The sun is out, the days are ultra-long, summer is here and the whole city of Victoria is full of energy for its prime season! If you’re as excited as we are, now is the time to get out on the town and celebrate Victoria’s summer charm, chock-full of music, food, art, and festivals galore. Lucky for you, we’ve uncovered some of the most anticipated events in BC’s capital city with our definitive list of 10 things to do in Victoria, BC this August. No matter what your travel style or interests, we’ll point you in the right direction!
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1. Music by the Sea – August 1 – 5
A curated and captivating mix of Classical and Jazz, head over to the Victoria international Marina for this year’s Music by the Sea series. Enchanting audiences for over 15 years, settle into the stunning seaside venue as a variety of artists showcase their craft.
2. Wonderment Festival – August 4 – 7
Settle in on the lush grounds of Banfield Park and prepare to be entranced by the sonic stylings of ambient artists at this year’s Wonderment Festival. Featuring experimental techniques and sustained harmonies designed for optimal relaxation, this is the ultimate chill park day for music lovers. And the kicker?
3. Reverb Phillips Backyard Festival– August 11 – 13
You don’t have to travel far from the Inner Harbour to find a music festival with thumping beats and an endless supply of craft beer. Less than 20 minutes walking from the heart of downtown lands you at Phillips Brewing for the August installment of their beloved Backyard Weekender series! Enjoy three jam-packed days with tunes from artists such as international acclaimed folk act, Fleet Foxes and Victoria’s own Jesse Roper. Be sure to arrive thirsty, as the Phillips beer will be flowin’ freely and fresh as can be!
It’s free to attend!
4. Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival – August 12 – 13
Watch as dozens of dragon boat teams take to the Salish Sea in an all-out competition to prove their prowess on the water during the annual Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival.
Over the course of the festival, check out thrilling boat races, live music, delicious eats from around the globe 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, with proceeds going to the BC Cancer Foundation.
5. Pet-A-Palooza – August 12 – 13
If you’ve got a soft spot for four-legged fur balls or identify as a “fur parent,” Victoria’s Pet-A-Palooza will be right up your alley. Set on the lush grounds of Bullen Park, this free, dog-dominated event gives you a chance to show off your pooch’s talents.
Splash through a 100 foot-long pool party in the middle of the city, practice your best downward dog yoga pose with puppies, and snap a selfie with your furry friend at the canine art installation. After the excitement, swag bags full of goodies, and a pupichino from the dedicated “drive-through” window are sure to get tails wagging. And yes, your fluffy friend can join you aboard the Clipper!
6. Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria – August 19
Looping around Victoria to Metchosin and up into Brentwood Bay and back, the Tour de Victoria offers unrivaled views of the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
Dust off your bicycle and choose from a 15 km route all the way up to 160 km trek to match your skill level and stamina. With its mix of waterfront paths, peaceful twisty-turny country roads and a refreshing pint and hot meal waiting for you at the end, this is one of the best ways to enjoy the season of sun.
7. The Function Festival – August 19
Celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of the region right in the heart of the Inner Harbour with a day spent at Victoria’s newest festival, The Function. Back for a second year and featuring a jam-packed musical lineup, vendor village, local food trucks, live art performances, a barbershop, and photo booths, head down to the waterfront to listen to emerging Canadian BIPOC talents!
8. Creatures of the Night – August 25
One of our favorite things about summer is that there is no shortage of opportunities to get outdoors! Take full advantage of August’s warm nights to scope out the nightlife on a Creatures of the Summer Night tour at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.
Under the guidance of an expert naturalist armed with a bag of “tricks,” you’ll be on the lookout for owls, bats and other nighttime animals. You’ll even pick up new knowledge on how the creatures are adapted to nocturnal life along the way.
9. Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival – August 25 – 27
End the month on a sweet note and soak in the rhythmic stylings of guitars, drums, string, horns and pianos at the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival! Catch local and international blues and R&B artists during a weekend of free and ticketed outdoor performances at the Ship Point Picnic Site. Bring your camera along to snap a photo as a spectacular sunset falls over the Inner Harbour!
10. Victoria Fringe Festival – August 23 – September 3
A Vancouver Island tradition, the Victoria Fringe Festival takes over downtown each summer for a 11-day theater extravaganza. Catch live performances from around the world including an eclectic blend of spoken word, drama, musicals, dance, comedy, magic and theater, plus free outdoor events for the whole family.
With warm, sunny weather, Victoria feels like paradise in August. 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. Let the adventures begin!
