We’re heading into the peak of the summer, and July is chock-full of amazing events in Victoria. From music festivals and food festivals to comedy shows, Pride events, and musicals, there’s no shortage of fun to be had this month. 

Highlights include the first installment of Phillips Backyard Festival, Victoria’s first-ever Folk Festival, the Pride Parade, Colwood’s Eats & Beats, and a weeklong run of The Book of Mormon.

Check out the full list of events below. 

Pride in the Word | July 3 | 7:30pm

Join this evening celebrating queer literature at the Victoria Conference Centre. [$10+]

The Sutcliffes: Musical History Tour | July 3-4 | 7pm

Hear the journey and evolution of The Beatles’ music, performed by the local tribute band the Sutcliffes at Hermann’s. [$30]

Phillips Backyard Festival: Tilt | July 4-6 | Various times

Catch Unknown Mortal Orchestra, G-Eazy, Cold War Kids, and more at the first installment of the summer festival series. [$120+]

Victoria Folk Festival | July 5 | 12pm

See Frazey Ford, Joel Plasket, Kacy & Clayton, and more popular folk acts at Royal Athletic Park. [SOLD OUT]

Pride Parade | July 6 | 11am

Cap off Victoria Pride Week with this fun, family-friendly parade through downtown. [Free]

Pride Festival in the Park | July 6 | 11am

After the Pride Parade, head to MacDonald Park in James Bay for an afternoon of drag, dance music, food, and a kids’ area. [Free]

Strawberry Festival | July 6 | 11am-4pm

Join the Saanich community for live music, a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, and fresh strawberries with ice cream at Beaver Lake. [Free]

‍2nd Annual Westshore Vinyl Plus Record Fair | July 6 | 11am-4pm

Hunt for vinyl treasures, pristine CDs, posters, and more alongside other music fans at Langford Legion. [$2]

Wheelies 11th Anniversary Block Party | July 6 | 10am-4pm

Check out vintage bikes and cars, hear live music, and enjoy some tasty BBQ at Wheelies Motorcycles.

Yes and Yesteryear | July 11-26 | 7pm

See this improvised Jane Austen performance at Emily Carr House, every Friday and Saturday from July 11-26. [$30]

Drag Comedy Cabaret | July 12 | 7pm

See Calgary artist Lilith Fair in her one-woman show at Capital Ballroom. [$20+]

Festival Mexicano | July 12-13 | 11am-6pm

Check out this cultural festival at Ship Point, with salsa dancing, piñatas, yummy food, and live music. [Free] 

Oak Bay Collector Car Festival | July 13 | 8am-3pm

The annual car show will bring automobile enthusiasts together to check out pristine vintage vehicles. [Free]

Bamba Wassoulou | July 17 | 7:30pm

Hear the sound of Malian music with this five-piece band from West Africa at Wicket Hall. [$33.50]

Debra DiGiovanni | July 17 | 8pm

See the hilarious Canadian comedian, as seen on Much’s Video on Trial, at Hecklers. [$35]

Art Battle | July 18 | 7pm

Watch artists compete in painting the perfect masterpiece in two rounds at Club KWENCH. The winning painting will be auctioned off. [$35]

Icarus | July 18 | 10pm

The British brothers are bringing their electronic sound to Capital Ballroom. [$30+]

Moss Street Paint-in | July 19 | 11am-6pm

See artists craft masterpieces at this festival, with food, activities, and a family-friendly beer garden. [Free]

Blind Dates: Live! | July 19 | 8pm

Watch singles navigate a blind date onstage at the Mint, while host Alex Forman attempts to help when things go south. [$20]

Summer Witches Market | July 19 | 10am-4pm

Head to this magical market in Metchosin, featuring spell kits, crystals, tarot, and more at Metchosin Community Centre. [Free entry]

Flamenco Guitar Night | July 20 | 7pm

See the finest guitar players in the city at Hermann’s. [$35] 

Orchard Market | July 20 | 11am-5pm

Check out local vendors at this market at Junction Cidery. [Free entry]

Local Folk Summer Fair | July 21 | 11am-4pm

Yummy food, wellness treatments, yoga, and live music will be on offer at this festival at Sea Cider Farm. [$4]

Victoria Rock and Gem Show | July 24-26 | 10am-8pm | July 27 | 10am-5pm

Explore a range of geological wonders at this show at the Eagle Ridge Community Centre. [$3]

Victoria Symphony at Christ Church | July 25 | 7:30pm

Hear the local symphony perform Mozart and more in the majestic Christ Church Cathedral. [$48+]

Eats & Beats Beach Party | July 26 | 1-8pm

This Colwood festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with live music and excellent local bites at the Beachlands. [Free entry]

Rock Bay Throwdown | July 26 | 4-9pm

See wrestlers enter the ring, showcasing body slams and other pro moves, at Wheelies Motorcycles. [$23+]

Great Gable | July 26 | 9pm

The rockers from Washington state will be at the Capital Ballroom. [$32]

Artistree Festival | July 26 | 10am-7pm | July 27 | 10am-5pm

The two-day festival brings live music, a market with 130 local vendors, art demonstrations, and craft stations at Government House. [Free]

The Book of Mormon | July 28-Aug. 2 | 2:30pm & 7:30pm

The hilarious Broadway hit—written by the creators of South Park—will be in town for a week at the Royal Theatre. [$175+]