Each month Used.ca supports local community events here on Vancouver Island. Summer is finally here and the island has plenty of exciting new local events to check out this August!
1.) Parksville Beach Fest – July 14 – August 20
2.) Symphony in the Summer Festival – July 27 – August 5
3.) Sunfest Country Music Festival – August 3-6
4.) Auto Extravaganza Sidney Summer Car Show – August 6
5.) Camosun Chargers Golf Tournament – September 22
6.) Petapalooza Victoria – August 12-13
7.) Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria – August 19
8.) Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 29 – August 7
9.) Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live – September 10
10.) BC SPCA Offleashed Gala – September 23
11.) Victoria Fringe Festival – August 23 – September 3
12.) Relove Market – August 5-6
13.) Victoria Harbourcats 2023 Season
14.) Applications open for Ecostar Awards! Now until August 31
15.) Esquimalt Summer Farmer’s Market – June 19 – September 4
16.) Eves of Destruction Season Finale – August 19
17.) Function Festival – August 19
18.) Fibrations Festival – August 20
19.) Easter Seals Drop Zone – September 19
20.) Vintage Retro and Collectibles Show – September 3
21.) Sanctuary Youth Centre’s Ride for Refuge – September 23
22.) Greek Fest – August 25-27 & September 1-4
23.) Esquimalt RibFest – September 8-10
24.) Great Canadian Beer Fest – September 8-9
25.) Save the Date! Fall Clothing Swap at The Bay Centre – September 30
26.) Rock, Raffle & Roll for Healthcare! – Now until October 11
Parksville Beach Fest – July 14 – August 20
Known to locals as “Beachfest”, this 5 ½ week-long family-oriented festival, not only includes the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition; the public can also learn to sculpt like a professional; enjoy free weekend summer concerts; daily buskers on the boardwalk; a weekend Artisan Market and two evenings where the sculptures are illuminated for late night viewing.
With the addition of the new Parksville Outdoor Theatre in the Community Park, Beachfest has also included two ticketed events for music lovers. The second-annual ‘Rock the Park’; a three-day music festival featuring world-class tribute bands and performances by perennial favourites, and new for 2023, an afternoon concert featuring the Vancouver Island Symphony.
See you at Parksville Beach July 14-August 20, 2023! Visit www.parksvillebeachfest.ca for further details.
Symphony in the Summer Festival – July 27 – August 5
Music fills the warm summer air once again!
The beloved Symphony in the Summer Festival is back from July 27 – August 5, bringing music to some of Victoria’s most beautiful locations. With six performances at five venues, there’s something for everyone.
Why not…
Bring the whole family to enjoy three FREE outdoor concerts at Market Square and the Cameron Bandshell?
Treat someone special to a night of classical favourites at Christ Church Cathedral or The Butchart Gardens?
A signature event of the Festival, Mozart and Martinis at the Atrium, is already sold out, so we recommend planning ahead!
See you soon, Victoria.
Sunfest Country Music Festival – August 3-6
Sunfest Country Music Festival returns to Laketown Ranch in Cowichan Lake August 3-6 with an all-star lineup of country music to celebrate the BC Day Long Weekend.
Sunfest’s main stage will host country music megastar Blake Shelton on Sunday August 6th. Shelton, who is a long-running judge on the popular NBC singing competition series The Voice, will make his highly anticipated Vancouver Island debut.
Nashville based singer/songwriter Billy Currington will take the top spot Saturday, August 5th. The CMT Music Award winning Currington has released 7 albums since his self titled debut 2 decades ago, with 18 singles to his name.
On Friday August 4th, American chart topper Lainey Wilson will headline. Wilson is the first female to have 2 songs in the country radio top 10 in more than a decade with “Heart Like a Truck”, and “Wait in the Truck”, the latter being a duet with Sunfest alum and fan favourite, HARDY.
Buy your weekend passes and book your camping spots here.
Auto Extravaganza Sidney Summer Car Show – August 6
20 Pre-registration is open until July 21st. Goodie bags for pre-reg. $30 at the gate on Sunday, August 6th if show space is not sold out. Over 300 Special Interest and Classic Cars, trucks and motorcycles. Manufacturers’ Midway, Trophies, Dash plaques, T-shirt printing onsite. Mini donuts, Lions food truck. Saturday feature a Poker Run – $10 per hand. Classic Car movies at the Start Cinema from 4-6pm on Saturday. Admission by donation to the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank. Beacon Brewing, Live Music, Military vehicle display – so much! Spectators are always free – come explore the streets of Sidney! https://torquemasterscarshow.ca/
Camosun Chargers Golf Tournament – September 22
Camosun College Athletics is excited to host the second annual Camosun Chargers Golf Tournament on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the beautiful Highland Pacific Golf Course. The tournament is a 9-hole shotgun beginning at 4pm (registration open at 3pm), best-ball format, followed by a catered dinner/social. The course will be riddled with mini-games and samplers from local vendors/businesses. Tickets range from $70 (dinner/social only) to $150 for golf and dinner/social. This is the largest fundraiser for the Camosun Chargers Athletics and part of our strong commitment to support high-performance student-athletes. See you on the links!
Petapalooza Victoria – August 12-13
The West Coast’s largest outdoor pet festival is coming back to Bullen Park August 12 & 13.! This free and pet friendly festival is the most fun you’ll have with your pet all summer. Bring your pet to sample treats, food, accessories, toys and get hooked up with loads of swag! Details here.
Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria – August 19
Tour de Victoria. All ages. All abilities. All bikes.
Celebrating our 12th annual event, the Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria presented by Scotiabank is a traffic-controlled, fully supported, mass-participation cycling event in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. Experience world-class cycling routes and breathtaking scenery.
With close to 2,500 riders anticipated, the Saturday, August 19th event, it is a great opportunity for riders of all ages to take part. From a 160km ride down to our Kids Ride, there are eight different distances to choose from.
Riders of all fitness levels can take part in the ride by choosing one of eight distances. All rides start and finish in the iconic inner harbour of Victoria at the BC’s Legislative Buildings. Rider swag includes a finisher’s medal, socks from Outway, bag of coffee from Level Ground, post-ride meal and more.
Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 29 – August 7
From July 29 to August 7 the Sooke Fine Arts Show invites art lovers, and those curious about art, to visit SEAPARC Leisure Centre in Sooke, where the ice arena has been transformed into a sparkling, 17,000 square foot gallery displaying 370+ original works of West Coast art.
The Sooke Fine Arts Show is a 37-year strong, 10-day community arts experience, the largest juried art show on Vancouver Island. In 2022, over 7,500 people were in attendance.
The Sooke Fine Arts Show is unveiled on July 28 with Purchasers’ Preview Night, an exclusive, ticketed event that allows seasoned and new art collectors first access to view and purchase their favourite unique artworks. Beverages and assorted canapes will be served to guests. Purchasers’ Preview Night tickets are available for $45 at sookefinearts.com.
Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live – September 10
Since 2010, the Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live has brought thousands of riders from across the Island together to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
The 13th Annual Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live on September 10, 2023 at Enrico Winery in Mill Bay is a time to celebrate survivors, families, loved ones and remember those we’ve lost.
Consider making a donation when you register for this event. Your gift means Island Prostate Centre can provide navigation support, exercise programs, and counselling services to meet the growing need in our community.
Even a small donation can make a powerful difference. Your donation stays right here on Vancouver Island to benefit your family, friends and neighbours.
Visit www.islandprostatecentre.com/ridetolive for more information.
BC SPCA Offleashed Gala – September 23
Offleashed celebrates the joy of animals in our lives, champion the programs that serve people and their animals in our area, and support the BC SPCA’s lifesaving work. Featuring the cutest Cuddle Lounge full of sweet animal ambassadors, the most thoughtfully curated silent and live auction items, along with delicious food and drinks, and most importantly you, our caring guests. This year’s Offleashed Gala will make a significant and meaningful impact in the lives of people and animals in need. Purchase tickets here.
Victoria Fringe Festival – August 23 – September 23
Dance, comedy, drama, spoken word, kids programming, or late-night cabarets, choose your own flavour this summer at the Fringe! The 2023 Victoria Fringe will feature local, national and international artists again this summer as the Fringe returns for 11 days of indie theatre at 5 traditional venues and 4 unconventional venues across the city. We are excited to be back with live events and shows, including the Fringe Eve Preview and FringeKids Fest and a nightly Fringe Cabaret bringing post-show vibes and pop-up programming throughout the festival.
Relove Market – August 5-6
The ReLove Market is an empowering fashion community dedicated to the pursuit of personal expression balanced with environmental sustainability. We bring local curators and fashion enthusiasts together in a welcoming, inspiring and creative in-person forum to share ideas and textiles! Join us for the finest in secondhand & vintage clothing August 5 & 6 from 12-6:30pm at Market Square, 560 Johnson St. And don’t forget your reusable shopper for all your fabulous finds. Be sure to tag your snaps from the day with @therelovemarket & #relovegeneration
Victoria Harbourcats 2023 Season
The Victoria HarbourCats Baseball Club is celebrating its 10th Anniversary of play in the West Coast League this summer and the new season begins Friday, June 2 at 6:35 PM against the Kamloops NorthPaws. There will be 31 home games this season at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, including four fireworks nights (June 3, June 30, July 14 and July 29), as well as six Sunday 1:00 pm matinees, including Father’s Day on June 18th, and our always popular Bark in the Park, when you can bring your dog to the game, on July 16th. There is also a Canada Day matinee on July 1. Tickets for all games are selling fast and are available on-line, via Select Your Tickets at http://harbourcats.com/tickets or by calling the HarbourCats office at 778-265-0327. Season tickets and 10-Game Flex Packs are also available! Please join us at the ballpark and make our 10th Anniversary season the best ever!
Applications open for Ecostar Awards – Now until August 31
Is your organization raising the bar when it comes to sustainability? The Ecostar Awards are back for 2023!
Hosted by the non-profit Synergy Foundation, these awards recognize outstanding environmental achievements and leadership on Vancouver Island. The awards are presented to Island-based businesses, non-profits, academia, governments and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional environmental and social initiatives.
This year, there are 15 awards categories ranging from Climate Action and Innovation to Social Impact and Ecopreneur of the Year. Applications are currently being accepted and close August 31st at 11:59pm.
Learn more and apply at www.ecostarawards.com.
Esquimalt Summer Farmers Market – June 19 – September 4
The award winning Esquimalt Farmers Market is back for its second season in Gorge Park! Starting June 19th, join us every Monday from 4:30-7:30pm, at 1070 Tillicum Rd.
Every market date features fresh seasonal farm produce, a wide selection of prepared foods and drinks, quality goods produced by local artisans, ready-to-eat meals from a variety of food trucks and twice-nightly live musical performances plus sweeping views of the Gorge Waterway.
Can’t make Mondays? No problem! Find us every Thursday evening in our original location in Memorial Park, at 1200 Esquimalt Rd.
Visit our website at www.esquimaltmarket.com for the weekly vendor list and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates!
Eves of Destruction Season Finale – August 19
First game features the Eves of Destruction junior roller derby team, The Rotten Apples, facing off against opponents from Seattle Washington, The Southside Revolution
Then, it all comes down to this – who will will the Calamity Cup for 2023? The Belles of the Brawl take on challengers The Margarita Villains to see who will take home the cup and the glory.
This is an all-ages event with a licensed beverage garden featuring beverages from our partners Spinnakers and The Strait & Narrow. We’re also excited our friends at Hot Dog Hustlin & Greek n’ Go will be serving up their delicious fare all night long!
These games sell-out quickly, so buy your tickets in advance here.
Function Festival – August 19
The Function is coming back to Victoria for the second year running! Join us at the Inner Harbour on August 19th for BC’s best all ages festival experience. The festival includes a barber shop, kids’ zone, BIPOC Vendor Village, a diverse and multicultural variety of food options, and a 19+ VIP section. The Function Festival is coming into the live music industry as a fresh and exciting new project – curating a world class entertainment experience that attendees and fans will never forget.
The Function Festival is BC’s first BIPOC Music Festival, and features performances from local and international artists, including KYLE, Zach Zoya, Khanvict, Desiree Dawson, DACEY, and Dilly Cooner. Headlining act, KYLE, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor from Ventura, California. He is best known for his 2016 breakout single “iSpy” (featuring Lil Yachty), which peaked at number 4 on The Billboard Hot 100. Buy tickets here.
Fibrations Festival – August 20
Fibrations is an annual one-of-a-kind public free event and a community celebration of fibre artists for enthusiasts, makers, crafters, the general public and everyone in between! Passionate fibre artists come from all over North America to come together and celebrate their passion for the fibre arts.For one beautiful day join us to experience workshops, more than 60 exhibitors, demonstrations open to everyone, hands-on activities for kids, and a toonie raffle.Held in beautiful Robert J. Stevenson park come visit and support your many local artists/ creators of fine fibre items. This community-oriented event brings well established fibre artists together, while also providing an opportunity to bring the skills and knowledge to the new artists and providing exposure to fibre craft to future generations.Make Fibrations 2023 your August bright spot- we can’t wait to see you there!
Easter Seals Drop Zone – September 19
On Tuesday, September 19th, Victoria will become a city of Superheroes
Be one of over 50 people who will rappel 13 stories down the Manulife Building. All to help raise funds for children and families with disabilities.
Register as an individual, create a team or take the Drop Zone challenge with your friends, family or colleagues.
It’s an incredible experience you don’t want to miss out on! Plus, you’ll have bragging rights for a year, maybe choose to wear a Superhero costume, take in the gorgeous views and of course, make a difference!
Register for Drop Zone 2023 and become our next Superhero at DropZoneBC.ca!
Vintage, Retro and Collectibles Show – September 3
Not quite ready to crawl through sheds, barns and outhouses? Then come to the Vintage, Retro and Collectible Show /Sale, Sidney: Sunday, Sept 3. You are sure to discover treasure that is unique and different! This major event is a great mix of collectibles; everything from pre and post war jewelry, gold and silver coins, and paper collectibles like stamps and postcards. Toys: dinky cars,, meccano, mechanical and everything from stuffed to Star Wars! Tableware, paintings, and an amazing assortment of wonderful books. We are seeing fabulous 50’s vintage clothes, bags, shoes and collectibles; furniture and art, lamps and ornaments. Exotic Thai and Japanese pieces and more local First Nations collectibles. Come and experience the show at the Mary Winspear Centre, Beacon Ave, Sidney. 9:30 am – 4 pm . Cash Entrance $5 . Earlybirds: 8:30 am $20. An excellent place to scope out with your family and friends!
Sanctuary Youth Centre’s Ride for Refuge – September 23
Sanctuary Youth Centre provides a safe and supportive environment for Victoria’s street entrenched or at risk youth. Operating five days a week, our drop-in program gives youth access to showers, meals, groceries, mentorship and activities. Each month over 170 individual youth (between the ages of 14 and 22) access Sanctuary’s space.
Join Sanctuary Youth Centre on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 and cycle or walk for drop-in and mental health programs, with an emphasis on wellness and healthy living. Your help means teenagers find hope at a critical stage in their young lives; it means positive choices, pathways to detox, healthy relationships, stronger communities and safer streets. Register here.
Greek Fest – August 25-27 & September 1-4
Greek Fest 2023 – 22nd Annual Get ready to experience the flavors and culture of Greece at the 23rd Annual Greek Fest! This event will take place on August 25th – 27th and September 1st – 4th, from 11:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. daily at the Greek Community Centre located at 4648 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria, BC, right beside Commonwealth Place.
The festival offers a diverse selection of authentic Greek appetizers, mains, desserts, baked goods, and refreshing beverages. Highlights include the traditional roasted lamb, souvlaki, spanakopita, baklava, loukoumades, and more. Additionally, the event is licensed, and they have partnered with Hoyne Brewery and Arterra Wines as beverage sponsors.
Admission to Greek Fest is free for both dine-in guests and those ordering takeout and pickup online. It’s a family-friendly event, so everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the festivities.
Esquimalt Ribfest – 10 Years and Counting!
The Esquimalt Firefighters Charitable Foundation in conjunction with the Esquimalt Ribfest Society and seven local non-profit groups have raised over $1.0M for local charities during the past 10 years at the Esquimalt Ribfest. This would not have happened without the generous contributions of the sponsors or the tremendous support from the thousands of Ribfest patrons.
The organizing committee is excited to host the 11th annual event on September 8th, 9th and 10th at Bullen Park in Esquimalt and they look forward to having an even greater impact on charities in the community. The six big-rig BBQ companies along with 8 local craft brewers are ready to go. They will be joined by over 20 other charitable and commercial vendors for this three day event. There are 20 local bands committed for the entertainment along with Fleetwood Magic from Vancouver on Friday Night and Juno Award Winner Jack Semple and the Horn Dogs on Saturday Night. Admission is free or by donation to the Esquimalt Fire Fighters’ Charitable Foundation and we look forward to seeing everyone at Ribfest.
Great Canadian Beer Festival – September 8-9
The countdown is on for the return of the Great Canadian Beer Festival!🇨🇦 Join us at Royal Athletic Park on September 8th and 9th, to celebrate the 29th edition of Canada’s oldest beer festival. Try out brews from coast to coast with 50 BC breweries on site and 14 breweries represented from across the country. Enjoy live entertainment, fun games and obstacle courses, food from your fav local vendors, and of course, delicious craft beer. Tickets start at only $25! Grab yours now at GCBF.com.
Save the Date! Fall Clothing Swap at The Bay Centre – September 30
📅 Save the Date: Fall Clothing Swap
Rock, Raffle & Roll for Healthcare! – Now until October 11
Rock, Raffle & Roll for Healthcare! Win this autographed Fender American Professional II Stratocaster guitar!
Big names from the Los Angeles music industry lend their names to help raise funds for the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Iconic musicians, guitarists Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel and Steve Postell, drummer Russ Kunkel, and bassist Leland Sklar have played for Hall-of-Fame artists (James Taylor, Keith Richards, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Stevie Nicks and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) and now make up the “supergroup”, The Immediate Family. They have autographed this guitar to raffle off and raise funds for the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation (SPHHF).
Funds raised will be used to help purchase much needed equipment for Saanich Peninsula Hospital’s Emergency Department, Operating Room and throughout the hospital. The proceeds will help to provide care teams with the most up to date equipment and technological advancements, ensuring the highest levels of care and best possible outcomes for everyone on the peninsula and surrounding area.
Tickets are $25 each or 5 tickets for $100 and can be purchased through the SPHHF website www.sphf.ca until 4:30 pm on October 11, 2023. The draw will be held on Wednesday, October 11th at 4:45 pm.
We hope you get out there and enjoy some of these local events this Summer! If you’d like Used.ca to sponsor your upcoming local event on Vancouver Island, please contact our Community Manager, Carly.
