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, a world-famous garden, and outdoor adventures 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!
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February
Victoria Film Festival: February 7 – February 16
Victoria’s renowned celebration of film and filmmakers presents the best of Canadian and international documentaries, shorts, and features. Now in its 31st year, the 10-day festival showcases local filmmaking talent with a wide range of directors, producers, programmers, and distributors participating. In addition to the screenings, there are networking opportunities that include conversations with industry insiders, installations, and enticing workshops. For any PNW cinephile, this is a must-event!
Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival: February 1 – February 28
Like chocolate? Well, who doesn’t? February may be the perfect time for you to visit Victoria with the one you love, or bring the kids. Local businesses will be showcasing their community spirit and creativity through hot chocolate experiences throughout the month. Stroll the streets hand-in-hand, warming up along with way with a variety of tasty cups. Even better? Proceeds go toward supporting the BC SPCA Victoria Community Animal Centre.
March
St. Patrick’s Day Festival: March 16
Victoria truly embraces Irish culture with multiple Irish pubs and lots of fun festivities at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Held on the Sunday closest to March 17th, in 2025 celebrations take place on March 16th. It takes up roughly three blocks along Government Street downtown between Yates and Broughton, with a variety of activities running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy tasty eats from food vendors, live entertainment, family-friendly games, and much more.
Continue the fun at the Irish Times Pub, just steps from it all with Irish fare, Guinness, live Irish music, and dancing.
BONUS: Pacific Rim Whale Festival: March 15 – 22
Combining your visit to Victoria with time in Tofino along Vancouver Island’s west coast can make for the perfect getaway. You can enjoy the many offerings in the capital city, breathtaking nature, and the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Kicking off with the Parade of Whales and Wonder at 10 a.m. on March 15th, it’s truly not to be missed by any whale lover! Celebrating the return of Pacific grey whales, numerous events and activities follow. Enjoy everything from whale spotting and a spring market to marine mammal research days and a maritime-related kids’ day.
April
Earth Day Festival: April 19
Celebrate our planet with the whole family, or bring your friends! The Earth Day Festival in Saanich is hosted just off the Lochside Trail behind Municipal Hall, only two miles from downtown Victoria. Easy to reach by bike with rentals available, enjoy a more environmentally-friendly pedal with scenic views along the way. Once there, look forward to live local music, food trucks with lots of tasty bites, and learning about all the little ways you can have a more positive impact on the climate!
May
Buccaneer Days Festival: May 9 – 11
Looking for an excuse to dress up as a pirate or a sailor? Plan your trip to Victoria around the annual Buccaneer Days festival. Bucc Days offers a ton of fun for everyone. Families with kids can enjoy the Pirate’s Den Family Zone with crafts, a bouncy castle, and a photo booth. There’s also a Midway with rides for all ages, free local entertainment, a cornhole tournament, and a beer garden for the grown-ups.
Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival: May 17 – 18
If you like all things Scottish, don’t miss the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival. You might feel as if you’ve traveled across the Atlantic, with the hundreds of bagpipers and drummers, Celtic dancing, all sorts of competitions like the caber toss and hammer throw, and tartan everywhere you look. There’s even a whisky school, beer gardens, and plenty of traditional Scottish fare. Even if you don’t have any Scottish DNA, this one is definitely worth traveling for!
June
Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival: June 13 – 15
Catch the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival less than 60 miles from downtown Victoria at Laketown Ranch Music Park in Lake Cowichan. It’s a fabulous way to spend the day, or all three days, while immersed in nature. Enjoy the strums of banjos and thrumming bass with a spectacular backdrop. Perhaps a few days in Victoria before heading northwest for the music and wide range of outdoor adventure possibilities?
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!
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
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.
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.
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. Live performances feature artists from around the world, including comedy, dance, musicals, drama, magic, and more. A pop-up Indigenous Artisans Market, craft beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are all included too.
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 will be featured with the lineup announced in April. Once again, don’t forget to save this link and come back for more details!
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!
September
Rifflandia: September 12 – 14
While many festivals and events held later in the year haven’t announced their dates just yet, you can plan for the popular Rifflandia festival. The perfect way to end the summer, it’s a weekend of music in a variety of genres hosted at Matullia Lands at Rock Bay. Past artists have included everyone from Iggy Pop to C&C Music Factory and JaRule.
KEEP watch for more Victoria festivals through September and the rest of the year with monthly updates.
Cultural Events
January
Eagle Extravaganza at Goldestream Provincial Park
There are tens of thousands of bald eagles that fly through British Columbia, including Vancouver Island. A wildlife favorite, one of the best places to watch them is at Goldstream right at the end of the Goldstream Salmon Run. In recent years, as many as 276 have been witnessed in just one day. Visitors can watch through telescopes and a video camera so that the eagles can feed undisturbed. Plus, from early December through late January, the birds’ return is celebrated at the Visitor Centre with exhibits and special programs focused on birds of prey.
Rockin’ the Winter Blues at Hermann’s Jazz Club: January 18
David Vest, a multiple Maple Blues award winner, along with his smokin’ hot band, will be rockin’ the blues at Hermann’s Jazz Club. The venue will be transformed into a “good-times Gulf Coast juke joint” with both blues classics and Vest’s original tunes from 7 to 9 p.m.
Victoria Symphony Presents the Timeless Songs of Sinatra with Tony DeSare
The Victoria Symphony 2024-2025 season runs from September 15, 2024 to May 11, 2025, featuring 30 concerts. To kick off the New Year right, you might enjoy the timeless songs of “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” as performed by pianist/songwriter/singer Tony DeSare. A fresh take on the classics, he’ll be belting out everything from New York, New York to Come Fly with Me at the Royal Theatre.
February
Lunar New Year Parade: February 9
There may be no better way to celebrate the Year of the Snake than the 2025 Lunar New Year’s Parade and Blessing of Merchants. Taking place at the Gates of Harmonious Interest in Canada’s oldest Chinatown, it includes a parade, traditional Chinese dances, a dragon dance by the Victoria Chinese Public School, and an 8-lion performance by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club.
Behind the Moon at the Belfry Theatre: February 4 – March 2
Held throughout most of February, playwright and author Anosh Irani, award-winning novelist and playwright, presents Behind the Moon. The Vancouver-based artist follows an illegal immigrant from India working as a cook under the watchful eye of his boss. Captivating and heartwrenching, this story of resilience is told through a lens of several very different Indo-Canadian life experiences.
The Butchart Gardens Historical Display: Mid-February – Mid-March
The Butchart Gardens opens the beautifully maintained Butchart family home to visitors from mid-February through mid-March. Ideal for history enthusiasts, the Historical Display provides the chance to learn all about the garden’s early years. It also reveals the legacy of hospitality and passion every member of the Butchart family had, welcoming visitors from across the globe.
March
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with The Slieves & Q Brooke Bachand: March 14
For an early St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – or maybe arrive on Friday and enjoy the whole weekend celebrating all things Irish – head to the Sports View Lounge at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. The Slieves, a West Coast Celtic band, will be taking to the stage, guaranteeing an evening of foot-stomping tunes. Multi-award-winning artist Q.Brooke Bachand will join them, with the high-energy fun starting at 7:30 p.m.
Ballet BC: March 14 – 15
Vancouver-based Ballet BC, made up of top international talent, will take to the stage at the Royal Theatre in mid-March. Performing a mixed contemporary program that includes PASSING, by highly acclaimed Swedish choreographer Johan Inger, it’s sure to be a memorable night.
Pride & Prejudice Spring Ball: April 20
Jane Austen fans can dance the night away at the Pride & Prejudice Spring Ball. Hosted at the Fairmont Empress ballroom from 5:30 to 11:30 pm., dance classes are available prior to its start allowing everyone to enjoy the elegant affair.
Island FanCon: March 28 – 30
Comic-Con fans in Seattle, Vancouver, and beyond can celebrate the coming of Island FanCon at Langord’s City Centre Park. Less than nine miles west of downtown Victoria, be sure to don a creative costume. The event features all your favorites, including comics, superheroes, and cosplay.
April
Easter Bunny Hunt at The Butchart Gardens: April 19 – 22
Easter usually brings the kids out to hunt for Easter eggs, but The Butchart Gardens offers a unique twist over Easter weekend. They can look for bunnies! While you enjoy the colorful spring blooms across the gardens, they can look for the 12 bunnies hidden throughout the grounds. A map will be available at the entrance and as they find the bunnies, they’ll mark them off. When completed, maps can be exchanged at the Visitor Information Centre for a special treat.
Easter at the Market: April 19
Enjoy more Easter fun at the Victoria Public Market. It offers a free Easter event from 11 am. to 2 p.m. with a hunt, photo booth, balloon twisting, and live music.
Earth Day at the Royal BC Museum and Archives: April 22
The Royal BC Museum offers a free event on Earth Day covering a wide range of topics, including forestry, art, food, transportation, energy, and education with a variety of expert presenters. While a specific schedule is yet to be announced, details will be updated here as soon as they’re available.
May
Moss Street Market: May 3 – October 25
The Moss Street Market begins its summer season on May 3. Taking place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., it runs longer than the winter market and you’ll find more vendors too. This time of year is ideal for fresh produce sold by farmers from throughout the region. It also includes food vendors and artisans selling handcrafted items, clothing, and more. While you shop, you can enjoy the live music too.
Astronomy Day at the Royal BC Museum: May 3
The local astronomical community and Royal BC Museum partner together for a fascinating journey through the cosmos. Held at the museum, the array of activities includes everything from insightful talks and displays to incredible astrophotography and telescope viewing.
Victoria Day Parade: May 19
As part of the Victoria Day celebrations, the Victoria Day Parade is the city’s biggest event of the year. Now in its 125th year, it features over 100 elaborate floats, live music from Canadian and American marching bands, cultural performances, and more. Afterward, there will be more to enjoy, all for free with the Celebration Square event at Centennial Square offering all sorts of fun, family-friendly activities.
Luxton Spring Fair: May 17 – 21
Another highlight during the long Victoria Day weekend, the Luxton Spring Fair offers carnival rides and other amusements. It’s the perfect time to try one of Canada’s signature foods, poutine, along with other carnival favorites like nachos and corn dogs. Plus, you’ll find a variety of attractions on the grounds that are free to explore. Enjoy blacksmith demonstrations, antique farm equipment displays, and a heritage museum.
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 as 3,000 subtle lights transform 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!
Oak Bay Tea Party: June 6 – 8
2025 marks the 63rd Tea Party weekend with two days of fun. The Oak Bay Tea Party kicks off with a parade through town that travels to seaside Willows Park where you’ll find a variety of amusement rides and other attractions. There will be an air show, a lineup of live music artists, a floating teacup race, and local food vendors. Not only are you sure to have a good time, but you’ll be helping to raise funds for community projects.
July
Canada Day: July 1
There are many events in Victoria celebrating Canada Day. While the complete schedule hasn’t been released jet yet, we’ll provide the details as soon as they are available. The city has been hosting a drone show, fireworks display, live performances, an international food village, and a family zone with activities for the kids in recent years.
Gorge Canada Day Picnic: July 1
A tradition since 1999, the Gorge Canada Day Picnic takes place along the magnificent Gorge Waterway. The stretch between Tillicum Road and Admirals Road closes for traffic providing plenty of room (and safety) for all the events. 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.
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. It’s a massive celebration of art on Moss Street, combining Vancouver Island artists, music, activities, and an array of tasty foods.
August
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.
More cultural events for September through December 2025 worth traveling to Victoria to come!