There’s a reason the ocean brings people together.
It’s more than just beautiful scenery; it’s our livelihood, our playground, our classroom, and our shared responsibility.
This is why we come together every year to celebrate our magnificent ocean with the Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival (SCOF)
What began as a one-day event honouring United Nations World Oceans Day has grown into a full week of diverse programming, bringing together community and conservation groups, scientists, artists, businesses, and ocean lovers of all kinds.
SCOF has evolved from a small, grassroots idea into a vibrant, community-driven celebration of everything the ocean represents.
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
Subscribe to SCOF Events Calendar Here
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:
- Live Film Screenings: festival weeknights and possibly Saturday morning
Showcasing powerful ocean stories, environmental issues, and creative storytelling - Online Nemo Talks: noon to 1 pm, Monday through Friday, June 8-12
Bite-sized, lunchtime sessions featuring ocean experts, storytellers, and community voices - Online Films: available to watch anytime
Feature-length and short films curated by Billie Carroll, RhizomeUp!Media - Celebration Day: Mission Point Park, Sunday, 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 - Community-Led Activities: sprinkled throughout the week (coming soon)
From citizen science to paddles to beach cleanups, the festival showcases events happening across the Sunshine Coast and Howe Sound
Join the Wave: Vendors, Partners & Community Activities
As the festival continues to grow, so does the opportunity for the community to shape it.
Celebration Day Vendors (June 14)
Fill out the participant’s form here
Join us at Mission Point Park on June 14th by hosting a booth. We’re especially looking for:
- Ocean education and outreach
- Interactive or hands-on activities
- Creative, engaging experiences for all ages
If you’ve got an idea that connects people to the ocean, we want to hear it.
Hosting An Event During Ocean Week?
Fill out the participant’s form here
Ocean Week is about collective participation.
If you’re planning:
- A shoreline or ocean cleanup
- A citizen science activity, workshop or talk
- A guided paddle or outdoor experience
- Art exhibit or community gathering
We would love to include and promote your event as part of the official festival lineup.
Volunteers Make It Happen
Behind every great event is a team of dedicated volunteers, and SCOF is no exception. We’re always looking for volunteers to support:
- Live film screenings (setup, guest support, teardown)
- Celebration Day activities
- 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 in its sixth year as a weeklong collaborative festival. Each year, the program continues to evolve, not just as an event, but as a platform for:
- Ocean education
- Community connection
- Local leadership in conservation
- Meaningful engagement
- Fun!
Each year, SCOF becomes more reflective of the people who take part. So whether you’re hosting, volunteering, or attending, you are helping to guide how the festival grows and evolves.
- Sign up 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!
