Franco Fest in Victoria is a celebration of French culture that includes performances, workshops and a market over several days in March.
In 2025 the festival ran from March 1st to 15th. 2026 dates and details are to be confirmed.
Franco Fest Francophone Festival
Presented by the Victoria Francophone Society, the 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. Events typically take place at a few different locations.
2024 Schedule of Events
In 2024 there were activities offered on each day of Franco Fest. The schedule of events from a couple of years ago is below. As of late January, the 2026 schedule is to be confirmed.
Monday, March 11th, 2024
Franco Fest 2024 kicked off with a workshop-like conference event featuring writer Thomas Sandoz. It was all about cultural policies and their impact on literature in Switzerland. The event included hors d’oeuvres and wine. It began at 6:00 pm and concluded at 8:00 pm.
The event took place at The Francophone Society of Victoria building at 2-1218 Langley Street. Admission was $5 for members.
Tuesday, March 12th, 2024
The second day of Franco Fest offered two different events.
First was a casual coffee gathering at The Francophone Society of Victoria. It was a fun morning of drinks, food and games from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Admission cost $20 and included a starter, main dish and dessert.
The second event of the day was an open choir rehearsal at École Victor-Brodeur, located at 637 Head Street. Les Décibels performed from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Admission was free and tickets were not required.
Wednesday, March 13th, 2024
The evening began with a yoga class from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at The Francophone Society of Victoria building. It was a mixed class for all levels of experience. Tickets cost $15 per person.
Next was a class with Robin LeBlanc and her family at École Victor-Brodeur. Participants got to learn and practice Acadian dance from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Admission was free but reservations were recommended.
Thursday, March 14th, 2024
A celebration of International Francophonie Day took place on the morning of March 14th a couple years ago. It was a march that started outside The Francophone Society of Victoria building at 10:30 am. The route ended at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
The Leblanc family then put on a concert from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at The Francophone Society of Victoria building. The intimate show cost $20 to attend and featured an incredibly talented family of five.
Friday, March 15th, 2024
Only one event took place today, and it was held at The Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion, located at 1070 Tillicum Road. Running from 5:00 to 9:00 pm was an evening full of live music, delicious food, dancing and more. Performers included the Kouskous Duo and LeBlanc Family. Tickets cost $40 for adults and $10 for children. Meals were included.
Saturday, March 16th, 2024
Franco Fest 2024 concluded with an event at École Victor-Brodeur from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. It was a free afternoon of festivities that included local artisan vendors, live music and tasty treats. One of the highlights was 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.
