Events in Victoria Worth Traveling for in 2025

Do you really need another reason to visit the BC capital? An ideal trip for Seattleites and visitors from well beyond, you’ll find a wealth of events in Victoria worth traveling for in 2025. The city that puts the “British in B.C.” with its double-decker buses and elegant venues for afternoon tea, hosts everything from the renowned Victoria Film Festival to holiday parades, concerts, and many other cultural events.

Combined with intriguing museums, world-famous Butchart Garden, and outdoor adventures that can be enjoyed among stunning natural scenery, you’ll probably want to plan more than a day trip. Of course, that’s doable too thanks to our high-speed Victoria Clipper catamaran. To help you make the most of the time you have, we’ve put together some of the top festivals and events in Victoria happening in 2025.

Be sure to save the link to our guide for Victoria events so you can refer to it for planning throughout the year. Our team of Pacific Northwest travel experts at FRS Clipper will keep you updated as more details are made available and events are added.

Now, are you ready to get inspired to book that next trip to Victoria? Let’s go!

June

Butchart Gardens Night Illuminations: June 1 – September 15

Starting June 1st, prepare to witness the world-renowned Butchart Gardens in a whole new light. Spend an evening wandering the pathways in awe. There will be 3,000 subtle lights transforming the gardens into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors.

Traveling later in the month? Beginning June 28th, enjoy live performances at the Butchart Gardens Wednesday-Saturday during the evening on the concert lawn!

Victoria International Jazz Fest: June 20 – 29

The Victoria International JazzFest takes place at eight venues right around downtown Victoria. Take advantage of the city’s daytime fun and then look forward to evenings with soothing vocals, mellow bass, and vibrant horns. This event is the longest-running multi-day music festival hosted on Vancouver Island, taking place for over four decades, so you know it’s going to be good!

Victoria’s 26th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival: June 18 – 22

An impressive mix of international, national, and home-grown talent will be hosted at the Ska & Reggae Festival. It features five days of diverse programming that includes not only the best of ska and reggae, but calypso, funk, hip-hop, and more. It’s basically anything that “makes your feet move and your soul grove.” Most events are held at Ship Point on the Inner Harbour, bring the chance to soak up the surrounding beauty while listening to great tunes. Just a few of this year’s artists include Waahli, The Resignators, Hezron, Lazy Syrup Orchestra, and Dub FX.

AfriCa Fest: June 20 – 22

The 12th edition of AfriCa Fest takes place at the Issamba Centre with the theme for 2025 the “Flavors of Africa & the Caribbean.” There will be plenty of delicious flavors to sample, thanks to the culinary talents of the African and Caribbean participants. Plus, there’s lots of visual appeal with vibrant art and toe-tapping music and dance.

July

Gorge Canada Day Picnic: July 1

A tradition since 1999, the Gorge Canada Day Picnic provides another way to celebrate along the magnificent Gorge Waterway. The stretch between Tillicum Road and Admirals Road closes for traffic providing plenty of room (and safety). It includes a pancake breakfast, a parade, car show, Gorge on Art, food trucks, a market, canoe rides, street hockey, inflatables and activities for the kids, and much more.

Victoria Flamenco Festival: July 15 – 27

The Victoria Flamenco Festival took a break in 2024, but it’s back in 2025! Enjoy a taste of Spain with hands-on workshops and fiery Flamenco performances at the outdoor Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park. Both renowned Flamenco musicians and dancers and emerging artists will be featured for unforgettable evenings of rhythm and passion.

Langford Bikefest: July 17 – 20

The second part of the Langford Bikefest takes place in mid-July, bringing riders to test their skills at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park in nearby Landford, and hundreds of spectators to watch them.

Northwest Deuce Days: July 17 – 20

Northwest Deuce Days has been taking place for nearly a century. It’s the world’s largest gathering of Deuce Coupes, with the highlight the hundreds of pre-1952 vehicles that will be displayed around the Inner Harbour and Legislative Grounds. Cruises, a poker run, hot rod gathering, and gala dinners are also included.

Art Gallery Paint-In: July 19

One of Canada’s biggest art festivals, the Art Gallery Paint-In attracts some 50,000 visitors every year. This is one of the events in Victoria you really don’t want to miss, especially if you’re into art! It’s a massive celebration of art on Moss Street, combining Vancouver Island artists, music, activities, and an array of tasty foods.

ArtisTREE Festival: July 26 – 27

We always look forward to the last weekend of July. Why? Well, it brings the ArtisTREE Festival, of course! This special artisan market supports Canadian handmade artisans as well as upcoming and established musicians and local food makers. Indigenous makers and traditional teachings will be included, along with some of Victoria’s top food trucks focusing on the bounty of local ingredients. With an interactive children’s area, be sure to bring the kids too.

August

The Wonderment Festival: August 1 – 4

The Wonderment Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, offering free performances by day in Victoria’s public parks along with ticketed events at night. Described as a mix of the famous Burning Man, the Love Parade in Germany, and the UK’s Big Chill, the daytime events are family-friendly with swimming and playgrounds adjacent. Nighttime is for 19+ and is typically dance-focused. Either way, it’s perfect for a laid-back day at the park. There’s always an impressive array of artists with this year’s featuring Ruby Singh’s Vox.Infold, Mike Shannon, and The Mole, among many others.

North Saanich Flavour Trails: August 17

A one-day festival  taking place just outside the city’s core, the North Saanich Flavour Trails is filled with tasty bites, fabulous sounds, and unique experiences. By following the self-guided tour you’ll meet local chefs, fishers, farmers, vintners, and brewers that help make the island’s diverse culinary scene so impressive. Along the way there will be live music and immersive activities like the chance to participate in live sheep shearing demonstrations.

Victoria Fringe Festival: August 20 – 31

The Victoria Fringe Festival has long been a Vancouver Island tradition with the 39th annual event taking over downtown for a 12-day extravaganza of theater. It includes a pop-up Indigenous Artisans Market, craft beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. Live performances feature artists from around the world, including comedy, dance, musicals, drama, magic, and more. In 2024, there were more than 150 local and international artists. As of mid-June 2025, this year’s schedule has not been released so keep our guide saved as it will be updated when made available.

Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival: August 22 – 24

A beautiful way to spend a sunny summer day, the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival offers a weekend of free and ticketed performances. Held outdoors at the Ship Point Picnic Site, you’ll enjoy the rhythmic stylings of pianos, horns, guitars, drums, and more. Both international and local blues and R&B artists are featured with 2025’s lineup including the high-energy performance of The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer, Shemekia Copeland, and Bywater Call.

Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival: August 22 – 24

One of Victoria’s most popular events, the annual Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival combines local and Chinese cultures for a magnificent celebration. It features dragon boat races, cultural demonstrations, and local artist performances. Plus, you can be sure there will be plenty of delicious eats. Be sure to arrive in time for the colorful display of paper lanterns on Friday evening the 22nd! You’ll be mesmerized and you can feel good about it too with proceeds supporting the BC Cancer Foundation.

With nearly endless photo ops, including the sunset going down over the Inner Harbour, don’t forget your camera or smartphone!

Saanich Fair 2025: August 30 – September 1

The annual Saanich Fair is a classic! You’ll want to bring the family to enjoy the rides, including heart-pounding roller coasters, petting zoos, horse and dog shows, and other entertainment. Plus, regional farmers will be selling their fresh, often just-picked produce.

September

Great Canadian Beer Festival: September 6 – 7

Great Canadian Beer Festival (CBF) was the first craft beer festival to take place in Canada. Started in Victoria in 1993, it’s a must for lovers of good craft beers, showcasing not only British Columbia breweries, but brews from coast-to-coast. Beers are flow in from across the country, including many that you can’t find anywhere else. In 2025, there will be more than 200 craft beers and ciders to sample along with plenty of tasty local eats and entertainment.

Rifflandia: September 12 – 14

The popular Rifflandia festival is the perfect way to end the summer. Enjoy a weekend of music in a variety of genres hosted at Matullia Lands at Rock Bay that’s featured everyone from Iggy Popp to JaRule. Headliners this year include Maribou State, Public Enemy, NxWorries, and Alessia Cara.

Brewery & the Beast: September 21

Chefs from award-winning restaurants and other respected establishments will be serving a feast of dishes at Starlight Stadium. Brewery & the Beast is an all-inclusive celebration of food and drink with live music included. Plus, all dishes will feature sustainably sourced local ingredients. And, you can pair the tasty eats with non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, from beer and ciders to wines and cocktails. You can feel good about attending too, with part of the proceeds supporting culinary scholarships, mental health initiatives, and food security programs, in British Columbia and Alberta.

October

Ghostly Walks Halloween Tour: October 1 – November 2

Ghostly walks are available through the peak visitor season (May through September), but when October arrives, they’re Halloween themed. Starting from Market Square the route changes every year but it always offers a little something for everyone. From tales of star-crossed lovers to a mysterious ghost and a haunted alleway, it’s the perfect way to spend an evening in Victoria.

Victoria International Wine Festival: October 3 – 4

Showcasing the best of international wine, The Victoria International Wine Festival provides a great way to sample a wide variety of wines from across the globe while learning all about it from experienced sommeliers. You don’t need to be an expert yourself, with the event direct at building the knowledge of average wine consumers. Seminars, tastings, and wine dinners are all included.

Victoria Tea Festival Revival: October 4

Held in Nootka Court, the Victoria Tea Festival offers the chance to sip teas from across the globe. The teas showcased are all sourced from the farms of origin for an authentic “farm-to-cup experience. You can learn more about them from the experts too, while enjoying delicious food and live music.

Victoria Festival of Authors: October 15 – 19

Now in its 10th year, the Victoria Festival of Authors is the island’s liveliest and largest celebration of books and book lovers. Authors are welcomed from across Canada to celebrate reading and writing over five days, including in-person programming of regional authors.

Wicked Victoria: October 26

There is always plenty of haunting fun to be found for Halloween. For something family friendly, Wicked Victoria is held on Government Street, offering activities for all ages, trick-or-treating, and live entertainment. Don your most creative costume as there are contests for adults and children alike!

Insider tip: While you’re here, be sure to check out the Halloween Market  which features vendors selling handmade items with a spooky theme.

November

Salty Sundays: November 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30

The Maritime Museum of BC hosts one of the best crafty events in Victoria, Salty Sundays. Held on Sundays throughout November from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m, you can drop-in and try your hand at everything from painting to carving and artifact interpretation. And, it’s all included with your admission!

Incoming Festival: November 19 – 29

Returning for its second year, the Incoming Festival features brand new works from local and touring artists. Hosted by Intrepid Theatre, it features eclectic programming focused on new works from local and national artists. Theater, cabaret, puppetry, and even free workshops are all included.

December