Hello sunshine loving folks! And for those of us who hide indoors by a fan, a special welcome for thee. Summer is typically the time where we expect to see theatre and arts and culture slowing down a bit. While that can be true, there’s still LOTS to see!
So, if you want to get out and see stuff, what do I recommend?
Victoria Pride in the Word 2026 (July 4th, 2026)
Victoria Pride has such a fun lineup of events for all levels of extroversion, welcoming sports fans, dog friends, and community members from all over! Not only are these events fun and welcoming, but they celebrate the beautiful diversity our city has to offer!
If you’re feeling like an outdoor event might not be the right fit for you, Pride in the Word might be a great option to come out and experience the incredible written works by members of the LGBTQ2+ community. Enjoy both the written and spoken word and local artisans.
And, with an increasing number of challenges to LGBTQ2+ rights, with books with LGBTQ2+ content being labelled as “pornographic” and “obscene” (and subsequently being removed from libraries), allies need to stand up and show up, and pride events are a great first step to getting involved.
Skampede (July 10th-12th, 2026)
Skampede is an all ages show that invites guests to come by bike or by foot and enjoy up to four different shows on each path, so something for the arts lovers and nature lovers to enjoy together.
This year, I’ve spotted that Something Weird is Happening in Balanchine’s Backyard by Rebound Dance Collective which I saw (and loved) at one act play festival will be performed again. In addition, Between Earth and Sky by Kizuna Theatre will be performed, which you may remember from their show Genki Bear! You will also see puppets, dance, and so much more. I’m excited to see what this short festival can pack in!
Fortune (July 15th-26th, 2026)
Bema’s summer show brings us the dynamic duo of actors Nolan Fidyk and Emme Sait, acting respectively as a storefront lovelorn psychic, and lovestruck accountant. Put them together, and beliefs and fortunes will be challenged and changed. This show is sure to be a little sweet, a little funny, and very heartfelt! In the magical blackbox of Bema theatre’s space, we’re transported to a place where the two can duke it out and see if feelings on love and destiny can change.
Garagellenium XXV – Oak Bay Garage Sale (July 25th, 2026)
I had the most fun wandering around with my friends last year and picking out treasures! Some sellers even band together and sell items to support local charities, so it’s a little bit of giving back too.
A few things to remember: Bring cash, don’t show up early, wear comfy shoes, and have an idea (or a strict list) of what you want beforehand to avoid impulse buys.
And, it doesn’t hurt to stop by an iced beverage from a local shop before or after the event… or both!
Free-B Film Festival 2026 (Aug 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 2026)
One of the most fun and magical things about summer is enjoying the long gentle evenings, and one of the best things about Victoria is the programming at the Vic theatre.
I love Free-B Film Fest but somehow missed it last year! Well, this year I’m definitely coming out! Bring your snacks and a friend or two and catch a great flick (anyone else itching to catch Josie and the Pussycats?)!
Victoria Renaissance Faire (Aug 15th, 2026)
Prithee good friends, gather your wares and let us away to the faire!
I missed the inaugural year of this event last year, but by all reports, it sounded like the absolute most fun in town!
I’m excited to experience the magic and fun of this welcoming event (and dress up myself, of course!) Expect performers, vendors, and lots of costumes as there is a costume contest!
Victoria Fringe Festival (Aug 26th – Sept 6th 2026)
Victoria Fringe is celebrating their 40th this year! You may know that Fringe is one of my favourite times of the year, and I’ll be sure to do a roundup closer to the date (check my socials for more).
For those of you new to Fringe, Victoria Fringe festival is a lottery system whereby artists apply to have their works selected randomly. Some are well polished and well traveled, some are works in production, and some are in between. You can expect shows to be up to 60 minutes (with a few very rare exceptions), and what I love about fringe is that you never really know what to expect. I have seen heartbreaking moments with one person on stage, a raucous cast of fifteen packed on to stage, clowns, puppets, scenes set in the dark, acrobats, and storytellers and so much more.
Be bold, and get yourself to the fringe!
Epidermis Circus (Sept 16th, 2026)
Known and loved around the world, Ingrid Hansen’s puppeteering works are edgy, exciting, and maybe a little bit raunchy. Victoria area audiences have a chance to experience Epidermis Circus this September at the Mary Winspear! Hansen is co-producer of Victoria’s Snafu theatre (which I raved about their New Earth Bandits from fringe last year).
There has been much talk about Epidermis Circus, and this is such a great opportunity to explore new frontiers of puppetry from a local expert!
Bahamas (Sept 18th, 2026)
If you don’t know Bahamas, you’re in for a treat. Warm, incredibly welcoming vocals, clever songwriting, and rumour has it, just a great live performer all around. I’m so looking forward to seeing this musician live who I have been listening to for over a decade now!
9 to 5: The Musical (September 18th-27th)
Our friends at the Sooke Harbour Players are putting in the musical version of the well-loved movie (yes, the one with Dolly Parton), and I think it’s definitely worth a drive out! This fun show is surprisingly relevant in 2026 and offers a, er, unique approach to dealing with a “egotistical, sexist, and manipulative boss”. The catchy tunes and female fun are sure to be a great night for audiences!
Aretha – A Tribute (Sept 19th, 2026)
One of my favourite offerings of the Victoria Symphony is the Principal Pops series, which offers a unique blend of contemporary music alongside the full symphony! If you’re not sure a symphony performance is for you, I definitely that you check out this series!
First up this year is a tribute to the music of Aretha Franklin, with her wide ranging songs that move between power ballads and love songs with unstoppable vocals, nothing but a full symphony is enough to match the powerhouse of songs from Aretha’s collection. Capathia Jenkins of broadway fame will bring this fabulous music to the stage alongside Grammy nominated vocalist Ryan Shaw. We are sure to be in for a night of out of this world talent!
Josephine (Sept 29th, 2026)
Not only does Josephine take audiences through the history of one of the most fascinating historical figures of all time, Josephine Baker, it fully brings her to life.
Having performed this show at fringe and all across Canada and the United States (including our own, to incredible acclaim!), actor Tymisha Harris is experienced at bringing the audience along and flirting with them in just the right way. Harris’ energy and vivacity is not to be missed!
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)
- Downtown Victoria Events Page
- CityVibe Events Finder
