Events from June 13 – June 19 – Vancouver Island News, Events, Travel, Accommodation, Adventure, Vacations https://vancouverisland.com Adventure Travel on scenic Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Discounts, Special Rates, Last-minute Deals, Getaways & Vancouver Island Vacation Packages Mon, 05 May 2025 15:56:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival 2025 https://vancouverisland.com/event/cowichan-valley-bluegrass-festival-2025/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://vancouverisland.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=26060


June 13–15, 2025 | Lake Cowichan, British Columbia

For over 30 years, the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival has been a beloved tradition on Vancouver Island, drawing bluegrass fans from near and far to the serene surroundings of Lake Cowichan. This three-day celebration of music, community, and natural beauty brings together top-tier musicians, enthusiastic festival-goers, and families for a weekend filled with lively performances, jam sessions, and plenty of opportunities to dance under the stars.

Set at Laketown Ranch Music & Recreation Park, the festival offers something for everyone—whether you’re a die-hard bluegrass enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable summer experience in one of the island’s most picturesque locations. The event is both a celebration of music and a chance to connect with the community in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Tickets

Festival tickets are now available, with options to suit all types of festival-goers.
Choose from the following:

  • Single Day Passes:
    • Friday: $65
    • Saturday: $100
    • Sunday: $30
  • Weekend Pass (3 days): $160

Children 17 and under can attend for free when accompanied by an adult. Day parking is free of charge. For ticket purchases and full details, visit the official ticketing page.

Where to Stay

Lake Cowichan is a small, scenic town that offers a range of accommodation options, but it’s important to plan ahead, as spaces fill up quickly during festival weekends.

  • Camping at Laketown Ranch: On-site camping is available for festival-goers. Tent and RV sites are priced between $70 and $140, depending on the site. These are unserviced (dry) camping sites, accommodating up to four adults. Additional adults are $15 each, payable at the gate. For more details on camping, visit the camping page.
  • Nearby Hotels and Inns:
    • Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn
    • Crown House B&B
    • Lake Cowichan Inn
  • Vacation Rentals: Numerous options are available in and around the Cowichan Valley, providing a more private, home-like experience for families or small groups.

Festival Highlights

The Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival features a mix of legendary and up-and-coming artists performing across three days. The 2025 lineup will include:

  • The Kody Norris Show
  • The Burnett Sisters Band
  • Sweet Sally
  • Brad Kolodner
  • George Jackson
  • Murfitt & Main
  • Jenny Lester & Generation Gap
  • Paul Silveria

The full schedule will be announced closer to the event. Check the schedule page for performance times and additional details.

Things to Do in Lake Cowichan

While you’re here for the festival, be sure to explore the beautiful Cowichan Valley and everything it has to offer. The region is rich in outdoor activities and local experiences:

  • Outdoor Adventures: From hiking trails to kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake, Lake Cowichan offers stunning scenery and outdoor fun.
  • Local Dining: Enjoy fresh local cuisine at nearby restaurants and cafes, many of which feature ingredients from the island’s abundant farms.
  • Shopping: Lake Cowichan and the nearby town of Duncan boast unique shops, galleries, and artisan boutiques, perfect for picking up a local souvenir.

For more ideas on how to spend your time in the area, visit the Visit Cowichan website.

Getting Here

Lake Cowichan is easily accessible by car, whether you’re traveling from Vancouver Island or beyond:

  • From Victoria: A scenic 1.5-hour drive via BC-1 W and BC-19 N.
  • From Nanaimo: About an hour’s drive via BC-19 S and BC-1 W.

Once you’re in Lake Cowichan, the festival venue is just a short drive from downtown, and public transit is available for those who prefer to leave the car behind.

A Community Tradition

The Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival is a true celebration of music and community, bringing together musicians and fans for a weekend of unforgettable performances, jam sessions, and shared moments. Whether you’re new to bluegrass or a lifelong fan, this event is an opportunity to connect with others who share a love for the genre—and for the island’s incredible natural beauty.

Start planning your trip and don’t miss out on one of Vancouver Island’s most beloved music festivals. Get your tickets today and secure your spot at the 2025 festival.

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Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival 2025 https://vancouverisland.com/event/victoria-ska-reggae-festival-2025/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://vancouverisland.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=26050


June 18–22, 2025 | Victoria, British Columbia

Now in its 26th year, the Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival is the longest-running event of its kind in Canada—and one of the most anticipated celebrations of Caribbean-rooted music on the west coast. Held every June on the edge of downtown Victoria, the festival brings together internationally renowned artists, homegrown talent, and music lovers of all ages for five days of high-energy performances and laid-back island vibes.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the festival’s flagship venue—Ship Point Amphitheatre—offers ocean views, open air dancing, and a uniquely west coast atmosphere. Additional shows, workshops, and after-hours sets take place at intimate downtown venues throughout the week.

Whether you’re here for the full five days or just passing through, this is one event worth planning your summer around.

Tickets

Festival passes are on sale now, with a mix of free, all-ages concerts and ticketed events.
Options include:

  • Full festival passes
  • Day tickets for select headliners
  • VIP access and reserved seating

Visit victoriaskafest.ca/tickets for current pricing, artist announcements, and updates on availability.

Where to Stay

Victoria is a walkable city with accommodations for every type of traveler. Many hotels and guesthouses are located within 10–15 minutes of the festival grounds.

Browse lodging options:

  • Downtown hotels and harbourfront stays
  • Vacation rentals and boutique inns
  • Campgrounds and RV parks outside the city

As one of the busiest weekends of the summer, early booking is highly recommended.

Things to Do While You’re Here

Make the most of your trip to Vancouver Island by pairing the festival with a few unforgettable local experiences. Popular activities in and around Victoria include:

  • Whale watching and harbour tours
  • Guided bike rides and walking tours through historic districts
  • Visits to Butchart Gardens, Sooke Potholes, or the Malahat Skywalk
  • Shopping at local markets and galleries
  • Sampling craft beer and west coast cuisine throughout the city

Explore more activities in the area →

Who You’ll Hear

The 2025 lineup features a mix of legendary ska and reggae acts from Jamaica, the UK, Mexico, the US, and across Canada—along with soul, dub, punk, hip hop, and genre-bending experimental artists.

Check the full schedule and artist lineup at victoriaskafest.ca/lineup. More details are being announced as the festival approaches.

Getting to Victoria

Victoria is accessible by car, ferry, or air:

  • From Vancouver: Drive and ferry via Swartz Bay, or take a seaplane directly to the Inner Harbour
  • From Seattle or Port Angeles: Daily ferries across the Salish Sea
  • From within the Island: Victoria is a 2.5-hour drive from Nanaimo or a short hop from smaller regional airports

Once you’re in town, most festival venues are within walking distance or easily reached by transit.

About the Festival

Founded in 2000, Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival is produced by the not-for-profit Victoria BC Ska Society, which promotes inclusive, community-based music experiences and youth music education year-round. The festival is grassroots by nature but global in spirit—bringing together cultures and generations through rhythm and movement.

Plan Your Trip

Join thousands of festivalgoers as Victoria fills with music, colour, and dancing in the streets. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, the Ska & Reggae Festival is a joyful, unforgettable way to experience summer on Vancouver Island.

Book your tickets, accommodations, and activities today.

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Victoria International JazzFest 2025 https://vancouverisland.com/event/victoria-international-jazzfest-2025/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://vancouverisland.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=26058


June 19–28, 2025 | Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria’s signature summer jazz event, the Victoria International JazzFest, returns this June for another incredible week of world-class music in one of the most stunning cities on the west coast. Held annually in the heart of downtown Victoria, this festival attracts top jazz talent from across the globe, delivering a mix of performances, workshops, and special events that celebrate jazz in all its forms—from big band swing to modern fusion and everything in between.

With performances in venues across the city, including open-air concerts by the Inner Harbour, intimate club shows, and free street events, the Victoria International JazzFest is as much about the vibe as it is about the music. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable summer experience, this festival has something for everyone.

Tickets

Get your passes today to experience top-tier performances, including headlining concerts, jazz clubs, and street events.
Options include:

  • Full festival passes
  • Day passes for select shows
  • Tickets to individual concerts and performances

For the most up-to-date ticket availability and pricing, visit jazzvictoria.ca/jazzfest-home.

Where to Stay

Victoria is renowned for its warm hospitality and variety of accommodation options, all within easy reach of the festival venues. From luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, there’s a place to suit every budget and style.

  • Stay in the heart of downtown Victoria
  • Boutique hotels, inns, and vacation rentals
  • Outdoor options like campgrounds and RV parks

Pro tip: The festival draws a crowd, so be sure to book your stay early to secure the best options close to the action.

Things to Do While You’re Here

Make the most of your time in Victoria by pairing the jazz festival with some of the best experiences the city and island have to offer. From breathtaking natural landscapes to world-class dining, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy.

  • Explore Victoria’s vibrant arts and culture scene
  • Take a scenic harbour cruise or go whale watching
  • Visit the famous Butchart Gardens or stroll the Inner Harbour
  • Shop at local markets, galleries, and unique boutiques
  • Sample the island’s best craft beer and fresh local seafood

Discover more about activities in the region →

Who You’ll See

The 2025 lineup promises an incredible roster of jazz musicians—from iconic legends to rising stars in the genre. Expect diverse sounds, including traditional jazz, contemporary fusion, Latin jazz, and everything in between.

Stay tuned for the full lineup and performance schedule as more artists are announced in the coming months. See the full festival lineup →

Getting to Victoria

Victoria is easy to reach, whether you’re coming from across the island, the mainland, or even beyond:

  • From Vancouver: Drive and ferry via Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, or take a seaplane directly to Victoria’s Inner Harbour
  • From Seattle or Port Angeles: Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Salish Sea
  • From within Vancouver Island: Victoria is a 2.5-hour drive from Nanaimo or a quick flight from regional airports

Once you’re in the city, most of the festival venues are within walking distance or accessible by public transit.

About the Festival

Founded in 1989, the Victoria International JazzFest is produced by JazzVictoria, a not-for-profit organization that brings exceptional jazz programming to the city year-round. The festival has grown into one of the premier jazz events in Canada, drawing thousands of visitors each year to enjoy live music in a beautiful coastal setting.

Plan Your JazzFest Experience

Immerse yourself in world-class jazz and discover the unique rhythm of Victoria this June. Whether you’re here for the music, the atmosphere, or the incredible local culture, the Victoria International JazzFest is a must-see event that will leave you inspired.

Book your tickets, accommodations, and activities today.

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