no camping required; town/city event with local services
About Harrison Festival of the Arts
The Harrison Festival of the Arts is a ten-day summer festival in the village of Harrison Hot Springs, on Harrison Lake, about a 90-minute drive east of Vancouver. It is produced by the Harrison Festival Society, a non-profit incorporated in 1988 that also runs a September-to-May season of performing arts. The festival's focus is music from around the world, alongside visual and literary arts, theatre, workshops and a large waterfront artisan market.
The next festival runs from Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 18, 2027. The 2026 festival ran July 10 to 19. The performance schedule is normally released a few months ahead, so the 2027 lineup and pass prices have not been posted yet.
The format splits into two parts. Daytime music happens on the Beach Stage by the lake, which in 2026 was free to attend, with the festival asking visitors who can afford it to buy a $5 button. Evening concerts take place every night inside Harrison Memorial Hall on Esplanade Avenue, starting at 8 pm, or 7:30 pm on Sundays and Mondays. Hall seating is first come, first served, with dancers asked to stay near the front. There are no physical tickets for Hall shows: your name goes on a guest list. Kids 12 and under get into Hall shows free. The artisan market runs along the beach on both weekends; for 2027 the market dates are July 10 and 11 and July 16 to 18. There is also a Children's Day during the festival.
On the beach, bring a low chair or blanket; standard-height lawn chairs are discouraged so people behind you can see. Pack layers, sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle. Professional cameras with detachable lenses and laser pointers are not allowed, and alcohol and cannabis cannot be consumed in any public area of Harrison. Public washrooms are behind the Beach Stage beside the lagoon, with more inside Memorial Hall on market days. A concession runs during evening Hall shows, and the village has plenty of restaurants. Credit and debit cards are accepted.
Getting there is easiest by car via Highway 1 and exit 135, or the slower scenic Highway 7. Paid parking is in effect along Esplanade from June to September, and the festival suggests free parking on Hot Springs Road near the village office. Transit users can take the Fraser Valley Express to Chilliwack and connect to the Agassiz-Harrison bus. There is bike parking on site. The festival suggests staying in the village so everything is within walking distance, and it lists several nearby campgrounds and RV parks on its travel page.
Getting there
Free Beach Stage (Harrison Lake waterfront) and ticketed shows at Harrison Memorial Hall, Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia. Check the official site for transport and parking guidance.
Status
Active (next edition announced – 48th).
Planning
confirm dates, tickets and entry policies on the official website before travelling.
Accessibility
The festival says it aims to make every aspect of the event accessible and asks anyone with concerns to call the Festival Office at 604.796.3664. No specific services (viewing areas, accessible toilets, hearing support) are listed on the official site.
Where to stay
All optionsNo camping here, so somewhere to sleep is part of the plan.
Some accommodation links earn us a commission. It costs you nothing and never changes what we recommend — we do not take money from festivals.
Frequently asked
When is the 2027 festival?
Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 18, 2027, in Harrison Hot Springs.
Is the festival free?
In 2026 the Beach Stage was free, with a $5 button requested from those who could afford it. Evening shows in Harrison Memorial Hall are ticketed.
Do children need tickets?
Kids 12 and under get into the Hall shows free, and there is a Children's Day during the festival.
What time do evening shows start?
Hall shows start at 8 pm, except Sundays and Mondays when they start at 7:30 pm.
What chairs can I bring to the beach?
Bring a low beach chair or blanket. Standard-height lawn chairs are discouraged so you don't block the view.
Where should I park?
Esplanade has paid parking from June to September. The festival suggests free parking on Hot Springs Road near the village office.
Contact the festival
Last verified 2026-10-02. Dates, prices and lineups change — always confirm on the official festival site before booking.