This June, Victoria vibrates with the sounds of stomping and dancing from the upcoming festivals taking place on the island this summer. These festivals often draw visitors, mainlanders, and islanders alike to the music stage, leaving this popular island destination pulsing with energy and live music. Check out what festivals are taking the city by storm!
TD Victoria International Jazz Fest
Presented by the Victoria Jazz Society, this annual festival has been kept alive by music-lovers since 1981! 36 years of production makes the TD Victoria International JazzFest the longest running multi-day music festival on Vancouver Island. For ten days only from June 21-30, local, Canadian, and internationally-renowned jazz and blues artists share their talents at venues all over the city. This year’s lineup includes names like award-winning trumpeter Marquis Hill, CBC’s Saturday Night Jazz host Laila Biali, Raul Midon, and Lionel Loueke.
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Not only can you catch over 20 performances, but the Jazz Fest also hosts workshops for aspiring jazz and blues musicians looking to learn from the best. Be sure to grab your tickets before workshops and concerts sell out!
Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival
The annual Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival returns to the island for its 20th year on June 19-23. This family-friendly event is a five-day festival celebrating top names in Ska & Reggae from all over the globe. This often forgotten and under-rated genre is experiencing a worldwide resurgence with a new crop of bands reflecting the transformation of ska music.
Ky-Mani Marley, the son of legendary Bob Marley, returns to headline for the second year and brings a mixture of ska and hip-hop to the stage. Joining him in headlining the festival are Less Than Jake, Macka B, and the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
After enjoying a plethora of prominent music acts, get a comfortable night’s sleep at the Days Inn Victoria. Wake up to the gorgeous view of Victoria’s inner harbour at a convenient location with quality service – book your stay today!
Image by Jens Thekkeveettil
