While Victoria is a small city, because of its attractiveness as a tourist destination, a burgeoning population of post secondary students, and its popularity with retirees (and younger working families) moving here from across Canada, there is a vibrant entertainment scene.
Folks who are holidaying and active retired people have free time and resources, and are looking for amusement. Despite having less cash and free time, university and college students are usually looking for some fun too! Even busy career and family people need some celebration and relaxation, and in answer to this demand a range of arts and theatre groups, musically oriented societies, festivals and entertainment based businesses are thriving.
Entertainment Options in Victoria are Diverse!
Your interests may lead you to take in a concert featuring your preferred musical genre, attend a quality theatre production, visit tourist attractions like the world famous Butchart Gardens, or maybe you just want to meet up with friends at one of Victorias’ many neighborhood pubs. Whatever your speed, there are no lack of options for entertainment in Victoria.
Students and young people in Victoria have a many nightclubs to choose from, and often these venues present live music or visiting dj’s, weekly contests and events. For those of us looking to kick back in a more relaxed atmosphere, there are plenty of pubs and lounges to meet with friends for a drink, and tasty victuals!
When you’re in the mood for some theatre, investigate the playbills of our local stages. There’s always something interesting going on at the Royal Theatre, The Belfry Theatre, MacPherson Playhouse or Langham Court Theatre.
If you’re musically inclined, check out the Victoria Conservatory of Music, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, or the Victoria Jazz Society, there are always events and festivals that are organised by these groups where you can see some amazing performances by local or touring artists and groups. The City of Victoria produces a series of free Concerts in the Park at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park, running each year May through September. This program features everything from dance performances of many types, interdenominational church services, and high school band concerts to classical, swing, folk, ethnic, and jazz musical presentations.
Victoria has a Busy Entertainment Calendar
People living in Victoria can also take advantage of a progression of events, festivals and celebrations held throughout the calendar year. These annual opportunities for entertainment include;
- Chinese New Year celebrations in Victoria’s historical Chinatown,
- The Victoria Day Parade (Victoria’s largest annually held parade),
- Jazzfest International, a huge festival encompassing ten days and nights of music held in numerous downtown venues,
- Canada Day celebrations and fireworks eh, at the legislative grounds and inner harbour, eh,
- Symphony Splash which features the Victoria Symphony Orchestra playing to a backdrop of fireworks and cannons at the inner harbour on a hot summer night in August,
- The Fringe Festival, the long running very popular twelve day explosion of creative energy from around the globe, and
- The Saanich Fall Fair, an agricultural fair which will be held for the 143rd time on Labour Day weekend 2010,
Another popular event that Victorians look forward to each year is the “Be a Tourist in your Own Home Town” promotion. Residents who can produce ID with a local address are able to purchase a very economical pass that will allow them admission to about a dozen tourist attractions, and coupons and discounts for numerous other events, restaurants and attractions. Whether you are a longtime resident or a newcomer to Victoria, this is a great deal, and as it’s held each year in early March it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience many of Victoria’s treasures before these venues get too busy!
There are so many interesting places to see and things to do in Victoria, whether your tastes run to sporting events or historical tours, events like the Victoria Flower and Garden Show or hiking the Juan de Fuca Trail. You are not likely to run out of entertainment options, even if you spend the rest of your life living in Victoria.
Learn more in our Blog category: Entertainment in Victoria
