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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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.
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.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Royal BC Museum: March 1-April 27
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is an annual exhibit hosted at the Royal BC Museum. Focused on animals, their behaviors, and the diversity of the natural world, it’s a showcase of the world’s best nature photography while aiming to inspire viewers to do what they can to protect nature.
Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz at the Royal BC Museum: March 28 – September 28
Take a look into India’s vibrant world of color and find out how the country’s cotton has inspired global fashion trends at Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz. It will feature 80 objects spanning four continents and 10 centuries.
Island FanCon: March 28 – 30
Comic-Con fans in Vancouver, Seattle, and beyond can head to City Centre Park in Langford, less than nine miles west of downtown Victoria, to take part in Island FanCon. Be sure to don a creative costume to enjoy all your favorites, from cosplay to comics and superheroes.
Langford Bikefest: March 29 – 30
The annual Langford Bikefest is hosted by the City of Langford, less than nine miles from downtown Victoria. It takes place in the spring and summer at Jordie Lunn Bike Park, Vancouver Island’s crown jewel of cycling and a training area for the Canadian National Team. Drawing 500 participants and hundreds of spectators from across the country and beyind, it features more than six miles of combined single- and double-track trails, a flow trail, paved pump track, jump zone, and a dirt jump pro line.
Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival: March 30 – May 12
The Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival takes place on stages throughout the Victoria area featuring more than 9,000 performers from the region, along with students of dramatic arts, music, and dance.
April
Odysseys and Migration at the Royal BC Museum: April 18 – May 3
The Odysseys and Migration exhibit will explore the unique migration journeys that have shaped Chinese Canadian experiences and identities. It follows the global thread of the Chinese population and the key role they play in Canada, spanning from the 18th century to present day. intriguing photographs and artifacts reveal their historical monuments and the enduring strength of Canada’s Chinese diaspora communities.
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 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!
Jerry Seinfeld: April 26
Will it be a stand up comedy routine about nothing? Find out when Jerry Seinfeld takes the stage at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Hurry–this event is one night only and tickets are going fast!
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.
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!
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. 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!
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.
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!
Victoria’s 26th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival: June 18 – 22
Enjoy the beauty of the Inner Harbour and great music! There will be an impressive mix of international, national, and home-grown talent 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.”
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
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). 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. 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.
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!
Saanich Fair 2025: August 30 – September 1
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Saanich Fair, photo credit: @victoriablog_bc
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
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.
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
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.
November
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.