Victoria Events
What's on at the Royal BC Museum
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Dates: December 16-April 9, 2012
The wonders of nature like you’ve never seen them: through the lenses of prize-winning photographers. This Natural History Museum exhibition showcases more than 100 photographs in 18 categories, chosen from more than 40,000 international entries. An inspirational, astonishing and often humourous look at the natural world. Suitable for all ages.
Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries
Dates: May 17 - September 16, 2012
The blockbuster exhibition of the year! Imagine the thrill of discovering something new about a creature that lived millions of years ago. Since the first dinosaur fossil was identified almost 200 years ago, people have wondered how these fascinating animals lived, moved and behaved. Perfect for visitors of all ages
Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubliee Celebration
Dates: June 1 - September 3, 2012
Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the Royal BC Museum. This special exhibition of nearly 100 portraits by royal photographer, Cecil Beaton (1904-80) depicts Elizabeth in her roles as princess, monarch and mother, and will include a number of rarely-seen photographs alongside extracts from Beaton’s personal diaries and letters.
February
Carmen
Dates: February 16, 18, 22, 24, 26
Location: The Royal Theatre
Official Website: HERE
Presented by the Pacific Opera. In Carmen the romance of the French language is coupled with sizzling Spanish dance rhythms and the erotically charged music that makes this the sexiest opera of all time.
Victoria Tea Festival
Dates: February 18-19
Location: 713 Douglas St
Official Website: HERE
It's the largest public tea exhibition in North America! Hosted in the tea capital of Canada, the 6th annual event features tea tastings, tea-food selections, complimentary presentations, and opportunities to purchase tea, tea-related products, and exquisite tea wares. A Silent Auction will be offered. Proceeds to Camosun College Child Care Services! It's a one stop shop for all things tea!
March
Victoria Curling Classic
Dates: March 29 - April 1|
Location: Victoria Clurling Club
Official Website: HERE
The 2012 edition of the Victoria Curling Classic has already attracted the best Men's and Women's teams in the world to compete here in Victoria in late March. They will be competing for one of the top prize purses on the World Curling Tour as well as valuable points towards qualifying for the 2013 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials.
2012 Be A Tourist In Your Own Home Town
Dates: March 1-4
Official Website: HERE
Free admissions, special offers and discounts for Victoria's well-known attractions, restaurants, tour operators, whale watching and retail operators. Billed as All for fun and fun for all - the event is a perfect opportunity to sample all that Victoria has to offer.
Lord of the Dance
Dates: March 6, 7
Location: The Royal Theatre
Official Website: HERE
Lord of the Dance is a classic tale of good versus evil, based on Irish folklore that brings a passionate love story to life. The action is played out over 21 scenes on a grand scale of precision dancing, dramatic music, colorful costumes and state-of-the-art staging and lighting.
April
Victoria Harbour Floating Boat Show
Dates: April 19-22
Location: Inner Harbour & Ship Poin
Official Website: HERE
The 22nd Annual Victoria Harbour Floating Boat Show will be the largest and most exciting show hosted by the B.C. Yacht Brokers Association yet. In addition to having the greatest assortment of boats ever featured, our land based display section has grown significantly and now includes a full array of products and services focused on meeting the needs of boaters for the upcoming season. Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to view upwards of 200 new and preowned boats for sale.
Vancouver Island Outdoor Adventure Show
Dates: April 21,22
Location: Pearkes Recreation Centre
Website: HERE
Whether you enjoy adventures and activities on the land, sea or fresh water you are bound to find what you are looking for. At the Expo you will experience the widest array of booths and exhibits spanning across all areas of outdoor pursuits and adventures. The Vancouver Island Outdoor Adventure Expo is the ONLY show on Vancouver Island that brings together buyers and sellers of outdoor adventure products & services under one roof!
Times Colonist 10K Run
Date: April 29
Location: Downtown
Official Website: HERE
Annual 10-Kilometre race sponsored by the Times Colonist newspaper. Individual Registration - will close midnight April 25th, 2012. Team Registration - All team members must be registered on or before midnight March 23rd, 2012.
May
Stars on Ice
Date: May 16
Location: Save On Foods Memorial Centre
Official Website: HERE
The world’s premier figure skating tour, Stars on Ice, has brought together a superstar ensemble of Olympic, World and National Champions from all over the globe for the 2012 season.
148th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Date: May 21, 22
Location: Topaz Park
Official Website: HERE
The 148th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival is a great weekend for the entire family to celebrate Scottish culture. Planned Saturday events include kilted mile athletics, tug of war competition, haggis hurling competition, sheep dog herding competition, first day of the Victoria International Heavy Events Challenge presented by Lighthouse Brewing Company, Amateur B and Novice heavy event competition, pipe band performances, falconry and swordfighting demonstrations, cultural and heritage presentations, and Scottish and Celtic dance, music and entertainment activities. Large free children entertainment area. Scottish and Celtic vendor (food and goods) along with 2 beer gardens and a single malt whisky tasting school. Traditional Scottish Games and great entertainment activities and hospitality continue on Sunday!
Island Farms Victoria Day Parade
Date: May 21
Location: Downtown Victoria
This is Victoria's largest parade event complete with marching bands, floats, clowns and more. Over 120,000 spectators watch this popular annual event in person and on television. It is fun for the whole family.
Luxton Pro Rodeao & Fair
Dates: May 21-23
Location: Luxton Fairground, Langford
Official Website: HERE
The hugely popular Luxton Pro Rodeo at the Luxton Fairgrounds in Langford combines the excitement of a Wild West test of endurance and skill foreign to the urban dweller with carnival rides, an antique car show, live music, blacksmith demonstrations, and vendors.
David Foster Miracle Concert and Gala
Date: May 26, 2012
Location: Save On Foods Memorial Centre
Official Website: HERE
Held at the Save-on-Food Memorial Centre, the Miracle Concert and Gala is a key celebration during a weekend that promises to bring some of North America's brightest stars, including David Foster, to Victoria. On Saturday, May 26, 2012, Foster will bring back to his hometown his popular Hitman Show for an unbelievable Miracle Concert
Swiftsure 2012 International Yacht Race
Date: May 26, 2012
Official Website: HERE
The Swiftsure International Yacht Race is the premier long distance sailing race in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia area. Starting and ending in Victoria, BC, Canada, the Swiftsure is international because the mid-point markers are in U.S. waters. Organized by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, the race occurs during the last weekend in May with staggered starts on Saturday morning.
June
Victoria International Cycling Festival
Dates: June 15-24
Official Website: HERE
The Victoria International Cycling Festival (VICF) is a two week celebration in Canada’s cycling capital. With over twelve participating events and activities, the VICF offers something for cyclists of all styles and abilities.
TD Victoria International Jazz Festivel
Dates: June 22-July 1
Location: Various venues throught the city
Official Website: HERE
The Victoria Jazz Society's annual downtown gala. More information to come.
July
Saturday Night Fireworks at Butchart Gardens
Dates: Every Saturday night from July 7-Sept 1
Official Website: HERE
Fireworks begin at dusk. Free with general admission ticket. Blankets are available to borrow from our Front Desk.
The Pacific Tattoo: Western Canada's Musical Extravaganza
Dates: July 14, 15
Location: Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre
Official Website: HERE
Victoria welcomes performers from around the world for the inaugural Pacific Tattoo, a musical extravaganza that provides exhilarating entertainment for the entire family. A tightly woven, full production spectacle of music and movement, The Pacific Tattoo features military bands, massed pipes and drums, dancers, and special skills demonstrations. Tickets available by phone at 250-478-8384 or in person at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Box Office, 1767 Island Highway, Victoria
International Buskers Festival
Dates: July 20-29
Official Website: HERE
Victoria will once again be home to one of the world's most unique street theatre festivals! Buskers from around the world will converge in Victoria and present ten days of performances on event stages along our Inner Harbour and in Bastion Square. Additional daily lunch time performances will also be presented at the Bay Centre.
Mamma Mia!
Dates: July 31-Aug 5
Location: The Royal Theatre
Official Website: HERE
A mother, a daughter, 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!
Over 50 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show! Writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone's having the time of their lives!
August
BC Day Celebration
Dates: August 4-6
Celebrate the Capital during the BC day weekend. More information coming soon.
Symphony Splash
Date: August 5
Location: Inner Harbour
Official Website: HERE
From a floating stage, Victoria Symphony Orchestra performs at the Inner Harbour to an audience of more than 40,000+ people.
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
Dates: August 17-19
Location: Inner Harbour
Official Website: HERE
Dragon boat races, cultural entertainment, and crafts at the Inner Harbour.
September
Cirque du Soleil: Quidam
Dates: Sept 5-9
Location: Save On Foods Memorial Centre
Official Website: HERE
Quidam had its world premiere in Montreal under the Big Top in April 1996. Since that time, the production has toured on five continents and been experienced by millions of people. In December 2010, Quidam embarked on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas throughout North America.The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and characters.
Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world—the world of Quidam—where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.
OFFERS AND PACKAGES
- Diamond Special ~ from $159
January 13 to March 15 - Winter Escape ~ from $230
January 13 - March 15 - Gold Special ~ from $169
March 16 to April 19
VICTORIA EVENTS
Sports Event
Victoria Curling Classic
Mar 29-Apr 1
Sports Event
Victoria Harbour Floating Boat Show
April 19-22
Exhibit
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Dec 16 - Apr 9, 2012


