The Victoria events 2023 calendar is full of fun affairs that can be worth adding to the itinerary. Among these events are fun festivals, and during the summer especially, various venues play host to live music performances. Sporting events also figure on the annual Victoria events agenda, and as you might expect in a waterfront city, there are a few good boating festivals to partake in every year.

One of Victoria's most renowned boat festival is known as the Victoria Classic Boat Festival. During this annual event in September, the city's beautiful Inner Harbour fills with antique boats made of wood. Some of the boats welcome the public to step onboard for a look around, and among the side events are a regatta and a parade that features steam boats.

Boating enthusiasts who can't make it to Victoria for the Victoria Classic Boat Festival might try to visit when the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival or the Swiftsure International Yacht Race are going on. The Dragon Boat Festival is held in August and sees more than 100 teams competing in races. As for the Swiftsure International Yacht Race, it sees larger watercraft competing in a sailing event that is quite popular. May is the month of choice for this yachting affair.

Victoria Map

One of the most popular things to do in Victoria is have afternoon tea at the beautiful and historic Fairmont Empress Hotel. Tea-lovers who are planning a visit can do more than partake in just afternoon tea sessions, however. Every year in February, the Victoria Tea Festival gets under way, and it can be worth planning an entire trip around. Literally hundreds of teas are for sale during this event, and guests can also sample any number of brews.

Regardless of your interests, there is likely to be a Victoria event to satisfy. Art enthusiasts are all but guaranteed to enjoy Folkfest, which is a huge arts extravaganza in July, and for those who like beer more than wine, the second week of November sees the Great Canadian Beer Festival at the Victoria Conference Center. Other Victoria festivals that can also capture the interest of many are the Victoria Film Festival, which takes place in February, and the popular summer event that is the Victoria Shakespeare Festival.

Music enthusiasts and fans of the performing arts have numerous Victoria events to select from. The Save on Foods Memorial Centre hosts big ticket concerts that feature the biggest names in the music business, and it is possible to attend symphony and opera performances at downtown venues such as the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse. Music enthusiasts can also focus on annual events like Jazz Fest International. Held in late June and early July, this festival features all kinds of jazz styles, such as fusion and Cuban.

As far as the performing arts are concerned, a number of stage performances take place in Victoria every year. Once again, venues such as the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse are good places to focus on when considering such events.

Should you arrive in Victoria BC without knowing what's on the events agenda, there are some ways to get the scoop. Visiting one of the city's visitor information centers is the best place to start. The main visitor center in town is called the Tourism Victoria Visitor Centre, and it is situated at 812 Wharf Street in the Inner Harbour.