Cheers to the arrival of August long weekend, Victoria!
A longer stretch of days off means more fun, so hopefully you’ll get the chance to check out one (or many) of the fabulous events happening around the city.
Catch a fireworks show, attend the long-awaited return of Symphony SPLASH!, peep the sand sculptures in Parksville and much more.
Plus, if you didn’t already know, the Sunfest Country music festival is officially underway, and always draws huge crowds of eager music fans!
Read about these and much more with our list of 16 things to do in and around Victoria this August long weekend—August 2nd to 4th:
Catch Some Fireworks
August long weekend is fast approaching—and you know what that means, Victoria!
That’s right, fireworks! From the Inner Harbour downtown to Wilson’s Group Stadium after a HarbourCats game, there are a couple of great spots to take in the show.
Don’t forget about the iconic fireworks display at Butchart Gardens, which happens every Saturday throughout the summer!
Take a look at our quick list of firework displays:
Full article: There are three different fireworks shows happening around Victoria this long weekend
Cat Video Fest
The Vic Theatre is bringing back the beloved Cat Video Fest, with screenings from Saturday, August 2nd to Monday, August 4th.
Curated by Oscilloscope Laboratories, this 74-minute cat compilation features some of the best, funniest and most heartwarming clips from across a variety of sources.
In addition to being about cute cats, this event also supports a good cause. A portion of the ticket proceeds will go towards Cat’s Cradle Animal Rescue—a local organization that’s dedicated to reducing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals that are overlooked.
Tickets are just over $14 and can be purchased online.
- Where: The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
- When: From Saturday, August 2nd to Monday, August 4th—showtimes vary
Sunfest Country
Treat the leather on your cowboy boots, it’s time for Sunfest Country music festival!
This year’s event kicked off on Thursday, July 31st and runs until Sunday, August 3rd—bringing attendees some of the best of country.
Catch featured performers such as Pony Gold, Chase Rice, Tim Hicks, the Coal Dust Gang, Ashley Cooke, Jaimeson Rhy and more!
Ticket prices vary depending on the festival experience you’re after! If you’re hoping to go for the day or camp for the weekend, there’s separate passes for your needs.
- Where: Laketown Ampitheatre, 8811 Youbou Road #648, Lake Cowichan
- When: Thursday, July 31st to Sunday, August 3rd
Symphony SPLASH!
The time for Symphony SPLASH has arrived, and will take place on August 2nd and 3rd this year!
The two-day event will feature four live orchestral performances on the Inner Harbour’s iconic barge stage from Victoria Symphony and The National Youth Orchestra of Canada.
Furthermore, there will be a handful of special guest performers, which will include JUNO-nominated Indigenous singer-songwriters Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, and BC Hall of Fame percussionist Sal Ferreras and his Latin Jazz Sextet, with Cuban vocalist Adonis Puentes.
The all-ages event is completely free to attend and will feature a myriad of other activities throughout the Inner Harbour.
If you wish to elevate your experience, The Veuve Clicquot Champagne Garden Party is a VIP experience happening on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., offering a front-row seat to the activities.
- Where: Victoria’s Inner Harbour
- When: Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd
Summer Lavender Festival
Head out to Bilston Creek Farm and enjoy their lush lavender fields during their Summer Lavender Festival.
Everything is in full bloom, and the festival will feature local makers, live music, product demonstrations, relaxing by the apple trees and more.
Admission is $10 for adult single-day entry.
- Where: Bilston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Road, Metchosin
- When:
- Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7th Annual Victoria Latin Fest
Don’t miss out on the 7th annual Victoria Latin Fest happening this weekend!
It’s an unforgettable celebration of Latin culture right in the heart of downtown, located at Centennial Square.
For two days, there will be live Latin bands, Latin American food, arts and crafts and more non-stop fun for the whole family.
This event is free to attend, and all are welcome!
- Where: Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Torque Masters: Sidney Summer Car Show
Once again, Sidney is welcoming the Torque Masters for their annual Sidney Summer Car Show, taking place from Saturday, August 2nd to Sunday, August 3rd.
The weekend events will kick off with their Poker Run on Saturday at 1 p.m., which finishes up at 3:30 p.m. on 3rd Street for their block party and gathering of classic cars.
The main event will take place on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., where they’re expecting over 300 dazzling classic and unique vehicles along Beacon Avenue.
There will also be a main stage, which will present audiences with a local band, The Haven, so you can jam to great music while you wander.
- Where: Downtown Sidney
- When: Saturday, August 2nd
- Poker Run: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Block Party: 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Movie: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, August 3rd from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parksville Beach Festival
Parksville Beach Festival is making its sun-soaked return from mid-July through to August 17th, transforming the shoreline of Parksville Community Park into one of the most spectacular summer destinations on Vancouver Island.
This beloved annual event centres around the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
This year’s theme? Circus by the Sea—and we’re already picturing lions, jugglers and maybe even an acrobat or two crafted entirely out of sand.
Beyond the sculpting showcase, the Parksville Beach Festival is stacked with summer entertainment. Enjoy live concerts every weekend, daily performances by talented buskers, and browse the artisan market for handmade treasures.
- Where: Parksville Community Park & Beach, 193 Island Highway East, Parksville
- When: July 14th to August 17th, Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
SoberFest 2025
Gather with friends for some substance-free fun!
In honour and support of all those in addictions recovery or having gone through it, SoberFest is both a celebration as well as a fundraiser for important life-line recovery services.
The fourth annual SoberFest will take place at the Starlight Stadium on Saturday, August 2nd from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and will feature live music, an abundance of vendors and delicious food options!
Expected performers include Serena Ryder, The Strumbellas, Yukon Blonde, Snak The Ripper, Colicchie and more.
Tickets are $60 for general admission, and children 12 and under get in for free. If you wish to leave a donation, there’s an option to do so under “Helping Families Heal” on the ticket page.
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Saturday, August 2nd from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
GVPL: Hiroshima-Nagasaki Poster Exhibition
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) has unveiled a new exhibition at their Central Branch.
Hiroshima-Nagasaki Poster Exhibition offers a powerful look at the lasting impact of nuclear war, and will be on display until August 15th.
To further engage the community, a special public event will be held at the Central Branch from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 2nd.
Speakers include Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto, Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi, Dr. Midori Ogasawara, and Maureen Sawa.
Family-friendly activities like paper crane folding and themed storytime will also be offered, with children’s programming starting at 2:30 p.m. Admission is by donation!
- Where: GVPL Central Branch, 735 Broughton Street
- When:
- Exhibition: Opened July 29th and on display until August 15th
- Event: Saturday, August 2nd from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Outdoor Bodyweight Bootcamp
There’s a free fitness class being offered by Oak Bay Parks at Kiwanis Playground Park this Saturday!
They meet every Saturday throughout the summer for an outdoor bodyweight bootcamp, led by Oak Bay Recreation instructor Rita Irwin.
It’s perfect for all fitness levels! Bring your own yoga mat and water bottle.
No registration is required.
- Where: Kiwanis Playground Park, 3537 Arden Road
- When: Saturday, August 2nd 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Daring Greatly at Wicket Hall
Blending southern soul, ‘70s rock grit, and folk-country roots, the band Daring Greatly doesn’t just play music—they set it on fire and hand you the match.
The group is led by brothers Patrick and Liam Croome, and backed by Brayden Tario on drums, Jeff Starkey playing guitar and Brendan Cutrer on bass.
Tickets are $18 and can be purchased here.
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Wicket Hall, 919 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, August 2nd at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.)
Sixty Watt Trivia at Monkey Tree Pub
Join The Monkey Tree Pub for a few rounds of trivia randomness!
They tackle everything under the moon from Eminem song lyrics, to the Periodic Table and Jean Claude Van Damme films.
If you think are packing a cranium of what seems like useless knowledge, grab some friends and come see if you can take the pub in a battle of wits and wisdom!
Teams of eight max are welcome.
- Where: Monkey Tree Pub, 4025 Borden Street
- When: Sunday, August 3rd from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday Karaoke at Friends of Dorothy
Join the crew at Friends of Dorothy (FOD) for a night of epic Sunday karaoke!
Hosted by Lilith Cain, you’re invited to sing your little heart out and enjoy FOD’s menu while you do so.
So ready your favourite tunes, Victoria, it’s about to get fabulously real!
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, August 3rd from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Pacific FC vs. Cavalry FC
Bring your best cheer and loads of team spirit this Saturday as Victoria’s Pacific FC team faces the Cavalry FC team.
Treat yourself to some snacks and beverages while you’re there too to make the most of this afternoon game!
Ticket prices vary by seat selection, but they start at around $30 for general admission.
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Monday, August 4th at 3 p.m.
Edmonton Riverhawks vs. Victoria HarbourCats
Cheer on our local baseball team the Victoria HarbourCats as they take on the Edmonton Riverhawks.
Plus, this game is now a doubleheader (two seven-inning games) beginning at 4:05 p.m. This is to accommodate a make up game against the Riverhawks due to the rain out on June 26th.
To cap off this epic day, there will be a fireworks display!
Ticket prices vary, but they start as low as $17.
- Where: Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Monday, August 4th at 4:05 p.m. (gates open at 3 p.m.)
