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What's happening in Victoria
Here is some information about some of our annual
events:
Annual Polar Bear Swim
January 1st
Elk Lake
Join us for a wild and crazy cool dip in Elk Lake off of the
Patricia Bay Highway. Polar Bear Swim starts at 2:00pm sharp. Admission is free.
Annual UNO Festival of Solo Performance
March 1 - 12
Three Festival Venues
Contact: (250) 383-2663 or Toll-Free 1-888-FRINGE2
 | UNO puts the spotlight on the artistry of the single performer, providing a high
caliber, cutting edge theatrical forum for world class writer/performers and emerging
theatre artists. |
| 14 productions representative of a wide variety of theatrical performance styles. |
| Non-stop festival schedule at Open Space, 510 Fort Street and Kaleidoscope Playhouse,
520 Herald Street. |
| Ticket prices range from $8 to $16 and festival passes are available. |
Annual FLOWER COUNT
Last week of February
"Mission Control" located at Victoria Eatons Centre
1150 Douglas Street
Contact: (250) 384-3211
| In February residents of Victoria drop to their knees in their front gardens, back
gardens and city parks...and begin counting flowers. |
| Flower Count Week involves hundreds of dedicated residents. |
| The enthusiasm for this tongue-in-cheek promotion of Victoria is evident in the number
of flowers counted. |
| Call 360-BUDS with your count! |
Annual GREATER VICTORIA PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
April 1 - May 26
Various Venues
Contact: (250) 592-8884
| Categories in the Festival include: dance, piano, vocal, brass, woodwinds, speech,
strings, accordion, ukulele, harp, classical guitar, choral and bands. |
| Festival highlights, studio dance highlights and honor performances. |
| Single Admission approximately: Adult $3, Students and Seniors $2. |
DANCE ARTS '99
mid-April
University Centre Auditorium
Finnerty Road
Contact: (250) 721-4578
| 8 days of exciting dance performances, provincial competitions, master classes and
workshops. |
| Sessions at 1pm and 7pm at the University Centre Auditorium |
| Approximately $3 per session at the door. |
Annual TERRIFVIC JAZZ PARTY
Last week of April
Various Venues
Contact: (250) 953-2011
| 20 red hot jazz bands. |
| Cruise the venues! Boogie on the dance floors! Great fun! |
| Free shuttle service |
| 7 venues throughout Victoria. |
| Admission approximately $15 - $90. |
VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC'S ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR
May
Various Venues
Contact: (250) 386-5311
| Take advantage of The Victoria Conservatory of Music's Annual Garden Tour. |
| Some of the finest private gardens in Victoria open their gates to the public. |
| This is a self-drive event. |
| Map is provided with Admission purchase. |
| Admission is approximately $25. Contact the Victoria Conservatory for Admission
purchasing outlets 386-5311. |
Annual MANULIFE LITERARY ARTS FESTIVAL
Late May
| Big-name authors from Canada and around the world converge on Victoria for five days of
readings, talks and question periods |
Annual LUXTON PRO RODEO
May
Corner of Sooke and Luxton Road
Contact: (250) 478-2759
| Featuring World and Canadian Champion Cowboys. |
| Rodeo events start at 2pm daily. |
| Free grounds admission to midway, craft sale, petting farm, blacksmith and antique farm
equipment. |
| Parade starts 10am Saturday. |
| Opens 12 noon daily. |
| Dances on Saturday and Sunday. |
| Free parking off of Highway #14. |
| Admissions at gate, adults $11 (12 and under free with adult). Students and seniors $9. |
Annual BC FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
May
Various venues
Contact: (250) 920-4118
| Nearly 1,000 of BC's most talented musicians, dancers, singers, writers, composers,
filmmakers, actors and artists come to Victoria this year to participate in workshops,
classes and performances. |
| Public performances, exhibits, readings and dramatic presentations run nightly. |
Annual VICTORIA DAY PARADE
May
Douglas Street
Contact: (250) 382-3111
| The ever popular Victoria Day Parade begins 9am, Monday, May 24th. Departs from the
Mayfair Mall on Douglas Street. |
| Grab your spot early to enjoy the marching bands and floats from Victoria, the Island,
BC and Washington and Oregon states as they perform down Douglas Street to Humboldt St. in
downtown Victoria. |
Annual SWIFTSURE INTERNATIONAL YACHT RACE
May (Memorial Day weekend)
Juan de Fuca Strait
| A fleet of the most competitive racing sailboats on the Northwest Coast converges for
the annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race. |
| The challenge, hosted by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, attracts about 200 boats in the
short, middle and long distance events that take competitors across juan de Fuca Strait
and back. |
BASTION SQUARE CYCLING GRAND PRIX
End of May
Contact: (250) 360-BIKE
| Victoria is the unofficial cycling capital of Canada. |
| Features professional riders, as well as those in categories 1 and 2, the next notches
down from the pro. |
| Criterium-style race, featuring a closed-loop circuit on city streets. |
| Routes snake their way not only through downtown Victoria, but north into Saanich, west
into the Highlands, even as far as North Saanich, which is 65km from the provincial
legislature. |
MILL BAY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
End of May - Early June
Kerry Park Arena
1035 Shawnigan Mill Bay Road
Contact: (250) 743-2295
| Enjoy a variety of Island talent. |
| Headliners vary year to year. |
| Pancake breakfasts, auction, dance lessons and much, much more. |
| Admission prices approximately $22 for all day and evening pass. |
Annual OAK BAY TEA PARTY
June
Willows Beach, Oak Bay
| The biggest party of the year in Oak Bay, this annual event includes food, entertainment
and a midway. |
BUCCANEER DAYS
June
Archie Browning Sports Centre, Esquimalt
| Esquimalt's community festival includes a parade, kids' games and a midway all weekend. |
VAN ISLE 360 Yacht Race
June
Nanaimo to Nanaimo
Contact: 250-754-9236
| Nanaimo Sailing Association is pleased to announce the most exciting new race on the
Pacific Northwest yachting scene |
| 580 mile race circumnavigates Vancouver Island in a series of ten legs |
| spectators, families, friends and fresh crew will be following the race via road. |
| The communities at all the ports-of-call, are organizing special events to welcome the
arrival of the fleet. |
Annual SUMMER IN THE SQUARE
Mid June until September
Centennial Square
| Centennial Square comes alive with music, dance, theatre and other free entertainment
all summer long. |
Annual JAZZFEST INTERNATIONAL '99
June
Various Venues in Downtown Victoria
Contact: (250) 388-4423 or Toll-Free 1-888-671-2112
| Victoria will host the 15th annual festival. |
| Features over 50 performances of jazz, blues and world music with over 200 musicians. |
| Free and ticketed performances. |
| Admission range from $8 - $39. |
| Special performance by jazz guitarist Pat Metheny at the Royal Theatre ($53-$68) |
| Returning is the exciting and popular Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. |
Annual FOLKFEST
June
Ship's Point, Inner Harbour
| Dozens of free performances. |
| Focus is on professional and amateur multicultural entertainment, food and festivities. |
SOOKE REGION MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE & SALMON BBQ
June
Sooke Region Museum, 2070 Phillips Road, Sooke
Contact: (250) 642-6351
| Historical craft demonstrations, museum tours and traditional native foods. |
SHOWTIME at the BUTCHART GARDENS!
June - September
800 Benvenuto
Contact: (250) 652-4422
| Visit in the evening and enjoy this wonderful outdoor dance variety show in a beautiful
garden setting. |
| Afterwards enjoy the gorgeous night illuminations. |
| Show runs June 29 to September 4, Monday to Friday at 8:30pm. |
| Admission costs during the summer months are approximately $15.50 for adults, $7.75 for
juniors (13-17) and $2.00 for children (5-12) and entertainment is included in this cost. |
Annual SIDNEY DAYS
June/July
Tulista Park, Sidney and Downtown Sidney
| The annual Sidney Days party kicks off Wednesday night with a community dinner, Canada
Day ceremonies (with a cake), entertainment and fireworks. |
| The main events on July 1 at Tulista Park are the Family Festival and the Children's
Festival, which run noon to 5 pm. |
| On July 4, grab your wallets and head to the heart of Sidney for Sidewalk Day. |
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS
July 1
Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Highway
Contact: (250) 478-1130
| Family fun day with entertainment, food and games. |
VICTORIA SUMMER THEATRE
July - September
McPherson Playhouse
Contact: (250) 480-0794
ROYAL VICTORIA FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL
July
Royal Roads University
2005 Sooke Road
Contact: (250) 881-7469
| Three wonderful days for new and experienced gardeners featuring beautiful display
gardens, daily seminars and more. |
| 5th annual event. |
| Special evening seminar $10. All 30 other seminars free with admission. |
| Admission is $7.50 adults, youths (12 - 16) $3.00, children free when accompanied by an
adult. |
Annual STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
July 5
Elk/ Beaver Lake Park, District of Saanich
Contact: (250) 475-1775
| A good old fashioned family picnic at Beaver Lake Park from 9am to 4pm. |
| Join in on the pancake breakfast and enjoy live entertainment nature displays and
activities. |
| Children can participate in pony rides, story telling and face painting. |
| End the day at 3 p.m. with fresh strawberries and ice cream. |
| Admission is free. |
Annual VICTORIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
July - August
St. Ann's Academy Auditorium
Contact: (250) 360-0234
| Matinee 2:30pm; Mainstage 8:00pm and Late Night 11:00pm. |
| All Shows take place St. Ann's Academy Auditorium. |
| Tickets approximately: $5 for matinees; $13 for mainstage performances (seniors/students
pay $11) and $10 for late night show. |
SUMMER CATHEDRAL FEST
July
Christ Church Cathedral, 912 Vancouver Street
Contact: (250) 385-6515
| Orchestral, chamber and recital concerts from the Victoria Symphony. |
ALL SOOKE DAY
July
2259 Phillips Road
Contact: (250) 642-5775
| Welcome to Sooke Flats and enjoy the day viewing competitive logging events and crafts. |
| 7am Pancake Breakfast. |
| Enjoy with your family the children's games and activities, food and refreshments. |
| A free shuttle bus from the free parking areas. |
| Open from 7am - 5pm. |
| Admission is approximately $6 adults, $3 students and seniors and children under 12 free |
MOSS STREET PAINT-IN
July
Moss Street
Contact: (250) 384-4101
| 1:00pm - 4:00pm |
| More than 75 well known and emerging artists work at "stations" along Moss
Street using a wide variety of media and style. |
| Beer garden and food stations are open noon - 8:30pm and the popular dance, featuring
the bank "Kumbia", begins at 5pm in the art gallery parking lot. |
| In 1997 a record 25,000 people attended this free, annual festival of the visual arts. |
Annual "A Bite of Victoria" Food Festival
July
Government House
Contact: (250) 386-6368
| 11:00am - 3:00pm |
| A showcase of Victoria restaurants and eateries. |
| Tasty variety of food and beverages for sampling. |
| Buskers, musicians and local artists at work. |
| No admission charge and only $1 per "Bite" ticket. |
SOOKE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
July - August
Sooke
| The largest juried art show on Vancouver Island, Sooke Fine Arts '99 features painting,
sculpture, photography and a variety of other media. |
| Hundreds of works will be displayed at this annual arts festival. |
SYMPHONY SPLASH
August 4
Inner Harbour
Contact: (250) 385-6515
| On Sunday, August 6th, 7:30pm the eleventh annual "Splash" will take to the
water. |
| As the sun sets across Victoria's Inner Harbour the crowd awaits the tuning of the
strings and the flare of the brass that sounds the beginning of Victoria's most
anticipated and popular summer event. |
| Seated on board a barge moored in mid-harbour, members of the Victoria Symphony delight
the large crowd with their perfect blend of orchestra classics and popular favorites. |
| It's a magical evening that continues right through to the finale. |
| This spectacular event attracts yearly crowds of over 40,000. |
| Admission is free. |
FIRST PEOPLES FESTIVAL
August
Royal BC Museum and Surrounding Sites
Contact: (250) 384-3211
| A spectacular and colorful showcase of First Nations art, history, culture and
traditions. |
| Sites also include Mungo Martin House in Thunderbird Park. |
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
August
Inner Harbour
Contact: (250) 472-BOAT
| The Dragon Boat Festival has ancient Chinese cultural and spiritual roots and has been
celebrated in North America only in recent years. |
| The centre piece of the Festival is the famed Dragon Boat races where crews of 24
paddlers race head-to-head in a 650 metre sprint, in full dragon Boat regalia with timing
drums thumping away. |
VICTORIA FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
August - September
Various Venues in downtown
Contact: (250) 383-2663 or Toll-Free 1-888-FRINGE2
| See the best in innovative theatre during this exciting summer festival. |
| 8 locations throughout downtown all within walking distance. |
| All admission prices are approximately $8 or less or buy a flexible pass. |
WESTSHORE SUMMER FESTIVAL
August
Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, Lower Park
Contact: (250) 478-8384
| Arts and cultural festival with food, activities and live entertainment. |
| The day ends with a spectacular evening performance with the Victoria Symphony
Orchestra. |
VANCOUVER ISLAND BLUES BASH
Labour Day weekend
Various Locations in Downtown Victoria
Contact: (250) 388-4423 or Toll-Free 1-888-671-2112
| Featuring "the blues" in all shades for your soul. |
| Presents performances of regional and international bands, performing blues and R&B. |
| Free performances will take place in the afternoons at Ships Point, in Victoria's Inner
Harbour, as well as paid admission performances in the evenings at various clubs in
downtown Victoria. |
135th Annual SAANICH FALL FAIR
Labour Day Weekend
Saanich Fairground
1528 Stelly's X Road.
Contact: (250) 652-3314
| The North and South Saanich Agricultural Society presents the annual Saanich Fair. |
| Western Canada's Oldest Continuous Agricultural Fair. |
| For over 130 years members of the community have joined together to present the annual
fall fair. |
| See everything from the farm! |
| Watch the judging, enjoy the midway, farm games, pumpkin contest. |
| Lots of food and great family fun! |
| Free Parking. |
| Grounds open 9am - 9pm Friday and Saturday and 9am - 6pm on Monday. |
Annual CLASSIC BOAT FESTIVAL
Labour Day weekend
Inner Harbour
| On Labour Day weekend, the Inner Harbour is a forest of spruce masts and wooden bulwarks
as the Times Colonist and the Victoria Real Estate Board present the Classic Boast
Festival. |
| Over 100 boats, all built before 1955, line the docks for a maritime open house. |
| Special events include the sailpast and the Sunday schooner race. |
FAMILYFEST
September
Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Road
Contact: (250) 595-7121
| Victoria's biggest family celebration will feature an indoor playground and children's
entertainment. |
| Over 25 cultural, educational and community exhibitors on-site. |
SOOKE FALL FAIR
September
Sooke Community Hall, Eustace Road, Sooke
Contact: (250) 642-6351
| Country fair with exhibits of flowers, baking, vegetables, needlecraft, photography,
etc. |
METCHOSIN DAYS
September
Municipal Hall, 4450 Happy Valley Road,
Contact: (250) 478-6179
Experience rural Metchosin and enjoy country fun for the whole family.
LUXTON FALL FAIR
September
Luxton Fairgrounds, 1040 Marwood Road
Contact: (250) 478-4250
| Family fun with midway rides and games accompanied by local art, crafts and animals. |
EMILY CARR FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
October
Emily Carr House
Contact: (250) 383-5843
| With activities centering on Emily Carr House, this second annual festival celebrates
the life and works of Victoria's best-known artist. |
| Events include walking tours, art talks and tours of Ross Bay Cemetery, where Carr is
buried. |
22nd Annual ROYAL VICTORIA MARATHON
October
Victoria
Contact: (250) 382-0042
| The 23rd running of the Royal Victoria Marathon returns to familiar streets and famous
scenery of Victoria and Oak Bay. |
| Marathon starts at 8:00am, Sunday. |
| Race length is 42.195 kilometres. |
| Race starts on Government Street between the legislative buildings and the Royal British
Columbia Museum. |
| The out and back trek follows the outside perimeter of James Bay neighbourhood (past
Fisherman's Wharf, the Canadian Coast Guard base, the Ogden Point "Love Boat"
docks, and the breakwater) onto Dallas Road, past Beacon Hill Park, Clover Point, the Ross
Bay Cemetery and around the desirable Hollywood Crescent area. |
| Call 382-8181 to register or be a spectator and come on by and cheer on the marathoners. |
SALMON RUN
Mid-October to Mid December
Goldstream Provincial Park
2930 Trans Canada Highway
Contact: (250) 391-2300
| In Goldstream, salmon appear about mid-October, and may be seen for about nine weeks,
the dates varying from year to year. |
| Every autumn millions of Pacific salmon forge their way up the myriad streams of the
Pacific Northwest to spawn and die. |
| Of the five kinds of North American Pacific salmon it is the Chum salmon that is most
abundant in this river, though you may also see some Coho and Chinook salmon, as well as
the Steelhead and the Cutthroat trout. |
| You will miss much, though, if you visit Goldstream and notice only the salmon. Their
spawning is only the most obvious and dramatic episode in a complicated interplay between
many creatures of forest, stream, air and sea, and the forces of nature. |
| The Freeman King Visitor Centre is open daily during the peak of the salmon run.
Naturalists are there to answer your questions and there are displays to tell more about
the salmon. Access to the Centre is by a 10 minute walk downstream from the picnic ground. |
| Admission is free. |
9th Annual GHOST BUS TOURS
October
Haunted spots throughout Victoria
Contact: (250) 598-8870
| The Old Cemeteries Society will take participants on a spooky tour of Victoria's
favourite haunts. |
| Tickets go on sale Oct 14 at Bolen Books for this dreadfully popular visit to local
haunted houses, creepy alleyways and graveyards. |
THE GREAT CANADIAN BEER FESTIVAL
November
Victoria Conference Centre
Contact: (250) 595-7729
Website: islandnet.com/pwacvic/presto00.html
| A celebration of the brewer's craft. |
| Only all-natural beers are served - with most of brewers on hand to answer questions,
and accept compliments. |
| Also on hand will be hop growers, masters, equipment suppliers, brewery manufacturers,
beer importers and distributors. |
| Beer samples are still only $1 each. |
| Admission by advanced ticket for $10 by mail or from local outlets. |
| Admission includes Festival Guide (who's who and pouring what) and a souvenir 4-ounce
tasting glass. |
SANTA CLAUS PARADE
November
Streets of Victoria
Contact: (250) 383-4334
| Saturday, November 30th at 5:00 pm. |
| Parade starts at Government and Belleville Streets, up Government to Fisgard, over on
Fisgard to Douglas Street and down Douglas Street to Humboldt. |
| Floats, bands, clowns, Santa Claus and much more! |
| Immediately after the Parade, the Downtown Victoria Association holds its annual
Christmas Festival in Market Square with Bands. |
| Admission if free. |
Annual CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
November
Market Square
560 Johnson Street
Contact: (250) 383-4334
| Immediately after the Annual Santa Claus Parade, the Downtown Victoria Association holds
it's annual Christmas Festival at Victoria Eaton Centre. |
| Bands, entertainers, magicians, free candy canes and Santa of course! |
| Fun for the whole family! |
| Admission is free. |
"A VICTORIA CHRISTMAS"
November - January
Various Venues
Contact: (250) 953-9000
| The Christmas spirit shines brighter this year with more lights, more decorations and
more to see and do than ever before. |
| Christmas festivities galore. Horse-drawn carriage rides; wreath making; carolling;
theatre; craft fairs; Festival of the Trees; gingerbread making and shopping are just some
of the festivities. |
| Fun for the whole family! |
| Admission prices vary and many events are free! |
CHRISTMAS AT BUTCHART GARDENS
December 1, 2003 - January 5, 2004
Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto
Contact: (250) 652-4422
| Tens of thousand of lights hail the arrival of the holiday season at Victoria's most
famous gardens. |
| This winter wonderland is made even brighter by strolling carollers, children's
entertainers, the Festive Brass Band and fabulous food. |
EAGLE EXTRAVAGANZA
Mid-December
Goldstream Provincial Park
Contact: (250) 478-9414
| As the spawning salmon die off, after their annual return to the Goldstream River, over
200 bald eagles move into Goldstream Provincial Park. The great birds of prey start
arriving late November and hang around until the fish are thoroughly picked over in
January. |
| Visitors to the Nature House can learn more about eagles and other birds of prey or
catch one of the free interpretative programs. |
| Visitors are advised to come with binoculars to view these magnificent birds. |
| There is a special eagle viewing platform. |
| January is the month for viewing the eagles. Each Saturday and Sunday speakers will
discuss the daily life of eagles. |
| Visitors can view the eagles December 12-February 28 from 9 am to 4 pm daily. |
| Admission is by donation. |
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