Goat stampede
Catch the summertime tradition daily at 10:10 a.m. and 5:10 p.m. at the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm. Info: beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca
Summer Star Parties
Saturday evenings to Sept. 23 – The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, 5071 West Saanich Rd., is open 7:30 to 11 p.m. Tours of the historic Plaskett telescope, astronomy lectures and presentations. victoria.rasc.ca
Sidney Days
June 29 to July 1 – Parade, entertainment, fireworks and more in downtown Sidney.
Victoria Pride Week
July 1 to 8 – Events get underway with the annual Memorial Dragball Game July 1 at Vic West Park, and include the Big Gay Dog Walk July 6, Pride in the Word July 7, and culminate with the Pride Pararde July 8 leading to the Pride Festival at MacDonald Park in James Bay, with entertainment, vendor plaza, kids camp and lots of good-spirited fun. victoriapridesociety.org
Brentwood Bay Music in the Park
Wednesdays, July 4 to Aug 15 – Outdoor concerts, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Pioneer Park. Bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic dinner, or buy dinner from one of the food vendors. Free. brentwoodbay.info/music-in-the-park
Sidney Summer Sounds
Sundays, July 8 to Aug. 26 – Sidney’s Beacon Park hosts live music, 2 to 4 p.m. Bring a chair, picnic and blanket to enjoy the performances. By donation. peninsulacelebrations.ca.
Folktoria
July 8 – Enjoy ethnic dance groups in colourful costumes, arts and crafts and games, multicultural cuisine, and music, from 11 a.m. in Centennial Square.
Saanich Strawberry Festival
July 8 – Family activities, program demonstrations, arts and craft stations, entertainment and of course, a traditional serving of strawberries and ice cream from 1 to 3 p.m. for just 50 cents! 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Beaver Lake Park.
Swan Lake Summer Special Events
Every second Wednesday in summer – Drop-in nature celebration filled with hands-on activities, games, crafts and more, noon to 3 p.m. Info: swanlake.bc.ca
SKAMpede
July 13 to 15 – TheatreSKAM’s annual outdoor live performance festival suitable for the whole family, presented along the Galloping Goose Trail with our Hub at 360 Harbour Rd. Info: skam.ca
BC Summer Games
July 19 to 22 – Celebration of sport hosted in the Cowichan Valley. Info: bcgames.org
Creatures of the Summer Night
July 20, Aug. 24 – Check out the amazing nightlife of Swan Lake! Suitable for families with children over 6 years. $5/sanctuary members; $6/non-members. Preregister: 250-479-0211.
TD Art Gallery Paint-In
July 21 – The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s annual art extravaganza along Moss Street. Info: aggv.ca
Medieval Day
July 21 – 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Raptors Centre. Info: pnwraptors.com
Victoria Flamenco Festival
July 26 to 29 – A dynamic and diverse community event, featuring workshops and performances. Info: victoriaflamencofestival.com
BC Aviation Museum open house
July 28 – Explore the aircraft displays and aviation artifacts. 1910 Norseman Rd., Sidney, bcam.net
Collector Car Festival
July 29 – Oak Bay Avenue through the Village is transformed into a pedestrian walkway, as 250 to 300 vintage and collector cars are showcased. Starts at 8 a.m. Barbecue in front of the municipal hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Virtual Elvis performs between noon and 3. Free. Visit oakbay.ca for more details.
Free-B Film Festival
Aug. 3 to 18 – Friday and Saturday night showings over three weekends at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park. Aug. 3, Babe; Aug. 4, Mean Girls; Aug. 10, Some Like it Hot; Aug. 11, Shakespeare in Love; Aug. 17, Planet of the Apes; Aug. 18 Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone. freebfilmfest.com
Cadboro Bay Festival
Aug. 12 – Enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, bouncy castles, information displays, arts and crafts, and fun for the entire family, plus world-class sand sculptors, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gyro Park. Free admission.
Symphony Splash
Aug. 5 – The Victoria Symphony’s annual outdoor concert spectacle in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Info: victoriasymphony.ca/splash
Victoria Dragonboat Festival
Aug. 10 to 12 – Competition and cultural festivities in the Inner Harbour. Info: victoriadragonboat.com
Water Gun Wars
Aug. 18 – Fun and games for the while family at Fort Rodd Hill. Bring your own water guns. Info: pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/
Pet-A-Palooza
Aug. 18 and 19 – Popular pet-friendly event is at St. Ann’s Academy, 835 Humboldt St. Animal lovers and their pets are invited to take in 70 exhibitors and fun events like dock diving, wiener dog races, a puppy stampede and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. petapaloozawest.com.
Vancouver Island Motor Gathering
Aug. 26 – Fun-filled family event showcasing an array of classic, unique, modern and custom cars and motorcycles for enthusiasts of all ages at the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, Cowichan Valley. Info: motorgathering.com
Downtown Victoria Buskers Festival
Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 – Free, family-friendly festival showcasing quirky and unique street talent from around the world.
Classic Boat Festival
Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 – Annual celebration of classic boats fills the Inner Harbour. Info: mmbc.bc.ca