Last week to purchase Summer Raffle Tickets! $1000 to IGA or $500 to LD
Buy in person at Gibsons Public Market Reception!
Thank You for Joining Us for
Wellness Fest 2026
Gibsons Public Market, in partnership with Sunshine Coast Financial, hosted the 4th Annual Wellness Fest from May 1-3. It was a weekend dedicated to exploring all aspects of wellness!
Over the course of the festival, our community came together to explore wellness in all its forms — movement, mindfulness, nutrition, creativity, connection, and self-care. From inspiring workshops and wellness vendors to fitness classes, speakers, demonstrations, and meaningful conversations, this event would not have been possible without the incredible energy and support of our community.
Thank you to our amazing vendors, workshop facilitators, performers, volunteers, and partners for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion. Your contributions helped create a welcoming and uplifting experience for all who attended.
We are especially grateful to our presenting partner, Sunshine Coast Credit Union, for helping make this event possible.
We hope you left Wellness Fest feeling inspired, refreshed, and more connected to the vibrant wellness community here on the Sunshine Coast.
We look forward to welcoming you back next year!
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors
SUNSHINE COAST FINANCIAL
Chair yoga is a gentle yet powerful way to support strength, mobility, and brain health in seniors, offering safe and accessible movement for all ability levels.
Through simple, guided exercises, participants can improve flexibility, build muscle strength, and enhance balance—helping make everyday activities easier and reducing the risk of falls.
Beyond the physical benefits, my chair yoga classes also incorporate exercises that stimulate the mind, supporting focus, memory, and overall cognitive function.
Many seniors experience improved mood, reduced stress, and a greater sense of connection and well-being through regular practice. The positive impact on the senior community has been remarkable, empowering individuals to stay active, independent, and engaged.
Truly, keeping moving is health and wealth—nurturing both body and mind for a better quality of life.
This event is PAY WHAT YOU CAN
FRIDAY, MAY 1st
11:00 -11:45 AM
Coastal Room (Level 3)
Qi Gong is a gentle, low-impact practice that has been cultivated for centuries in Eastern traditions. The word Qi refers to the body’s vital life energy, while Gong means skill or practice. Through mindful breathing, slow stretching, and fluid movements, Qi Gong helps align and strengthen the body, stimulate internal organs, and improve core stability, balance, body awareness, and mental focus.
Join us for an introductory Qi Gong session led by Kevin Hamilton, a retired Psychology Professor with a background in human performance research and teaching. Kevin has over 20 years of experience teaching Qi Gong and Tai Chi and currently leads classes with the Gibsons Seniors Society at Harmony Hall and through the SCRD at the Gibsons Recreation Centre.
This event is PAY WHAT YOU CAN
FRIDAY, MAY 1st
12:00 -1:00 PM
Coastal Room (Level 3)
**SOLD OUT** Please note this event is now at capacity.
The weekend kicks off with a Sound Journey hosted by Kym and Chris. Relax and dive deep into the soothing sounds of deep didgeridoos, quartz crystal singing bowls, drums, vocals, guitar and more! Bring your own mat, water bottle and whatever you need to fully immerse yourself into the sound frequencies (e.g. a pillow, blanket or eye mask).
This event is PAY WHAT YOU CAN, and pre-registration is recommended to secure your spot.
FRIDAY, MAY 1st
7:00 -8:30 PM
Atrium Floor (Level 2)
Limited space available to reserve your spot today!
wellness fair
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND & SUNDAY, MAY 3RD
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Our Wellness Fair will bring together a diverse array of businesses, wellness professionals, and community groups, all dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering you to lead a happier, healthier life. From holistic health and nutrition to fitness, mindfulness, and mental well-being, this event will offer valuable insights, interactive workshops, and hands-on experiences to help you thrive.
VENDOR LIST
(please note not all vendors will be attending both days)
SUNSHINE COAST CREDIT UNION
LIVIA’S WILDCRAFT . STEP INTO BALANCE . KAY’S COLLECTION . MOE & SYD . HEART HORSE CONNECTIONS . LIZ LONG
HAWAIIAN HEALING ARTS . MEDICINE BEAR GARDENS . SHERABO ORGANICS INC . FIRESMART . NURIT WEISS DAVICIONI
BISOU CREME . KAYRA HEALTH MEDICAL AND WELLNESS . UNITY WELLNESS . INNER CIRCLE RETREAT . RAVEN AND THYME
saturday events
What if getting triggered is simply your nervous system response taking over? Melanie explores how learning to recognize these moments and meeting them with more awareness and skill can support lasting change and deepen connection with others.
Melanie Behrner is a Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling and founder of Rising Phoenix Counselling in Roberts Creek. A counsellor since 2008, she has supported adults, youth, and couples, facilitated workshops, and trained counsellors.
PAY WHAT YOU CAN
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND
12:00 -1:00 PM
Coastal Room (Level 3)
Limited space available to reserve your spot today!
Learn about the potential medicinal benefits of various functional mushrooms commonly found in commercial heath supplements & microdosing products, including information about traditional uses & contemporary scientific studies. The class is followed by a mushroom identification forest walk.
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND
CLASS 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Coastal Room (Level 3)
WALK 4:00 – 5:30 PM
TICKETS
$55 class only
$75 class & walk
Training and nutrition strategies designed to help you build muscle and lose body fat—without extremes. We’ll break down exactly what it takes to combat sarcopenia, create habits that support long-term health and longevity, and feel strong and confident in your body as you age.
In a world full of conflicting advice and clickbait headlines, you’ll get the straight truth about how to fuel and train your body in a way that actually works—no severe restriction required.
Bring a notepad and your questions.
PAY WHAT YOU CAN
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Coastal Room (Level 3)
Join Chef Hagit for an evening dedicated to reducing inflammation, supporting digestion, and discovering how food can truly heal. This immersive Demo & Dine experience blends education, inspiration, and incredible flavour—designed to leave you feeling nourished from the inside out.
Enjoy a live anti-inflammatory cooking demonstration where Hagit shares her approach to creating vibrant, healing meals. Sit down to a thoughtfully prepared, gut-supportive plated dinner that highlights wholesome, nourishing ingredients.
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Community Kitchen (Level1)
COST: $75 (Limited spots are available; preregistration is required to secure your spot.)
Join Liz on Sunday morning for a playful and exploratory yoga class designed just for kids! We’ll move, stretch, sing, and breathe together, then shift into a fun, friendship-focused creative project. We will make special bracelets (to keep!) and share about crystal energy in a gentle, magical way. A beautiful space for connection, imagination, and self-expression.
SUNDAY, MAY 3RD
10:00 -11:00 AM
Coastal Room (Level 3)
This event is PAY WHAT YOU CAN
Limited space available, click below to reserve your child’s spot!
Why You’re Gaining Weight, Exhausted and Can’t Sleep… and what to do about it before it gets worse.
If you’ve found yourself gaining weight despite doing all the right things, waking up at 2 or 3 am, or hitting that wall in the afternoon where your energy disappears, you’re not alone and there is a reason this is happening.
In this 90 minute workshop, you’ll discover what’s really driving these changes and learn simple, powerful ways to support your metabolism and hormones so your body can start working with you again, not against you.
This is not about dieting harder or pushing yourself more. It’s about understanding your body in this phase of life and giving it what it actually needs.
Join Sarah and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
SUNDAY, MAY 3RD
12:00 AM -1:30 AM
Coastal Room (Level 3)
This event is PAY WHAT YOU CAN
Join Beau for a Pilates mat class on Sunday for a session of core connection, full body strength and breath engagement.
Beau, a certified Mat Pilates Instructor, leads classes for all ages and abilities from her home studio, in beautiful Pender Harbour, BC. At the upcoming Wellness Fest, Beau will be presenting in two roles: first, as the passionate instructor behind Coastal Pilates, where she shares her love for the mat and the body-mind connection pilates provides; and second, as the co-owner of Inner Circle Retreats, a retreat company in Pender Harbour that blends fitness, adventure, culinary delights, connection, and relaxation. Pilates is always a key offering in our retreats.
SUNDAY, MAY 3RD
2:00 -3:00 PM
Coastal Room (Level 3)
This event is PAY WHAT YOU CAN
Performing acoustic instrumentals, ambient loops, and folk songs rooted in the natural world, Matthew Lovegrove has released three well-received albums under the name Woodland Telegraph. Incorporating improvisational elements into live performances, sets flow from folk songs through Bruce Cockburn-style guitar instrumentals and into ambient soundscapes.
SUNDAY, MAY 3RD
12:00 – 2:00 PM
IN THE ATRIUM
The Wellness Fest Wrap-Up Dance Party with Sharon Tron
One last dance before the weekend ends. Let’s come together to move, celebrate, and soak up the final moments of a beautiful weekend of wellness.
Join us for a fun, feel-good dance party where you can let loose, be yourself, and connect with an amazing community. After a full weekend of inspiration and connection, this is your time to unwind, express, and enjoy it all.
No experience needed, family friendly, bring your energy and your smile.
This event is PAY WHAT YOU CAN
SUNDAY, MAY 3RD
6:00 – 7:00 PM
IN THE ATRIUM