10 things to do in Victoria this July
From garden days to ocean bays, July has so much to offer!
When summer shines on Victoria, the city transforms into a vibrant stage for creativity, community, and celebration—where the sea air crackles with excitement and every sun-drenched day is perfect for exploration. From bold expressions of culture to the tranquil scent of blooming fields and the electric hum of live music, July in Victoria delivers an unforgettable tapestry of experiences.
Canada Day: July 1st
There’s nowhere quite like Victoria, BC on Canada Day—where the red and white spirit spills from the bustling Inner Harbour right up to the tips of your maple-leaf-painted cheeks. Wave your flags high, as you soak in the sound of live music, dig into a poutine fresh from a local food truck, spot a parade of Mounties in their classic red uniforms, and maybe even stumble into a euphoric round of “O Canada” with strangers who feel a lot like friends. As the sun sets, gather your crew at the BC Parliament Buildings or along the famed Inner Harbour for fireworks and a drone show that lights up the sky! In Victoria, Canada Day is more than a holiday—it’s a full-hearted celebration of the land and the people that bring us together.
Victoria Pride Week: July 1st – 6th
Get ready to let your true colours soar during Victoria Pride Week, where this charming coastal city turns up the volume on joy, acceptance, and pure, unfiltered fun. Victoria’s Pride celebrations are anything but ordinary—here, you can cheer at the uproariously playful Drag Ball Game (yes, wigs and home runs absolutely go together), parade your way through the vibrant downtown streets in a festive kaleidoscope of flags and glitter, or for an early jump on Victoria Pride week, even stroll alongside our city’s most fabulous four-legged friends during the Big Gay Dog Walk on June 1st. During Pride, the city bursts with energy, art, and the kind of creative spirit that makes Victoria unlike anywhere else. Whether you come for the inspiring parade, the laughter, or the unforgettable camaraderie, you’ll find yourself swept up in an atmosphere that’s as welcoming and wonderfully unique as the city itself.
Northwest Deuce Days: July 17th – 20th
Rev your engines and polish up that chrome—Northwest Deuce Days roars into Victoria in a whirlwind of tailfins, pinstripes, and heart-thumping horsepower for a legendary celebration of the iconic Deuce Coupe and classic cars of every style. Kick things off with the Coho Blackball Ferry Welcome Ceremony, where you’ll witness a convoy of timeless hot rods rolling onto island soil, each one shinier and more storied than the last. Watch as the Deuces cruise the stunning coastline during the So-Cal Speed Shop Poker Run, swapping tales with fellow enthusiasts while soaking up that salty Pacific breeze. The Spectacular Northwest Deuce Day turns the downtown core into a jaw-dropping show-and-shine for thousands of gleaming classics—think hoods up, whitewalls sparkling, and endless rows of pure automotive eye-candy. Round it all out at The Deuce Days Awards, where showmanship, style, and a touch of friendly rivalry earn their due applause (and maybe a few envious double-takes). In Victoria, car culture meets coastal cool in the most unabashedly unique way—and there’s no better place to fuel your passion, swap stories, and experience a car show with personality as bold as the rides on display.
Symphony in the Summer Festival: July 24th – August 3rd
Experience Victoria in full harmony at Symphony in the Summer, where the city’s distinctive west coast spirit meets the timeless magic of live orchestral music. Across the region, the Victoria Symphony brings gardens, cathedrals, and the harbourfront to life with stirring performances, inviting everyone to pause and soak up the artistry in the summer air. The grand finale? The iconic Symphony Splash!, a breathtaking spectacle where the orchestra performs from a floating barge on the Inner Harbour, casting shimmering melodies across the water as the sun dips behind the Olympic Mountains. From picnics on the grass to evenings bathed in music and city lights, Symphony in the Summer wraps you in an atmosphere that’s both elegant and refreshingly original. This July, soak in the pure delight of music under open skies.
2025 Flavour Trails – Central Saanich Festival: July 12th - 13th
Explore the path from farm to fork at the Central Saanich Flavour Trails Festival. This is the perfect opportunity to bask in the summer sun while you explore Greater Victoria’s agricultural heartlands and taste the distinctive, fresh flavours of our region. From farmers to cidermakers, each Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trails member will be showcasing a feature offer, ranging from farm tours to tasting or even feature products. Don’t miss this chance to dig into first of the season flavours in Canada’s most distinctive growing climate.
Tilt 2025 Backyard Music Festival: July 4th – 6th
Crank up the volume and step into the pulse of Victoria’s music scene at Tilt 2025 Backyard Music Festival, as Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. turns it up to eleven in the backyard of their own brewery. This isn’t your average summer bash. Picture an epic sonic playground, where kegs are chilled, hops fill the air, and the heart of Victoria beats louder with every set. Catch the electrifying alt-rock energy of Cold War Kids, the gritty riffs of Band of Skulls, and the genre-bending grooves of Unknown Mortal Orchestra under open skies. Throw in chart-topping fire from G-Eazy and the unmissable, homegrown swagger of BC’s own Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and you’ve got a lineup that sets the stage for an unforgettable weekend. Mix, mingle, high-five new friends, and lose yourself in a crowd that’s just as much fun as the city itself. At Tilt, the music is loud, and the vibes are electric—so grab your crew and get ready to rock!
Photo credit: Christina Blackwood Photography
Lavender Festival at Bilston Creek Farm: All month long!
If summer had a scent, it would be that of fresh lavender harvested straight from the field. Join the folks at Bilston Creek Farm for their annual Summer Lavender Festival, where you can take in the sights, sounds, and smells of their stunning lavender fields in full bloom. Throughout the festival (on select dates), Bilston offers up all sort of hands-on workshops, markets, and live music, while you explore the field, watch the harvest, or enjoy demonstrations. At the farm, get caught up in the relaxing atmosphere and find the time to lounge beneath the shade of the apple trees overhead while you enjoy a fresh-baked pizza, ice cream, or cup of tea.
ArtisTREE Festival: July 26th – 27th
If you’ve spent any time in Victoria before, you’ll know it’s a thriving hub of artisans and a cultural centre for the arts in the Pacific Northwest. So, if you’re captivated by the arts, or are simply looking to connect with the local makers scene, be sure to visit the ArtisTree Festival for two full days of artisan shopping. Situated at the iconic Government House, ArtisTree features over 130 of our region’s most talented designer and makers showcasing jewellery, fashion, ceramics, fine art, body care, and much more. The grounds at Government House include sprawling gardens and beautiful Gary Oak meadows, so be sure to pack a picnic or visit the food trucks on site for the event and make a full day of this shopping experience wandering the beautiful grounds.
Metchosin Summer Witches Market: July 19th
Grab your witches, friends, or even broom-mates, and head to the Metchosin Summer Witches Market for spellbinding experience that features psychics, healers, local artisans & vendors, and some of our region’s best witches. While you’re their shop for new spell therapies, broomsticks, crystals, or even take in a tarot reading. The potion bar will be serving up mocktails all weekend long and there’s mini-spell kits for the first 30 witches through the door each day.
Little League Canadian Championship: July 29th – August 7th
Batter up! The best in ball take over Victoria for the Little League Canadian Championship. This fun, all-ages event showcases Canada’s upcoming baseball talent on the road to the Little League World Series. Don’t miss the action as Canada’s top youth baseball teams go head-to-head for baseball glory. Come cheer on baseball’s future stars at Layritz Park, home of host team Layritz Little League, it’s sure to be a grand slam of an event!
Long summer days are ahead, and Victoria’s markets are ready to welcome you in! With something for even the most eclectic of tastes, experience the cultural richness of Victoria’s artisanal community. Come along as we explore the best of Victoria’s summer markets.
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