Sunfest 2023

It’s the ultimate celebration of country music, and it’s back at Laketown Ranch from Thursday, August 3 through Sunday, August 6, 2023!

The four-day music festival held in the picturesque town of Lake Cowichan is sure to draw country music devotees and those who want to enjoy the mid summer party atmosphere that comes with it. Over the course of the weekend, Sunfest performers expect to showcase their talents to an audience of some 40,000 fans.

History

Sunfest, first established in Florida in 1983 has become the the annual global music festival to experience. Drawing music lovers from far and wide, that first Sunfest put on an eclectic mix of performers that appealed to people of all musical tastes.

Every year since, the festival has expanded to cities throughout the United States and Canada, each a unique reflection of its location and fans.

In the Cowichan Valley, Sunfest was first showcased at Providence Farm in 2000. It began as a one-night event but soon outgrew the Farm, and in 2004 it was moved to Avalon Acres on Herd Road in North Cowichan.

The festival organizers had to move the event yet again as demand increased beyond the space available at Avalon Acres. In 2010, after taking a year off to develop a plan for a much larger festival event at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds, Sunfest was once again back on, delighting the Valley’s country music fans.

In 2015 Sunfest organizers announced the purchase of land at Meade Creek creating a permanent venue at Laketown Ranch which has hosted the festival ever since.

Lineup

Sunfest is a star-studded affair with previous headliners including Darius Rucker and Randy Bachman, Eric Church and Toby Keith, and who can forget Carrie Underwood’s appearance or Keith Urban’s performance?

This year promises to be just as exciting! Here’s a taste of the talent on display over the weekend.

Jade Eagleson, Kenny Hess, and Bobby Wills will kick off the festivities on Thursday. Friday will showcase the talents of Lainey Wilson, Kameron Marlowe, and Willie Jones. Billy Currington and Lonestar will usher in the weekend on Saturday. As if this isn’t enough, Sunday’s performers include the incomparable Blake Shelton, along with High Valley, and Lindsay Ell.

For the full lineup, check the website.

Hot Tips

The Sunfest organizers want everyone to have a blast while keeping safe and healthy. So, bear in mind these hot tips:

1. There’s a lot of people out there and the sun will likely be beating down on you. Take care of yourself! Watch for signs of sunstroke and wear a hat and sunscreen. Ask for help if you need it.
2. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate! There are water stations throughout the site. The water is fresh and clear, a product of the natural aquifer located directly under Laketown Ranch.
3. Yes, there are Beverage Gardens but don’t over indulge. You want this weekend to be memorable for all the right reasons!
4. Sunfest is committed to principles of sustainability and responsibility. Laketown Ranch is a beautiful, pristine, natural environment. It is home to a variety of wildlife including herds of elk. Please remember to properly dispose of your waste. Garbage, recycling, and compost bins are provided. Leave no trace!

Transportation

Probably the biggest headache associated with attending a festival with this many other people is driving there and finding parking! Want to avoid the whole hassle? Me too!

Shuttle service is available to and from Youbou, Lake Cowichan and Honeymoon Bay through MyGo Tours and Transportation. The fee is $15 each way, and reservations are recommended. Sit back and relax. You’ll have a great time!

Sunfest is a testament to the power of music in bringing people together. It’s a celebration of music, creativity, and energy generated by the collective experience of music lovers from the Valley, the Island, and farther afield. This year’s festival is going to be epic! Don’t miss it!