There’s a reason the ocean brings people together.
Here on the Sunshine Coast, it’s more than scenery; it’s our livelihood, our playground, our classroom, and our shared responsibility.
Over the past few years, the Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival has grown from a small, grassroots idea into a vibrant, community-driven celebration of everything the ocean represents.
What started as a one-day event honouring United Nations World Oceans Day has evolved into a full week of diverse programming- bringing together conservation groups, artists, scientists, businesses, and ocean lovers of all kinds.
Each year, the festival builds momentum, creating space for connection, learning, and action.
And in 2026, we’re taking it even further.
From June 8-14, the Sunshine Coast will once again come alive for the Sunshine Coast Oceans Festival, aligning with United Nations World Oceans Day and the national movement of Ocean Week Canada.
This connection links our local celebrations to coast-to-coast and global initiatives, amplifying voices, stories, and solutions for our ocean worldwide.
Together, we’re not just celebrating the ocean. We’re shaping the future of how we care for it.
What to Expect This Year
The 2026 festival will feature a full lineup of events designed to engage, inspire, and connect people with the ocean and how to protect it:
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- Live Film Screenings (festival weeknights and Saturday morning)
Showcasing powerful ocean stories, environmental issues, and creative storytelling - Online Nemo Talks (noon to 1 pm weekdays)
Bite-sized, lunchtime sessions featuring ocean experts, storytellers, and community voices - Online Films Curated feature-length and short films on a vast range of ocean topics
- Community-Led Events (sprinkled throughout the week)
From citizen science to paddles to beach cleanups, the festival showcases events happening across the Coast - Celebration Day, June 14 – 11: 30 am to 4 pm
A lively, family-friendly gathering with food, music, activities and a prize draw at Mission Point Park to close out the week
- Live Film Screenings (festival weeknights and Saturday morning)
Add SCOF events to your calendar! Subscribe Here
Be Part of It: Vendors, Partners & Community Hosts
As the festival continues to grow, so does the opportunity for the community to shape it.
We’re inviting local organizations, businesses, artists, and community groups to take part in this year’s programming.
Celebration Day Vendors (June 14)
Join us at Mission Point Park by hosting a booth. We’re especially looking for:
- Interactive or hands-on activities
- Ocean education and outreach
- Creative, engaging experiences for all ages
If you’ve got an idea that connects people to the ocean, we want to hear it.
Fill out the participant’s form here
Hosting Your Own Event During Ocean Week?
Ocean Week is about collective participation.
If you’re planning:
- A workshop or talk
- A guided paddle or outdoor experience
- A cleanup, exhibit, or community gathering
We can help promote your event as part of the official festival lineup.
Fill out the participant’s form here
Volunteers Make It Happen
Behind every great event is a team of dedicated volunteers, and SCOF is no exception.
We’re currently looking for volunteers to support:
- Live film screenings (setup, guest support, teardown)
- Celebration Day logistics
- Place-based learning activities
Whether you’re looking to gain experience, meet new people, or give back to the ocean, you’ll be part of something meaningful.
Looking Ahead
The Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival is continuing to evolve, not just as an event, but as a platform for:
- Ocean education
- Community connection
- Local leadership in conservation
- Meaningful engagement
Each year, it becomes more reflective of the people who take part.
So whether you’re hosting, volunteering, or attending, you’re helping guide how the festival evolves.
- Sign up to participate or to volunteer
- Follow us for updates on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky: @sunshineconservation
- Check out the UN World Oceans Day
- Explore national events: Ocean Week Canada
Let’s make waves together!
