10 Things to do in Victoria this August
August is upon us, with that comes fun basking in the sun and lingering around town on warm, starlit evenings.
There are a variety of summertime festivals, concerts, markets, in Victoria during the last and hottest month of summer. We’ve got a list of the hottest events, and don’t worry, there is something for everyone from food lovers to history buffs!
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1. Summer Markets
There is a rich tradition of “supporting local” in Victoria. Come soak up the culture, taste some home-grown foods and drinks, and be inspired by arts and crafts. All summer long communities from all around Greater Victoria offer up local farm-fresh produce, artisan creations, delectable bakers’ treats, and tasty beverages created by regional cideries, breweries, distillers, and vintners. While you’re wandering the aisles enjoying live music; grab a beverage or some food at one of the many vendors.
August 6th from 11-4, come by to check out the Local Folk Fair at Junction Orchard & Cidery. Set in a picturesque orchard, 35 hand-picked local artisan vendors will be joined by live music, games, workshops and more!
Stop by the Moss Street Farmers Market any Saturday from 10-2. In its 32nd season, this year-round market boasts over 130 local vendors, and as one of Victoria’s premier markets there is something for everyone!
James Bay Market is another local favourite with over 25-years of offering homegrown, homemade, and handmade. Check it out between 9-3 Saturday.
Mid-week visit? Bastion Square Market in the heart of downtown is your answer. Thursdays are host to an art bazaar, foodie Fridays, Saturdays you will find 100% local artisans showing off the perfect souvenir, and on Sunday check out innovative repurposed, vintage, or thrifted goods.
Visit the ‘food first’ Esquimalt Farmers Market, Thursdays until September 14 at Memorial Park and Mondays until September 4 in Gorge Park. The Esquimalt Farmers Market supports local food systems and waste reduction in a family-friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss their fantastic vendors, food trucks, or live entertainment all summer long.
2. The Butchart Gardens Outdoor Summer Concerts
Wednesday to Saturday nights from June 30 - September 2, sit back and enjoy live performances at The Butchart Gardens outdoor stage. Nestled amidst the lush backdrop of their beautiful gardens, its perfect way to enjoy music on a warm starry night.
3. If Folk Music is more your thing, we have just what you’re looking for!
This August, Victoria has just what you need to fill your soul with the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival at Ship Point. August 25 - 27, brings “blues in all shades for your soul” including folk, roots, country, and world genres to get your toes tappin’.
Look no further than the Groove Kitchen’s BC Weekend Boogie. For just $20 (plus taxes & fees), you can load up with enough beats to keep you movin’ on the dance floor all night, with funk, Latin, soul, and pop music sensations. August 4 - 5, doors open at 7:30pm.
4. Cycle Of Life Tour
August 26-27, the 10th Annual Cycle of Life Tour presented by Think Communications will get you spinning in the right direction. This annual two-day, 200km cycling tour passes through some of the most scenic sights of Vancouver Island. Over two-days enjoy the Saanich Peninsula, Historic Cowichan Valley, and stunning vistas of Salt Spring Island all while supporting hospice care on Vancouver Island.
5. Wine Maker’s Dinner Series
On August 16th and 30th the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is celebrating their seventh annual Winemaker’s Dinner series featuring a collection of both local and internationally renowned vineyards, wineries, and estates. Each dinner in the series will showcase the best of each. Paired with a delicious seasonal menu created by Executive Chef Kreg Graham, its guaranteed to be a fantastic evening.
6. ROOOAAARRR!!
Check out Sue, The T-Rex Experience and Buster, the Iron Lizard of Sustut River at the Royal BC Museum. Follow in their footsteps as you discover the tyrannosaurs and ankylosaurs who once called these lands home.
7. Yoga
Stretch and breathe your way through Tower Top yoga at the Malahat Skywalk every Wednesday and Sunday morning at 8:15. This gentle yoga overlooking the magnificent views of the islands and sea will wake you gently yet enliven you for the day ahead.
Sacred Sundays filled with yoga and ecstatic dance. Move through 30-minutes of gentle yoga followed by the freeing movement of ecstatic dance. The live music and soulful beats will uplift you then release yourself to the guided meditation.
8. Summer Films
Warm summer nights are made for this! Every Friday and Saturday starting at 9pm, wander over to the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park for the Free-B Film Fest 2023. Watch free films on the grass, in the park, under starry skies from August 11-26.
9. Art in the City
If you are looking to be inspired or just want to soak in some art, look no further.
Studio 106’s latest show closes August 5th. Don’t miss your chance to view “Vacation” featuring local BC artists Tony Grove and Kelly Corbett. Tony, an artist boat builder from Galiano Island, playfully uses colour and light to bring his paintings to life. Kelly, a Nanoose Bay resident, invites you into the natural world and recreates BC’s natural environments.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria kicks off August, with Admission by Donation all day on, and offers a free Drop-In tour of the current exhibition “The Street” with Chief Curator Steven McNeil from 11-12PM, Tuesday, August 1st. If you can’t make the 1st, the AGGV is offering Admission by Donation from 5-9PM on August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st.
10. Meow!
The 2023 Cat Video Fest, August 19 at the Vic Theatre. Find yourself at the “furriest and funniest event of the year” as you sit back and watch adorable cat videos and animations that will have you supporting the paws-itively important cause of local cat-focused charities and shelters. So, grab your friends and fellow cat-lovers, and revel in the quirky antics that keep us smiling and purring with delight! Two showings: All-Ages 3:30pm then no minors 5:30pm.
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