The Chilliwack Mural Festival is back, transforming Downtown Chilliwack into a colourful canvas from August 15 to 17. This annual, free event offers live music across five stages, interactive art activities, food trucks, an art market, kid’s activities, and more. The festival celebrates the creativity and culture of local and international artists, and promises to be bigger and better than ever.
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A Fusion of Local and International Talent
This year’s festival features an impressive lineup of nine muralists selected by curators Carrielynn Victor and Amber Price. Artists include:
- Fio Silva (Argentina): Known for her large-scale murals combining animals and organic elements.
- Guillem Font (Spain/Mexico): A versatile artist excelling in various disciplines like drawing, illustration, and mural painting.
- Juanjo Surace (Spain): His eerie, imaginative works are a testament to his high creativity.
- NEAN (Belgium): A self-taught artist with a passion for aerosol spray paint and portraiture.
- Sophie Mess (UK): Creates vibrant, botanical-inspired artworks.
- Leon Keer (Netherlands): A leading figure in anamorphic street art, incorporating augmented reality and video mapping.
Local artists include:
- Ovila Mailhot: A Coast Salish graphic artist and designer from Seabird Island.
- Chief Terry Horne and Jordan Horne: Chief Terry Horne, a renowned carver, will paint his first mural with his daughter Jordan Horne.
Festival Highlights
The festival culminates in a three-day celebration from August 15 to 17, featuring live music, interactive art activities, food trucks, and an art market. Events will take place at District 1881, Mill Street, and Central Community Park.
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Three Days of Artistic Celebration
From August 15 to 17, Downtown Chilliwack will be alive with artistic and cultural activities. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
- Thursday, August 15: The festivities kick off at Mill Street with a graffiti jam from 6p.m.-8p.m. and concludes at Bricklayer Brewing from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m with live music. Enjoy performances by artists such as Beach Moms, Daniel with the Visions, and Summer Eyes.
- Friday, August 16: The fun continues from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at District 1881, Mill Street, and Bricklayer Brewing. Look forward to alt-country, indie, and rock bands like Spank Williams, Sleepy Gonzales, and The Relevators. The Thunderbird Stage will feature Indigenous cultural dance, dance battles and beatbox performances.
- Saturday, August 17: The final day runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various locations, including District 1881, Mill Street, Victoria Ave, Court Lane, and Central Community Park. Highlights include vibrant performances by Sadé Awele and the Serengeti, Las Empanadas Illegales, and Vox Rea, as well as Bollywood dance lessons and workshops.
Live Music and Performances
With over 40 performers, the festival offers a diverse musical lineup:
- Sasquatch Stage: Features alt-country, indie, and rock bands like Spank Williams, Sleepy Gonzales, and The Relevators.
- Thunderbird Stage: Showcases Indigenous cultural dance by Pilalt Warriors, beatbox performances, and dance battles.
- Bricklayer Brewing: Hosts evening concerts with bands like Beach Moms and The Sylvia Platters.
This year, the festival introduces a 1500 sq. ft tent to provide shade for the Sasquatch Stage on Mill St. The Thunderbird Stage is located in the walkable community of District 1881. There will also be solo busking performances, a stage in Court Lane, dance workshops, and roaming performances by Balkan Shmalkan and Vancouver Circus School.
Festival-goers can enjoy interactive art activities, a kids’ zone, and an art market. The festival is a family-friendly event that encourages community participation and engagement with the arts.
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A Celebration of Art and Community
The Chilliwack Mural Festival is a testament to the vibrant arts and culture scene in Chilliwack. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, this event offers a unique opportunity to experience the creative energy of the community.
For more information on the muralists and performers, visit Chilliwack Mural Festival.
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