Markets, concerts, and events in Victoria this summer
The last few summers in Victoria have been quiet. The COVID-19 pandemic has been unpredictable, and the status of summer events constantly changed as mandates came and went. With the provincial government pulling back on vaccine and masking requirements this spring, there are fewer limits on events, which means, for the time being, summer events are in full swing in Victoria.
Here are some of the markets, festivals, and concerts that people can enjoy in Victoria this summer. Keep in mind, these are only a few highlights, and there will be many more events happening in the city.
Markets
Even during COVID-19, outdoor markets were held in the city through the summers. This summer, there is a slate of markets running weekly, as well as some special one-weekend-only events.
Starting in May, the James Bay Community Market will run every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until the end of September. This event features plenty of local produce, crafts, and art. Though the vendors may change week to week, this market is always bustling, and there is always something for everyone.
Another famous Victoria staple, the Moss Street Market, is starting their outdoor market in May. It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through to October. They have an extensive list on their website of the vendors that sell their goods at the market. They have also just started an online order option, so one can browse what is available and pick up purchases made online at a specific tent.
A very niche market, the Victoria Quilters’ Guild is holding a quilt show and sale in early August. Aug. 5–7 at the Tillicum Mall’s Pearkes Recreation Centre there will be a gathering of quilt makers showing off their pieces and selling their work. According to the website, there will be over 250 quilts on display. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first two days, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to the market is $10 and covers all three days.
Festivals
Victoria has a lot of festivals happening this summer. Want to learn and experience world cultures? Interested in watching fireworks? Feel like a good old-fashioned party? Well, there are festivals to quench these and more happening in Victoria.
Currently, the Issamba Centre is holding their annual AfriCA Fest in Centennial Square, from May 21–29, so there are still a few days left to enjoy the festivities. AfriCA Fest includes vendors, artists, food, music, and dances. This festival takes place outdoors and is completely free. On the Issamba Centre website, it states that the artists present have “roots in Guinea, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Belize, Cuba, and Canada.” AfriCA Fest will be open to all ages and peoples that want to experience it.
On Saturday, June 18, there will be an event at Hermann’s Jazz Club, called “Groove Kitchen Summer Jam.” The summer jam will include Latin, funk, and soul music. Advance tickets are $20 (while door tickets will cost $25), and the show goes from 8 p.m. to midnight. To buy tickets, as well as for more information, you can go to the Hermann’s Jazz Club website and check the ‘Upcoming Events’ section.
Whistlemania 2022 will be put on by Whistle Buoy Brewing on June 25, at their location in Market Square. This is an all-day (from 2–10 p.m.) festival that will have beer from the company, and food from several restaurants around the city. The festival will have giveaways and live performances. The price for attending Whistlemania is around $70 per person. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Canada Day in Victoria is not entirely back, but it is not entirely gone. According to Victoria Buzz, this year on July 1 there will be a “multicultural street festival,” though it is unclear what cultures will be represented or what the street fair will look like. That afternoon and evening, there will be fireworks mixed with traditional lək̓ʷəŋən music, rather than the national anthem.
Concerts and exhibitions
There are a lot of awesome concerts and exhibitions in the city that you do not want to miss out on this summer.
On July 16, Canada’s Drag Race Season two tour comes to Victoria. The tour will be crossing Canada in late June to mid-July. There has not been an official release of tickets, but estimated prices are around $113–$130 per person.
There are many concerts coming to Victoria this summer, including local bands and visiting artists. To name a few: at the Royal Theatre, Jason Mraz and Raining Jane on July 13, and Tash Sultana on July 15. At the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, The Zombies will be performing on July 13. And finally, on July 25 Spoon will be performing at the Capital Ballroom.
In January 2022, the Royal B.C. Museum began closing sections on the third floor of the museum for modernization purposes. The second floor is still fully open, and the price has been reduced due to the closure. The rate for everyone is $5, and free for Indigenous people. So, if you ever were curious about the natural history of B.C. but the cost has been an issue, this summer is the perfect time to visit.
The Chinese Canadian Museum and Victoria Chinatown Museum Society are running an exhibition this summer titled First Steps located in Fan Tan Alley. This exhibition highlights the experiences of migrant Chinese workers in the 1850s, particularly in the Fraser Valley gold rush.There is no cost to admission, and it runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday to Sunday.
There are so many events happening in Victoria this summer. All that you need to do is look. There is ample information about these events and more online.
