

Land‑Honouring Ceremony

Cultivate begins with a moving ceremony led by Snuneymuxw Elder C’tasi:a Geraldine Manson accompanied by the Salish Sisters, acknowledging the island of the Snuneymuxw people and grounding visitors in Indigenous tradition.

Symphony Brunch & EnviroSongsters

Start Saturday with a relaxed Symphony Brunch Concert featuring the Vancouver Island Symphony String Quartet at The Haven. Followed by the playful and eco-conscious EnviroSongsters, blending environmental awareness with musical storytelling.

Evening Music Showcase

Saturday night features a standout set by Bryce Lalonde & Andreas Kahre, exploratory grooves from Coalmont, topped off with an engaging headline performance from Joel Plaskett.

Sunday Family & Community Performances

• The Kerplunks kick things off with a family‑friendly high‑energy show.
• Gabriola Pops!, a choral concert that brings the community's voices together.
• Voices in My Body by Nanaimo’s Murmur Collective—an immersive bilingual dance piece using silent‑disco tech.
• Finish Sunday with soulful folk‑R&B from broadband, and wrap up with a disco dance party hosted by Wunderbread.

Food, Workshops & Pop‑Ups

Local food trucks post up behind the Gabriola Commons kitchen, offering sweets and savoury bites all weekend. Plus, enjoy creative installations, interactive art spaces, and opportunities to engage with artists directly.

Tickets & Event Info

• Pricing: Includes single‑day tickets, weekend passes, and optional add‑ons like Brunch concerts.
• Updates & Full Line‑Up: Available on the Gabriola Arts Council’s official Cultivate page; a detailed brochure is released mid‑June.

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Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Getting There & Planning

How to Reach Gabriola Island

• Ferry: BC Ferries from Nanaimo (Departure Bay) to Gabriola Village—pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle boarding available.
• Consider car-pooling or bike rentals, as parking is limited and the island encourages eco-friendly transit.

Accommodation Options

Book lodgings early: choices include island B&Bs, cabins, or hotels in Nanaimo—some base ferry commuters dockside.

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Cultivate 2025 on Gabriola Island

Event Overview

Festival Highlights

Land‑Honouring Ceremony

Symphony Brunch & EnviroSongsters

Evening Music Showcase

Sunday Family & Community Performances

Food, Workshops & Pop‑Ups

Tickets & Event Info

Getting There & Planning

How to Reach Gabriola Island

Accommodation Options

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

What to Bring

Insider Tips

Why Cultivate 2025 Is Worth the Journey

Cultural Connection

Diversified Artistic Line‑up

Nature & Community Fusion

Festivals & Events: Don't Miss Out!