Summer in the (Vic) City
It is officially summer here in the Northern Hemisphere! So to kick off my summer in Vic city I thought I’d put together a list of a whole bunch of the fun things going on this summer! Although this list isn't exhaustive it does cover quite a bit. For more information on happenings around the city throughout the summer, make sure you check out the DVBA, the tourism events page.
Victoria’s Shakespeare by the Sea - Every day at 7pm with 2pm matinees on weekends June 28-August 7
What better way to enjoy Shakespeare than next to the ocean. Chairs and blankets are provided so all you need to bring is yourself and your translator (kidding! .. kind of )
Victoria Symphony Splash - July 31
The floating stage in the inner harbour returns for the 27th annual Symphony Splash - complete with Tchaikovsky and fireworks!
Concerts in the Park (Beacon Hill Park) - Mondays noon-1, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 130-320
These free concerts play music from all sorts of genres and backgrounds so there really is something for everyone. You like the fiddle? There’s a day for that. Jazz more your thing? You’re good! Need bit of classical in your afternoon? Got you covered! For more information check out the schedule here
(*NEW*)
Butchart Gardens Fireworks - Saturday nights in July & August
Saturday nights at Butchart Gardens is the place to be if you’re into fireworks and fun times! Bring your blanket and get cozy on the lawn to watch the hand-fired show.
Moonrise Makers Gathering - Heritage Acres Farm, October 8 11am-8pm
An end of summer event put on by Moonrise Creative - a group of women who host all sorts of wonderful events, forums, dinners, and markets - will be held on October 8 and will definitely be a great one. They always have amazing speakers, makers, and genuinely great people participating in their events so it’s definitely not one to miss! I know it's technically not during the summer but seriously, get pumped for this one and spread the word!
Morning/Afternoon
James Bay Community Market - Saturdays 9-3 until September
This is a great one to check out when you're in the city on a weekend as it’s only steps away from the Parliament buildings and offers so many great things ranging from food, to jewelry, to ceramics and much more!
Moss Street Market - Saturday 10-2 until October
Perhaps the most popular market in Victoria, the Moss Street Market has over 25 local farmers and over 25 craft, food, beer, wine, cider, and spirits vendors to shop from all sold by the makers and creators themselves. Bring your reusable bag(s), grab a coffee as you walk in, and ease into your Saturday with the locals.
Bastion Square Public Market - Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 11-430 until September
Held right across from the Bay Centre, the Bastion Square Public Market can’t be missed. With some of Victoria’s most celebrated crafters, you’re sure to find some gems.
Etsy: Island Makers Weekly Markets - (limited Sundays 10-3) July 17, 24, 31 & August 21, 28 & September 4
The Etsy markets that take place in Centennial Square are awesome. I've been to a couple of their previous ones and they never disappoint! There are toooons of local makers that come out and sell their beautiful goods and it's right downtown so it's the perfect one to hit up after your Sunday morning brunch!
The EPIC Etsy Made in Canada Market September 24 & 25
What makes for an EPIC market you ask? ALL THE VENDORS! Seriously, all of your favourite makers will be out in full force sort like a summer market finale, if you will. It'll be one of your last chances to get in on the summer market action so to send summer out with a bang make sure you head to Market Square the weekend in September.
Night
Oaklands Sunset Community Market - Wednesdays 430-830
Head out to support the local farmers, makers, and creators on Wednesday nights to get that little bit of inspiration to push you through the rest of the week.
Ship Point Night Market - June 24-25, July 8-9, August 5-6, August 26-27, September 9-10, September 16-17
This market takes place only a few weekends of the summer so make sure you check the date before you head down to Ship Point so you’re guaranteed to enjoy the all the fun.
Sooke Night Market - Thursdays 5-8 until September
40 vendors of food, arts, and craft make this market one not to be missed. And may I suggest checking out East Sooke Park while you’re out there?
Sidney Street Market - Thursdays 530-830
Thursday nights in Sidney is where the party’s at! Everything you’d hope to find at a night market is there… Food, toys, clothing, produce, jewelry, entertainment - it’s all there!
Breakwater Market at Ogden Point - Sundays 11-4
The breakwater should already be on your list of things to do as it’s a beautiful place to go for a walk and enjoy the ocean but if you go on a Sunday you’ll also be treated to the market, full of vendors and musicians!
Picot’s Night Markets in Fernwood Square - Thursdays in August 4-8
I just found out about this and am soooooo excited! In case you didn’t know already, I love Picot and everything it stands for so a weekly night market is going to be seriously UH-mazing.
(*NEW*) Friends & Neighbors Collective Night Market- July 29
Some super cool people make up this collective and they've already hosted some really fantastic events. I can't wait to go this night market and find some great things made by great people and some vintage treasures to add to my (tiny) collection.
Victoria Taste - July 14-17
The food and wine festival begins on Thursday night and has festivities and tastings continuing into Sunday night. If food and wine is your thang, make sure you get your tickets soon because I hear they go quick!
Rock The Shores - July 22-24
There is a pretty great lineup this year for Rock the Shores. I went a couple of years ago when Loverboy played and it was a blast! There were food trucks, drinks, and great tunes all under the blazing sun! This year's headliners are Current Swell and Jesse Roper (Friday night), City and Colour and The Cat Empire (Saturday night), and Metric and Arkells (Sunday night). There's a bunch of other great artists too, so make sure to check out the full line up here.
Rifflandia - September 15-18
This is probably the most popular/well known festival in Victoria. With multiple venues and a huge number of performers, you're pretty much guaranteed to find something you like. Michael Franti & Spearhead are the main attraction this year, but ton (and I mean tons) of other performers will be playing at different places around the city. Make sure you check out who's playing and where they're playing so you don't miss out on all the fun!
Dragon Boat Festival - August 12-14
You won’t want to miss the fun downtown during the annual boat festival. A food court, a beer garden, a traditional eye dotting ceremony, the boat race, and the lights of courage make the event fun for the entire family.
(*NEW*)
Sooke Fine Arts Show - July 22-August 1
If you love art and love supporting local artists, definitely check out the Sooke Fine Arts show. Along with the art there’s also a number of other things happening during the event like demonstrations, guided tours, live music and more! For more information check out their website here
Now it's your turn! What have I missed?! Where will you be this summer? What events/markets/festivals are YOU planning on checking out??