Family Day in Qualicum Beach is going ahead, following concerns the popular annual tradition held on the last Sunday of May would have to be cancelled due to a lack of an organizing committee. (Image Credit: Town of Qualicum Beach)

By Ian Holmes

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Qualicum Beach mayor elated volunteers saved Family Day celebration 

Mar 22, 2026 | 8:15 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — Aside from a pair of COVID pandemic shutdowns, Family Day has been an annual Qualicum Beach tradition for 50 years.

The annual Town of Qualicum Beach-sponsored and volunteer-driven event was in jeopardy of being cancelled without the necessary organizing committee to stage the day-long gathering.

Mayor Teunis Westbroek sensed trouble this past fall when it became apparent the Family Day organizing committee badly needed several new members to pull off the 2026 event, held on the last Sunday of May.

Lead committee organizer Rebecca Fenton and several others answered the call to ensure the highly anticipated celebration would not be scrapped.

“That’s the hallmark of Qualicum Beach, is our volunteers…Without volunteers, we couldn’t run half of the projects and programs we have in Qualicum Beach,” Westbroek told NanaimoNewsNOW. 

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The mayor recalled a meeting where nine people confirmed they’d were committed to organizing committee duties, including a young couple with a baby. 

“That’s exactly why we want to do this, is for families and have an affordable event that anybody can attend,” Westbroek said. 

Family Day celebrations involve most activities taking place on the Community Playing Fields adjacent to the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. 

A pancake breakfast and live entertainment are scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the civic centre.

Bouncy castles and many more kids’ activities will be set up as part of Family Day on Sunday, May 31 in Qualicum Beach. (Image Credit: Town of Qualicum Beach)

The annual Family Day parade happens at noon, starting on Primrose St.

Various entertainment, kids’ games, community vendors and numerous food trucks are scheduled to be on site. 

Free swimming is offered at Ravensong Aquatic Centre between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Westbroek said Family Day, which debuted in 1976 thanks to the vision of a local teacher, has always been a popular, low-barrier and admission-free event. 

“To see those faces, hundreds, thousands of them, excited on the field, it’s awesome. I’m so pleased, whoever started this and continues on with it as volunteers and with Town staff support, it’s awesome, it’s heart-warming.” 

An itinerary of events for 2026 Family Day in Qualicum Beach is available here. 

Skydivers are an annual Family Day tradition. (Image Credit: Town of Qualicum Beach)

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