South Surrey’s growing community music festival is back this weekend with a clear purpose: live music, family fun and support for local salmon conservation.
The 4th annual Salmon Sessions Music Festival takes place Saturday, August 22, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club, 1284 184 Street. Produced by the Penmar Community Arts Society, the all-ages event features six live acts, local food vendors, craft beer and cider, an artisan marketplace, guided hatchery tours and a dedicated Family Fun Zone.
“Salmon Sessions is really about bringing people together,” said Dione Costanzo, Operations Manager for Penmar Community Arts Society. “We have incredible musicians, great food, families, local businesses, artists and volunteers all coming together for an important cause. It’s become a festival people look forward to every summer, and we’re excited to see it continue to grow.”
Since launching in 2023, the festival has raised more than $54,000 for the Little Campbell Hatchery. Organizers say the event has evolved from a local music gathering into one of Surrey’s distinctive summer festivals that combines entertainment with environmental stewardship along the banks of the Little Campbell River.
2026 Lineup Features Blues, Rock and Emerging Local Talent
The single-stage lineup mixes established Canadian performers with local and emerging artists:
- Wailin’ Walker Band — Headlined by Canadian blues artist Al “Wailin’” Walker, whose album Blues Lightnin’ reached No. 1 on Canada’s Blues Album Chart. Walker brings more than 50 years of high-energy R&B and guitar work to the stage.
- James Shepherd Band — The White Rock-based guitarist is known for dynamic rock and blues performances.
- Three Nines Fine — The Vancouver five-piece recently won a Battle of the Bands at Three Dogs Brewing and will deliver high-energy rock.
- Generous Thieves — The reggae-fusion group has built momentum with sold-out shows in Japan and returns with its global sound.
- Westwood Theory — A rising B.C. band known for powerful vocals and independent energy.
- Rowan — The young White Rock multi-instrumentalist, who began busking at age eight, released the debut single Poison Apple in 2026. Local realtors Todd and Deb Antifaev of Marketing 604 Group are sponsoring the artist fee for the emerging performer.
Three Nines Fine earned its slot through the recent White Rock Battle of the Bands, underscoring the festival’s role in showcasing emerging local talent alongside established acts.
Supporting the Little Campbell Hatchery
Festival-goers can take guided tours of the Little Campbell Hatchery led by Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club volunteers. The tours highlight the river ecosystem and ongoing salmon conservation work.
Community support has been significant. Bethany Heppner of The Co-operators | Bethany Heppner and Associates Ltd. has contributed more than $25,000 to the hatchery through sponsorship and donations. MP Ernie Klassen has helped connect the hatchery with federal funding opportunities. Hilltop Plumbing and Heating provides plumbing services free or at cost when needed.
Elected officials from Surrey and White Rock are expected to attend. Politicians will have an opportunity to address the crowd at approximately 5:15 p.m. about the hatchery, salmon conservation and community events.
Family Activities, Food and Marketplace
Admission is free for children 12 and under (organizers ask families to register kids through the ticketing site for planning purposes). The Family Fun Zone, sponsored by youth-led non-profit Playful Palette, will offer crafts, face painting, bubbles and games.
Food and drink vendors include Gourmet Grub (burgers, fries and poutine), Meet2Eat Mexican (tacos, burritos and fish and chips), Dozers Donuts, Three Dogs Brewing craft beer, Fraser Valley Cider Company, plus wine and ready-to-drink cocktails for guests 19+.
An artisan marketplace will feature handmade goods from local artists, makers and youth vendors. The event is dog-friendly (leashed dogs welcome) and offers free on-site parking.
Community Sponsors and Political Support
The 2026 festival is backed by a wide network of local partners, including the City of Surrey, City of White Rock, Discover Surrey, The Co-operators | Bethany Heppner and Associates Ltd., Hilltop Plumbing and Heating, Three Dogs Brewing, Fraser Valley Cider Company, Maple Leaf Disposal, Comfort Keepers, Sandbox VR King George Hub, Marketing 604 Group, Tripadvisor’s Best Places, Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade, Peace Arch News, Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Blood Services, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, West Coast Select Seafood and Coopers Equipment Rentals.
Event Details and Tickets
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026 Location: Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club, 1284 184 Street, Surrey, BC Time: 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (music starts at 3:00 p.m.) Tickets: General Admission $25 | Children 12 and under free | VIP sold out Parking: Free on site Dogs: Welcome on leash
Tickets are available via the Salmon Sessions Music Festival ticketing site. Media are invited for interviews, photography and video with organizers, musicians, hatchery volunteers, sponsors, elected officials and attendees.
With affordable tickets, free parking, six live bands, food, family activities and a clear conservation purpose, organizers describe Salmon Sessions as a summer festival that delivers both entertainment and meaning.
Quick Facts
- What: 4th Annual Salmon Sessions Music Festival
- When: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 3–9 p.m.
- Where: Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club, 1284 184 Street, South Surrey
- Cost: $25 general admission; free for kids 12 and under
- Funds raised since 2023: More than $54,000 for Little Campbell Hatchery
- Headliner: Wailin’ Walker Band
- Special feature: Guided hatchery tours + Family Fun Zone
- Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome; free parking
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving diaspora communities across 44 languages. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, Unifor, NEPMCC, and the Canada Freelance Union. Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
