Region guide
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.
Browse events
Showing picks for this area.
Events inside the area you picked.
4 events
Sat
9
May
11:00 AM
Worth the drive
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.
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
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 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
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.
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
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.
Free downtown Victoria event.
Free downtown Victoria event.
Checked May 2 via Destination Greater Victoria
Close enough to consider after starting in Victoria.
1 event
#1
Mon
4
May
Norm Foster’s golf-course comedy-drama is running at Chemainus Theatre through mid-May.
Longer trip; book ahead.
Bigger Island plans when the event is worth leaving the area for.
1 event
#1
Mon
4
May
Campbell River nature week with trail walks, talks, and Greenways Land Trust events.
Check program times.
Nearby area shortcuts