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2009 Annual Festivals & Celebrations for you to enjoy!
January / February
Victoria Film Festival (Jan 29 - Feb 8)
Location(s): Odeon, Capitol 6, Plan B Lounge, Open Space, Fairmont Empress Hotel, Platinum Lounge
"Bring Film to Life" A ten day celebration of film with over 160 films to choice from. Featuring Converge, My Victoria, a Film Forum, Media Event, Art Exhibition, SIPS Cinema and so much more.
Contact for more Information: (250) 389-0444 or visit www.victoriafilmfestival.com
Chinese New Year Celebration (Feb 1)
Location(s): Chinatown - Gate of Harmonious Interest (Fisgard and Government Streets)
Colourful folkdances, powerful martial arts demonstrations and the thrilling Lion Dance - all brought to life with music and gorgeous costumes. Presented by the Chinese Benevolent Association.
Contact for more Information: (250) 384-7352
Black History Month (Feb 7, 14, 21, 28)
Location(s): UVIC, Shady Creek Church, Ross Bay Cemetery, Fernwood Community Centre
Celebrating the achievements of black British Columbians, a variety of local events are planned featuring Cultural Heritage Day, Gospel Choir Extravaganza, Ross Bay Cemetery Walking Tour and Children's Storytelling.
Contact for more Information: (250) 727-6454 or visit the website.
Living Colours - A Spirit Spectacular (Feb 15)
Location(s): Victoria Conference Centre
Outside it may be rainy, grey and cold, but inside the Victoria Conference Centre there is a brilliant burst of colour, energy and excitement at an fun family festival that celebrates the spirit of Greater Victoria! An experiential showcase of activity, creativity, community and diversity, featuring over 52 interactive stations by community sport, arts and service organizations, live performances, hands-on fun and much more. Everyone welcome from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm! Admission by donation.
Contact for more Information: 361-0546 or visit victoria.spiritofbc.com.
March
Victoria French Fest (March 12 - 15)
Location(s): Market Square, Alix Goolden Hall, Victor-Brodeur School
A four day event filled with music, movies and entertainent, traditional food, local artists and artisans and many family events. Highlights include a concert featuring a celebrated musician from Quebec, a sugar-shack dinner and Family Days in Market Square.
Contact for more Information: (250) 388-7350 or visit www.frenchfest.ca
April/May
Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival (March 30 – May 10)
Location(s): Assorted
Applaud the future!!! 5,000 of Victoria's best young performing musicians, singers, dancers and actors perform daily throughout the festival at venues all around Victoria The program highlights include eight honours concerts in music theatre, strings, piano, vocal, dance and choral as well as the Roberto and Mary Wood Scholarship concerts.
Contact for more Information: (250) 385-9223 or visit www.gvpaf.org
Great Victoria Easter EggStravaganza (April 12)
Location(s): St. Ann's Academy Grounds
Enjoy a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for the entire family.
Contact for more Information: (250) 388-5251 or visit www.burnsidegorge.ca/upcomingEvents.htm
Fairfield Artist Studio Tour (April 24 - 26)
Location(s): Fairfield Community Assorted
Enjoy this free weekend showcasing the creative talent in Fairfield. Over 50 artist studio locations as well a group show and art preview at Fairfield Community Centre and Fairfield United Church. You will need both days to view them all. Maps are available.
Contact for more Information: (250) 382-4604 or visit www.fairfieldcommunity.ca
The Pacific Festival of the Book (May 4 - 15)
Location(s): Greater Victoria Public Library Branches, Community Arts Council of Victoria, and other downtown venues
Ten day event featuring integrated interdisciplinary workshops revolving around the literary arts as well as extensive book sellers and publishers fair. Events include roving performers (inside and out), author talks, book signings, book making demos, publishers and self-publishing workshops, children's storeytelling and a young writers workshop.
Contact for more Information: (250) 415-1764 or visit www.pacificfestivalofthebook.com
Tartan Parade (May 9) Celtic Festival & Highland Games (May 16 & 17)
Location(s): Centennial Square / Legislative Building Grounds / Topaz Park
The Tartan Parade of local and visiting pipe bands and highland dancers begins at Centennial Square and marches up Government Street to the Legislative Building for demos of more singing, piping and country dancing. All this is in preparation for the Celtic Festival and the 72nd Highland Games scheduled the next weekend at Topaz Park (Blanshard and Finlayson) - Activities include dance, bagpipe and drum competitions, pipebands, caber throwing, heavy event championship, historical display, entertainment, and Celtic food.
Contact for more Information: (250) 598-0120 or visit www.victoriahighlandgames.com
Victoria Day Parade (May 18)
Location(s): Downtown Victoria along Douglas Street
Victoria's largest parade event - marching bands, floats, clowns, etc. Over 120,000 spectators watch this popular annual event in person and on television. Fun for the whole family.
Contact for more Information: (250) 382-3111
Uno Festival of Solo Performance (May 21 - 31)
Location(s): The Metro Studio, Intrepid Theatre Studio
Intrepid Theatre presents Canada's one-and-only international festival devoted to outstanding one-person shows. Comedy, drama, physical theatre, dance and performance art. Tickets: Free - $20
Contact for more Information: (250) 383-2663 or visit www.intrepidtheatre.com
Selkirk Waterfront Festival (May 30)
Location(s): Selkirk Waterfront
A free family friendly annual outdoor festival for all ages. Activities include a variety of cultural / musical performances, a family fun fair, food vendors and artisans market.
Contact for more Information: (250) 388-5251 or visit www.burnsidegorge.ca/upcomingEvents
June
JumpCuts: A Festival for Young Filmmakers (June 11 - 13)
Location(s): Centennial Square, Empire Theatre
A festival for young filmmakers - a unique opportunity for youth aged 7 - 15 to participate in workshops in order to understand and learn to create media content divided into two skill levels.
Contact for more Information: (250) 389-0444 or visit www.vifvf.com
Heritage Day (June 20)
Location(s):Stage in the Park (Cameron Bandshell), Beacon Hill Park
Celebrating Victoria's cultural diversity through Dance from 12 - 9 pm. Come and join the excitement as dance groups light up the stage with their vibrant costumes and energetic music! Bring a snack, or lunch, and plan to stay for the afternoon. It's an event that everyone will enjoy! Proudly presented by the Veselka Ukrainian Dancers.
Contact for more Information: (250) 475-1174 or visit www.veselkadancers.com
Ceilidh In the Park (June 21)
Location(s): Stage in the Park (Cameron Bandshell), Beacon Hill Park
Music brings people together like nothing else! Celebrate Father's Day in the park and bring the whole family to an all ages Celtic music extravaganza filled with Irish dancers, fantastic fiddlers, rousing singing, and genuine good fun in the Irish and Scottish musical traditions. Enjoy with your friends and family the energy of a Ceilidh - or "Kitchen Table Party". This year's program includes fiddlers, the Hernandez Sisters, BC Fiddle Orchestra, Cookeilidh and the O'Brien Irish Dancers.
Contact for more Information: (250) 361-0358
Vancouver Island's 7th Annual Afro-Carib Carnival (June 20 - 21)
Location(s): Selkirk Waterfront
A free cultural event featuring music, food and fashions of a variety of African and Caribbean countries. Carnival Day consists of live performances, a marketplace with clothes, jewellery, art, and crafts and various food vendors representing numerous regions. Presented by the African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island.
Contact for more Information: (250) 727-6454 or visit www.ahavi.ca
JazzFest International (June 26 - July 5)
Location(s): Royal Theatre, MacPherson Playhouse, Centennial Square, Alix Goolden Hall, Open Space Gallery, Metro Studio and numerous other downtown venues
"Ten hot days and nights of the coolest music in town." Enjoy over 80 high calibre individual jazz performances taking place in numerous indoor and outdoor venues/stages with over 325 musicians. A series of free admission performances in Centennial Square will also take place during the daytime with ticketed and cover charge performances scheduled in various theatres, clubs and restaurant venues in the evenings. Workshops by visiting musicians as well.
Contact for more Information: (250) 388-4423 or visit www.jazzvictoria.ca
Spirit of Summer In the Square (June 27 - September 4)
Location(s): Centennial Square – next to City Hall (Pandora Ave. & Douglas St.)
Centennial Square is ‘the place to be this summer’. Check out the new Spirit stage, plaza and garden areas. Performances, events and activities are planned for all ages and interests. Everyone is welcome. Activities include Lunch Time Concerts, JazzFest International, Festival Mexicano, Dancing in the Square, Victoria Electronic Music Festival, Tango Fest '09 Opener and much more.
Contact for more Information: (250) 361-0388
Victoria Pride Week (June 28 - July 5)
Location(s): Fisherman's Wharf, Dallas Road Waterfront and other venues
A week worth of events celebrating the gay and lesbian community leading up to a Pride Parade and afternoon festival on July 5.
Contact for more Information: (250) 886-3076 or visit www.victoriapridesociety.org
July
Canada Day – Celebration Victoria (July 1)
Location(s): Legislative Grounds and Victoria's Inner Harbour
Victoria's annual celebration of our beloved nation, featuring our "Eh-rated" fireworks display which gets better every year. Celebration Victoria is proudly presented by the City of Victoria and it's event partners.
Contact for more Information: visit www.victoria.ca/canadaday
SKA Festival (July 8 - 11)
Location(s): Victoria Curling Club, Ship Point
Enjoy a music and visual arts festival that celebrates Ska music and culture as well as educating the public about the genre and its history. Features acts that cross musical boundaries and generation gaps alike.
Contact for more Information: (250) 812 - 6165 or visit www.victoriaskafest.ca
Festival Mexicano 2009 (July 10 - 12)
Location(s): Victoria Event Centre and Centennial Square
Celebrate Mexican/Latin American culture - features an open air main stage with local performers sharing traditional music and dance, kiosks showcasing Mexican/Latin American food and beverages, arts and crafts.
Contact for more Information: (250) 216-3664 or visit www.1415broad.ca
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Moss Street Paint In (July 18)
Location(s): 1040 Moss Street and Moss Street from Fort Street to Dallas Road
This popular free annual community event showcases the talents of Victoria's artists and the techniques that they employ. Up to 100 artists line the boulevards of Moss Street from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The Food and Beverage Garden, featuring entertainment and dancing, is open until 9:00 p.m. in the Art Gallery Parking Lot, 1040 Moss Street.
Contact for more Information: (250) 384-4171 or visit www.aggv.bc.ca
Summer Chess Festival (July 20 - 21)
Location(s): Confederation Park, Royal British Columbia Museum Plaza
A new annual chess festival with activities such as human outdoor chess games, demos, twilight blitz, lectures, learn to play chess, treasure hunts, and a drawing contest.
Contact for more Information: (250) 595-0025 or visit www.cycc2009.pbwiki.com
Luminara Victoria (July 25)
Location(s): St. Ann's Academy & Beacon Hill Park
Community lantern festival featuring beautiful lantern displays, live music and performance. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lantern and be part of the magic!
Contact for more Information: (250) 388-4728 or visit www.luminaravictoria.com
August
Free B Film Festival (Fri/Sat evenings in August)
Location(s): Beacon Hill Park - Cameron Bandshell
Every Friday and Saturday evening beginning at 9:15 p.m. Free "B" film showings for everyone to enjoy.
Contact for more Information: (250) 389-0444 or visit www.vifvf.com
Victoria Electronic Music Festival (VEMF) (Aug 1 - 2)
Location(s): Centennial Square; Hush Nightclub, Sugar Nightclub, Event Centre and other downtown locations
Dance oriented event showcasing live electronic music via main stage performances. Also educational seminars from local industry leaders. Event attendees can dance, interact with peers, and take part in hands-on demonstrations.
Contact for more Information: (250) 480-9673 or visit www.vemf.ca
Symphony Splash (August 2)
Location(s): Victoria's Inner Harbour
The Victoria Symphony Orchestra perform an evening concert of light classical orchestral music from a barge anchored in the Inner Harbour. The concert concludes with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, accompanied by cannons, Sea Cadets, bell ringing and fireworks. Make it a full day event and enjoy the pre-concert entertainment starting at 2:00pm
Contact for more Information: (250) 385-9771 or visit www.victoriasymphony.ca
Capital Festival BC Day Celebration (August 3rd)
FREE · 11am to dusk · St. Ann's Academy
Bring a blanket and a picnic and celebrate BC Day at St. Ann's Academy with continuous onstage events and outdoor entertainment at this family-friendly event. Uniting our community and presenting the many facets of our diverse backgrounds, we present performing artists from our city, province and beyond.
For more information, visit: www.capitalfestival.com
Passion for Tango Festival (August 7 - 9)
Location(s): Centennial Square, Cameron Bandshell, Victoria Arts Connection, Alix Goolden Hall, Metro Theatre
A three day extravaganza of tango activities, music concerts, lectures and dance performances by international, Canadian and local artists. Concerts feature tango classics to tango blended with other cultural art forms and cutting edge contemporary work.
Contact for more Information: (250) 418-8898 or visit www.passion4tango.com
Symphony in the Summer Concert Series (August 9, 11, 13 & 16)
Location(s): Beacon Hill Park, Centennial, Bastion and Market Squares
A new series of outdoor concerts featuring members of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra. All free and everyone welcome. Assorted times, locations and programs.
Contact for more information: (250) 385-9771 or visit www.victoriasymphony.ca
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival (August 14 - 16)
Location(s): Victoria's Inner Harbour
Be part of an ancient tradition! Come down to the Inner Harbour for exhilarating dragon boat races, cultural entertainment and crafts for the whole family. Free Admission.
Contact for more Information: (250) 704-2500 or visit www.victoriadragonboat.com
23rd Annual Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival (Aug 27 - September 6)
Location(s): Metro Studio, Victoria Event Centre, Market Sqare, St. Andrew's School, Wood Recital Hall and other downtown locations
A non-stop, twelve-day explosion of comedy, improv, drama, performance art and dance from around the world. All venues downtown, some pay-what-you-can shows at Fringe Club, random 'happenings' (Fringe Secret Parade, Pick of the Fringe Pancake Breakfast) and commissioned projects. Ticketed venues $8 or less!
Contact for more Information: (250) 383-2663 or visit www.intrepidtheatre.com
September/October
23rd Annual Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival (Aug 27 - September 6)
Location(s): Metro Studio, Victoria Event Centre, Market Sqare, St. Andrew's School, Wood Recital Hall and other downtown locations
A non-stop, twelve-day explosion of comedy, improv, drama, performance art and dance from around the world. All venues downtown, some pay-what-you-can shows at Fringe Club, random 'happenings' (Fringe Secret Parade, Pick of the Fringe Pancake Breakfast) and commissioned projects. Ticketed venues $8 or less!
Contact for more Information: (250) 383-2663 or visit www.intrepidtheatre.com
Vancouver Island Blues Bash (Sept 4 - 7)
Location(s): Victoria's Inner Harbour - Ship Point Outdoor Stage
This Labour Day weekend festival is a celebration of blues and R & B music with afternoon free and evening ticketed performances. Features more than 14 individual bands over three afternoons and three evenings. The main outdoor stage of this festival is located at Victoria's Inner Harbour at Ship Point with other venues used for late night entertainment.
Contact for more Information: (250) 388-4423 or visit www.jazzvictoria.ca
ROMP! Festival of Independent Dance (Oct 15 - Nov 8)
Location(s): Metro Studio Theatre, Martin Batchelor Gallery, Ballet Victoria, Lynda Raino Dance Studio
This annual international juried dance festival provides a microcosm of community supportive activities including live performance (emerging and established dance artists, low cost dance, classes, and art walk for dance).
Contact for more Information: (250) 389-6059 or visit www.suddenlydance.ca
November/December
ROMP! Festival of Independent Dance (Oct 15 - Nov 8)
Location(s): Metro Studio Theatre, Martin Batchelor Gallery, Ballet Victoria, Lynda Raino Dance Studio
This annual international juried dance festival provides a microcosm of community supportive activities including live performance (emerging and established dance artists, low cost dance, classes, and art walk for dance).
Contact for more Information: (250) 389-6059 or visit www.suddenlydance.ca
Santa's Light Parade (Nov 21)
Location(s): Downtown Victoria
5:30 pm start. Coloured lights with over 50 entries in this evening holiday parade. Also includes the collection of food bags for local Mustard Seed Food Bank. Over 40,000 spectators watch this popular annual event. Fun for the whole family.
Contact for more Information: (250) 382-3111
