Cumberland Victoria Day Celebrations 2025

Cumberland’s May Days Magic

Step onto Dunsmuir Avenue on the crisp Monday morning of May 19, 2025—and prepare to be swept up in a century‑old tradition that transforms Cumberland into a festival wonderland. From pancake breakfasts that fuel your family for the parade, to bouncy castles that ignite children’s laughter, to piping bagpipers leading the charge, every moment promises a fresh delight. But what secret feature will have you talking long after the last horn has faded? Read on to unlock the full lineup, insider tips, and all the must‑know details to make your Victoria Day in Cumberland unforgettable.

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Event Overview

Cumberland’s Victoria Day celebrations, locally known as May Days, date back over 135 years, weaving community spirit, heritage, and fun into one unforgettable long‑weekend festival. Held in the picturesque Village of Cumberland—just 10 km southwest of Courtenay on central Vancouver Island—this event draws visitors from across British Columbia and beyond to experience small‑town charm at its best.
Organized by the Cumberland Events Society, the 2025 May Days feature tournaments, live entertainment, and family‑friendly activities culminating in the signature Victoria Day Parade and Fun Zone on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Must‑Experience Highlights

Pancake Breakfasts

Victoria Day Parade

Family Fun Zone

Full Schedule at a Glance

Time	Activity	Location	Cost
8 am	Legion Pancake Breakfast	Cumberland Legion	$5/person
8 am	Masonic Hall Pancake Breakfast	Masonic Hall	$5/person
9:15 am	CCSS Thunderballs Fundraiser	Dunsmuir Avenue	Fundraiser
9:30 am	Fun Zone Opens (Bouncy Castles, etc.)	Village Park	Free
10 am	Victoria Day Parade	Dunsmuir Avenue	Free
11 am	Beer Garden	Tennis Court Beer Garden	Cash Bar
12 pm	Bag Piper Pub Crawl	Cumberland Village	Free
12 pm	Mainstage Entertainment (TBC)	Village Park Mainstage	Free
1 pm	Children’s Fun Races	Village Park	Free (entry fee)
1:30 pm	Children’s Bicycle Draw	Village Park Mainstage	Free (entry fee)
Following Parade	Victoria Day Ceremony & Youth May Pole Dance	Village Park Mainstage	Free

Time

Activity

Location

Cost

8 am

Legion Pancake Breakfast

Cumberland Legion

$5/person

8 am

Masonic Hall Pancake Breakfast

Masonic Hall

$5/person

9:15 am

CCSS Thunderballs Fundraiser

Dunsmuir Avenue

Fundraiser

9:30 am

Fun Zone Opens (Bouncy Castles, etc.)

Village Park

Free

10 am

Victoria Day Parade

Dunsmuir Avenue

Free

11 am

Beer Garden

Tennis Court Beer Garden

Cash Bar

12 pm

Bag Piper Pub Crawl

Cumberland Village

Free

12 pm

Mainstage Entertainment (TBC)

Village Park Mainstage

Free

1 pm

Children’s Fun Races

Village Park

Free (entry fee)

1:30 pm

Children’s Bicycle Draw

Village Park Mainstage

Free (entry fee)

Following Parade

Victoria Day Ceremony & Youth May Pole Dance

Village Park Mainstage

Free

Getting Here & Getting Around

• By Car: Cumberland sits just off Highway 19; follow signs for Village Centre, then park in one of several free lots.
• By Transit: BC Transit offers bus service to Cumberland from Courtenay—trips by donation on Victoria Day.
• Walking & Biking: The village core is pedestrian‑friendly; secure bike racks are available at Village Park.

Where to Stay Nearby

• Bed & Breakfasts: Enjoy local hospitality at Abbey Manor Retreat or Cumberland House Bed & Breakfast, both within a 5‑minute walk of Dunsmuir Avenue.
• Hotels: For modern amenities, the Best Western Plus and Coast Discovery Inn in Courtenay are 10 minutes away by car.
• Camping: Puntledge River Campground, just east of Cumberland, offers RV and tent sites amidst fir and cedar.

Other Victoria Day Events

Great Canadian Beer Festival

A Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Royal BC Museum

The Magic of Cumberland Forest at the Victoria Day Parade 2025

The 23rd Annual Art & Bloom Festival

Cortes Island Seafest 2025

2025 Summer Parks Challenge

CCSS Thunderballs 2025

Water Ballet on Victoria Harbour

Garden City Stand-Up with Nathan Macintosh

Luxton Spring Fair 2025 | Langford

Cumberland Victoria Day Celebrations 2025

The 162nd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival

Victoria Day Douglas Mile Fun Run & Walk 2025

Thrifty Foods 125th Anniversary Victoria Day Parade

Victoria Day 2025 on Vancouver Island: Events & Planning Guide

Insider Tips

Volunteer for a Free T‑Shirt

Sign up at Volunteer Here to help run events and receive official May Days swag.

Pack Layers

Coastal spring days can shift from sunshine to drizzle—dress in layers and bring a light rain jacket.

Cash Is King

Many vendors and the beer garden operate on a cash‑only basis.

Arrive Early

Prime viewing spots along the parade route fill up fast; stake your spot by 9:30 am.

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.

Contact & More Information

For questions or to join the parade line‑up, visit the Cumberland Events Society website:
https://cumberland-events-society.com/

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We gratefully acknowledge that Cumberland’s celebrations take place on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, whose stewardship continues to enrich our gatherings.

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