Island HappeningsVancouver Island events by date and region

Region guide

Victoria upcoming events

South-Island festivals, arts, and public gatherings worth the longer trip. Start close to home, then branch out if something nearby is worth the drive.

First local event

Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival

Check the main festival dates before booking.

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4 events

Sat

9

May

11:00 AM

Worth the drive

Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival

May 9, 11:00 AM to May 17, 5:00 PM

Topaz Park and Victoria festival locations, Victoria

Check official source

The 163rd Highland Games runs May 9-17, with the main Topaz Park weekend May 16-17.

Book aheadBest for familiesFestivals

Check the main festival dates before booking.

Best as a Victoria day or weekend.

Checked May 2 via Destination Greater Victoria

Fri

8

May

10:00 AM

Worth the drive

Esquimalt Buccaneer Days

May 8, 10:00 AM to May 10, 4:00 PM

Archie Browning Place, Victoria

Free entry; rides and activities may vary

Esquimalt’s festival weekend packs in the midway, parade, marketplace, kids activities, and food.

Best for familiesFreeFestivals

Best as part of a Victoria weekend.

Best as part of a Victoria weekend.

Checked May 2 via Destination Greater Victoria

Sat

9

May

7:30 PM

Only if nearby

The Gondoliers

May 9, 7:30 PM to May 17, 4:00 PM

Dave Dunnet Theatre and Mary Winspear Centre, Victoria

$40 adults, $20 students, 12 and under free

A Gilbert and Sullivan musical with multiple performances and family-friendly student/child pricing.

Book aheadRain-friendlyBest for familiesArts

Confirm which venue and performance time you’re booking.

Runs across multiple venues.

Checked May 2 via Destination Greater Victoria

Sat

9

May

11:00 AM

Only if nearby

Tartan Parade

Sat, May 9, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Centennial Square, Victoria

Free

A free Highland Games kickoff parade with pipe bands and dancers on Government Street.

Best for familiesBest if nearbyFreeCommunity

Free downtown Victoria event.

Free downtown Victoria event.

Checked May 2 via Destination Greater Victoria

Nearby picks

Close enough to consider after starting in Victoria.

1 event

#1

Mon

4

May

The Ladies Foursome at Chemainus Theatre

Runs through Sun, May 17 · Chemainus Theatre Festival · Cowichan · Tickets from $24

Norm Foster’s golf-course comedy-drama is running at Chemainus Theatre through mid-May.

Longer trip; book ahead.

Book aheadRain-friendlyLonger trip
Check detailsVenue pageChecked May 2 via Chemainus Theatre Festival

Island picks

Bigger Island plans when the event is worth leaving the area for.

1 event

#1

Mon

4

May

Salmonberry Nature Festival

May 4, 9:00 AM to May 10, 5:00 PM · Greenways Land Trust and Campbell River locations · Campbell River · Check event source

Campbell River nature week with trail walks, talks, and Greenways Land Trust events.

Check program times.

Best for familiesSome driving
Check detailsCampbell River Now listingChecked May 2 via Campbell River Now

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