While British Columbia’s mainland will be rocking this summer with hundreds of different music festivals and events, the live music lover shouldn’t forget about the Islands. With so many festivals to choose from across the province, Vancouver Island and surrounding areas will have their share of great music and celebrations.
However, like other festivals in B.C., many of them cost money. Here is a list of some of the free music festivals happening in the more obscure locations. So get off the mainland and check out these hidden secrets.
The Gulf Islands
111+ Nights of Music Under the Stars
Location: Salt Spring Island – Tree House Cafe
Enjoy live music under the stars every night of the summer. The Tree House Cafe, a heritage cottage in Ganges Village, offers live music from local artists. Get serenaded under the stars at this quaint little cafe.
June 1 – August 31 from 7pm – 10pm
Vancouver Island
Location: Nanaimo – Maffeo Sutton Park
The Vancouver Island Symphony will finish off a day of family fun with an evening performance. A great, free way to spend the day with the family, and a nice way to wind down.
August 7 – Concert starts at 6pm
Location: Tofino – Village Green
Tofino supports and celebrates the United Nations International Day of Peace. Following a World Wide Moment of Silence for Peace, the day will be filled with a number of performances by local musicians and activists. “On Peace Day we celebrate our peaceful community and showcase Tofino as a unique Canadian community with a history of effective peaceful protest,” reads the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, as presented by Rev. Phil Smith.
September 21 from 12pm – 9pm
Victoria City
Location: Victoria - Inner Harbour
The Victoria Symphony Orchestra performs on a floating stage secured in Victoria’s beautiful harbour. The free concert is an afternoon event, which also offers children’s activities and local food vendors. The performers will play a mix of classical and popular selections and end with a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with a fireworks display and booming cannons. According to the Victoria Symphony website, “Victoria Symphony Splash is the largest annual outdoor symphony event in Canada, attracting up to 40,000 Victoria residents and visitors.”
August 1 at 4pm
Location: Victoria – Inner Harbour
Celebrate Labour Day weekend listening to live blues and R&B music. The Island Blues Bash festival offers free afternoon performances and ticketed evening shows. There will be bands performing on three stages to provide free entertainment.
September 3 – September 6
These are just a few of the wonderful music festivals and events taking place on the Islands this summer. There are also a number of events and festivals happening on the mainland, including free concerts and performances taking place in the Rockies, Okanagan, Fraser River and Vancouver Coast and Mountains area. So make the most of your summer and get out there and enjoy the music!
Jennifer Berube - I am a freelance writer based in Victoria, B.C. I graduated from the Humber College Journalism program and have worked as a reporter for a ...
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