Plan Your Visit
Courtenay
Fairgrounds
4839 Headquarters Rd, Courtenay, BC V9J 1P2
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a family tradition, the Comox Valley Exhibition offers a full day of hands-on activities, live entertainment, animals, food, and agricultural experiences for all ages.
Set on 40 acres along the Tsolum River in the Comox Valley, the Exhibition combines classic fair experiences with local community spirit, giving children and young adults the chance to explore, learn, play, and connect with rural life in a fun and welcoming environment.
What Families Can Expect
From toddlers to teens — and grandparents too — there’s something happening around every corner.
Animal Experiences
Kids can get up close with farm animals, petting areas, horse events, and agricultural displays throughout the grounds. The Exhibition has long been known for creating memorable “first farm” experiences for children.
Live Shows & Demonstrations
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy:
- Logging and lumberjack shows
- Chainsaw carving demonstrations
- Dog shows and performance events
- Agricultural competitions
- Live music and roaming entertainers
- Community exhibits and demonstrations
Past events have also featured diving dogs, cattle sorting demonstrations, and RCMP performances.
Activities for Kids
Families can expect a variety of child-focused attractions, including:
- Bounce and play zones
- Face painting
- Games and interactive exhibits
- “Farmer for a Day” activities
- Home & garden displays
- Hands-on learning opportunities
The overall atmosphere is intentionally family-oriented, affordable, and community focused.
Food & Drink
Visitors can enjoy classic fair food and local favourites throughout the grounds, including the Exhibition’s well-known fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Parking
The grounds are designed for large community events and family attendance. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water bottles, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Strollers and wagons are common during the Exhibition weekend.
Location
Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds
4839 Headquarters Rd, Courtenay, BC V9J 1P2
The grounds are located just outside Courtenay and include open green space, walking areas, exhibition buildings, arenas, and natural park surroundings.
Planning Your Day
Make It a Full Comox Valley Weekend
Many families turn the Exhibition into a weekend outing by exploring nearby beaches, parks, splash parks, and family attractions throughout the Comox Valley.
Popular local family activities include marina parks, beach walks, cycling, hiking, and summer water parks.
Helpful Tips for Families
Arrive earlier in the day for easier parking and cooler temperatures
Bring hats and sunscreen for outdoor areas
Plan breaks for younger children between exhibits and activities
Check the event schedule ahead of time for shows and demonstrations
Bring a camera — there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the grounds
A Longstanding Comox Valley Tradition
For more than 150 years, the Exhibition has brought together families, farmers, makers, performers, and community organizations to celebrate agriculture and rural life in the Comox Valley. Today, it continues to be one of the Valley’s best-loved family events and a place where new memories are made each summer.