Salmon Sessions in Surrey

The road narrows, the traffic disappears and the trees begin to close around the property. Before the first band starts, visitors are welcomed into the Little Campbell Salmon Hatchery, where a short introduction explains why the site exists, how salmon are raised and released, and why the next stage of the hatchery matters. Then the path opens into a small green valley, with a stage at the far end, artisan tents along the way and the Little Campbell River running beside the grounds.

That setting gives Salmon Sessions its identity. The one-day festival returns to South Surrey on August 22, 2026, bringing six BC acts, local makers, food and drinks to the Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club. It feels intimate rather than crowded, local rather than manufactured, and closely connected to the conservation work it supports.

What to Expect

Salmon Sessions is a compact outdoor festival built around three connected experiences: live music, a visit to the hatchery and a community market. The music runs on a single stage, which means there are no schedule conflicts or long walks between performances. Visitors can settle into the grass, browse the artisan tents, get food and drinks, and return without losing track of the day.

General admission includes the performances, artisan market and guided hatchery tours. Food and drinks are purchased separately. The event is family-friendly, children 12 and under enter free with a parent or guardian, and well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.

Bring a seat: Pack a lawn chair or blanket. The music area is outdoors, and the relaxed setup works best when you have a place to settle in between visits to the market and hatchery.

The Little Campbell Salmon Hatchery

The hatchery is not a backdrop added to the festival. It is the reason the event exists. Staff and volunteers welcome visitors inside and explain the history of the operation, the salmon-rearing process and the challenges created by repeated flooding. The introduction takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, but it covers enough to make the conservation work tangible before the music begins.

The Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club estimates that the hatchery releases 100,000 salmon into the river system each year. Its current building has faced decades of flooding, including severe damage during the 2021 atmospheric river, when water reached three feet inside and destroyed tens of thousands of fish eggs. Festival fundraising supports plans for a modern replacement building on higher ground.

Do the tour first: The hatchery introduction is short, informative and easy to fit in before settling near the stage. It gives the rest of the festival more context.

2026 Music

The live entertainment schedule at the 2026 Salmon Sessions festival includes performances by the following:

Wailin’ Walker Band
James Shepherd Band
Three Nines Fine
Generous Thieves
Westwood Theory
Rowan

To book your spot now click Salmon Sessions Tickets.

The Setting

Once visitors move beyond the hatchery buildings, the property opens into a small valley enclosed by trees. The river runs along one side, the stage faces the gathering area and the scale stays close enough that the performance feels connected to the crowd. It is calm, green and removed from the pace of the city, even though South Surrey and White Rock are only a short drive away.

The festival also makes a good starting point for a longer day in the area. Vancouver’s Best Places has a broader Guide to Surrey, including parks, attractions and other places to visit before or after the event.

Artisan Market, Food and Drinks

The arrival path doubles as an artisan market, creating a natural transition from the hatchery buildings into the music area. Local makers line the route with handmade goods and small-batch products, giving the festival another layer without turning it into a large commercial market.

Food vendors and a beverage garden operate during the event, with beer, wine and non-alcoholic choices available. The layout keeps everything within a short walk of the stage, which helps the site hold onto its intimate feel throughout the day.

Salmon Sessions Tickets

General admission to Salmon Sessions in 2026 costs $25. VIP admission is $75 and includes access to a premium viewing tent, dedicated bar service, two drink tickets and light snacks. Children 12 and under enter free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Ticket buyers can also add a donation to support the Penmar Community Arts Society and the festival’s conservation work.

VIP option: VIP tickets are limited. The upgrade is most useful for visitors who want reserved space, included drinks and a dedicated area close to the stage.

Fundraising and Conservation

Salmon Sessions is organized by the Penmar Community Arts Society in partnership with the Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club. Now in its fourth year, the festival has already presented more than 60 local musicians and expanded to include the artisan market. Its larger purpose is to use music and community participation to support the future of the Little Campbell Salmon Hatchery.

The event also runs fundraising initiatives such as a raffle and 50/50 draw, with proceeds supporting the hatchery. Current draw details and eligibility should be checked on the official festival channels before participating.

Getting There

The Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club is at 1284 184 Street in South Surrey, roughly 45 to 55 minutes from Vancouver by car depending on traffic. The property is east of White Rock and close to the Canada–United States border. Driving or arranging a ride is the most practical option for most visitors.

Arrival tip: Give yourself a little extra time to park, walk through the entrance area and take the hatchery introduction before the first performance you want to see.

Good to Know

Hours: Saturday, August 22, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
All ages: Children 12 and under enter for free with a parent or guardian.
Pets: Well-behaved dogs are welcome when kept on leash.
Seating: Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the outdoor music area.
Weather: The event is outdoors so check the forecast and bring sun protection or a light rain layer as needed.
Food and drinks: Available for purchase inside the festival grounds.

Official website: penmar.ca
Tickets: zeffy.com
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