Cowichan Exhibition returns with new events, favourites
Published 10:47 am Tuesday, September 15, 2026
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Family fun, and engaging Ex-cellence.
Celebrating its 158th year, the Cowichan Exhibition returns with with new events and classic fair favourites at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds in North Cowichan from Sept. 17 to 20. This year’s theme is ‘Proudly Canadian’.
“Celebrating our 158th year is something we are incredibly proud of,” said executive director Shari Paterson. “The Cowichan Exhibition is so much more than a three-day fair — it is a celebration of our community, our agricultural roots, local talent and the people who continue to make the Cowichan Valley such a special place to live.”
Get your ticket to ride with classic carnival rides, games, and zucchini races, as the Midway magic gets underway on Sept. 17 at 4 p.m.
Fans of the annual fair can expect tons of fun things to see and do including hall displays showcasing community creativity, crane rides, The Raptors, livestock and agricultural displays, sheep shearing demonstrations, as well as Open Horse, and 4H shows. Mosey on down with the little ones to the Kids’ Corral, or take in all the action of logger sports, and VI Pro Wrestling, not to mention the variety of vendors, fair food, magic, parades, and tractor pulls. If that isn’t enough to pull you in, then get revved up for the excitement of the Global FMX Freestyle Motocross.
“We are bringing back many of the favourite features that people have come to expect from the Cowichan Exhibition, plus there are always new and exciting things to discover,” said Paterson. “The Logger Sports are definitely not to be missed, they are such a great representation of the history and working culture of Vancouver Island, and they bring an incredible amount of energy to the weekend. I would also encourage everyone to spend some time walking through Mellor Hall and the barns. The creativity, hard work and talent represented in those exhibits are truly impressive, and they are a wonderful reflection of our community.”
Setting the stage with good vibes, and great music is Thick As Thieves and Soul Shakers on Friday, the Porter Brothers, Backyard Elephant, plus Zachary Stevenson and his Rock N’ Roll band on Saturday, and bringing their shine on Sunday is the Madison Blues Band, Ed PeekeeKoot, and George Leach.
Back by popular demand for its second year running is the Chicken Wing Challenge sponsored by Craig Street Brew Pub; the winner will not only win $100 but will have bragging rights as their saucy wings will be featured at Craig Street Brew Pub.
“It’s one of those fun features that people have been asking about, so we’re excited to have it back this year,” said Paterson.
Young Farmers Day returns on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“It is one of the most meaningful days of the Exhibition for us,” said Paterson. “The program gives students an opportunity to get up close with agriculture and learn where their food comes from through hands on experiences, animals, demonstrations and exhibits….It is wonderful to see the excitement and curiosity of young people as they discover the agricultural community around them.”
When it comes to making exhibition magic happen, volunteers are vital, and still needed. There are several opportunities for those looking to get involved from set-up and take-down to ticketing, cashiering, hall monitoring, golf-cart driving, school liaison work, and office assistance. Those interested can either contact the Cowichan Exhibition at 250-748-0822 or by email at cowex@shaw.ca.
For more details on the 158th Cowichan Exhibition visit www.cowex.ca.
“Our hope is that everyone who comes to the Exhibition leaves with a smile and a few great memories,” said Paterson. “For families who have been coming for generations, we hope the fair continues to feel like a tradition that belongs to them. For newcomers, we hope they discover something they didn’t expect, perhaps a new appreciation for agriculture, a local talent they didn’t know about, or simply a fun family tradition they want to return to next year. Most of all, we want people to experience that wonderful sense of community that has been at the heart of the Cowichan Exhibition for 158 years.”