Sooke Music & Arts Festival 2025

Get Ready — Something Big Is Brewing on Vancouver Island

Clear August air mingles with the scent of wood‑fired pizza and the first notes drifting from the stage—and this is just the beginning. On August 8 and 9, 2025, the 10th anniversary edition of the Sooke Music & Arts Festival 2025 turns Fred Milne Park in Sooke into a vibrant showcase of BC creativity—live music, artisan vendors, and a celebratory community spirit all under open skies.

Event Overview

Aspect	Details
What	The 10th‑annual Sooke Music & Arts Festival—live music, artisan booths, kids’ zone, more
When	Sat Aug 2, Fri Aug 8, Sat Aug 9, 2025
Opening Party	Aug 2, 8–11 pm at the Sooke Legion; free admission (donations welcome)
Events	Aug 8, 4:20–10:30 pm, Fred Milne Park – headline concert featuring Econoline Crush, plus Apex Breaks, Tal Voda, Basin Boys, Carolyn Mark, DJ Natty. $20 advance / $25 at gate.
Events	Aug 9, Noon–10 pm, Fred Milne Park – free family‑friendly day with SirReal, Phonosonics, Gord Phillips, TYPOH, Kele Fleming, Kat Kadoski Trio, Tremblers of Sevens, Sooke Jazz Band, art activations and kids’ fun zone.
Events	\| Where \| Fred Milne Park, 2249 Sooke River Rd, Sooke BC (west coast of Vancouver Island) \|
Events	\| Admission \| Aug 8 (ticketed); Aug 9 and Aug 2 are free (food‑bank donations encouraged) \|
Events	\| Rain or Shine \| Festival is held even in light rain; bring a jacket and poncho for safety \|
Events	\| Accessibility \| Fully accessible site; admission for all ages, and children attend free \|
Events	\| Supporters \| Canadian Heritage, Province of BC, District of Sooke, and many local businesses and volunteers

Aspect

Details

What

The 10th‑annual Sooke Music & Arts Festival—live music, artisan booths, kids’ zone, more

When

Sat Aug 2, Fri Aug 8, Sat Aug 9, 2025

Opening Party

Aug 2, 8–11 pm at the Sooke Legion; free admission (donations welcome)

Events

Aug 8, 4:20–10:30 pm, Fred Milne Park – headline concert featuring Econoline Crush, plus Apex Breaks, Tal Voda, Basin Boys, Carolyn Mark, DJ Natty. $20 advance / $25 at gate.

Events

Aug 9, Noon–10 pm, Fred Milne Park – free family‑friendly day with SirReal, Phonosonics, Gord Phillips, TYPOH, Kele Fleming, Kat Kadoski Trio, Tremblers of Sevens, Sooke Jazz Band, art activations and kids’ fun zone.

Events

| Where | Fred Milne Park, 2249 Sooke River Rd, Sooke BC (west coast of Vancouver Island) |

Events

| Admission | Aug 8 (ticketed); Aug 9 and Aug 2 are free (food‑bank donations encouraged) |

Events

| Rain or Shine | Festival is held even in light rain; bring a jacket and poncho for safety |

Events

| Accessibility | Fully accessible site; admission for all ages, and children attend free |

Events

| Supporters | Canadian Heritage, Province of BC, District of Sooke, and many local businesses and volunteers

Lineup Highlights & Program

Opening Party (Aug 2, 8–11 pm at Sooke Legion)

Redefined • The Wet Souls • KAT – a high‑energy kickoff in a friendly, intimate venue

Friday Evening (Aug 8, 4:20–10:30 pm at Fred Milne Park)

Headliner Econoline Crush leads a Canadian rock resurgence with Apex Breaks, Tal Voda, Basin Boys, Carolyn Mark, and DJ Natty. Tickets available in advance or at the gate.

Saturday Family Day (Aug 9, Noon–10 pm)

Families rejoice! Live sets by SirReal, Phonosonics, Gord Phillips, TYPOH, Kele Fleming, and more. Theatre-style play zone, interactive art booths, and crafts keep kids busy—always free to attend.

Why Attend: What Makes This Festival Special

10th Anniversary Milestone

A full decade of music, art, and local pride on Vancouver Island.

Fully Canadian Lineup

From indie to jazz, youth to legends. Promising emerging talent alongside veterans captures the breadth of BC’s live‑music scene.

Visual Arts & Artisan Traders

Browse booths of painters, sculptors, handmade goods, food trucks, and a dedicated spirit garden featuring local breweries and distilleries.

Community‑built Experience

Volunteer‑run, locally supported, and admission‑by‑donation ethos keeps this festival grounded and accessible

T’Sou‑ke Nation Territory

Held on unceded land; the festival respectfully honours its place and invites visitors to learn more onsite.

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.

Tickets & Admission Details

Aug 8 Showcase Concert

$20 in advance (via official website or TickIt.ca link)
$25+ at the gate if still available
Ticketed to support the stage setup and headline booking—aimed at keeping the rest of the festival accessible.

Aug 2 & Aug 9 Events

Free entry: donations to the local food bank appreciated
All ages welcome—kids in the play zone, teens enjoying live sets under the west coast sky
No ticket required for these days unless volunteering or vending

What To Expect Onsite

✅ Two main stages with staggered sets
✅ Kids’ zone with face painting, interactive art, and free activities
✅ Artisan village featuring juried local artists, craftspeople, and Indigenous vendors
✅ Spirit garden & food trucks showcasing local breweries and BC‑sourced cuisine
✅ Spoken‑word and impromptu art demos inspired by the region’s vibrant creative scene
✅ No ATMs onsite—plan cash in advance for putting donations into food‑bank bins or purchasing merch.

Travel & Visitor Tips

Getting There

Accommodation (book early!)

During the Festival

Brief Safety & Accessibility

✨Rain or shine: event operates under light rain, but set‑up is covered and stages are canopied
✨Accessible pathways throughout — no uneven terrain in primary areas
✨Emergency info booth, first‑aid station, Lost & Found located near main entrance
✨Well-marked restrooms, including portable and accessible units
✨Festival promotes a no-smoking perimeter near kids’ zone; respectful family environment

Day‑By‑Day Snapshot

Saturday, Aug 2

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm: Opening Night at the Sooke Legion – live indie and rock sets. Free entry; gives a preview of the community vibe.

Friday, Aug 8

Gates open 4:20 pm – mainstage lineup begins
Evening build-up featuring Apex Breaks, Tal Voda, Basin Boys, Carolyn Mark
Headliner Econoline Crush closes the night with a classic Canadian alt‑rock set
Food trucks & crafts open 4:00 pm, beer garden stays open until late (check local bylaws)

Saturday, Aug 9

Full music programming from Noon until 10:00 pm: SirReal, Phonosonics, TYPOH, Sooke Jazz Band and more
Art village open all day, children’s activities throughout afternoon
Community toast at sunset to mark 10 years of creativity in Sooke

Why This Festival Should Be on Your Must‑See List

Milestone Celebration

10 years of evolution—from grassroots roots to a pillar of the local arts scene.

Authentic Vancouver Island Sound

Discover future stars alongside cult favourites in a carefully curated Canadian lineup.

Art + Music Synergy

The only festival in the area that blends music with an art fair and craft market under one big canopy.

West Coast Vibe

Laid‑back, tourist‑friendly, with ocean‑backdrop sunsets and forest stillness a short walk from the stage.

Family Forward

Free kids’ programming with sensory‑safe times; a stress‑free festival for all ages.

This isn’t simply another festival—it’s a genuine expression of place and pride, threading together local art, spirited music, and shared experiences in a way only Sooke can. With Canadian favourites like Econoline Crush anchoring the lineup, alongside emerging acts and craftspeople, the festival delivers that unmistakable west‑coast soul—and keeps that front‑row spot saved just for you.
Join the festivities under the island sky. Find full details, ticket links, and event info at www.sookemusicfestival.ca.

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