2025 North Island Zone Festival | Qualicum Beach

Drama Festival at the Village Theatre

Prepare to be captivated… Qualicum Beach, usually known for its tranquil shores and laid‑back charm, is about to pulse with electrifying performances, spirited competition and community camaraderie. From May 13 to 18, 2025, the Village Theatre will host the 2025 North Island Zone Festival—an annual celebration of community theatre that unites companies from Campbell River to Nanaimo under one spotlight. Read on to discover everything you need to know to join the excitement, secure your tickets and make the most of your West Coast adventure.

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What Is the North Island Zone Festival?

The North Island Zone Festival is a regional community theatre extravaganza hosted by ECHO Players as part of their 50th season. Each evening during the festival, theatre clubs from Campbell River to Nanaimo showcase one of five adjudicated productions, judged by a professional critic to select the provincial representative for Theatre BC’s Mainstage Festival in July.

2025 Highlights

• Anniversary Celebrations: This year marks both 50 years of the Village Theatre and 50 years since ECHO Players first hosted the festival.
• Guest Adjudicator: Esteemed theatre professional Leon Potter will provide expert critique and feedback to each participating group.

Dates & Venue

• Dates:
The 2025 North Island Zone Festival runs from Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM through Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
• Venue:
Village Theatre, 110 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S8, Canada

Schedule & Timing

All theatrical presentations run at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach—except the award ceremony—so you can plan your evenings (and Sunday morning) around this vibrant community festival.

Date	Day	Performance	Company	Genre/Notes	Time
2025-05-13	Tuesday	The Revolutionists	ECHO Players	Comedy by Lauren Gunderson (explicit language)	7:30 PM
2025-05-14	Wednesday	The Woman in Black	Nanaimo Theatre Group	Mystery thriller (under‑16s accompanied)	7:30 PM
2025-05-15	Thursday	Blackbird	Portal Players Dramatic Society	Drama (mature audiences, strong content)	7:30 PM
2025-05-16	Friday	The Bookstore	Rivercity Players	Comedy by Adam Szymkowicz	7:30 PM
2025-05-17	Saturday	Myth of the Ostrich	Courtenay Little Theatre	Comedy‑drama (adult language)	7:30 PM
2025-05-18	Sunday	Award Ceremony & Festival Close	ECHO Players	Presentation of adjudicator’s awards and closing remarks	10:00 AM

Date

Day

Performance

Company

Genre/Notes

Time

2025-05-13

Tuesday

The Revolutionists

ECHO Players

Comedy by Lauren Gunderson (explicit language)

7:30 PM

2025-05-14

Wednesday

The Woman in Black

Nanaimo Theatre Group

Mystery thriller (under‑16s accompanied)

7:30 PM

2025-05-15

Thursday

Blackbird

Portal Players Dramatic Society

Drama (mature audiences, strong content)

7:30 PM

2025-05-16

Friday

The Bookstore

Rivercity Players

Comedy by Adam Szymkowicz

7:30 PM

2025-05-17

Saturday

Myth of the Ostrich

Courtenay Little Theatre

Comedy‑drama (adult language)

7:30 PM

2025-05-18

Sunday

Award Ceremony & Festival Close

ECHO Players

Presentation of adjudicator’s awards and closing remarks

10:00 AM

Ticketing Options

Five‑Show Package

Pick‑Three Package

Single‑Show Tickets

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.

How to Get to Qualicum Beach

• By Car: Qualicum Beach is accessible via the Island Highway (Highway 19) and Highway 4 from the west coast of Vancouver Island.
• By Air: The nearby Qualicum Beach Airport offers regional flights; larger international connections arrive via Victoria International Airport, followed by a scenic drive north.
• By Ferry & Rail: Travel by BC Ferries to nearby Nanaimo, then take the Island Rail Corridor or drive 45 minutes north to Qualicum Beach.

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Where to Stay

Qualicum Beach offers a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and taste:
• Beachfront Resorts & Hotels:
✓ Qualicum Beach Inn – 9.2/10 with ocean views and free parking
✓ Casa Grande Inn – Cozy stays with complimentary WiFi, steps from local eateries
• Cozy Cabins & Bed & Breakfasts:
✓ Slow-Go Log Cabin – Rustic retreat nestled in the woods, complete with woodstove charm
✓ Shorewater Resort – Beachfront condos loaded with amenities and water toys
Tip: Book early—festival weekend rates tend to sell out fast!

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Dining & Local Attractions

• Must‑Try Eateries
✓ Giovanni’s: A local favourite for hearty Italian fare.
✓ Ricky’s All Day Grill: Your go‑to for breakfast classics and comforting dinners.
• Beyond Theatre
✓ Qualicum Beach Farmers Market: Sample fresh artisanal goods each Saturday year‑round.
✓ Milner Gardens & Woodland: Stroll spring blooms and heritage landscapes (April–May events).
✓ MacMillan Provincial Park: Explore ancient Douglas fir forests and famed Cathedral Grove.

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Visitor Tips & Practical Info

Parking

Ample street parking around Village Theatre; arrive early to secure a spot.

Dress Code

Casual to smart‑casual—layers recommended for coastal evenings.

Accessibility

Village Theatre is wheelchair accessible; contact info@echoplayers.ca for assistance.

Safety & Health

Bring a reusable water bottle and any personal items; masks are optional but welcomed.

Ready to Experience the Drama?

From captivating performances and community spirit to scenic coastal charm, the 2025 North Island Zone Festival is your invitation to discover Qualicum Beach like never before. Whether you’re a passionate theatre-goer or a curious traveller seeking new island experiences, this festival weekend has something for everyone.
Secure your tickets today and prepare to be part of Vancouver Island’s most anticipated theatrical celebration of the season!

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