Things to do in Victoria this August
August is one of the most exciting times to visit Victoria. From cultural festivals and live music to family-friendly attractions, culinary celebrations, and outdoor experiences, the city comes alive with events throughout the month. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or looking for new ways to explore the region, there’s no shortage of opportunities to experience Victoria’s vibrant communities, stunning natural beauty, and thriving arts, food, and festival scene. Here are some of the top events and experiences happening in August.
Music & Entertainment | Family-Friendly Events | Festival & Cultural Celebrations
Music & Entertainment
40th Anniversary David Foster & Friends Concert (August 7–8)
Celebrate four decades of impact with the David Foster Foundation's 40th Anniversary David Foster & Friends Concert. Following a black-tie fundraising gala on Friday, August 7, a free public concert will take place on Saturday, August 8, staged on a floating barge in Victoria's Inner Harbour and featuring acclaimed performers including CeeLo Green, Josh Groban, Katharine McPhee, The Tenors, and more. Proceeds and donations from both events will support the David Foster Foundation, providing financial assistance to families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. Audiences can expect unforgettable performances, special guest appearances, and an inspiring atmosphere set against one of Canada's most scenic waterfront backdrops. Set against Victoria's iconic harbour, the concert combines world-class entertainment with panoramic waterfront views.
Victoria Fringe Festival (August 26–September 6)
Experience the creativity, energy, and spontaneity of the Victoria Fringe Festival, one of the city's most beloved annual arts events. For 12 days, theatres and venues across downtown Victoria come alive with an eclectic lineup of independent performances, including theatre, comedy, dance, spoken word, musicals, and more. Known for showcasing bold, original, and unexpected performances, the festival brings together emerging artists and seasoned performers from across Canada and beyond. Catch a single show or fill an entire weekend with performances, the festival delivers unforgettable entertainment and plenty of opportunities to expect the unexpected.
Family-Friendly Events
Butchart Gardens Summer Entertainment & Firework Saturdays (July–September)
Spend a magical summer evening at The Butchart Gardens, where breathtaking floral displays provide the backdrop for live entertainment and spectacular fireworks. From Wednesday through Sunday evenings, visitors can enjoy performances on the Concert Lawn, featuring a variety of talented musicians and entertainers in a beautiful outdoor setting. On Saturdays, the festivities begin with live entertainment before culminating in the Gardens' beloved Summer Firework Saturdays, a dazzling choreographed fireworks display that lights up the night sky. Stroll through the gardens, relax on the lawn with live music, or watch fireworks reflected across the landscape, there's no shortage of memorable moments. Located in Brentwood Bay, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria, The Butchart Gardens blends nature, entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
Canadian Forces Snowbirds Spectacular 55th Anniversary (August 4)
Celebrate 55 years of aviation excellence as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds return to Victoria for a breathtaking afternoon of aerial performance. Watch as Canada's iconic aerobatic team soars above the coastline, showcasing precision flying, teamwork, and crowd-favourite formations against the backdrop of the Salish Sea. For one of the best viewing experiences, head to Clover Point along Dallas Road, where sweeping ocean vistas and wide-open skies provide a spectacular vantage point for the show. From dedicated aviation enthusiasts to families seeking an exciting summer outing, spectators can look forward to awe-inspiring manoeuvres and unforgettable coastal views. Set against Victoria's dramatic coastline, this milestone 55th anniversary performance is sure to be a highlight of the summer events calendar.
Photo credit: Jennifer Carr
Festivals & Cultural Celebrations
Salsa Festival Victoria (August 1–2)
Feel the rhythm at Salsa Festival Victoria, a vibrant celebration of Latin music, dance, and culture. Taking over downtown Victoria for two lively days, the festival features dance workshops, live performances, social dancing, and opportunities for all skill levels to join in the fun. Experienced dancers can showcase their skills, while newcomers are invited to learn the basics and immerse themselves in the energy of the festival. From beginner-friendly lessons to high-energy performances, the festival showcases the passion, artistry, and connections that make Latin dance so captivating. Expect colourful performances, infectious beats, and plenty of chances to get out on the dance floor.
Photo credit: Salsa Festival Victoria
Renaissance Faire 2026 (August 15)
Step back in time at the Renaissance Faire, where history, fantasy, and creativity come together for a day of medieval-inspired fun. Held at Banfield Park in Victoria West, just five minutes from downtown Victoria, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, costumed performers, artisan vendors, demonstrations, and interactive activities for all ages. Costumed guests, curious newcomers, and history enthusiasts alike will find a whimsical atmosphere filled with music, storytelling, craftsmanship, games, and adventure. Wander through a lively medieval marketplace, cheer on performers, and discover hands-on experiences that bring the era to life. It's a chance to experience a world of knights, nobles, and merriment while celebrating imagination and community.
Photo credit: Victoria Renaissance Faire Society
Soul of Vietnam 2026 (August 16)
Celebrate Vietnamese culture at Soul of Vietnam, a family-friendly festival highlighting the rich traditions, flavours, and artistry of Vietnam. Held at Ship Point on Victoria's Inner Harbour waterfront, in the heart of downtown Victoria, the festival features live performances, cultural demonstrations, food vendors, and community activities that showcase the vibrant spirit of Vietnamese heritage. Traditional music, dance, authentic cuisine, and local artisans create a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates culture, community, and creativity. The festival provides an engaging opportunity to learn, connect, and experience Vietnamese heritage in Victoria.
25th Annual Victoria Greek Fest (August 28–30)
Experience the warmth of Greek hospitality at the 25th Annual Victoria Greek Fest. Held at the Greek Community Centre in Saanich, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria, this popular community celebration brings together authentic Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, and cultural exhibits for a lively weekend of festivities. Savour classic dishes, enjoy spirited performances, and immerse yourself in the traditions that have made the festival a local favourite for a quarter century. From savoury souvlaki and spanakopita to lively dancing and family-friendly activities, visitors can enjoy an engaging celebration of Greek culture and traditions. A vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality make Greek Fest a memorable way to experience a taste of Greece in Victoria.
Culinary & Food Events
Picklefest Victoria 2026 (August 15)
Calling all pickle lovers! Making its Victoria debut this summer, Picklefest is a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things pickled and fermented. Hosted at Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. in downtown Victoria, the all-ages event features more than 35 vendors showcasing everything from classic pickles and kimchi to creative fermented foods and beverages. Visitors can sample unique flavours, browse local producers, enjoy live music, and pair their discoveries with drinks from the fully licensed beverage garden. Fermentation enthusiasts and curious food lovers will find plenty of bold flavours, unique products, and tasty discoveries throughout the day.
Vancouver Island Feast of Fields (August 30)
Celebrate the flavours of the region at the 25th Annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields. Held at Heritage Acres in Saanichton, just a 25-minute drive from downtown Victoria, this roaming harvest festival showcases the connections between local farmers, food producers, chefs, and beverage makers. With a wine glass and napkin in hand, guests can wander from tent to tent sampling dishes, wines, ciders, craft beers, spirits, and other local specialties prepared by some of the Capital Region's finest culinary talent. For an enhanced experience, VIP tickets include early access, offering an exclusive opportunity to connect with presenters and sample culinary creations and beverages in a more intimate setting. Throughout the festival, local food, drink, and agriculture take centre stage, celebrating the bounty of the region. Set against the backdrop of Vancouver Island's agricultural heritage, Feast of Fields is a delicious way to experience the people, places, and produce that make the region's food scene so special.
Orchard Market at Junction Orchard & Cidery (August 16)
Spend a summer afternoon at Junction Orchard & Cidery's Orchard Market. Held once a month throughout the season, this family-friendly and pet-friendly event brings together local makers, bakers, artisans, and food vendors for a relaxed day of shopping, sipping, and exploring. Browse unique goods from local creators, discover the small businesses that call Orchard Lane home, and enjoy a glass of cider while taking in the peaceful countryside setting near Prospect Lake, a 25-minute drive from downtown Victoria. Handcrafted treasures, delicious local treats, and a welcoming community atmosphere make the Orchard Market an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Flavour Trails Festival Weekend (August 15–16)
Celebrate Vancouver Island's rich agricultural heritage during the Flavour Trails Festival Weekend, a two-day celebration of local food, farming, and community. Taking place throughout Saanich, Central Saanich, and North Saanich, the festival invites visitors to explore the region through self-guided experiences, farm visits, culinary events, artisan offerings, and opportunities to connect with the people behind some of the Peninsula's most celebrated food and beverage producers. From picturesque countryside settings to farm-fresh flavours and hands-on experiences, Flavour Trails offers a unique opportunity to discover the tastes, stories, and landscapes that make the Saanich Peninsula a destination for food lovers.
Wellness in Nature
Bilston Creek Farm Summer Lavender Festival (June 13–August 23)
Slow down and savour the sights and scents of summer at Bilston Creek Farm's Summer Lavender Festival. Located in Metchosin, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria, this seasonal celebration invites visitors to wander through rows of blooming lavender, enjoy artisan shopping, and relax in a picturesque rural setting. Take in the vibrant purple fields, sample lavender-inspired treats and beverages, and browse handcrafted products made onsite and by local vendors. Peaceful surroundings and endless photo opportunities make the festival an ideal place to reconnect with nature and enjoy the slower pace of summer. A visit to Bilston Creek Farm combines countryside charm, natural beauty, and the unmistakable fragrance of lavender.
Forest Bathing at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (August 10)
Reconnect with nature during a guided Forest Bathing experience at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Located just a 10-minute drive from downtown Victoria, this immersive wellness practice encourages participants to slow down, engage their senses, and deepen their connection with the natural world. Led at a gentle pace, the experience invites visitors to mindfully explore the sanctuary's peaceful trails and diverse ecosystems while taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest. Designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness, Forest Bathing encourages participants to pause, reflect, and experience the restorative qualities of nature in the heart of Greater Victoria.
It’s summer in Victoria, and the beaches, ice cream and restaurant patios are calling! Whether your perfect summer day is basking on the beach, ziplining in the forest, or something in-between -- read on for inspiration to get the most out of the season.
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