While the weather hasn’t gotten the memo, summer is indeed on the horizon.
As in past years, the City of Victoria has organized a number of summer events in and around Victoria including live music at six different outdoor venues.
In May, the city announced the CityVibe was returning, a virtual go-to guide for free events, summer festivals, arts and cultural activities, galleries and public markets.
The guide showcases 40 festivals and outdoor activities and more than 100 free outdoor music concerts and activities.
Bands will perform at various featured spots downtown, including Fort Common, Broad Street Pedestrian Zone, Centennial Square, Fisherman’s Wharf Park, and Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park.
Below is a list of some of those free events taking place over the next several months:
Lunchtime Concerts
- Where: Fort Common, 1017 Blanshard Street
- When: Every Thursday starting at noon until 1 p.m. from June to September
Afternoon Concerts
- Where: Broad Street South (Between Fort and Broughton)
- When: Every Friday starting at 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. from June to September
Afternoon Concerts by the Water
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf Park, 12 Erie Street
- When: Every Saturday and Sunday starting at 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. in July and August
The 9th Annual Eventide Music Series
- Where: Centennial Square
- Where: Every Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. in July and August
Pop Up Concerts
- Where: Government Street (at View)
- Where: Select Saturdays and Sundays starting at 2 until 3 p.m. in July and August
Afternoon Concerts by the Water
- Where: Johnson Street Bridge East Plaza
- When: Select Saturdays and Sundays starting at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in July and August
Music in Beacon Hill Park – FREE
Spread out a picnic blanket on the lawn or relax on bench seating while enjoying the performances.
Afternoon Concerts
- Where: Cameron Bandshell
- When: Friday to Monday starting at 1:30 p.m. until 3:20 p.m. from June to September
Folk Music Series
- Where: Cameron Bandshell
- When: Every Tuesday starting at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in July and August
Family Fun – Children’s musicians and storytellers
- Where: Cameron Bandshell
- Every Wednesday starting at 11 a.m. until noon in July and August
Community Arts Programs – FREE
If being part of the action is more your thing, there are lots of opportunities for you to dance, sing and make music.
Swingin’ in the Shell
Join the Swing Dance Association of Victoria as they jive and boogey! Everyone is welcome for this 30-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing. Live bands include Hoppin’ Mad Jazz Band on July 21 and Swing Rhythm Kings on September 1! No partner or previous dance experience required.
- Where: Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park
- When: Every Thursday starting at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. June 23rd | July 7th, 21st | August 4th, 18th | September 1st
Garden City Harmony
A drop-in choir for everyone! Sing indie, pop, rock, and folk songs in simple two-, three- or four-part harmony. All you need is a desire to sing with others.
- Where: Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park
- When: Every Wednesday starting at 5:15 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. | July 13th, 27th | August 10th, 24th
Interactive Guitar Jam/ Singalong
Let’s jam! This session is for anyone who can read guitar tab chords or standard notation or is a quick study. Bring your own guitar. Some guitars may be available for those who do not have one. Lyric sheets are also provided for others to sing along to familiar songs such as Broadway tunes, folk and pop songs.
- Where: Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park
- When: Every Sunday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. – July 10th, 17th, 24th | August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
Exploring the Art of Jazz and Community Music Making Workshop
Build community by making music together. This is a fun, hands-on workshop exploring jazz, world-music and improvisational art forms. No instrument or previous music experience required.
- Where: James Bay United Church
- When: Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. – August 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
All events and concerts are rain or shine and are subject to change.
