Hellooo summer! The time of year has arrived to work on your Teva tan lines, fill up your calendar with festivals and, seeing as July 1st is Canada Day, break out your best red and white duds (or head-to-toe denim!) and revel in all things Canadian.
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After a weekend full of outdoor concerts and farmers’ market picnics, we’re willing to bet you’ll be brought right back to the days of Otter Pops and backyard sprinklers. To get your summertime nostalgia started, we’ve pulled together 10 things to do in Victoria, BC this July – scroll on and get to planning!
1. Butchart Gardens Night Illuminations & Fireworks Tour – July 1
Escape the concrete jungle and journey out to the stunning Butchart Gardens during peak bloom season! Take full advantage of the island’s mild evening temperatures and experience Butchart’s beauty come nightfall at their Night Illuminations installation. See The Gardens glow by way of thousands of twinkling lights, transforming the sprawling grounds into a sparkling fairyland with fireworks to pair!
Stick around past dusk to catch a concert al fresco at their outdoor stage! With a calendar featuring everything from folk bands to Celtic music, you’re just about guaranteed to find a show that suits your taste.
2. Celebrate Canada Day – July 1
A celebration to not be missed, this year the anticipation for Victoria’s Canada Day festivities are in full swing. Kick off the national holiday with live music, entertainment, activities and multicultural food options. Those who stick it out through the whole days’ worth of festivities are rewarded with a spectacular fireworks display over the Inner Harbour!
3. Victoria Pride Events – June 29 – July 9
During the first week of July, Victoria celebrates its LBGTQ+ community & their allies with an array of inclusive, all-ages events. Cheer on two decked-out teams at the Memorial Dragball Game, meet some furry pals at the Big Gay Dog Walk or join in the vibrant tradition of the annual Victoria Pride Parade.
4. Victoria JazzFest – June 22 – July 2
The 40th edition of the coolest music in town, attending JazzFest is an event you won’t want to miss. Featuring over 300 musicians, 70 performances and 10 stages, enjoy 11 days and nights of jazz, blues, R&B, and world beat.
5. Moss Street Market – Every Saturday
Find a handmade souvenir or stock up for a picnic in the park at a local favorite, the Moss Street Farmers Market. Browse through hundreds of crafters, artisans, brewers and more to find one-of-a-kind gifts – or a little something for yourself. With live music and prepared food from local eateries, you may just wind up making a day of it!
6. Tilt! At The Phillips Backyard – July 7 – 9
It’s time to get your groove on! Back again following an incredibly successful inaugural year in 2022, Phillips Backyard Festival, Tilt returns, bringing music, festival and beverage enthusiasts a weekend to remember. Grab a frothy pint and jam out to incredible artists as you soak up the sun in the heart of Victoria, BC!
7. TD Art Gallery Paint-In – July 15
The largest summer arts festival on the island, join the 34th celebration of Vancouver’s finest artists located on Moss Street. Drawing more than 30,000 visitors a year and bringing together over 160 artists, mark your calendar for a day under the sun at this family-friendly celebration!
8. Victoria Flamenco Festival – July 22 – 29
Whether you’re the first one on the dance floor or an observant wallflower, the Victoria Flamenco Festival brings both fiery performances and hands-on workshops to Centennial Square. Beginning July 22, experience southern Spain at the 11th annual festival held in Victoria, BC. From a live flamenco performance in Beacon Hill Park’s outdoor Cameron Bandshell venue to an evening of passion and rhythm at a Flamenco Music Night, enjoy emerging artists and renowned Flamenco dancers and musicians.
9. Symphony in the Summer Festival – July 27 – August 5
Spend the day at some of Victoria’s most beautiful and iconic locations over the 10-day extraordinary event, Symphony in the Summer Festival! From ticketed events at the Butchart Gardens and the Atrium to free concerts in the park, enjoy a variety of musical stylings sure to please newbies and seasoned music lovers alike.
10. Eats & Beats at the Beach – July 29
Grab your sunscreen, pack up your water shoes and head to the seaside town of Colwood for a day of fun under the sun. Enjoy live music, food vendors, activities such as cycling and paddle boarding and even a climbing wall at this year’s Eats & Beats at the Beach. While you’re in the area, be sure to pay a visit to the iconic Fisgard Lighthouse.
With its stately European architecture and long days, Victoria truly feels a world away. Whether you’re watching windsurfers near Beacon Hill Park or biking along the Galloping Goose Trail, Victoria is the perfect place to enjoy the Northwest summer sun. And let’s not forget the 30 million blooms covering the city. Go ahead, get some color in Canada this summer!
Feature Photo: Destination Greater Victoria