Victoria's Arts and Cultural Festivals & Events

Victoria Film Festival - January 27 - February 11,  2010

Big screens, small screens, mainstream and obscure. The Victoria Film Festival is a ten day celebration of film allowing you an opportunity to see films you otherwise might not have the opportunity to. Join film fans and film makers for the highlight of the winter.

Victoria Tea Festival - February 13 & 14,  2010

The Victoria Tea Festival is the largest public tea exhibition in North America and is hosted in a beautiful city renowned for its heritage with tea. Consumers and businesses alike can indulge in an educational tea experience exploring the traditions and trends of tea, while supporting a worthy cause - Camosun College Child Care Services. The weekend event features tea tastings, delectable tea-food selections, complimentary presentations on a variety of topics, opportunities to purchase hundreds of teas, tea-related products, and exquisite tea wares. 

Jazzfest international - June 25 - July 4, 2010

"Ten hot days and nights of the coolest music in town." Enjoy over 80 high calibre individual jazz performances taking place in numerous indoor and outdoor venues/stages with over 325 musicians. A series of free admission performances in Centennial Square will also take place during the daytime with ticketed and cover charge performances scheduled in various theatres, clubs and restaurant venues in the evenings. Workshops by visiting musicians as well.

Victoria Pride WeeK - Early July Dates TBA, 2010

A weeks worth of events celebrating the gay and lesbian community leading up to a Pride Parade and afternoon festival on July ?. Don't miss the Big Gay Dog Walk!  The Victoria Pride Society is committed to bringing family centered events to our community all year round.

canada day - July 1, 2010

Victoria's annual celebration of our beloved nation, featuring our "Eh-rated" fireworks display which gets better every year.

23rd Annual MOss Street paint in - July 17, 2010

One Saturday each year the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria teams up with over 100  professional and emerging artists from Victoria and surrounding areas to turn Moss street into the world's largest outdoor art gallery. Artists display and produce their work on Moss Street between Fort Street and Dallas Road while visitors roam up and down learning and interacting  with the artists face to face. The Paint-In is a free and fun-filled community-based art awareness and education event that sees 35,000 visitors and receives support from the City of Victoria.

Fireworks at The Butchart Gardens - Saturdays July 3 - September 4, 2010

Enjoy superb fireworks in The Gardens' magnificent setting. Every summer Saturday night these lavish shows dazzle visitors with their unique blend of spectacle and music. Bring warm clothing and, if desired, a cover to sit upon the ground. Blankets are available for purchase on site. Consider a lovely summer Saturday picnic available on the Residence Lawn. 

Enjoy a short video clip of this famous fireworks display. Each year the show changes and the video clip offers you a glimpse of part of a display you might see.

FREE B Movie Festival - friday and saturday throughout August

Bring your own snacks, blankets and flashlights. Playing at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park, the whole family will enjoy these hidden treasures from moviemaking history!  Shows start at 9pm.

21ST Annual symphony splash - August 1, 2010

Beginning at 2pm, the Inner Harbour will become an outdoor concert stage, with children’s activities, local food vendors, and live music. The 20th annual Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash spectacular finale of the evening will feature Maestra Tania Miller leading the Victoria Symphony and a host of special guests.

Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash is the largest annual symphony event in North America, attracting up to 40,000 Victoria residents and visitors. The unique setting for the performance is on a barge moored in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, in front of the picturesque Provincial Legislature.

Dragonboat Festival -  Aug 13-15, 2010

Be part of an ancient tradition! Come down to the Inner Harbour for exhilarating dragon boat races, cultural entertainment and crafts for the whole family. Free Admission.

23rd annual Fringe Festival - August 26-September 6, 2010

The Victoria Fringe is an eleven-day, un-juried international theatre festival, featuring 40 comedy, drama, dance, and spoken word companies from around the world in six or more downtown venues. The festival attracts over 15,000 ticketbuyers to hundreds of performances. Fringe membership is $5, and then tickets are $9 or less at the door, with a 10-show Frequent Fringer pass available for only $65. Have a look at last year's Fringe Website!

Blues Bash - september 3-6, 2010

This Labour Day weekend festival is a celebration of blues and R & B music with afternoon free and evening ticketed performances. Features more than 14 individual bands over three afternoons and three evenings. The main outdoor stage of this festival is located at Victoria's Inner Harbour at Ship Point with other venues used for late night entertainment.