For those that can remember the name Woodstock, or for those that have just heard stories, it really was a time when most people wanted peace, love and joy.
Locals will have the opportunity to feel that sense of “everything is beautiful” on Sunday, Aug. 17 when Special Woodstock comes around again.
Special Woodstock is an annual music festival that has been held in the Cowichan Valley since 1999. Celebrating 26 years this year, the free family event is being held at Providence Farm located at 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. in Duncan.
"Special Woodstock was created to feature the artistic talents of people with disabilities alongside professional musicians on a community/world stage," their website describes.
It is a non-profit music festival that features “many local bands and people with diverse abilities, who have honed their unique gifts in extraordinary ways, donating their time and talent to perform for very enthusiastic audiences.”
The event features three stages; the Islands Band Stage, the Rose Garden Stage and the Karaoke Stage with various performers all starting at 10 a.m.
One of the groups playing is Peace, Love and Joy. This group has performed in the past and not just at this event but most recently they opened the 2025 Ladysmith Celebrations.
Organizers say this year there’s dancing, various draws, and food, along with local artisans workshops.
"Together with the help of Lions Clubs of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, professional musicians, a huge corp of volunteers and community businesses, a Festival has been created that has bridged the gaps between communities, created lasting friendships, brought families together, and makes the world a little brighter for all of us.”
For more information about Special Woodstock call 1-250-886-0116 or check out their website at www.specialwoodstock.org.
