Yes and Yesteryear July 11th & 12th, July 18th & 19th, July 25th & 26th 2025
It is a truth universally acknowledged that summer is just better with a bit of Austen and a bit of improv. Combined together at the historic Emily Carr house? Nothing better!
This is a summer tradition I absolutely love coming back to every year! Honestly, it’s one of the few outdoor events that prompts me to leave my AC’d cave. Even if you’ve seen a Paper Street Show before, I recommend another visit, it is different every show every time, after all!
Zawose Queens July 16th 2025
Caravan World Rhythms has been bringing exciting and diverse performers from all around the world to Victoria, and I only recently caught on to how many performances they offer our community. The Zawose Queens are billed as a high energy, fun night of music and I am SUPER excited to dance away with this duo!
And if you can’t make it to the Zawose Queens, there’s lots more including free concerts being offered in town – check the Caravan World Rhythms website!
Great Works Festival July 29th – Aug 10th, 2025
With their mysterious announcement earlier in the spring, I’m so excited to see more and more details coming out for the Great Works Festival, and both offerings seem diverse and exciting. The two plays are a challenging tragedy and a unique comedy, and both have lots to recommend them to audiences! Either (or both!) of these shows seem like a safe bet to check out.
Sidney Market Thursday evenings, ongoing until Sept 11th, 2025
Last year I had a tornado potato and the best fudge I had ever had in my life within fifteen minutes of each other. I don’t know what else I could say that could possibly convince you!
But seriously, if you’re summer adverse like me, the good food, fun atmosphere, and live music is a great draw to head up the road to Sidney to enjoy a treat and walk by the water.
The Strange Hour Generally the 4th Sunday of the month, check website for more info
All right, consider my interest piqued. A multi talented group of artists and something yummy to eat as well? I’m not sure exactly what this will look like, but this variety show seems like a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning!
New Earth Bandits 2 Aug 14th- 17th & 21st-24th 2025
New Earth Bandits was in my top 10 list for the year in 2023, and I could not be excited to come back to this show! The site specific piece left me breathless, invigorated, and moved by the entire experience.
This is not your average piece of theatre and it’s all the better for it. Mark your calendars, and honestly, maybe even plan to go twice.
Victoria Fringe Festival Aug 20th-31st 2025
Fringe! Fringe! Fringe!
Listen, I really, REALLY like fringe festival. It’s a perfect sendoff to summer, and there is nothing more fun than chatting in line with other patrons, wishing a happy fringe fest to passerbys, and finding an elusive late night snack spot.
There’s always something new and innovative, and even if the show is not your cup of tea, you’ll be out in 60 minutes or less with something to talk about!
Truly, I have seen some of the best theatre of my life at Fringe, (and, well, some of the worst) so you never really know what you’re in for. Be brave and jump in for a few shows – you’ll not see anything else like this on stage!
So far, I’ve not caught wind of too much that will be on offer, but I’ll definitely be catching Kin again (from the one act play festival). I’ll also be catching Ducks, not only because it has so many people involved who I respect and admire, but playwright David Heyman had me seriously cackling with his last piece, Bathsheba and the Books.
The Moors Sept 17th-Oct 4th 2025
Inconnu’s next offering promises to evoke the Bronte sisters, sister-maids, and a mastiff. Again, there are lots of people involved with this work whom I respect and admire, but the weirdness and wonderfulness of the script has me seriously intrigued. In true Inconnu style, I’m betting this show will make the weird feel wonderful and take audiences on an unexpected journey.
Bloodline at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Ongoing until Oct 19th
Every time I’ve visited the Art Gallery, I’ve been pleasantly surprised – it really is an incredible place to engage with visual arts. Bloodline especially looks like an incredible collection, with soaring and diverse images reflecting artist Meryl McMaster’s family history.
Any day at the art gallery is a good day, and I’m looking forward to taking in the current collections!
Whew! There’s lots coming up, and I’m excited to see what’s new, as well as some returning favourites!
To find more of what’s happening I recommend:
- The Lamppost Victoria
- This Week in Vic
- Tourism Victoria (Check “Arts and Culture”)
- Eventbrite (set your location to Victoria)
