Groovin’ and Movin’ to Victoria’s Live Music Scene

Symphony in the Summer Festival

One of Victoria’s most iconic signature festivals, this one will make you smile from ear-to-ear. From July 24 to August 3, fall in love with Victoria through the beautiful sounds of the symphony, taking place at different venues around town. The music crescendos into a grand finale that takes place each year in an iconic Victoria setting. This year, the Symphony will take place across venues such as The Butchart Gardens, Market Square, Christ Church Cathedral, and more.

Two free full orchestral concerts will also take place in garden-filled Beacon Hill Park. Bring your own chair or picnic blanket, your reusable water bottle and waste-free snacks, and enjoy a pleasant concert in the heart of our Garden City. Learn more.

The romantic Beacon Hill Park makes for a perfect setting for a symphony. | Photo: Matt Shannon Photography

RIFFLandia

“September Forever” is the slogan of RiffLandia, Victoria’s largest festival that beckons music-lovers from across the seas, and beyond.

With the 2024 lineup recently announced, Rifflandia will be taking place from September 13-15 at a new location at Rock Bay. Performers include Rezz, Ja Rule, TLC, Oliver Tree and more!

Stay up to date on their website and their social media for any last-minute lineup additions!

These Pubs are Poppin’!

So many of Victoria’s pubs add to their energy with live music. Read on for our list!

The exterior of the Penny Farthing | Photo: Vic Pub Company

• Bard & Banker – live music nearly every night! Check their calendar to see who’s playing.
• Irish Times Pub – Just a block away from the Bard and Banker, the Irish Times also offers live music nearly every night. It’s a great block to be at if you’d like to fill your night with sound!
• Penny Farthing Pub – Live music fills this iconic Oak Bay pub every Friday and Saturday, starting at 8:00pm.
• Hermann’s Jazz Club – we snuck this one into our “pubs” list, but really, it’s a music venue – with food and drink menus to boot! You can expect a lively show and atmosphere nearly every night. Head here for their full music calendar.

Victoria’s Sweet Summer Festivals 

Hear the sounds of music drifting from our squares, our streets, our SkyWalk, our splendid gardens, and even our seas. You won’t want the fun to end!

Here’s our list of major music festivals, as well as unique venues that grace our ears with sweet music.

Malahat SkyWalk’s Summer Saturdays

Each summer, the Malahat SkyWalk spices up their scenic lookout on Sundays with the sounds of live music! Starting June 30th and extending until September 2nd, head to the SkyWalk for 5pm for their signature Saturday concerts. Enjoy music at the base of the tower, then head up to the top of the tower for a stunning evening lookout over the Saanich Peninsula.

Victoria’s 24th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival

Taking place June 19-23h, the Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival, aka. Ska Fest, is the longest running ska festival in North America. Finally, the long winter has receded, and the time has come to prepare for warm days and warmer music. The 25th annual Ska Fest welcomes a staggeringly diverse lineup full of the finest grooves and rhythms from around the globe.

Head here for their full lineup and tickets!

Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest attracts amazing crowds to the Inner Harbour each year! Photo: RMS Media

TD Victoria International Jazz Festival

TD Jazz Fest is the longest running music festival on Vancouver Island! The eleven days of music feature the best of jazz, blues, and world music of local, Canadian, and internationally acclaimed musicians. The Victoria Jazz Society does an exceptional job organizing this festival each year and coordinating shows of all sizes in venues across Greater Victoria.

Taking place June 21-30, head to their website for more information on their 2024 lineup, venues, and tickets.

Phillips Backyard Concert Series

Victoria’s very own Phillips Brewing and Malting Company does it all. From sustainable brews, a vibrant tasting room, pretzels, pizzas, and the crispest craft beer around, they top off their pints with a series of BIG festivals set in their industrial backyard.

Named after their smash hit beers, Tilt! and Reverb return the weekends of July 5-7 and August 9-11 for three days of great fun. Headliners include Saint Motel, Jessie Reyez and Orville Peck. Head here for their full lineup and ticketing information.