Franco Fest in Victoria is a celebration of French culture that includes performances, workshops and a market over several days in March.
In 2024 the festival runs from March 11th to 16th.
Franco Fest Francophone Festival
Presented by the Victoria Francophone Society, the 2024 Franco Festival features French-themed events in British Columbia’s capital city. The festival is a fun way to bring the local community together. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce aspects of French culture to those who may not know too much about French practices, styles of music or types of food.
In 2024 Franco Fest runs from Monday, March 11th, until Saturday, March 16th. Events take place at a few different locations this year.
2024 Schedule of Events
In 2024 there are activities offered on each day of Franco Fest. The schedule of events between March 11th and 16th is listed below.
Monday, March 11th, 2024
Franco Fest kicks off with a workshop-like conference event featuring writer Thomas Sandoz. It’s all about cultural policies and their impact on literature in Switzerland. The event includes hors d’oeuvres and wine. It begins at 6:00 pm and concludes at 8:00 pm.
The event takes place at The Francophone Society of Victoria building at 2-1218 Langley Street. Admission costs $5 for members.
Tuesday, March 12th, 2024
The second day of Franco Fest offers two different events.
First is a casual coffee gathering at The Francophone Society of Victoria. It’s a fun morning of drinks, food and games from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Admission costs $20 and comes with a starter, main dish and dessert.
The second event of the day is an open choir rehearsal at École Victor-Brodeur, located at 637 Head Street. Les Décibels perform from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Admission is free and tickets are not required.
Wednesday, March 13th, 2024
The evening begins with a yoga class from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at The Francophone Society of Victoria building. It’s a mixed class for all levels of experience. Tickets cost $15 per person.
Next is a class with Robin LeBlanc and her family at École Victor-Brodeur. Participants get to learn and practice Acadian dance from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Admission is free but reservations are recommended.
Thursday, March 14th, 2024
A celebration of International Francophonie Day takes place in the morning of March 14th. It’s a march starting outside The Francophone Society of Victoria building at 10:30 am. The route ends at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
The Leblanc family then puts on a concert from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at The Francophone Society of Victoria building. The intimate show costs $20 to attend and features an incredibly talented family of five.
Friday, March 15th, 2024
Only one event takes place today, and it’s held at The Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion, located at 1070 Tillicum Road. Running from 5:00 to 9:00 pm is an evening full of live music, delicious food, dancing and more. Performers include the Kouskous Duo and LeBlanc Family. Tickets cost $40 for adults and $10 for children. Meals are included.
Saturday, March 16th, 2024
Franco Fest concludes with an event at École Victor-Brodeur from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. It’s a free afternoon of festivities including local artisan vendors, live music and tasty treats. One of the highlights is maple taffy on snow!
Other Information
For more information about this and other similar French-themed events visit the Société Francophone Victoria website.
To learn about other events with a variety of themes, see the Greater Victoria Festival Society’s website.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
A similar event in the Lower Mainland is the Festival du Bois. It takes place on March 8th, 9th and 10th in 2024.
