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The Wildlife Photographer of the Year <\/em>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz at the Royal BC Museum: March 28 \u2013 September 28<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/em>. It will feature 80 objects spanning four continents and 10 centuries.<\/p>\n Island FanCon: March 28 \u2013 30<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/a>. Be sure to don a creative costume to enjoy all your favorites, from cosplay to comics and superheroes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The annual Langford Bikefest<\/a> 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.<\/span> 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.<\/p>\n The Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Easter usually brings the kids out to hunt for Easter eggs, but The Butchart Gardens offers a unique twist over Easter weekend.<\/a>\u00a0They 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.<\/p>\n Easter at the Market: April 19: <\/strong>Enjoy more Easter fun at the Victoria Public Market<\/a>. It offers a free Easter event from 11 am. to 2 p.m. with a hunt, photo booth, balloon twisting, and live music.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 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!<\/p>\n Will it be a stand up comedy routine about nothing? Find out when Jerry Seinfeld takes the stage at\u00a0Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre<\/a> on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Hurry–this event is one night only and tickets are going fast!<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Astronomy Day at the Royal BC Museum: May 3<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Looking for an excuse to dress up as a pirate or a sailor? Plan your trip to Victoria around the annual\u00a0Buccaneer Days<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n If you like all things Scottish, don’t miss the\u00a0Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival<\/a>. 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!<\/p>\n As part of the Victoria Day celebrations, the Victoria Day Parade<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Another highlight during the long Victoria Day weekend, the Luxton Spring Fair<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Starting June 1st, prepare to witness the world-renowned\u00a0Butchart Gardens<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Traveling later in the month? Beginning June 28th, enjoy\u00a0live performances at the Butchart Gardens<\/a>\u00a0Wednesday-Saturday during the evening on the concert lawn!<\/p>\n 2025 marks the 63rd Tea Party weekend with two days of fun. The Oak Bay Tea Party<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Catch the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival<\/a> 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?<\/p>\n The Victoria International JazzFest<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n 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.<\/a> 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.”<\/p>\n The 12th edition of AfriCa Fest<\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A tradition since 1999, the Gorge Canada Day Picnic<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Victoria Flamenco Festival<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The second part of the Langford Bikefest<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Northwest Deuce Days<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n One of Canada’s biggest art festivals, the Art Gallery Paint-In<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n ArtisTREE Festival: July 26 <\/span>\u2013 27<\/strong><\/p>\n We always look forward to the last weekend of July. Why? Well, it brings the ArtisTREE Festival<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n The Wonderment Festival<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The Victoria Fringe Festival<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n A beautiful way to spend a sunny summer day, the Harbour Blues \u2018n Roots Festival<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n One of Victoria’s most popular events, the annual Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival<\/a> 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.<\/a><\/p>\n With nearly endless photo ops, including the sunset going down over the Inner Harbour, don’t forget your camera or smartphone!<\/p>\n ] Saanich Fair, photo credit: @victoriablog_bc<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The annual Saanich Fair<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Great Canadian Beer Festival (CBF)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n Chefs from award-winning restaurants and other respected establishments will be serving a feast of dishes at Starlight Stadium. Brewery & the Beast<\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Showcasing the best of international wine, The Victoria International Wine Festival<\/a> 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.<\/p>\nLangford Bikefest: March 29 \u2013 30<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival: March 30 <\/strong>\u2013 May 12<\/strong><\/h4>\n
April<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Odysseys and Migration at the Royal BC Museum: April 18<\/strong> \u2013 May 3<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Easter Bunny Hunt at The Butchart Gardens: April 19 \u2013 22<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Earth Day Festival: April 19<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Jerry Seinfeld: April 26<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/h4>\nMay<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Moss Street Market: May 3 \u2013 October 25<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Buccaneer Days Festival: May 9 <\/strong>\u2013 11<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival: May 17 <\/strong>\u2013 18<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Victoria Day Parade: May 19<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Luxton Spring Fair: May 17 \u2013 21<\/strong><\/h4>\n
June<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Butchart Gardens Night Illuminations: June 1 \u2013 September 15<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Oak Bay Tea Party: June 6 \u2013 8<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival: June 13 <\/span>\u2013 15<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Victoria International Jazz Fest: June 20 <\/span>\u2013 29<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Victoria’s 26th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival: June 18 <\/span><\/strong>\u2013 22<\/strong><\/h4>\n
AfriCa Fest: June 20 <\/span>\u2013 22<\/strong><\/h4>\n
July<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Canada Day: July 1<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nGorge Canada Day Picnic: July 1<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Victoria Flamenco Festival: July 15 <\/span>\u2013 27<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Langford Bikefest: July 17 \u2013 20<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Northwest Deuce Days: July 17 \u2013 20<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Art Gallery Paint-In: July 19<\/strong><\/h4>\n
August<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Wonderment Festival: August 1 <\/span>\u2013 4<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Victoria Fringe Festival: August 20 <\/span>\u2013 31<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival: August 22 <\/span>\u2013 24<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival: August 22 <\/span>\u2013 24<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Saanich Fair 2025: August 30 \u2013 September 1<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nSeptember<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Great Canadian Beer Festival: September 6 \u2013 7<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Rifflandia: September 12 <\/span>\u2013 14<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Brewery & the Beast: September 21<\/strong><\/h4>\n
October<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Victoria International Wine Festival: October 3 <\/span>\u2013 4<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Victoria Tea Festival Revival: October <\/span>4<\/strong><\/h4>\n