Cowichan Exhibition

The 158th annual Cowichan Exhibition is a four-day community and agricultural fair held at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds in North Cowichan from September 17 to 20. The event, themed 'Proudly Canadian', offers a wide range of activities for all ages, including classic carnival rides, games, and zucchini races, with the midway opening on September 17 at 4 p.m.

Attendees can explore hall displays showcasing community creativity, enjoy crane rides, and see live animal attractions such as The Raptors, livestock and agricultural displays, sheep shearing demonstrations, and Open Horse and 4H shows. Family-friendly options include the Kids’ Corral, magic shows, parades, and tractor pulls. The exhibition also features logger sports, VI Pro Wrestling, and the excitement of Global FMX Freestyle Motocross, alongside a variety of vendors and fair food.

Live music performances are a significant highlight, with a lineup that includes Thick As Thieves and Soul Shakers on Friday, The Porter Brothers, Backyard Elephant, and Zachary Stevenson and his Rock N’ Roll band on Saturday, and the Madison Blues Band, Ed PeekeeKoot, and George Leach on Sunday. Other attractions include the second annual Chicken Wing Challenge, sponsored by Craig Street Brew Pub, and Young Farmers Day on September 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., which offers students hands-on agricultural experiences and learning opportunities.