The sun is out and the days are ultra-long. Summer is here and the entire city of Victoria is full of energy! It’s prime season for getting outdoors and enjoying festivals galore. Music, food, art, you name it, there’s something going on this time of year.
Lucky for you, we’ve uncovered some of the most anticipated events in the British Columbia capital. All are revealed among these top 10 things to do in Victoria, BC this August. Whatever your travel style or interests, this list is sure to get you pointed in the right direction.
1. Wonderment Festival – August 2 – 5
Settle in on the lush grounds of Banfield Park and prepare to be entranced. The Wonderment Festival features the sonic stylings of ambient artists, described as a vibe that combines Burning Man in the U.S., the UK’s Big Chill, and Germany’s Love Parade. With experimental techniques and sustained harmonies designed for optimal relaxation, it’s the perfect chill day at the park.
2. Memorial Park Music Fest – August 6, 13, 20, 27
On Tuesdays throughout August, bring a lawn chair and a picnic to Memorial Park for a free evening of live music. As this is the kind of fest that gets people up on their feet, you’ll probably want those dancing shoes. Or just plan to kick off that footwear and get moving! The concerts begin at 6 p.m. and will include The West Coast Soul Collective, AfterShock, The Distractions, and Stephanie Greaves.
3. Reverb Phillips Backyard Festival– August 9 – 11
You don’t have to travel far from the Inner Harbour to find a music festival. Complete with thumping beats and an endless supply of craft beer, Phillips Brewing is less than a 20-minute walk from the heart of downtown Victoria. The August installment of the Backyard Weekender series is held over the weekend of August 9 – 11, bringing three music-filled days.
Performances include Black Pumas, Current Swell, Earl Sweatshirt, Cautious Clay, Jungle, Drama, and more. But get there early and arrive thirsty. The Phillips beer will be fresh and flowin’ freely. Oh, and did we mention? It’s free to attend too!
4. Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival – August 9 – 10
With the oldest Chinatown in Canada just a few blocks away, the annual Victoria International Dragon Boat Festival brings the Chinese and local cultures together for a celebration in the Inner Harbour. Watch dragon boat races with dozens of teams taking to the Salish Sea to prove their prowess. It also includes local artist performances and cultural demonstrations along with delicous eats from across the globe.
Don’t miss the Friday evening display of paper lanterns. Part of the Lights of Courage Campaign, it’s not only breathtaking but proceeds go to the BC Cancer Foundation.
5. The Day of the Dog: Pet-A-Palooza: August 10
If you’ve got a soft spot for four-legged fur balls or identify as a “fur parent,” don’t miss the Day of the Dog. Sometimes referred to as Pet-A-Palooza, it will take place in picturesque Esquimalt at Bullent Park. Held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, show off your pooch’s talents or just take in the excitement while rooting for your favorites.
Splash through a 100 foot-long pool party in the middle of the city, practice your best downward dog yoga pose with puppies, and snap a selfie with your furry friend at the canine art installation. The swag bags full of goodies and a pupichino from the dedicated “drive-through” window are sure to get tails wagging. And yes, great news: your fluffy friend can even join you aboard the Clipper!
6. Children’s Day at Heritage Acres – August 10
A new event for families coming August 10th, Heritage Acres will host Children’s Day. Just a short drive north in the village of Saanichton, there will be games, a treasure hunt with prizes, train rides, food, music, and Tally Ho horses. Kids 12 and under are free while adult admission is just $6 CAD ($4.41 USD). Plus, you can bring your four-legged friends with leashed dogs welcome, providing old-fashioned fun for the entire family!
7. Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria – August 17
Looping around Victoria to Metchosin and up into Brentwood Bay and back, the Tour de Victoria offers unrivaled views of the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
Dust off your ride and choose from a 15km (9.3mi) route all the way up to 160km (99.5mi) trek to match your skill level and stamina. With the mix of waterfront paths, tranquil winding country roads, and a refreshing pint and hot meal waiting for you at the end, this is one of the best ways to enjoy the season of sun.
8. Greek Fest – August 25 – 27
Held over three days at the Greek Community Centre, GreekFest is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a bit of Greece in Canada. Or, celebrate your own Greek heritage! Craving those famously delicous traditional Greek foods? There will be authentic souvlaki, spanakopita, loukoumades, baklava, and more. Plus, a variety of cultural performances and dances take place with participants donning colorful traditional costumes provide mesmerizing entertainment.
9. Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival – August 23 – 25
Enjoy the rhythmic stylings of guitars, drums, string, horns and pianos at the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival. It features local and international blues and R&B artists for a weekend of free and ticketed outdoor performances at the Ship Point Picnic Site.
Fair warning: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for a spectacular shot as the sun goes down over the Inner Harbour!
10. Victoria Fringe Festival – August 21 – September 1
A Vancouver Island tradition, the Victoria Fringe Festival takes over downtown every summer for a 11-day theater extravaganza. Catch live performances from around the world including an eclectic blend of spoken word, drama, musicals, dance, comedy, magic and theater, plus free outdoor events for the whole family.
With the warm, sunny weather, Victoria truly feels like paradise in August. Lounge in a lush park, take in a favorite film, or soak up a stunning waterfront sunset from the Ogden Point Breakwater. No matter what your interests, there are a myriad of ways to enjoy this PNW nirvana. Let the adventures begin!
