Victoria Festivals and Events

The following calendar features festivals and events in Victoria including cultural festivities, sporting events, markets and other activities.

Being a world-class tourist destination, Victoria features numerous festivals and events including outdoor concerts, sailing races and parades. Check it out!

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Festivals and Events

The best and most important festivals and events in Victoria and the surrounding region are listed below.

(Note: Exact details about events are subject to change. See official websites for the most up-to-date information.)

May Festivals & Events

Peter Pan Ballet – performed at the Royal Theatre by Ballet Victoria (May 4 & 5, 2023).
Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival – from early April until mid-May (with 2023 details to be confirmed).
Cinco de Mayo – May 5, 2023.
Mother’s Day – the second Sunday in May when mothers are treated extra special (May 14, 2023).
Craft Farmhouse Market – an artisan market at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney (in early May).
Go By Bike Week – formerly called “Bike to Work Week”, this is a free event encouraging people to ride their bikes during the week. (May 29-June 4, 2023)
Hills to Shore Artists Tour – a self-guided tour of open houses at artist studios in the Gordon Head area of Victoria (May 13 & 14, 2023).
Pacific Wild Auction – a silent auction and open house for Pacific Wild which is a local non-profit conservation advocacy organization.
Oak Bay Half Marathon – a half marathon, half marathon relay, 10K & kids 1K races (May 28, 2023).
Uno Fest – a festival showcasing solo theatre performances. (TBC)
Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival – a Scottish festival on the Victoria Day long weekend (May 20 and 21, 2023).
Victoria Day – a statuary holiday that features a parade and many activities around Victoria on May 22, 2023.
- Festival of Performances – multiple performances at the Parliament Buildings (May 20 to 23, 2023).
- 122nd Victoria Day Parade – presented by CHEK TV, the diverse processions start at Mayfair Mall and end at Douglas and Humboldt Street (May 22, 2023).
Luxton Spring Fair – a carnival with mid-way rides and games at 1040 Marwood Avenue. (May 18-21, 2023)
Victoria Beer Week – many breweries in Victoria have special deals and exclusive tastings. (May 5-13, 2023)
Canvas Family Fest – a free family-friendly event hosted by Canvas Church at Veterans Memorial Park (May 22, 2023).
Spot Prawn and Fiddle Fest – market vendors, a fiddle contest and family-friendly activities at MacDonald Park in James Bay. (May 27 & 28, 2023)
Swiftsure International Yacht Race – May 27 to 29, 2023.
Beach Food Days – food trucks on weekends from early May until late August at Ocean Boulevard in Colwood. (TBC)
Moss Street Market – a weekly outdoor farmers and artisan market on Saturdays at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road between May and October.
Bastion Square Public Market – downtown on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from the end of April until the beginning of October. Also a larger version on Sundays. (To be confirmed.)
James Bay Market – at the corner of Superior and Menzies Street from early May until the fall.

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ May Calendar of Events.

Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival

June Festivals & Events

Father’s Day – June 18, 2023.
- Raymond James Father’s Day Walk/Run – 3 km and 5 km walking and runner events raising money to support people with prostate cancer. (TBC).
National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2023.
- Note: The concert also takes place up island on June 14 at Nanaimo Port Theatre.
Jazz Vespers – once a month at First Unitarian Church of Victoria. (To be confirmed)
Go By Bike Week – formerly called “Bike to Work Week”, this is a free event encouraging people to ride their bikes during the week. (May 29-June 4, 2023)
Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic – a tribute concert featuring the music of Freddy Mercury and Queen at Victoria’s Royal Theatre. Songs to expect include ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘We Are the Champions’, plus lots more. (June 13, 2023)
- Queen tribute concerts also take place at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo on June 14th.
TINA: Simply the Best – a tribute concert featuring the music of Tina Turner at the Royal Theatre. (June 21, 2023)
- Tina Turner tribute concerts also take place in the following communities:
  - 20th of June – at the Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River.
  - 22nd of June – the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay.
  - June 23rd of June – Nanaimo Port Theatre in Nanaimo.
  - June 24th of June – the HUB International Theatre in Chilliwack.

Vic West Fair – a family-friendly community event with live music and a beer garden at Vic West Park. (TBC)
Brewhaw BBQ – craft beer, BBQ and live music at Vancouver Island Brewing (June 16 & 17, 2023)
Victoria Pride Festival – a festival celebrating Pride and the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. (June 29 to July 9, 2023)
TD Victoria International Jazz Fest – a music festival that features jazz music performed by renowned artists from around the world takes place. (June 24 to July 3, 2023)
Beach Food Days – food trucks on weekends from early May until late August at Ocean Boulevard in Colwood. (TBC)
Oak Bay Tea Party – a community fair in Oak Bay that includes amusement rides at Willows Park. (June 2-4, 2023).
Public Markets
- Moss Street Market – a weekly outdoor farmers and artisan market on Saturdays at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road between May and October.
- Bastion Square Public Market – downtown on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from the end of April until the beginning of October. Also a larger version on Sundays. (TBC)
- James Bay Market – at the corner of Superior and Menzies Street from early May until the fall.
- Oak Bay Night Market – a large night market in Oak Bay Village on the second Wednesday of the month. (TBD)
- Sidney Street Market – a night market on Thursday evenings.

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ June Calendar of Events.

July Festivals & Events

Canada Day (Stat Holiday) – celebrations happen in Victoria’s Inner Harbour as well as along the Gorge Waterway. (July 1, 2023)
Beach Food Days – food trucks on weekends from early May until late August at Ocean Boulevard in Colwood. (TBC)
Ronald McDonald House Vancouver Island Golf Tournament – the annual tournament happens at the Olympic View Golf Course this year. Twenty-four percent of children that attend Ronald McDonald House are from Vancouver Island. (TBC).
Langford Beer Festival – an event with beer vendors from British Columbia as well as live music, food trucks and more at Starlight Stadium. (July 15, 2023)
Victoria Pride Festival – a festival celebrating Pride and the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. (June 29 to July 9, 2023)
TD Victoria International Jazz Fest – a music festival that features jazz music performed by renowned artists from around the world takes place. (June 24 to July 3, 2023)
Public Markets
- Moss Street Market – a weekly outdoor farmers and artisan market every Saturday at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road between May and October.
- Bastion Square Public Market – downtown on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from the end of April until the beginning of October. Also a larger version on Sundays. (TBC)
- James Bay Market – at the corner of Superior and Menzies Street from early May until the fall.
- Oak Bay Night Market – a large night market in Oak Bay Village on the second Wednesday of the month. (TBC)
- Sidney Street Market – a night market on Thursday evenings.
Moss Street Paint In – a special one-day event that’s part of the Moss Street Market and features dozens of local artists and their work. (TBC).

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ July Calendar of Events.

Food Festival at Esquimalt Lagoon — Beach Food Fridays & Saturdays in Colwood

August Festivals & Events

Victoria Symphony Splash – a musical performance on a boat off the shores of Victoria featuring fireworks on the August Long Weekend (on the first Sunday in August).
Music by the Sea – live music at the Victoria International Marina in early August. (TBC)
Victoria International Cycling Festival – a large cycling race on the August Long Weekend.
BC Day (Stat Holiday) – August 7, 2023.
Dragon Boat Festival – dragon boat races in the Inner Harbour (in mid-August).
Victoria Fringe Festival – a showcasing of theatrical art at various venues in Victoria from late August until early September.
Beach Food Days – food trucks on weekends from early May until late August at Ocean Boulevard in Colwood (from early May until late August, but with 2023 details to be confirmed).
Bowker Creek Brush Up – an art show along the Bowker Creek walkway featuring many local artists in August. (TBC)
Vancouver Island Blues Bash – a collection of free and ticketed jazz concerts at various venues around the city on the September Long Weekend. (TBC)
North Saanich Flavour Trails – an Ol’ Fashioned Farm Celebration takes place at the Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture in North Saanich. (TBC)
Public Markets
- Moss Street Market – a weekly outdoor farmers and artisan market from 10 am until 2 pm every Saturday at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road between May and October.
- Bastion Square Public Market – downtown on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May until the end of September.
- James Bay Market – at the corner of Superior and Menzies Street from early May until the fall.
- Oak Bay Night Market – a large night market in Oak Bay Village on the second Wednesday of the month. (TBC)
- Sidney Street Market – a night market on Thursday evenings (from early June until the beginning of September).

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ August Calendar of Events.

Legislative Buildings' Lawn at Symphony Splash — Symphony Splash Crowds in August

September Festivals & Events

Capital City Comic Con – a gathering of all things pop culture including toys, comics, and games at the Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden. (It sometimes happens in March. In 2022, however, it took place on September 23 to 25.)
Saanich Fair – a fair in Saanich that features many events and rides in early September. (Likely on September 2 to 4, 2023)
Labour Day (Stat Holiday) – September 4, 2023.
Great Canadian Beer Festival – an old beer festival at Royal Athletic Park showcasing more than 90 breweries from all over the country. (September 8 & 9, 2023)
Island Prostate Ride to Live – a fundraising event at Enrico Winery with over 250 motorcycles (in mid-September).
Luxton Fall Fair – a carnival with mid-way rides and games at 1040 Marwood Avenue. (TBC)
Rifflandia Music Festival – a music festival featuring local and international artists in mid-September. (TBC)
Victoria Festival of Authors – a writers’ festival that runs from late September to early October. (TBC)
Public Markets
- Moss Street Market – a weekly outdoor farmers and artisan market from 10 am until 2 pm every Saturday at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road between May and October.
- Bastion Square Public Market – downtown on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May until the end of September.
- James Bay Market – at the corner of Superior and Menzies Street from early May until the fall.
- Oak Bay Night Market – a large night market in Oak Bay Village on the second Wednesday of the month. (TBC)
- Sidney Street Market – a night market on Thursday evenings (from June until the beginning of September. (TBC).

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ September Calendar of Events.

October Festivals & Events

Victoria Marathon – a marathon, half marathon and 8K running race on the Thanksgiving weekend. (Likely on October 8, 2023, but with exact details to be confirmed.)
Go By Bike Week – formerly called “Bike to Work Week”, this is a free event encouraging people to ride their bikes during the week. (October 16-29, 2023)
Thanksgiving Monday (Stat Holiday) – October 9, 2023
Victoria Festival of Authors – a writers’ festival that runs from late September to early October.
Public Markets
- Moss Street Market – a weekly outdoor farmers and artisan market from 10 am until 2 pm every Saturday at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road between May and October.
Wicked Victoria – family-friendly fun on Government Street (on the weekend before Halloween).
Halloween – October 31, 2023.

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ October Calendar of Events.

November Festivals & Events

Remembrance Day (Stat Holiday) – November 11, 2023.
Festival of Trees – from mid-November until early January. (TBC)
American Thanksgiving (US) – November 24, 2022.
Bear Mountain 10K – “Canada’s hardest 10K race” in mid-November. (Held virtually from November 7 to 22, 2022.)
Westshore Craft Crawl – a self-guided tour of art studios (on November 12 in 2022).
Christmas in Oak Bay – a week of holiday season activities in Oak Bay Village between the last Sunday in November and first Saturday in December. (TBC)
Moss Street Market – a weekly market on Saturdays at Sir James Douglas School.
Light Up the City – the third annual event featuring Island-wide Christmas Lighting Contests (November 15th to December 31st in 2022).
40th Santa Light Parade – a Christmas parade with different floats from Government Street and Belleville to Wharf (November 26, 2022).

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ November Calendar of Events.

December Festivals & Events

Festival of Trees – at the Bay Centre (from mid-November 2023 until early January, 2024).
Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens – holiday lights and illuminations (from early December until early January).
Light Up the City – the third annual event featuring Island-wide Christmas Lighting Contests. (From mid-November until the end of December.)
Christmas Day (Stat Holiday) – December 25, 2023.
Boxing Day – December 26, 2023.
New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2023.
Christmas in Oak Bay – a week of holiday season activities in Oak Bay Village between late November and early December.
Lights of Wonder – Christmas lights and illuminations at Centennial Square (from mid-December until the end of the month).
Moss Street Market – a weekly market on Saturdays at Sir James Douglas School.

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ December Calendar of Events.

January Festivals & Events

New Year’s Day (Stat Holiday) – January 1, 2024.
Chinese New Year – it sometimes happens in January, but in 2024 it’s on February 10.
Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens – holiday lights and illuminations (from early December until early January).
Dine Around & Stay in Town – special promotional deals at hotels and restaurants (from mid-January until early February).
Be a Local Tourist in Your Town – access to various local attractions for a very low price (with 2024 dates and details to be confirmed).
Moss Street Market – a weekly market on Saturdays at Sir James Douglas School.

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ January Calendar of Events.

February Festivals & Events

Family Day – a statutory holiday in British Columbia (February 19, 2024).
Valentine’s Day – February 14, 2024.
Victoria Film Festival – a film festival with shows at various venues. (In early February.)
Moss Street Market – a weekly market on Saturdays at Sir James Douglas School.

To see what’s happening this month in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver’s Best Places’ February Calendar of Events.

March Festivals & Events

Easter Long Weekend – March 28 to April 1, 2024.
Capital City Comic Con – a gathering of all things pop culture including toys, comics, and games at the Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden. (TBC)
Be a Local Tourist in Your Town – access to various local attractions for a very low price. (In early to mid-March).
Jazz Vespers – at the First Unitarian Church of Victoria.
St. Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2024.
- St. Patrick’s Day Festival – activities on Government Street between Yates and Fort.
- 5th Irish Whiskey Hooley – a festive event at the Irish Times Pub. Limited tickets are available with proceeds supporting the free St. Patrick’s Day Festival.
Franco Fest – a francophone festival presented by the Victoria Francophone Société. (2024 details are to be confirmed.)
Moss Street Market – a weekly market on Saturdays at Sir James Douglas School.

April Festivals & Events

April Fool’s Day – April 1, 2024.
Easter Long Weekend – March 28 to April 1, 2024.
Earth Day – April 22, 2024.
Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival – from April until May (with 2024 details to be confirmed).
Moss Street Market – a weekly outdoor farmers and artisan market every Saturday at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road.
TC 10K – Victoria’s largest running race (on April 28, 2024).