11 end-of-summer events in and around Victoria to do before Labour Day

Summer in Victoria really is a glorious thing.

Victoria’s beautiful venues like Centennial Square, Ship Point, Beacon Hill Park, Philips Backyard and the legislative lawns all host spectacular events throughout the summer, highlighting the vibrancy of the city.

From festivals and concerts to film screenings and markets there have been more events this year than any one person could ever hope to attend.

Unfortunately, as August comes to a close, the end of summer draws nearer.

Labour Day marks a return to school for many and one last chance to cap off the summer in a big way. Luckily, there are still plenty of things to do before Labour Day to end your summer in style.

Without further ado, here are 11 events happening in and around Victoria to make sure you attend before Labour Day:

Victoria Fringe Festival

For many, the Fringe Festival is the peak of the arts scene in Victoria.

A Vancouver Island festival tradition for decades, Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival takes over downtown Victoria each summer for a celebration of live performance from around the world, featuring an eclectic mixture of spoken word, drama, musicals, dance, comedy, magic, theatre for young audiences and more at venues across the city.

This year, Fringe is celebrating 40 years in action.

Since 1986, The Victoria Fringe Festival has provided a space and opportunity for local, national and international artists to share their artistry and craft with Victoria every summer.

Produced by Intrepid Theatre, the Victoria Fringe Festival is one of the longest-running Fringes in Canada, and one of the founding members of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF).

In addition to more than 35 shows at the festival, there are free events including the Fringe Eve Preview.

The box office is now open, and tickets for shows can be purchased here.

• Where: Venues Vary
• When: August 26th to September 6th

Eventide Series Finale

For the last seven weeks, CFUV’s Eventide Concert Series has taken over Centennial Square for a free outdoor concert.

Bringing different promoters each week to curate a show featuring some of the best bands in Victoria and beyond, these shows are a fantastic opportunity to appreciate different genres and Victoria’s music scene.

Those who have been able to attend these shows know how much fun they can be.

The series’ last concert happens this Wednesday, featuring CFUV themselves as curators.

Hot Goss, Reveal Yourself, PC Dagg and tontoloop will all take to the stage to complete Eventide’s season.

Where were you for the last Eventide show of the year? Be there or be square!

These events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: 1 Centennial Square
• When: Wednesday, August 26th – 6 p.m.

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT at the Royal Theatre

Hot off a critically acclaimed Broadway revival in 2023, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical makes its Victoria debut!

Lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle.

SPAMALOT has everything you need for a great knight at the theatre—from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery and of course, the Lady of the Lake.

SPAMALOT features songs that will leave you humming including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail” and more that have become beloved classics in musical theatre.

The show will be taking place from August 28th to 30th. Tickets start at $78.25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
• When: Friday, August 28th to Sunday, August 30th

Vancouver Island Field of Feasts

Feast of Fields is a wandering gourmet harvest festival that highlights the connections between farmers and chefs, field and table and farm folks and city folks.

With a wine glass and napkin in hand, you’ll stroll across a field, travelling from tent to tent, listening to live music and tasting gourmet creations from some of Vancouver Island’s top chefs, bakers, food artisans, vintners, brewers, distillers and other beverage producers.

Heritage Acres holds a strong connection to the rich farming history of the Saanich Peninsula, reinforcing the importance of local agriculture through its amazing collection of old tractors, steam engines, farming equipment and much more.

Adult admission tickets are $123.81 and can be purchased here. Tickets are Your ticket price covers all food and beverage.

• Where: Heritage Acres, 7321 Lochside Drive
• When: Sunday, August 30th – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Rock Bay Rumble with 365 Pro Wrestling at Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe

Any pro wrestling fans? 365 Pro Wrestling, one of Victoria’s wrestling organizations, are going all out with a huge brawl at Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe.

Pro wrestling in Victoria may be a new thing to some, but 365 is a favourite activity for many in the city. Pitting villains against heroes and friends against enemies, these wrestlers know what they’re doing.

These events are rowdy, loud and an all-around great time. This is one of the biggest events in Rock Bay all year, and it will sell out, so make sure to get your tickets early.

Tickets are $25 for general admission or $35 if you’d like to be seated. They can be purchased here.

• Where: Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe
• When: Saturday, September 5th – 6 p.m.

Randy’s Cheeseburger Picnic at the Capital Ballroom

A man’s gotta eat!

Trailer Park Boys‘ fans will recognize Randy as the hilarious assistant trailer park supervisor, getting up to shenanigans at every turn.

Played by Patrick Roach, Randy is a favourite among fans. Roach will be bringing Randy’s Cheeseburger Picnic to Victoria’s Capital Ballroom for a show that is bound to be a hoot.

A comedy act filled with Trailer Park Boys’ shenanigans, songs, contests and prizes will surely lift your spirits.

Tell your frown to “frig off” and get ready for a good time with Randy Bobandy himself!

Tickets are $30 plus fees and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Wednesday, September 2nd – 8 p.m.

Hot August Days Vintage Market

Vintage enthusiasts around Greater Victoria know these events well.

Island Vintage Events will be holding an August market at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney.

The event will feature multiple vendors dealing in vintage, retro, collectibles, pop culture, memorabilia, trading cards, vinyl, toys, automotive, antiques, clothing, shoes, accessories, bags, purses, jewelry, rockabilly, pinup, arts, crafts, makers, photography, atomic era, mid-century modern, tiki, food and so much more.

Admission to the market is $5 at the door, or free for kids with an adult admission.

• Where: Mary Winspeare Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue
• When: Saturday, August 29th – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lunchtime and evening concerts at Ship Point

Monday through Thursday, free lunchtime concerts and evening shows have been taking place at the beautiful Ship Point.

Food trucks, live music, games and outdoor fun, what’s not to love?

These events will continue up until Labour Day, so be sure to check one of them out before they’re gone!

The final show of the season will be King Bob on Thursday, September 3rd from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

King Bob is a master performer, and if you haven’t been to one of his shows yet, don’t miss this one.

These events are free and open to everyone. For more information and a schedule of events, visit the CityVibe website here.

• Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
• When: Mondays to Thursdays – lunchtime concerts and evening shows at varying times

Greekfest at the Greek Community Centre

Greekfest has become one of the most popular events of the summer.

The annual festival is held in a lively outdoor venue, and serves as a gateway to Greece’s rich heritage, showcasing the country’s traditions and customs.

One of the highlights of GreekFest is undoubtedly the delectable Greek food.

Traditional Greek dishes such as lamb on the spit, souvlaki, spanakopita, loukoumades and baklava are prepared with authenticity and care, allowing attendees to savor the flavors of Greece.

The event also showcases the beauty and elegance of Greek dances.

Dancers in colorful traditional costumes gracefully swirl and twirl to the rhythmic tunes of Greek music.

This year, the festival takes place over two weekends—August 28th to 30th and September 4th to 7th.

The festival is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: The Greek Community Centre, 4648 Elk Lake Drive
• When: 
  • Week 1: August 28th to 30th
  • Week 2: September 4th to 7th

Saanich Fair

It’s just not summer without the Saanich Fair.

Agriculture is at the heart of the fair, but it will also bring everyone’s favourite midway attractions to the grounds.

From 4H and animal showcases to funnel cakes and carnival rides, the fair is fun for the whole family.

They’ve also been developing the kids zone, and will be highlighting a “Tiny Town” on the west side of the property.

This year, the theme is “small but mighty.”

The fair aims to celebrate the small but meaningful parts of the fair that make it what it is. Volunteers, exhibitors and families that come out to the fair every year make the event a special occasion, and this year will be no different.

In honour of the theme, this year’s feature is the miniature horse!

Admission to the grounds is $18 for adults, $13.05 for seniors and $12 for youth 12 and under. You can purchase tickets here.

• Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stellys Cross Road
• When: September 5th to September 7th

Victoria Classic Boat Festival in the Inner Harbour

Have you ever been to a boat festival?

At the Victoria Classic Boat Festival, visitors can explore the docks, view up to 100 classic boats, cheer on their favourites during the Sail Race and take part in a wide range of engaging activities throughout the weekend.

The Sail Race will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 6th, with prime viewing locations being Ogden Point Causeway, Clover Point or Barb’s Fish and Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf.

There will also be performances from several featured artists, as well as the Yacht Dogs Cafe serving up tasty eats.

The festival is put on by the Victoria Maritime Museum. Admission is by donation with a suggested $5 donation.

• Where: Inner Harbour
• When: September 4th to September 6th