Get ready, Victoria!
One of Greater Victoria’s most beloved summer traditions is set to return next month, as the 58th annual Saanich Strawberry Festival takes over Beaver Lake Park.
The free, family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 6th and offers a full day of entertainment, food, and community celebration.
Similar to previous years, thousands are expected to attend the long-running festival, which is known for its laid-back charm, lakeside setting, and, of course, the now-famous strawberries and ice cream.
This year, the traditional treat will be served from 2 to 4 p.m. (or until sold out), with bowls priced at just $2.
Organizers note that there will be no pre-sales as in previous years—guests will line up once, beginning at 2 p.m., with four cashiers and multiple payment options available.
Toppings are made from strawberries grown and processed by Mitchells Farm Market, and attendees can choose between Island Farms vanilla ice cream or Cold Comfort’s vegan Plain Jane nice cream.
For the first time, the festival will also serve the treat in reusable stainless steel bowls in a move expected to divert nearly 4,000 paper cups from the compost bin.
The festival will take place across two connected sites at Beaver Lake Park.
The mainstage area at Beaver Beach will feature live music, food trucks, information booths, zucchini racing, and bubble activities, while the Filter Beds site will serve as a kids zone with art activities, bouncy castles, inflatables, pony photo ops, and a separate stage for children’s performances.
A walking trail along the lake links the two venues.
The mainstage music lineup includes The Soul Shakers, Slim Sandy’s Atomic Cocktails, Blasé Blasé, and the Commodores Big Band. Over in the kids zone, entertainment includes performances by Pico’s Puppet Palace, Jambiguous, Madame B Musique’s Pirate Party, and Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales.
A wide selection of local food and artisan vendors will also be on site, with everything from hot empanadas and samosas to gluten-free baked goods and hand-crafted gifts.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to consider alternative transportation, as on-site parking is limited.
A free bike valet will be provided by The Locker at the main venue, and a free shuttle service will run throughout the day between Saanich Commonwealth Place, the overflow parking area, and the main event lot.
The first shuttle leaves at 11 a.m. and the final return trip departs at 4:45 p.m. BC Transit stops along routes 35, 72, and 75 are also located near the park.
Saanich Strawberry Festival
- Where: Beaver Lake Regional Park, 728 Beaver Lake Road
- When: Sunday, July 6th · 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (strawberries + ice cream 2–4 p.m.)
- Cost: Free to attend · $2 for strawberries and ice cream
