Can we say it now? Hello summer! It’s finally time to trade in those wool socks for sandals and raincoats for tan lines. If you’re as excited as we are, now is the time to get out on the town and celebrate Victoria style, with music, food, art…and don’t forget fireworks! We’ve got you covered with an array of events that will douse your friends with a case of Victoria summer fear of missing out.
1. Free-B Movie Film Festival – Fridays and Saturdays
Credit: @lindseyannewest
Kick back and spend a balmy evening relaxing on Beacon Hill Park’s lush lawn during Free-B Film Festival. Gather up some friends to take in films ranging from 1950s classic Some Like It Hot to more recent hits such as Mean Girls. And yes, as the name suggests, these screenings are indeed free!
2. Symphony Splash – August 5
Credit: @leojenkinsphoto
When it comes to summertime events, the Victoria Symphony Splash really brings the “wow!” Catch the VS orchestra as they perform live alongside special guests from a floating stage in the Inner Harbour. Watch from nearby grassy banks or rent a kayak to view the festivities from the front row! The night finishes off with a production of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture synchronized with a fireworks show you won’t forget.
3. Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival – August 10-12
Credit: @eikonologos
Spend a day by the Inner Harbour to witness the excitement and spectacle of the 24th annual Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival. Over the course of three days, you can enjoy thrilling dragon boat races, live music and cultural performances along the waterfront. Plus, be sure to stop by Friday evening for a breathtaking display of paper lanterns during their Lights of Courage Campaign, for which proceeds go to the BC Cancer Foundation.
4. Cadboro Bay Festival – August 13
Credit: @cadborobayvillage
Held at the picturesque Gyro Park, the Cadboro Bay Festival offers a range of hands-on activities, bounce houses, arts & crafts, food and fun for the whole family. Bonus points for watching world-class sand sculptors create enormous works of art using sand, water and creativity.
5. Victoria Gem & Mineral Show – August 17-19
Credit: @teresafawcett
Get your fix of all things sparkly and gleaming at the city’s annual Victoria Gem & Mineral Show. Featuring more than 50 of the best stone, mineral, fossil and jewelry vendors from across the globe, you’re bound to walk away with some truly unique finds.
6. Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria – August 18
Credit: @tourdevictoria
Looping around Victoria to Metchosin up into Brentwood Bay and back, the Tour de Victoria offers unrivaled views of the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Choose from a 7 km route all the way up to 160 km trek to match your skill level and stamina. With its mix of waterfront cycling, peaceful twisty-turny country roads and drop dead gorgeous vistas, this is one of the best ways to enjoy the season of sun!
7. Pet-A-Palooza – August 18-19
Credit: @urbanpetphotographers
If you fancy yourself a dog person or identify as a “fur parent,” you can’t miss this year’s Pet-A-Palooza. Set on St. Ann’s Academy’s picturesque grounds, this free, dog-dominated event hosts activities such as dock diving, wiener dog races, a puppy stampede, running of the “bulls” and swag bags that are sure to get tails wagging! (And yes, your fluffy friend can join you aboard the Clipper!)
8. Fringe Festival – August 22-September 2
Credit: @janarivam
A Vancouver Island institution for a whopping 32 years and counting, the Victoria Fringe Festival takes over downtown each summer for a 12-day theater extravaganza. Catch live performances from around the world including an eclectic blend of spoken word, drama, musicals, dance, comedy, magic and theater for the kiddos.
9. Movie Under the Maltworks – August 25
Credit: @phillipsbeer
Local fave Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. and the Victoria Film Festival combine forces to host a night of food, films and frosty pints at Movie Under the Maltworks. Grab some camping chairs, a cozy blanket and settle in for this month’s classic comedy selection, Animal House.
10. Downtown Victoria Buskers Festival – August 30-September 3
Credit: @dragonimpact
Looking for a free event that the whole family can enjoy? Get thee to the Downtown Victoria Buskers Festival! Held over five days in and around the downtown core, unique and quirky performers of all kinds can be found brightening up the city streets with acrobatics, music, fire-breathing and much, much more!
Take full advantage of the warm and ultra-long days of August in Victoria! Whether you’re lounging in a lush park, taking in a favorite film or soaking up a stunning waterfront sunset from the Ogden Point Breakwater, you won’t run out of ways to enjoy this PNW paradise!
Feature Photo: Thomas Dawson