What’s Happening Around Victoria in August

August in Victoria is one of the hottest months of the entire year. With long days and warm nights, local organizations and businesses make it a priority to fill this month with incredible activities both in and outside, day and night! Here are some of the most highly anticipated events around the city for you to enjoy! 

Winemaker’s Dinner Series

Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel 

When: August 11th & 25th

Join the Oak Bay Beach hotel in welcoming Hester Creek and Phantom Creek Winery for their August sessions of the Winemaker’s Dinner Series! During these incredible nights, guests will be invited to experience Executive Chef Kreg Graham’s incredible dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients perfectly paired with wines from these incredible vineyards. Whether you’re staying nearby in Victoria or if you’re travelling from Sidney, this dinner series is worth it! Book your tickets today to get your seat!

Music in the Park 

Where: Various Locations

When: August 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th

Every Friday evening for the summer of 2022 in various parks around Colwood, you can find lively music, great food and an incredible crowd of neighbours all getting together to enjoy the summer evenings! Perfect for families enjoying a stay in Langford, Colwood or Metchosin with kids this summer! 

Water Ballet 

Where: Inner Harbour

When: Every Saturday and Sunday 10:45am 

When water taxis first came to Victoria the operators were impressed with the extreme manoeuvrability of the little crafts and realized that they could twirl and ‘dance’ on the water. Creating synchronized boat dances quickly became a seasonal tradition in Victoria and this year, it’s back every weekend! Take the short walk to the Inner Harbour from one of the beautiful Downtown Victoria EMR rentals one morning to catch a performance!

Maud Lewis

Where: The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

When: until October 16th 

Maud Lewis is one of Canada’s most beloved and inventive folk artists whose works show a mastery of colour, vibrant composition variations and communicate cheerful life in Atlantic Canada. Join the AGGV to celebrate this retrospective that showcases 130 works from an illustrious career. When you’re staying at an EMR Victoria rental you won’t want to miss this incredible exhibit! 

Parksville Beach Festival 

Where: Parksville Community Beach and Park

When: until August 21st

Known to locals as Beachfest, this five and half week-long competition and festival is the highlight of the summer in Parksville and nearby Qualicum Beach. With sand sculpting, live music, food and events for the entire family, this festival is a must – especially if you’re renting one of the beautiful EMR Parksville properties nearby! 

Implosion / Explosion

Where: Phillips Backyard – 2010 Government St. 

When: Aug 13th & 14th

It’s been three years since Phillips has hosted one of its Backyard events so this year, they’re going all out! In August, Implosion / Explosion will feature St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Charlotte Day Wilson with exciting musical guests plus incredible food and experiences all weekend. If you’re staying in Victoria, you won’t want to miss out on the party of the summer!  

Salsa in Season  

Where: Victoria Community Food Hub

When: August 18th

No matter what the season, salsa is always delicious. If you want to up your salsa making game, join chef Karina Gomez to learn how to create a perfectly balanced salsa made with local ingredients grown right here on the Saanich Peninsula. You’ll be able to try your salsa with some rice and bean tostadas and a salad made from local ingredients while you hear about the farmers and farms where all the ingredients came from. 

Music by the Sea

Where: Victoria International Marina

When: until August 5th

If you are looking for an upscale way to spend a summer evening, Music by the Sea at the Victoria International Marina is a great option! With a unique mix of classical and jazz chamber music played by a resident company, you can’t go wrong spending a warm summer evening here! Take the opportunity to have a relaxing evening walk through downtown to the Marina when you’re staying at a rental right downtown Victoria!

Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival 

Where: Ship Point – 800 Wharf St. Victoria

When: August 25th – 28th

If you’re looking for a foot-stomping good time over this late August weekend, you won’t want to miss the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival right on Wharf St. downtown Victoria. This weekend festival features local, regional and international jazz and blues musicians who are going to light the stage up with incredible performances. With both free and ticketed performances to attend, check the line up to plan your weekend!  

Arts & Music in the Gardens

Where: The Gardens at HPC 

When: August 6th & 7th

For over 25 years, the Gardens at HPC has been the venue for this lovely, summer arts and music festival. With nine acres of demonstration gardens all immaculately tended, the HPC gardens are an idyllic place to host this festival and an easy drive from Sidney and Victoria properties. This year, there are over 50 artists whose works will be displayed and three stages where you can enjoy the talents of our local musicians with the backdrop of a truly stunning garden space. 

Victoria Fringe Festival

Where: various locations

When: August 24th – Sept 3rd

For more than three decades, the Fringe Festival has been delighting the public with an eclectic mix of live performances. Over the week of the festival you can find spoken word, drama, musicals, comedy, theatre for kids of all ages and more! With incredible venues across the city, and lively local performers, when you’re staying downtown Victoria the Fringe is a summertime must! 

May Events in Victoria

rides, craft market and shiny vintage microphone - May events in Victoria

After a long winter, Victoria is again coming alive with events all over the city! Whether you’re staying right in the city at one of the EMR Victoria properties or just a drive away in Sidney, the Cowichan Valley or Sooke these events are worth the trip in!

Victoria Day Parade

Downtown Victoria – Monday, May 23

After two years of having to skip one of the most beloved events in the capital city, the annual Victoria Day Parade returns. This year’s parade is all about honoring the real-life Superheroes, frontline workers, who have got us through the last two years with their hard work and dedication. The Thrifty Foods 122nd Victoria Day Parade presented by CHEK TV and hosted by The Greater Victoria Festival Society will be a world class event to celebrate our frontline workers from various business and nonprofit organizations and showcasing our diverse cultures.

Buccaneer Days

Bullen Park – Friday May 13th to Sunday May 15th

This fun and engaging event is back for 2022! Partnering with Esquimalt Parks and Recreation and West Coast Amusements, the Esquimalt Buccaneer Days is a community fundraising event that is perfect for all ages. This fun-filled weekend offers attendees events, dancing, entertainment, skydivers, kids play zones and so much more. 

Tartan Parade

Centennial Square, downtown Victoria – Saturday May 14th at 11:00am

This fun, lively parade will begin at Centennial Square to promote the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival the following weekend. The parade route will follow Government St. to the Legislature where pipes will be played, the highland fling will be on display and colourful floats will accompany the festivities. 

Highland Games and Celtic Festival

Topaz Park – Saturday May 21st, 5:00pm to 9:00pm & Sunday May 22nd, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Put on by the Highland Games Association, this fun filled weekend will include:

  • Pipe Bands (including Grade 1 Simon Fraser University Pipe Band)
  • Canadian Invitational Drum Major Challenge
  • International Heavy Events Challenge (Men and Women)
  • Strathcona Mounted Troop
  • Highland and Irish Dance
  • Celtic Music (local bands performing throughout the weekend)
  • Clan and Society Tents, Heritage Performers and Artisans
  • Games Gala Performance (Inaugural Saturday evening performance)
  • Celtic Vendors, Food Court, Adult beverage service
  • Whisky and Wine Tasting Schools

Hosted at Topaz Park, this lively festival is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful spring day in Victoria.

Crafted Farmhouse Market

Mary Winspear Centre – Friday May 6th & Saturday May 7th

Located at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, this incredible market showcases dozens of local artisans with incredible collections of handmade, small batch, locally designed, slow fashion goods that will delight. This is the perfect place to find some lovely, meaningful souvenirs and gifts! 

Crossroads: Grand National Fibre Art Exhibition

Victoria Arts Council Society – May 1st – May 22nd 

2022 marks the first time the Grand National Fibre Art Exhibition has decided to take this exhibit across the country and in May it’s set to be in Victoria! With 48 unique forms of fibre art from artists across Canada and judged by some of the most prominent figures in Canadian art and textiles, this unique exhibit will explore the concept of what it means to take one’s Crossroads.

Bema Productions: “Men Overboard”

Bema Black Box Theatre, Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue – May 5th to May 15, 7:30pm to 9:00pm + 2 matinees 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Treat yourself to the winner of the Long Beach Playhouse New Play Contest and a finalist for the Woodward-Newman New Play Award in Victoria this spring! 

“Men Overboard  focuses on a Bar Mitzvah for a boy who doubts he’s ready to become a man. The boy’s Bar Mitzvah brings together his politician father and two brothers, a therapist, and a Buddhist monk. Add their fading but forceful father and the boy’s Bar Mitzvah tutor, a woman who loves the boy and possibly one of his uncles, and it’s easy to see that the boy is torn between obedience and defiance of his father.

Tensions grow, affecting everyone in the family, until anger becomes abuse and it becomes clear that the family’s status quo is no longer an option. Men Overboard asks “What makes a man?” as it explores the responsibility each of us has to protect the souls of those we love.”

Heather Ferguson: Raise the Bar

Hermann’s Jazz Club – Friday May 6th 7:00pm – 9:00pm

If you’re looking for the perfect evening to kick up your heels and hit the dance floor, Raise the Bar for Hermann’s is the perfect evening to do just that! Playing all the best blues and jazz classics that are Hermann’s party mix, Victoria’s popular jazz club will be hopping. Join Heather Ferguson and the band for a great evening that’ll support Hermann’s Jazz Club.

Mother’s Day at The Bay Centre, presented by Market Collective

The Bay Centre Mall – May 7th 10:00am – 6:00pm & May 8th 11:00am – 5:00pm

Victoria Market Collective is an incredible organization that supports the shop small movement by organizing incredible markets that showcase local artisans. With over 140 talented makers on their roster, any market that is hosted by Market Collective is sure to be a local shopping event not to miss! This May, the Mother’s Day market at the Bay Centre, will host many local artisans that make unique, high quality, luxury gifts that are perfect for Mom or even yourself!  

James Bay Market

On the corner of Menzies & Superior – May 1st, 9:00am – 3:00pm

In the spring, the small downtown neighbourhood of James Bay is positively picturesque. Here you’ll find sunny beaches, beautiful heritage homes, incredible eateries and every Saturday from May until October, the small community market. At this laid back village market, you can get local produce and ethically raised meat, lots of incredible locally made prepared food and artisanal goods. Plus, if you are staying in downtown Victoria, this market is just a walk away!

Music of the Night: The Concert Tour

McPherson Playhouse – May 13th 7:30pm

To honour the 75th birthday of Andrew Loyd Webber, Sound the Alarm: Music/Theater will be touring 13 cities in British Columbia to perform his most iconic theatrical music. Audiences will be delighted to hear the best scores from Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Evita and more! Book your tickets for an incredible evening and help celebrate the most successful musical theatre composer of all time!

Black and White…Because Grey Matters Gala

The Beach House – May 14th 6:00pm – 10:00pm

This annual gala supports all the essential services offered by the Victoria Brain Injury Society. The evening is one of the most elegant soirees of the year with decadent local food, delicious cocktails, entertainment and prizes!  

Book with EMR and visit Victoria BC

Get Out of the Cold! Great Indoor Events in Victoria for November

There are lots of fall days in Victoria that are dry and colourful, perfect for getting out in the city or in nature and soak up the fresh ocean air and fall sunshine. Then, there are the days in the fall that are cold, dark and rainy that have you running for cover and craving cozy nights indoors. For these days, when your book and the couch isn’t tempting you, and your binge-worthy series doesn’t hit the spot, there are some really cool events happening around the South Island that will get you out, or in, and about! 

Recurring Events

Orcas – Our Shared Future

until January 2022

Have you ever wanted to learn more about orcas? Now you can! Visit the Royal BC Museum, and learn more about these sophisticated, apex predators as you deep dive into the science and the stories about them. Find out about current ecological activism, ancient Indigenous beliefs and the popular culture that shapes our different understanding of these magnificent mammals. 

Emily Carr: Seeing and Being Seen

until July 2022

The works of Emily Carr are a reflection of her love for Vancouver Island and her admiration of the First Nations people of the area, their villages and customs. What makes Carr’s paintings so timeless is her unique and captivating ability to not only paint what she saw, but also her ability to capture how she felt about the place she called home. This exhibit, at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, is split into two halves. One half dedicated to the paintings of Carr and the other, to her legacy, how her works and her interpretations of this Island have impacted artists and historians of varying backgrounds over the years and how, even today, her works continue to be of great importance.  

Qw’an Qw’anakwal – To Come Together

until December 2021

Marking the 10th anniversary celebration of the Visiting Artist Program hosted by the Department of Anthropology at the University of Victoria, this exhibition at the University of Victoria Legacy Gallery features new works by twelve artists and their collaborators from Salish nations on Vancouver Island. These artists have participated in the Visiting Artist Program since 2010 and will exhibit their arts including knitting, wool and cedar weaving, carving, drawing, and painting. 

Ungasittuq – Something that is Far Away

until December 2021

Ungasittuq – Something that is Far Away, is an exploration of distance, space, acceptance and pushing boundaries. The University of Victoria Legacy Art Galleries exhibition will showcase recent photographs by Barry Pottle that present a counterpoint and complement to sculpture, drawings, prints by Inuit artists to give a broader understanding of contemporary realities and experience. The exhibition aims to build a foundation for contemporary urban Inuit art photography within the broader, popular understanding of contemporary Inuit art. 

Live Music 

Live Music Saturdays at Merridale Cidery

November 6th, 13th & 20th 3pm-6pm

What a perfect way to spend a rainy day! Head to Merridale Cidery for some great food, delicious cider and great music! 

  • November 6th: Any McCormack will play all your favourites from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s – make sure you bring your appetite and dancing shoes! 
  • November 13th: The awesome cover band Arf the Dog will be joining the Merridale Cider gang with all the hits from the Rolling Stones, The Band, Neil Young, Tom Petty and the Wallflowers! 
  • November 20th: With a distinctly mellow, West Coast vibe, singer/songwriter Alle Bernardi will be serenading you with original songs, acoustic guitar and incredible vocals.

TD Jazzfest: The Fall Sessions

November 12th – 14th 

For this entire weekend, the McPherson Playhouse will be filled with the sounds of great jazz.  With live music performances and one free-to-attend morning workshop by critically-acclaimed jazz artists, this is a must for jazz fans. Featured artists include: Marc Atkinson Trio and Michael Kaeshammer, Alex Cuba Band plus Miguelito Valdes, Diamond Cafe, and Halie Loren. This is the perfect event for anyone staying downtown Victoria as the playhouse is only a few minutes walk away!

Victoria Chamber Orchestra Concert

November 26th 7:30pm

For over 25 years, the Victoria Chamber Orchestra has been bringing the breadth and magic of string orchestra repertoire to Victoria. This fall, the Victoria Chamber Orchestra, directed by Yariv Aloni is pleased to present a Baroque concert at First Metropolitan Church, which will include pieces from Albinoni, Vivaldi and Corelli. 

Holiday Markets

Spectrum Music Program 3rd Annual Christmas Market

November 6th & 7th 10am-4pm

They’re back for a third year! Come out to Spectrum High School to get a jumpstart on Christmas shopping, souvenirs or just treat yourself to some local artisanal wares! Just make sure to enter the raffle and donate a few shekels, all the money raised goes directly to the Spectrum Music Program! 

Indigenous Pop-Up Shop YYJ Christmas Market

November 7th 10am-3pm

Take a trip down to the Fernwood Community Association on the Lekwungen speaking Traditional Territory and support local Indigenous artists! Here you’ll find Indigenous art and beadwork, silverwork, cedar bark weaving, herbal botanicals, bannock, gemstone candles, artwork, stickers and prints, jewelry, herbal medicines and more!

The Silver Bells Silent Auction Winter Market

November 27th 9am-2pm

One of the most popular markets in Victoria is back! Head over to the Cook Street Village Activity Center and discover one of the best places to do your holiday shopping! By supporting local vendors, you can cut down on waste and give gifts that are made with love, right here in Victoria. 

Food Events 

Victoria Cheese and Meat Festival

November 27th 11am, 3pm and 7pm options

The long awaited return of the Cheese and Meat Festival is finally here! And it’s a perfect event for foodies in Victoria! Essentially, it’s a one-stop-shop (or taste) to allow attendees the opportunity to taste a large variety of local meats, cheeses, beverages and more! If you’d expect it on a charcuterie board, you’ll find it at this festival! “Our goal is to introduce guests to new products and exciting pairings that delight their taste buds.” – David Bain, Festival Founder 

Victoria International Wine Festival

various events November 14th-20th 

Have you ever wanted to learn more about wine in a fun, interactive setting? Then the Victoria International Wine Festival is for you. Featuring wines from all over the globe and showcasing different wine making techniques, you’ll have access to tastings, seminars, dinners and more! This is the perfect event for anyone staying downtown Victoria who can walk (carefully!) back afterward – simply purchase your tickets on the website and get ready for an evening to remember!

Book Your EMR Victoria Vacation Today!

Out and About in October!

It’s officially October and with it comes longer nights, cooler temperatures and spooky season! It’s the perfect time to fill your calendar with fall events and scary celebrations to get out and about! With ghost walks, cocktail parties, Parisian songbirds and Frankenstein in Craigdarroch, Victoria has events to make your October fun and memorable! 

Fun for the Whole Family

Under Paris Skies

Sun, Oct 17th, 2:00pm

While you’re enjoying all the stunning hiking and beach access you have during your stay near Sidney why not treat yourself to an evening with the moving music of Edith Piaf performed by the incomparable Edie Dapointe at the Mary Winspear theater? Prepare to be transported to the city of love during the roaring 20s with a live band and songs from Edith Piaf and the unique and glamorous Marlene Dietrich. Edie seamlessly transitions from songbird to storyteller to comedienne with incredible costumes, drama and humour. 

Galey Farms

call (250) 477-5713

If you are looking for a great way to spend a fall day, Galey Farms is a local favourite in Victoria! With an extensive corn maze, pumpkin patch, miniature train, hay rides, petting farm and farm market this hard working farm is a winner for kids of all ages!  

Creating a Winter Herbal Medicine Cabinet

Sat, Oct 23rd, 10:00am – 12:00pm

The weather is getting chilly and with the drop in temperature comes the dreaded flu season. In this event, you’ll learn how to take common kitchen ingredients and medicinal plants to treat and prevent common seasonal illnesses. You’ll leave with a handmade, herbal cough syrup, recipes that you can make yourself to try to keep your immune system strong all winter long. 

Cheese and Meat Festival

sales end Oct 16th, event on Nov 27th

Right on the edge of the Upper Harbour in heritage downtown Victoria, this event showcases both international and local artisanal cheese, meats, liquor and so much more. If you love a good charcuterie board and are staying downtown Victoria, this event is just a walk away for you!

Art of the Cocktail

Sat, Oct 30th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm

One of the most anticipated events in Victoria is Art of the Cocktail, the annual fundraiser for the Victoria Film Festival. On this evening, guests don their very best, pop culture themed, cocktail wear to attend an evening to remember! Come and try unique cocktails made by the city’s best mixologists using the very best local and international liquor. During the evening you can try your hand at making  your own cocktail, purchase some of your favourite spirits and nibble on the delightful hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants across the city. 

Spooky Stuff 

Ghostly Walking Tour

all month 7:30pm departure

Victoria is a stunning city full of gardens, beautiful architecture and awe inspiring vistas but just beneath the polished surface lurks a history that is full of shocking stories and ghoulish characters. This hour-long walk is worth the trip whether you are staying in the Cowichan Valley, Sooke or right downtown Victoria and will take you to all the places that are said to be haunted in Victoria’s historic downtown. As you walk, your guide will tell you spooky stories that are all researched by local historians and it’s sure to give you some goosebumps!

Galey Farms by Night

Oct 16th – 17th and 21st – 31st, 6pm – 10pm

By day Galey Farms is an idyllic fall destination for family friendly fun, by night in October, this innocent farm becomes a creepy scene complete with cornfield of horror, ghost train and fortune teller. While this won’t satisfy those looking for a truly frightening experience, it’s a hoot and a half if you’re looking for something fun for the spooky season. 

Frankenstein at Craigdarroch

Sat, Oct 16th, 23rd & 30th, 6pm – 7pm or 8pm – 9pm 

For a high class eerie event, you can’t go wrong with a live, one-man performance of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein performed by the talented Jason Stevens. If Stevens’ wildly popular, one-man performance of A Christmas Carol is a litmus test, Frankenstein is going to be a show that you won’t want to miss! 

Halloween at Avalon Books & Treasures

Sat, Oct 30th, 12pm – 5pm 

Book lovers beware! The quirky Avalon Books and Treasures in Market Square is hosting a spook-tacular Halloween sale on the 30th! Come on down to peruse the great book selection as well as an eclectic array of homeware, jewelry and gifts and stay for a tarot card or palmistry reading or you can even have a medium connect with the ghosts of your past!

Monsters Haunted House

Friday, Oct 8th – Sunday Oct 31st, 11pm

Calling all spooks, ghouls and thrill seekers! Wander through the dark labyrinthian hallways where props and actors charge out of the shadows to scare you silly! This truly terrifying haunted house at the University Heights theater is not for the faint of heart!  

Book a Fall EMR Vacation to Victoria Today!