Port Alberni, B.C. – June 12, 2025 - Get ready for a day packed with fun, music, heritage, and community spirit as Celebrate PA! takes over Harbour Quay on Canada Day – Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate PA! is a free, family-friendly event created by the community, for the community. Powered by local organizations, artists, performers, and volunteers, this unique celebration reflects the heart of Port Alberni—diverse, welcoming, and full of pride.
“This event is all about community,” says Mayor Sharie Minions. “Celebrate PA! is powered by the incredible efforts of local groups and volunteers who care deeply about bringing people together and celebrating what makes Port Alberni such a special place.”
What’s Happening at Celebrate PA!?
The day begins with a land acknowledgement and opening ceremony by Aaron Watts of Tseshaht [c̓išaaʔatḥ] First Nation and Brandy Lauder of Hupačasath First Nation, recognizing the unceded traditional territory of the Tseshaht [c̓išaaʔatḥ] and Hupačasath peoples. From there, Harbour Quay will transform into a lively hub of activity featuring:
• Live performances by XiXi and The Bandit, Old Time Fiddlers, and more
• Hands-on kids’ fun: puppet theatre, face painting, chalk art contests
• Art in action with the Grove Gallery and Community Arts Council
• Heritage experiences from the Alberni Valley Museum, Port Alberni Maritime Heritage Society, and Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society
• Vintage vehicles, RCMP photo ops, “Best Dressed Canuck” contest, and selfie station
• Alberni Pacific Railway rides (tickets available at albernipacificrailway.ca)
This vibrant day is brought to life by an amazing team of partners, including: Alberni Valley Rock & Gem Society, Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society, Port Alberni Maritime Heritage Society, Port Alberni Port Authority, Alberni Pacific Railway, Old Time Fiddlers, Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley (The Grove Gallery), Harbour Quay merchants, the Alberni Valley Museum, Valley Vibe, RCMP - Port Alberni Detachment, Port Alberni Community Policing Volunteers, the Guru Nanak Sikh Society of Port Alberni, Salvation Army – Alberni Valley Corps and the City of Port Alberni.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Harbour Quay, Port Alberni
Admission: FREE
Whether you’re a longtime resident or first-time visitor, come Celebrate Port Alberni—and Canada—in a way that’s all our own!
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Sheila Perry, Manager of Culture
Parks, Recreation & Culture Department
City of Port Alberni
E: sheila.perry@portalberni.ca