Summer is the best time to go outside and explore. As it almost never rains in July & August, there’s many outdoor events going on in Victoria. To help separate the wheat from the chaff – here are our top favourite events to brighten up your summer.
Have you ever been to a big city park and watched movies there? It’s as much fun as it sounds. The Victoria Film Festival hosts the Free B-Film Festival in Beacon Hill Park every August. This year, they’ll play Legally Blonde, Hook, Harry Potter and many more! Get yourself some blankets, popcorn and drinks and arrive early to grab a good spot.
When: August 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 at 9:00 pm
Where: Beacon Hill Park
More Info: https://freebfilmfest.com
Celebrate your weekend with live entertainment, great beer and yummy food at the Breakwater Barge. Located just below the Ogden Point breakwater, this popular event attracts people from all ages. Listen to some great music and enjoy some of the best views Victoria has to offer.
When: Every Friday night until September 6th / from 5 pm – 9pm ($5 entry)
Where: The Breakwater Barge
More Info: www.facebook.com/thebreakwaterbarge
Summer is the perfect time for markets. Stroll along many vendors and look at everything they have to offer. Bastion Square Market offers a great selection of artisan handmade goods together with entertainment (only on Sundays). The market is on from 11 am – 4:30 pm and can be found in Bastion Square at View & Government.
When: Thursday-Sunday / from 11:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Where: Bastion Square
More Info: www.facebook.com/BastionSquarePublicMarkets
One of the most popular summer events, Moss Street Market can be found in the neighbourhood of Fairfield, close to Cook Street Village. At Moss Street Market you can find organic produce, local foods, clothing and crafts. Find the Moss Street Market every Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm at the corner of Fairfield Rd & Moss Street.
When: Every Saturday throughout summer / from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Where: Moss Street Market
More Info: www.mossstreetmarket.com
Just a block away from Ocean Island is where you can find the Pop up Beer Garden. Right by City Hall in Centennial Square is where you’ll find local bands, food truck and the Victoria Beer Society’s Beer Truck which comes with 18(!) taps of craft beer. Dance the evening away with great music and if you make it late – your bed is only 5 minutes away 😉
When: Every Fri from 5 pm – 9 pm in July & August (except for August 16 & 23rd)
Where: Centennial Square
More Info: www.facebook.com/events/2235772219877290
The only indoor event on this list, but we have to mention it! During the prohibition period in Canada in the early 1900’s, there was a total ban on alcohol in Canada. Although illegal, people were still able to get their alcohol from somewhere: the speakeasies. Speakeasies were illegal establishments where one could purchase and consume alcohol. To get in you would often need a password. Speakeasy Tuesdays at the Victoria Event Centre plays with this idea and transports you back to the 1920’s for a night of swing, jazz and classic cocktails. If you know the password, you’ll even get a complimentary drink! There are two bands alternating every Tuesday night so you can swing the night away.
When: Every Tuesday from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm. ($10 entry)
Where: Victoria Events Centre
More Info:
Although this concludes our favourites, there’s many more events going on in summer. Check out do250.com for a comprehensive list of all there’s to do in Victoria or ask our 24/7 front desk staff for their tips. Enjoy your summer!