Squamish Arts and Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (DSBIA) are uniting for “The Big Weekend” – A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Community. This summer, Squamish Arts has partnered with the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (DSBIA) to bring together three of Squamish’s most beloved festivals for one unforgettable celebration.
For the first time ever, the Squamish Arts Festival, Mural Walk Festival, and Open Street Day will join forces to present The Big Weekend, running from July 25 to 27. Throughout the weekend, Cleveland Avenue from Pemberton to Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Visitors will be able to explore outdoor business activations, live mural painting, and family-friendly programming from Junction Park and throughout downtown Squamish. “Each of these events is special on its own, but this year we saw the opportunity to create a weekend-long celebration that showcases the best of our local arts and culture scene,” said Clea Young, Executive Director of Squamish Arts. “We’re excited to see how this collaboration brings even more energy and exposure to our incredible artists and downtown businesses.”
“The Big Weekend is about transforming our downtown into a space where community, creativity, and commerce come together,” said Kerry Neil, Executive Director of the DSBIA. “We’re thrilled to see community groups and downtown businesses stepping out into the street to engage with the public in fun, meaningful ways, while also supporting the incredible artists and performers who make Squamish such a vibrant place to live and visit.” The festivities begin on Friday, July 25, with the launch of the Squamish Mural Walk Festival. Muralists will begin painting at Stan Clarke Park and 38162 Cleveland Avenue (Inbiz), where five artists will contribute to a new permanent mural gallery. Liesl Petersen will create additional works at Pearls Value & Vintage and David Camisa at the August Jack Motel. These vibrant public artworks will add to the growing legacy of mural art in Squamish for years to come.
On Saturday, July 26, the Squamish Arts Festival kicks off in Junction Park from 10 am to 6 pm. This family-friendly day features live music and performances, artist and artisan marketplace, food trucks, and free bike valet.
Performer highlights include The Hairfarmers, Muevete Marimba, The Zummers, Yex̱wéla7 cht, and Ira Pettle. The festival culminates with the Sp’akw’us Feather Shakedown on Saturday, August 16, from 4:00 to 11:00 PM at Oceanfront Squamish, and will feature musical acts Astrocolor, Fort Knox Five, Smalltown DJs, and more! Squamish Arts Festival also hosts a series of arts workshops throughout the summer. Also on Saturday is the annual Open Street Day, where Cleveland Avenue becomes a community-first space.
Locals and visitors are invited to explore the street on foot, by bike, or by transit and enjoy a unique reimagining of public space. With a strong focus on active transportation, OurSquamish Placemaking Society will provide a full bike valet, and everyone is encouraged to travel downtown in a sustainable manner. Accessible parking is available on the south side of Winnipeg Street (between Cleveland Ave and Second Ave) and at the entrance to Stan Clarke Park (Second Ave). Additional parking is available at the Squamish Adventure Centre, just a short walk from the festival area.
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