Pachena Bay Music Festival 2025

A Coastal Celebration of Music, Culture & Community

Tucked between the ancient rainforest and the open Pacific Ocean, a rare and meaningful gathering awaits. Every July, the shores of Pachena Bay come alive with rhythm, spirit, and connection as artists, families, and nature lovers unite for an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning to visit Vancouver Island in summer 2025, the Pachena Bay Music Festival offers something truly special — where music meets nature in one of the island’s most breathtaking settings.

More

Less

Event Overview

Dates & Times:

Festival proper: Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20, 2025, daily from 10 am to 10 pm
On‑site camping open: July 18, 10 am – July 21, 10 am

Location:
In the heart of Huu‑ay‑aht First Nations’ unceded territory, 5 km south of Bamfield, BC, on Pachena Bay’s majestic shores
Festival Style:
A unique blend: ~ 40% music festival, 60% remote camping trip. No private RVs—expect communal break‑out spaces, family zones, and late‑night get‑togethers under the stars

Tickets & Options

Weekend Pass + Tent Camping ($385 CAD) – Sold out, but wait‑list available. Includes access from Fri 10 am to Mon 10 am
Youth & Kids Weekend Camping – For ages 13–18 ($150) or 0–12 ($50), each requiring adult supervision
Non‑Camping Weekend Pass ($310 CAD) – For those staying off‑site with accommodation in Bamfield or Anacla
Single‑Day/Sunday Pass, Local Passes, and Various accommodation + pass packages (e.g., "Sweet Suites") available

Add‑ons include:

Silent disco headset rental ($40 + deposit)
Vehicle camping pass ($75)
On‑site car pass ($50)
Early‑entrance options (Wed/Thu) from $75–$225

More

Less

What to Expect: Performances & Workshops

Headlining Acts

Expect high-energy sets and soulful performances from standout headliners including Hey Ocean! (indie-pop), Curtis Clearsky & The Constellationz (hip-hop, funk, ska), Balkan Shmalkan (Eastern European brass fusion), and Mt. Eliah (experimental electronic rhythms). These mainstage artists promise to set the tone for an unforgettable weekend under the coastal sky.

DJs & Electronic Producers

Dance deep into the night with an eclectic mix of DJs and electronic artists, such as RUMPUS, Ladyboss, Dunks (of The Funk Hunters), Cashmere, N2N, Sweet Anomaly, and Andreya Wolf. From bass-heavy beats to soulful house, reggae, grime, and dubstep, the festival’s soundscape is rich, layered, and built for movement.

Live World-Fusion & Folk

Enjoy vibrant, cross-cultural performances with artists like Melón Jiménez & Lara Wong (flamenco meets jazz), Amy Muloin & The Alley Flowers, The Vaudevillian (vintage ragtime blues), ofCosmos, and Beau Nectar. These sets offer warm melodies, storytelling, and musical traditions from around the globe.

Workshops & Immersive Zones

Beyond the stages, Pachena Bay offers enriching daytime experiences designed to connect mind, body, and land. Participate in daily workshops such as sunset yoga, drumming circles, guided nature sound walks, and more. Activities typically run from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, with some winding down around 10:30 pm.

Getting There & Travel Tips

By Vehicle:

From Nanaimo → Port Alberni → Bamfield via logging roads: ~3 hours total drive
From Victoria: via Nanaimo, totalling ~4.5 hours
Tips: limited cell coverage, logging traffic, bring spare tire, drive responsibly (≤ 60 km/h)

By Public Transit/Ferry:

BC Transit, Island Link Bus, passenger ferry (Port Alberni→Bamfield), or via private boat/seaplane options

Vehicle Camping: Permitted only with pass; RVs/trailers prohibited onsite

What to Pack & Practical Info

Festival Essentials: Tent/vehicle camping gear, sleeping bag, toiletries, layered clothing (coastal evenings can drop), rain gear, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, flashlight/headlamp
Food & Drink: Onsite vendors serve local eats; BYO snacks/water recommended
Safety & Responsibility: Bring spare tire & tools, drive sober, plan rest stops, respect land & wildlife
Cultural Respect: Festival is hosted on Huu‑ay‑aht territory. Attendees are expected to honour protocols, land stewardship, and community values via environmental pledge on the official site

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.

Why You Should Go

Unmatched Location

Coastal rainforest meets raw ocean—music under cedar canopies and campfire skies

Curated Vibe

A harmonious blend of musical diversity, workshops, and communal camping

Cultural Immersion

Deep respect for Huu‑ay‑aht traditions and land

Eco-Minded

Limits on RVs, co‑carpool incentives, environmental pledges and vehicle-free family zones

Quick Checklist Before You Go

Task	Notes
Secure Tickets	Camping passes sold out—non-camping & day passes may still be available
Apply for Local Resident Tickets	If you're Huu‑ay‑aht or Bamfield/Anacla local
Book Travel	Vehicle, ferry schedules, bus, or boat bookings
Organize Gear	Check festival handbook and pledge for complete packing guide
Plan Schedule	Explore lineup, workshops, camping zones, and community map

Task

Notes

Secure Tickets

Camping passes sold out—non-camping & day passes may still be available

Apply for Local Resident Tickets

If you're Huu‑ay‑aht or Bamfield/Anacla local

Book Travel

Vehicle, ferry schedules, bus, or boat bookings

Organize Gear

Check festival handbook and pledge for complete packing guide

Plan Schedule

Explore lineup, workshops, camping zones, and community map

More Than Just a Festival

Pachena Bay Music Festival isn’t just about music — it’s a celebration of connection, creativity, and place. Set against the raw beauty of Vancouver Island’s west coast, this gathering invites you to dance, reflect, explore, and belong. Whether you're swaying beneath cedar canopies to live brass, joining a drum circle at sunset, or sharing stories around the campfire, the experience is one that stays with you long after the weekend ends.

If you're seeking more than just a typical festival — something rooted in land, culture, and community — Pachena Bay is calling.

Ready to plan your journey?
Visit the official Pachena Bay Music Festival website for full details on tickets, camping options, the artist lineup, travel guidance, and their community and environmental values.

More

Less