Cortes Day 2026

For more than 70 years, Cortes Day has been one of the island’s most cherished traditions. Each summer, residents and visitors come together to celebrate everything that makes Cortes Island such a special place to live and visit. This free, family-friendly community celebration offers a full day of live entertainment, local food, artisan vendors, community groups, children’s activities, and friendly competitions along the beautiful waterfront at Smelt Bay Provincial Park. Whether you’ve lived on Cortes for decades or you’re visiting for the first time, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.

Celebrate summer on Cortes Island at one of the community’s most beloved annual traditions! Cortes Day brings together neighbours, visitors, local artists, musicians, businesses, and organizations for a full day of family-friendly fun at beautiful Smelt Bay Provincial Park.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting the island for the first time, everyone is invited to enjoy a day of community, entertainment, delicious food, and unforgettable island traditions.

The festivities begin with the annual Cortes Day Parade at 11:00 AM! Watch colourful floats, community organizations, local businesses, musicians, and creative participants make their way through Manson’s Landing before the celebration continues at Smelt Bay Provincial Park.

This year promises to be extra special as we welcome the New Old Time Chautauqua to Cortes Day! Their vibrant performers, live music, and larger-than-life puppets will bring an extra dose of magic and excitement to this year’s parade, making it one you won’t want to miss.

Time	Event
11:00 AM	Cortes Day Parade
11:30 AM	Festival Opens
12:30 PM	Nail, Sail & Bail Boat Building
3:30 PM	Nail, Sail & Bail Regatta
7:00 PM	New Old Time Chautauqua at Manson’s Hall

Special Guests: The New Old Time Chautauqua

This year’s Cortes Day celebration is extra special as we welcome the New Old Time Chautauqua to the island!

Get ready for a day filled with music, magic, laughter, and unforgettable performances as this beloved travelling troupe brings their unique blend of circus arts, live music, theatre, giant puppets, and old-time community celebration to Cortes Island.

The Chautauqua festivities will begin with a spectacular land and sea parade, bringing performers, musicians, and colourful characters through the community and along the waterfront. This is a parade unlike anything Cortes Day has seen before — full of creativity, surprises, and island spirit!

The celebration continues with a free community performance at Manson’s Hall at 7:00 PM. Bring your friends and family and join us for an evening of entertainment and connection. Everyone is welcome!

Keep the Celebration Going — Sunday, July 19!

The Cortes Day celebrations continue into Sunday with a special community project, potluck, and open mic performances at the Village Commons.

Join neighbours, friends, and visitors for a day of connection, creativity, and community spirit. Help contribute to a shared island project, enjoy a delicious potluck meal, and share your talents (or simply enjoy the talents of others) during the open mic performances.

Everyone is welcome!

Bring a dish to share, bring your ideas, and come be part of this special community gathering.

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11:30 AM – Festival Opens

After the parade, head down to Smelt Bay for an afternoon of activities and entertainment.

Enjoy:

Live music throughout the day
Local artisan and craft vendors
pulled pork or grilled veggie sandwiches with coleslaw
Homemade pie and ice cream
Children’s activities
The famous Chicken Poop Contest
Community displays and demonstrations
Beautiful oceanfront views and a wonderful community atmosphere

Spend the afternoon exploring everything Cortes Day has to offer while connecting with friends, neighbours, and visitors from near and far.

Nail, Sail & Bail!

One of the day’s biggest highlights is the legendary Nail, Sail & Bail competition!

Watch teams transform simple building materials into seaworthy (or at least hopefully seaworthy!) boats before racing them across the water.

Schedule

12:30 PM
Boat building begins.

3:30 PM
Construction ends and the Nail, Sail & Bail Regatta begins!

This year’s competition features two divisions:

Adult Division
Youth Division

Whether you’re racing or cheering from the shoreline, it’s always one of the most entertaining and memorable events of Cortes Day.

Interested in competing? Registration is now open!

Register Here

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Evening Community Performance

7:00 PM – New Old Time Chautauqua

Keep the celebration going with an evening performance at Manson’s Hall featuring the New Old Time Chautauqua.

This lively community performance is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

Visitor Information

Location
Smelt Bay Provincial Park Waterfront

Admission
Free

Parking
Please follow event signage and volunteer directions when arriving.

Washrooms
Park latrines are available on site.

What to Bring

Sunscreen, Hat, Refillable water bottle, Lawn chair or picnic blanket, Cash for food vendors, artisan booths, and activities (where applicable)

Important Reminders

This is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event.
Please leave your dogs at home. While we love our four-legged family members, pets are not permitted at the event.
Help us keep Smelt Bay beautiful by packing out your garbage and respecting the park.
Please follow directions from event volunteers to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.

Register For The Nail Sail and Bail

Cortes Day!

Cortes Day is proudly organized by the Southern Cortes Community Association (SCCA) with the support of local organizations, businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and community members.

This event is made possible through the incredible generosity of people who volunteer their time each year to create a memorable day for everyone. Thank you to everyone who helps make Cortes Day a success!