Each month Used.ca sponsors community events on Vancouver Island. We are excited to share with you the upcoming events in your own backyard this summer!
1.) TD Victoria International JazzFest – June 24 – July 3
3.) Laketown Shakedown – June 30 – July 2
4.) Victoria Canada Day Presented by Central Walk – July 1
5.) Relove Market – July 9-10
6.) TD Art Gallery Paint In – July 16
7.) Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 21 – August 1
8.) Laketown Rock – July 22 & 23
9.) Sunfest Country Music Festival – July 28 – 31
10.) 2022 Esquimalt Farmers Market – Monday’s & Thursday’s
11.) Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria – August 20
12.) Greater Victoria 55+ BC Games – September 13-17
13.) Rifflandia Festival – September 15-18
14.) Royal Victoria Marathon – October 9
15.) Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival – August 12-14
16. Petapalooza Victoria – August 13-14
17. Torque Masters Sidney Summer Car Show – August 7
18.) SKAMpede – July 8-10
19.) Langford Beer Festival – July 16
20.) 2022 Book Bash – August 1-31
21.) Westcoast Ride to Live – September 11
TD Victoria International JazzFest – June 24 – July 3
Ten hot days and nights of the coolest music in town kick off during the 39th edition of TD Victoria International JazzFest, June 24 to July 3, 2022. Vancouver Island’s longest-running multi-day professional music festival presents over 70 performances and five free-to-attend workshops/clinics on 10 stages in Victoria, from over 300 musicians in 56 bands from around the world in both ticketed and free performances.
With the expansion of TD JazzFest into Beacon Hill Park, as well as Bullen Park in Esquimalt, Victoria residents and beyond can expect an exceptional roster of world-class touring artists to bring them the summer experience of a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the jazz, blues, and more that contribute to Victoria’s exceptional music scene. Find out where to purchase tickets at jazzvictoria.ca and prepare to join the most unforgettable summer party Victoria has ever known!
THE HARBOURCATS ARE BACK!
After a two-year hiatus thanks to COVID, the Victoria HarbourCats are back at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park! Come celebrate the return of West Coast League Baseball, this season with four new teams, including the Nanaimo NightOwls, Kamloops NorthPaws, Edmonton Riverhawks, and Springfield Drifters. Check out $10.00 Tuesdays and be sure to join us for Father’s Day (June 19), Harvey’s Birthday (July 10), Bark-in-the-Park (July 17), Business Person Getaway Day (July 28), and our remaining Fireworks nights on June 30 and August 1. Full schedule, details, and tickets at www.harbourcats.com. #YourSummerLivesHere
Laketown Shakedown – June 30 – July 2
Laketown Shakedown is a 3 day, family-friendly music festival at the island’s largest music and recreation park, Laketown Ranch.
We promised you the C.R.E.A.M of the crop in 2020, but then the world shut down. Well, get ready to be Reunited for A Better Tomorrow, because the Older Gods themselves, Wu-Tang Clan are back, Babies, and ready to Bring Da Ruckus at Laketown Shakedown 2022!
And don’t forget your Leather Jacket, because sharing the stage with the Rushing Elephants, in the 3rd edition of the festival is the massive Canadian rock band, Arkells, as well as Ontarionian alt-rockers The Glorious Sons, American living legends Sugar Ray, Timmins’ Juno winner Lights, and Outkast alumni Big Boi, among many, many more!
LTSD 2022 Ain’t Nuthing Ta, erm, Trifle Wit, so Protect Ya Neck!
Laketown Ranch
8811 Youbou Rd
Lake Cowichan
Laketown Rock – July 22 & 23
Laketown Rock is a 2 day, family-friendly music festival at the island’s largest music and recreation park, Laketown Ranch.
2 years of lockdowns got you Feelin’ Blue?
Well, Sail Away down the Green River, and take a Run Through The Jungle to Laketown Ranch this July, for a very special engagement with The Working Man himself, John Fogerty!
Joining the Fortunate Son on Saturday, July 23rd is 5 time Grammy winner, American blues man Keb’ Mo’, Torontonian legends Big Sugar, and North Vancouver Island’s own Garret T. Willie.
Oh and the day before, Friday, July 22nd, we’re kicking the party off, Big League, with 8-time Juno winner, The Untouchable One himself, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider!
Also on Friday, Saskatchewan’s favourite sons Wide Mouth Mason will grace our stage, along with Victoria rockers Liam Mackenzie and the Moondogs, with more to be announced!
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these living legends together here on Vancouver island!
Laketown Ranch
8811 Youbou Rd
Lake Cowichan
Sunfest Country Music Festival – July 28 – 31
Sunfest is a 4 day, family-friendly festival at the island’s largest music and recreation park, Laketown Ranch.
Since its modest start in 2001, Sunfest has since become one of the largest music festivals on Vancouver Island, and has featured some of the world’s greatest country stars, sharing the stages with countless artists from the island, all over BC and beyond.
After a 2 year wait, we are absolutely thrilled to once again invite you all back to our amazing home in the Cowichan Valley to welcome an incredible lineup for 2022, including Darius Rucker, Dallas Smith, Billy Currington, Hardy, Randy Houser, Kip Moore, Orville Peck, and many, many more.
Laketown Ranch
8811 Youbou Rd
Lake Cowichan
2022 Esquimalt Farmers Market
Join us and up to 90 local make, bake, or grow vendors every Monday and Thursday in Esquimalt! Our market is a place to gather with family, friends, and neighbours to build relationships, strengthen our local food system, and support a community of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce, sauces, bread, meat, preserves, and cheese to liquor, prepared meals, and hot food at our various food trucks!
On Mondays, we’re open 4:30 – 7:30 pm at Esquimalt Gorge Park (1070 Tillicum Rd).
On Thursdays, we’re open 4:30 – 7:30 pm at Esquimalt Memorial Park (1200 Esquimalt Rd).
Hope to see you there!
Rifflandia Festival – September 15-18
Photo credit to Keri Coles
After a four-year absence, Rifflandia Festival will make its long-awaited return this September 15th-18th. Flagship venues include The Park (Royal Athletic Park) and Electric Avenue (Arts and Innovation District). This year’s lineup features Lorde, Charli XCX, Lauv, Cypress Hill, Black Pumas, Ben Harper, and so many more!
The Park (licensed, all ages) will again feature two stages and play host to some of the festival’s biggest acts. Music lovers of all ages can take in the performances and experience a full array of exciting festival amenities, vendors, and activations. Electric Avenue (licensed,19+) returns as Rifflandia’s main night attraction, featuring the legendary Phillips Backyard and six new stages located in The Powerhouse and Club KWENCH, including an immersive geodesic dome.
VIP Passes, Super Passes, 3-Day Park Passes, and 3-Night Electric Avenue Passes go on sale this Friday, May 6th at 10 am. For a list of ticket options, complete event information, and updates, visit rifflandia.com. Follow Rifflandia on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Rifflandia Festival is thankful for the support from The Province of BC, FACTOR, Music BC, Creative BC, City of Victoria, and Destination Greater Victoria. Tickets available online at rifflandia.com
Victoria Canada Day Presented by Central Walk – July 1
Victoria’s Canada Day will showcase an impressive lineup of local and award-winning, Indigenous, and multicultural performances along with family-friendly activities.
The day will begin in the Inner Harbour with an Indigenous traditional canoe protocol followed by a Welcome Ceremony and a performance by the Lekwungen Dancers at the Main Stage.
Live multicultural performances will take place on the Main Stage from noon until 10:20 p.m., along with interactive activities, a Kid’s Zone, Flavours of the World Food Court, and a Multicultural Street Market with artisans, before fireworks will conclude the day. The main stage will have an accessible viewing area.
Family festivities include a bouncy castle, bouncy obstacle course, face painting and glitter tattoos, a performance, and balloon animals with Tickles and Yowza the clowns. The Victoria Bug Zoo, Pacific Football Club, the Bateman Foundation, and Alter Arts Society, will all offer kid-friendly activities.
The celebration starts at noon and will end with a spectacular fireworks display over Victoria’s Inner Harbour at 10:20 p.m., accompanied by music featuring Indigenous recording artists.
https://www.canadadayvictoria.ca/schedule-map
Relove Market – July 9-10
The ReLove Market is a Premier Secondhand & Vintage pop-up Market, offering the finest in Preloved garments at affordable prices. The ReLove Market offers community, connection, creativity & small business love and features local artisans, and makers in fashion, vintage, beauty, home, and lifestyle. We are committed to the growth of our community and providing a stress-free shopping experience for all.
Head down to Market Square, located at 560 Johnson St, to shop some of the finest in secondhand & vintage clothing, accessories, housewares, and more from 20+ vendors all weekend long from 12-5 pm! Come for the shopping and stay for the live music with Victoria’s own Downtown Mischief!
Be sure to snag yourself a ReLove Tote for all your incredible finds and don’t forget to tag your snaps from the day with @therelovemarket & #relovegeneration.
Applications Now Open at www.relovegeneration.com/apply
Royal Victoria Marathon – October 9
Are you looking for a new challenge in 2022? We would like to invite you to join us for the Royal Victoria Marathon, on October 9, 2022.
Choose to run or walk the marathon, half marathon, 8K, or the Thrifty Foods Kids Run.
If you don’t know how to train for a longer-distance event, don’t worry! Follow the training plans for your specific distance or join one of our official clinics hosted by Frontrunners.
Plus did you know the event is a Boston qualifier!
Registration includes a technical shirt, finishers medal, race bag, and more.
We will also be opening our volunteer registration this month, so keep an eye out for that as well. We would love for you to join our RVM community!
Come join us at the start line this October! More information here – https://www.runvictoriamarathon.com/
Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria – August 20
Cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome to ride Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria presented by Scotiabank on August 20th.
If you haven’t heard, Victoria is known as the Cycling Capital of Canada and the Tour de Victoria showcases the best of it! What sets the riding in Victoria apart from other cycling destinations is the scenery and variety of terrain.
Ride the Tour de Victoria and you’ll experience oceanfront riding alongside beaches and cliffs, rolling rural roads through vineyards and farmlands, challenging mountain roads through stunning coastal rainforests, and NO highway riding. Combine this with eight ride distances to choose from, superb traffic control, ride support, a family-friendly finish festival; the Tour de Victoria is truly a world-class event!
Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 21 – August 1
This summer, the Sooke Fine Arts Show will be returning to SEAPARC Leisure Complex in Sooke with live events and an in-person gallery. The 2022 Show will continue its 36-year legacy of showcasing exceptional original artworks from Vancouver Island and BC’s Coastal Island artists from July 21st through August 1st.
Under the expert guidance of returning show designer, Bob Preston, the 2022 Fine Arts Show will once again see the SEAPARC arena transformed into a spectacular, 16,000 square foot gallery of curated artworks from Salish Sea Island artists. The Show’s many volunteers will help create the dynamic art event, including a gallery of over 350 artworks, and live music performances, artist talks and demos, docent tours, and the popular Seniors’ Tea and Art4Kidz programs. It all kicks off with the Purchasers’ Preview Event on July 21, 2022, where keen art lovers will have their first in-person glimpse at the gallery. The live show opens to the public on July 22 and continues until August 1. The Show’s online gallery can also be viewed during that time.
TD Art Gallery Paint In – July 16
Painting the town since 1987! The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is currently seeking volunteers for the TD Art Gallery Paint In as it returns to Moss Street on July 16 from 11 am to 4 pm.
It would not be possible to hold the event without the scores of volunteers who make Vancouver Island’s largest art event of the year a huge success.
This year the AGGV is looking for 200 wonderful volunteers to help us host the festival. There are a variety of roles and shifts available throughout the day to accommodate everyone. Help support the Gallery and connect with the art community by volunteering for the festival!
Snacks will be provided for your hard work and a free t-shirt! The AGGV is so pleased to welcome you back!
Apply now: https://aggv.ca/paint-in-2022-volunteer-application/
Greater Victoria 55+ BC Games – September 13-17
From September 13 – 17, 2022, Greater Victoria will welcome 3,500 participants from across British Columbia for the 33rd 55+ BC Games. This will be the first time Greater Victoria will be a Games host.
The 55+ BC Games is the largest annual multi-sport event for the 55+ population of BC which celebrates active and healthy adults. The Games will feature 29 sports including tennis, hockey, soccer, swimming, golf, and lawn bowling at 30 venues across Greater Victoria, Langford, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, and Saanich.
Over 1,500 volunteers are needed to ensure successful and safe games. We are actively recruiting volunteers in a variety of areas including Registration & Results, Volunteer Management, Technology, Protocol, Hosts, Medal Operations and Ceremonies, Venue Operations, Transport, Medical, and Sport.
For more information: www.55plusbcgames.org
27th Victoria Dragon Boat Festival – August 12-14
Join us for the 27th 2022 Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival taking place on August 12-14, 2022 in the Inner Harbour of Victoria, British Columbia! Three days of celebrating competition, culture, and community! Entertainment, delicious food, vendors, activities for kids and families, and fundraising for the BC Cancer Foundation. Bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together, for a range of inclusive, memorable programming. Our commitment to supporting local drives our activities.
Petapalooza Victoria – August 13-14
“The social event of the year for dogs and their people!” This free and pet friendly festival is not one to be missed! Petapalooza Victoria – August 13 and 14 at Bullen Park in Esquimalt.
Events Including:
Super hero themed photo booth!
*Yoga With Adoptable Puppies
*A HUGE dog pool party
*NEW RACES* For all dogs!
FAST DOG
-Light weight
-Welterweight
-Heavyweight
*Running Of The Bulls
*Wiener Dog Races
*Corgi Races
*A 70 ft street art installation
*Over 70 of the leading pet related exhibitors
*Food Trucks and so much more!
Torque Masters Sidney Summer Car Show – August 7
On Sunday, August 7th, 2022 we close the streets of Sidney and invite cars from all around! Classics, hot rods, trucks and motorbikes! All years and all makes. Truly a car lovers’ event. Registration is limited to 400 vehicles so please register your ride early to avoid missing out! Register only $20 per vehicle. There will be trophies, dash plaques, manufacturers’ midway, mini donuts, food vendors plus much more. Spectators are free and the show runs from 8am to 3pm. We will also be holding a Poker Run from Langford to Sidney on Saturday, August 6th – 9am to noon. We start at Westshore Shopping Centre and end at Canadian Tire in North Saanich. $10 per hand/ max. 4 hands per car. Open to all – drop-in between 8-9am to register and pick up route map.
SKAMpede – July 8-10
Victoria’s outdoor live performing arts festival is back!
SKAMpede, Theatre SKAM’s annual performing arts festival in Victoria, returns this summer on July 8-10th. Now in its 14th year, SKAMpede festival have been a treasured part of Victoria since 2009. a dozen theatre companies, from Victoria to Montréal, will perform in various venues spread around the Songhees walk way, the inner harbour, and along the Galloping Goose Trail. Festival attendees will take in a range of site-specific, family-friendly performances and live theatre in Victoria, including dance, puppetry, comedy, and more! We are thrilled to bring live theatre to Victoria once again, and showcase brand new works from amazing independent Canadian talent. Buy tickets here.
Langford Beer Festival – July 16
What a Great Excuse to Read! Book Bash! Reading Challenge August 1-31
What do Jack Knox, Fred Haynes, Harvey the Harbourcat and Valerie Green have in common? They are all champions for this year’s Book Bash! – the Victoria Literacy Connection’s annual reading challenge.
Just imagine trying to function in your life with poor reading skills. Far too many adults struggle with low reading skills, and Covid has exacerbated skill gaps among children and youth. Proceeds will support free literacy programs for children, youth and adults in Greater Victoria.
The VLC Book Bash! challenges readers of all ages to obtain pledges from friends and family for every 100 pages they read throughout August. This is a challenge anyone can have fun with, from the 6 year old who delights their family by reading 100 pages to the keen reader who decides this is the month to read every Canada Reads winner. There will be prizes! Website link https://bookbash.victorialiteracyconnection.ca/ Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/VLCBookBash
Westcoast Ride to Live – September 11
Since 2010, the Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live has brought thousands of riders from across the Island together for one common purpose; to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
Our riders make up a group of people who have lost someone to prostate cancer, who have received a diagnosis themselves, or who have survived it.
The Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live is committed to holding this event each year to honour everyone who has been impacted by this disease.
With your support, we can continue to expand the impact this event has across the Island. Funds raised through this event directly support programs and services offered through Island Prostate Centre; serving men and families facing prostate cancer, right here on Vancouver Island. Register now:
That should get your summer off to a fun start! If you’d like Used.ca to be a sponsor of your event on Vancouver Island, please contact our Community Manager, Carly.
