For a detailed calendar of events see:
City of Victoria Calendar of Events

Annual Events
January
January 1:  Annual Polar Bear Swim

Early January:  Pacific Cup Hockey:
Get away from the snow and enjoy a round of golf, some deep-sea fishing, whale watching or simply enjoy the scenic view of the Harbour area.

Chinese New Year Dance
Lion dance performance in front of the Gates of Harmonious Interest on Fisgard Street in Chinatown.
 
Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival
(end of January)
Tenth annual ten day celebration of film, featuring more than 160 films, a family day, art exhibition, new media event, and a film forum.
Information: 250- 389- 0444
 
February
Flower Count
Victoria residents count flowers in their gardens and in City Parks. Results are published throughout Canada.
 
Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival
(mid-February)
 
March
Annual Elk Lake Spring Regatta
monster two day rowing event.
 
March - April
TerrifVic Jazz Party
5 day Jazz Festival, 5 venues throughout Victoria. Bands from around the world,  dance floors at all venues.
 
May  
Victoria Literary Arts Festival
(Late May)
A springtime celebration of nationally and internationally acclaimed writers.
 
Victoria Harbour Festival
Location: Inner Harbour
Celebrate the beauty of Victoria with parades, cultural events, and more.
 
Victoria Highland Games
Location: Bullen Park, Esquimalt
Annual gathering of the clans. Featuring traditional Scottish games like the caber toss as well as pipes, dancing, vendors and Celtic food. Fun for the whole family.
Info: 250-598-1531.
 
Victoria Festival of Wine, Music, & Food
(Late May)
Experience the extravagance of Victoria's finest festival for the senses.
 
Swiftsure International Yacht Race
(Late May)
World renowned sailing race from Victoria to Swiftsure Bank off the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
Information: 250- 592-244
 
June
June - September
Summer in the Square
Centennial Square
Free entertainment throughout the summer every day of the week

Uno Festival at Belfry Arts Centre
International annual festival of solo theatrical performance.
 
22nd Annual Victoria Conservatory of Music Garden Tour
Wander the magnificent gardens at the most beautiful time of the year.
For more information call toll free 1- 866- 386- 5311
 
End June - Early July
Jazzfest International
Location: Venues throughout Victoria
This growing annual festival, (over 20 years) , attracts over 30,000 spectators and 300 musicians from all over the world.  Free concerts, workshops and spectacular performances at some of Victoria's best venues are featured.
Info and tickets: 250- 388-4423.
 
July  
July 1:   Celebrate Canada
Legislature Grounds, Victoria
Celebrate Canada's birthday at this family picnic. Face painting, food kiosks and more. Entertainment during the day is followed by spectacular fireworks over the Inner Harbour.
 
Late July- Early  August
First Peoples Festival
Royal British Columbia Museum
This festival presents over 350 First nations artists, musicians, storytellers and entertainers making it one of the largest Aboriginal cultural events in the country.

Luminara
Beacon Hill Park
Experience the magic of this festival of lights with a walk through Beacon Hill Park at night.

August  
Symphony Splash
Inner Harbour
The Victoria Symphony Orchestra performs a full two:  hour concert of light classical orchestral music from a barge anchored in the Inner Harbor, also bell ringing and fireworks.
 
Victoria Latin Caribbean Festival
Throughout Victoria
 Featuring music, dance and parades in the true Carnival spirit. 
 
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
Inner Harbour
A fun filled 2:  day festival focusing around the exciting sport of Dragon Boat racing, in which teams of paddlers compete against other teams. The 500:  m course will host a record 80 boats, making for a thrilling weekend of racing.
Info  250- 472- 2628.
 
Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival
Various locations
Don't miss out on Victoria's zaniest theatrical performances at the annual Fringe Festival. Performances take place at various locations throughout the city.

September
Saanich Fall Fair
(Labour Day Weekend)
Location: Saanich Peninsula
The oldest agricultural fair in Canada is much like a country fair including entertainment, arts & crafts, fairgrounds and prize- winning livestock.

October  
Royal Victoria Marathon
Voted one of the top ten marathon destinations by "Runner's World Magazine". The half marathon proved to be immensely popular and will return.
Info or registration: 250-658- 0951.

November  
Out of Hand Crafts Fair
Vancouver Island's premier juried craft fair brings in exhibitors from across the country. Don't miss out on this Victoria tradition!
 
Santa Claus Light Parade
Children of all ages fill the streets to greet Santa and celebrate in the holiday atmosphere. A collection for the Food Bank enhances the generous spirit of the season.
Info: 250-382-3111.

December  
Christmas at Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens comes to life with a dazzling display of Christmas Lights that will fill you with joy throughout the month.
 
Christmas at Craigdarroch
Experience Christmas circa 1910 as antique toys and period costumes come together to portray Christmas in a simpler time.