Get ready, Victoria — downtown is about to get a major cultural glow-up.
On Saturday, September 20th, Ship Point will transform into a lively hub of food, music, and tradition as the Soul of Vietnam Festival makes its grand debut.
This free, all-day celebration marks the first large-scale Vietnamese cultural event of its kind on Vancouver Island, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to experience the vibrant heart of Vietnam without leaving the city.
Festival-goers can expect an immersive day filled with everything from traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine to live performances, fashion shows, and hands-on cultural activities for all ages.
It’s a mix of old-world charm and contemporary flair — and everyone’s invited.
“For the first time ever, Soul of Vietnam is coming to Victoria, and it promises to be more than just a festival,” says organizer Will Nguyen.
“We want to bring the spirit of Vietnam right into the heart of the city, where generations can connect through our traditions, stories, and flavours.”
Throughout the day, there will be cultural performances featuring everything from traditional Vietnamese music and folk dance to contemporary acts.
A fashion show curated by acclaimed designers Tran Thien Khanh and Nguyen Phuc Tuan will feature runway modelling by Dang Truong of Toronto.
Live music will include performances by Vietnamese-Canadian artists like SaigonBites from Vancouver and singer Hai Tuan.
Families will also have plenty to enjoy with a kids’ zone offering traditional Vietnamese games and a dedicated play area.
Food lovers can look forward to a vibrant marketplace serving up authentic Vietnamese cuisine alongside artisan vendors and handmade crafts.
The entire event has been backed by a strong coalition of community organizations, including Hai An and Van Hanh Temples, the Vietnamese Canadian Business Association, and the UVic Vietnamese Student Association.
Organized by the Soul of Vietnam Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to cultural exchange and empowerment, the festival is part of a broader mission to bring more visibility to Vietnamese culture across Canada.
Plans are already underway for future events, including celebrations for Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), the Mid-Autumn Festival, and hands-on cultural workshops like lantern making and Banh Chung tutorials.
With four cruise ships scheduled to dock in Victoria that day, thousands of international visitors will also have the chance to experience Vietnamese culture through its food, fashion, music, and storytelling.
The festival is free to attend and runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Ship Point on Wharf Street.
Whether you’re a longtime local or a visitor stepping off a ship for the day, Soul of Vietnam promises a taste of something truly special in the heart of Victoria.
Soul of Vietnam in Victoria
- Where: Ship Point, Wharf Street
- When: Saturday, September 20th, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
